Landscape PrinciplesConcepts

& Applications

Objectives To identify the principles of art as it pertains to

landscape design

To distinguish between good and poor landscape designs

To explain the importance of implementing design principles

To describe methods of obtaining design principles

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

YOU KNOW WHEN SOMETHING LOOKS GOOD, BUT CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO

SOMEONE ELSE WHY YOU LIKE IT?

Which do you like?

Why do you like that one?What makes it different from the other?Does this relate anything at all to a

haircut?

Why don’t you like this house?

How do you tell another person why you dislike this house?

Can you put into words what needs to be done to improve this house’s curb appeal?

Let’s take a look and find out what words you can use to better describe what you like

Balance• Means “equilibrium”

• Visual weight of the landscape is equal

• Unbalanced objects cause the viewer to be uneasy and confused.

• Two types of balance can be used in the landscape

Symmetrical Balance

• Mirror image

• Used more for formal architecture

• Visual weight is balanced

Which house has symmetrical balance?

Asymmetrical Balance

• Visual weight is balanced but not mirror images

• Used more in informal architecture

Home landscapes lacking balance are unappealing

Should be soothing to the eye; not busy

No competing objectsMinimal plant varietyNo scalloped bed lines; gentle curvesRepetitionMass Plantings

SIMPLICITY

REPETITION

Repeating shapes helps maintain simplicity

MASS PLANTINGS

Large beds of one plant variety achieve simplicity

SIMPLE DESIGN

Using minimal plant variety

Gentle curving bed lines

Repetition

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS OF SIMPLICITY ARE ACHIEVED HERE?

Curved bed lines

Minimal plant variety

No competing

Objects

Not busy

Focalization

Visual importance One item appears to dominate Don’t have competing focal

points Draws attention to 1 object

Front Door

The front door should be the focal point of the landscape

Accenting the Front Door

Using brass kick plate

Use lights and lighting fixtures

Sidewalks lead eye to door

Using porticos

Vertical elements

Small flower beds

Front Doors

Where’s the front door?

What is rhythm?

How to achieve rhythm?

What lines are we concerned with?

Sequencing?

Rhythm & Line

Landscapes have rhythm just as

music has rhythm Music has a beat (count) Music has repetition of notes in the

same scale Landscapes have rhythm by a

repetitious count of textures/form/color

Rhythm

Rhythm Repeating plant

form/color/texture throughout the entire landscape

Rhythm Tying areas

together

Continuity

Gradual changes

Line What the eye follows Everything has a line Tree outlines Bed lines Patios & Decks Buildings Gradual changes of line are most

appealing

Lines

Bed lines

Vertical Lines Vertical lines draw

attention

Create a sense of tension and nervousness

Tend to exaggerate

Horizontal Lines Horizontal lines

create a sense of warmth and tranquility

Do not draw attention

Sequencing

Positioning objects according to size

Small – medium – large

Provide a smoother line for the eye to follow

Provide views of all plants

Help create horizontal lines

Sequencing

Lacking Rhythm & Line

Scale & Proportion Large objects dwarf

other objects.

Large objects tend to be overpowering and cause uneasiness.

Large objects used with large structures create proportion

Small objects create a feeling of warmth and serenity.

Small objects enhance or exaggerate other objects.

Dwarfed plants should be used with smaller landscapes

Proportionately Correct

Incorrect Scale

Large plants in front of house help dwarf the house

Revie

w of

Pr

incip

les

1.Balance

2. Simplicity

3. Focalization

4.Rhythm & Line

5. Scale & Proportion

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

Unbalanced

Simplicity

Gentle curves and linesRepetition of plantsMass plantings

Simplicity

One focal pointSame texture

Horizontal lines

NO SIMPLICITY

FOCALIZATION One focal point

No competing elements

Vertical lines help draw attention

Changes in form

RHYTHM & LINE Bed lines tie areas

together Horizontal lines

create a feeling of warmth

Repetition provides continuity

Simplistic designs create rhythm

SCALE & PROPORTION Using plants in

size relationship to complement rather than offend

Larger plants are overpowering and create uneasiness

Smaller plants generate warmth

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME MORE DESIRABLE LANDSCAPES

Let’s take a look at some designs lacking good

landscaping principles

Conclusion

• Remember landscaping is an art

• Principles should be followed to create a sense a beauty

• The most exquisite landscapes generally are the most simplistic in design

• The brain imports information from senses. Don’t overwhelm the brain with excessive visual inputs!