THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

The creation of usable, imaginative landscapes depends on how skill­fully the designer applies the basic principles that guide all creative

planning.

Simplicity

Simplicity in the landscape can be either visual or physical, and is usu­ally both. Simplicity usually dictates that separate elements be given less emphasis than massed elements, fussy bedlines be replaced with gentle curves or straight lines, and maintenance-free materials be used. By massing plant species into groups, attention is not diverted to each individual plant (Figure 9-10). In a similar fashion, the massing of col­ors is preferable to a salt-and-pepper mixture. Simplicity results when pools, patios, walks, and other constructions avoid complex shapes or forms that conflict with the overall shape of the outdoor room.

Rhythm and Line

Rhythm and line bring a feeling of continuity to the landscape. As bed­lines flow between different use areas, the viewer’s eye should follow them comfortably without meeting jarring changes. By repeating the basic layout lines, colors, and materials throughout the landscape, the principle of rhythm and line is applied.

Balance

Balance is another visual quality of the landscape’s design. In theory, it puts the landscape on a seesaw and requires that each side have the same visual weight. There are three types of balance (Figure 9-11):

1. symmetrical, in which one side of the landscape is an exact dupli­cate (mirror image) of the other

2. asymmetrical, in which one side of the landscape has the same visual mass as the other but does not duplicate it

3.

THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

proximal/distal, in which the on-site landscape is developed to counterbalance the off-site landscape

figure 9-ю. Simplicity results from massing a limited selection of species in gently curvilinear beds. (Delmar/ Cengage Learning)

THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

THE PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

figure 9-11. Three types of balance; Top: Symmetrical, Center: Assymmetrical, Bottom: Proximal/Distel. (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Balance cannot be developed from only one or two points within the landscape. It must exist from every important vantage point off the site and within it. For example, when viewed from across the street, the public area of a residence should frame the building, with the house as the center of attention. As the viewer gets closer, the entry door must be balanced with foundation plantings that warrant equal attention on both sides. Then, as the viewer stands at the door and looks back toward the street, the off-site view must balance against the on-site landscape.

Updated: September 30, 2015 — 7:01 pm