Urban Landscape Design

Overview and introduction to landscape architecture in relation to

urban planning (design) & ecology
4th Year Urban Landscape Design- Course No. UPD 4242 Year :2022/23 Semester: 2
Delivered by Alazar Assefa (Ph.D.) Assistant Professor in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture

Lecture organized mainly based on: Reader developed by school of building and environment department of architecture for SAR 1401 –
introduction to landscape architecture, Sathyabama institute of science and technology (www.sathyabama.ac.in )
Contents
• Definitions
• Categories of Landscape
• Professional scope and role
• Landscape Interpretation
• Elements of landscaping
• Landscape architecture vs architecture urban design and planning
• Ecology and landscape architecture
• Group Assignment 1
Definitions

What is Landscape?
─An expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view or from a single
viewpoint.
─“a piece of land which we perceive comprehensively around us, without
looking closely at
─single components, and which looks familiar to us” (Haber, 2004)
─“the total character of a region” (Von Humboldt)
─“a mosaic of interacting ecosystems”
What is design?
It is the process of creation of Object/
Space/ System/ Policy
─ To serve a pre-determined purpose
/ objective
─ To solve one or more specified
problems
─ To enhance the quality of
environment of the delineated
space
What is landscape architecture?
─ “art and science of planning and designing the landscape for purposeful human use and the
conservation of landscape resources”
─ “Landscape Architecture is the design profession concerned with the design, planning, management and
stewardship of the land”
Landscape architecture
• a tool for achieving a balance between the built and natural environments
• a multidisciplinary approach involving:
─ Behavioral sciences: Psychology, sociology, spatial, aesthetics, experience
─ General sciences: Plant science, climate, environmental science, chemicals
─ Engineering and technology: Soil, drainage, construction, materials, light
• leads to extraordinary results such as:
─ restoring endangered wetlands,
─ securing government and other buildings,
─ and removing toxins from rainwater.
What is Urban Landscape Design
• Urban landscape design is the process of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces
within urban environments.
• It involves the planning, design, and implementation of outdoor areas such as parks, plazas,
streetscapes, waterfronts, and other public spaces in urban areas.
• Urban landscape design takes into consideration the unique characteristics and challenges of urban
environments, including
• issues such as limited space,
• high density,
• diverse populations, and
• environmental sustainability.
Importance of Urban Landscape Design
• Urban landscape design is critical in urban planning and design.
• Its role on the design and planning of outdoor spaces caries depending on the
context in different ways
─ enhancing the quality of urban life,
─ promoting sustainability,
─ fostering community engagement, and
─ contributing to the overall well-being of urban residents.
Principles of Urban Landscape Design
• The fundamental principles of urban landscape design are thos applicable at:
─ site analysis,
─ circulation and accessibility,
─ spatial organization, and
─ design elements such as vegetation, materials, and furnishings.
• Discuss how these principles are applied to create functional and visually
appealing outdoor spaces in urban settings
Urban Design Context
• The contextual factors that influence urban landscape design:
─ urban morphology,
─ cultural and historical considerations,
─ social dynamics,
─ economic factors, and
─ environmental constraints.
• In general understanding the unique characteristics of the urban context when
designing outdoor spaces vital for creating livable urban space /neighborhood/
district
Urban Design Process
• The urban landscape design process is a complex and iterative one that requires
careful planning, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail. It involves:
• a thorough understanding of the site,
• clear goal setting,
• creative design development,
• effective communication with stakeholders, and
• careful implementation and maintenance.
Categories of Landscape in general terms
Landscape derived directly from natural habitat of the region

Man’s alteration of the natural habitat for his own use

Landscape deliberately designed for a purpose

Professional scope and role
Scope: Role:
• Architectural landscape design • The planning, form, scale and siting of new developments.
• Site planning • Campus and site design for institutions
• Housing estate development • Parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, greenways, and nature
• Environmental restoration preserves.
• Town or urban planning • Recreation facilities like golf courses, theme parks and sports
facilities.
• Urban design
• Housing areas, industrial parks and commercial
• Parks and recreation planning
developments.
• Regional planning
• Urban design, town and city squares, waterfronts, pedestrian
• Landscape urbanism schemes, and parking lots.
• Historic preservation. • Forest, tourist or historic landscapes, and historic garden
• Landscape Conservation appraisal and conservation studies.
• Reservoirs, dams, power stations, reclamation of extractive
industry applications or major industrial projects.
• Environmental assessment and landscape assessment,
• Storm water management including rain gardens, green roofs
and treatment wetlands
• Coastal and offshore developments.
Landscape Interpretation
Landscape as Nature Landscape as Habitat
• Wilderness • Natural environment
• Living or nonliving or both • Physical and biological features
Landscape as Artifact Landscape as System
• human workmanship /modification/ • interconnected ecosystems
• showcasing various timeline • wetlands connected by runoff
• culture and environment • understanding how landscapes function
Landscape as a Problem Landscape as Ideology
• waste landscapes • to help raise awareness forests
• disturbed landscape • ‘paints’ trees in urban areas
• brownfields
Landscape as Wealth
• display national pride
• showcasing the wealth of the person
Landscape as History
• record to the evolution of mankind
• belief and their relationship with the environment
Landscape as Place
• Define character of the place
• Define relationship with the surrounding
elements
• Eg. Urban landscape, gardens, plazas
Landscape as Aesthetic
Elements of landscaping
• Fall into the broad categorization of hard and soft scape elements.
─both are essential elements of a landscape design.
─a good mixture of the two elements is essential for a proper well-built landscape
design
• Hard Landscape: Refers to the heavy elements of a Landscape design like stone,
rocks or driveways.
─ Pavements, fence, retaining wall, pedestrian bridges, seating’s,
─ pergolas, gazebo, lightings, water feature, etc.
• Soft Landscape: Is the living part of your landscape structure like plants, eater bodies,
the lawns, the trees and the shrubs make up the components of Soft Landscape.
• Examples: Trees, shrubs, grass, flowers,
Landscape architecture vs architecture urban design and planning
• ARCHITECTURE: Individual or clusters of building
─ Function: Fundamentally to provide shelter
─ Form: An art that is appreciated by many for its beauty
─ Firmness: Stability of structure
• URBAN PLANNING: Whole neighborhoods, districts & cities
─ Utility system and infrastructure
─ Land use
─ Environment
• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: Scale varies from individual home
garden to city-region green infrastructure
─ detailed design work on outdoor spaces
─ including parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas,
residences, and other
─ Human Interaction with the environment
• URBAN DESIGN: Spaces between buildings including streets, parks,
bus stops, etc.
─ Art of Making Places for People
─ Human Interaction with the environment
─ Design in an urban context
Ecology and landscape architecture
Why is ecology important in landscape architecture?
Group Assignment 1:
• Literature coverage to understand:
1. the difference between landscape architecture and urban (planning) design
2. the importance of ecology/ecological study/ in landscape architecture and urbanism
• For the two issues,
─ each group should submit a 3-8 page with A4 size, 12 font size ,and 1.5 spacing text
summarized report on the reviewed pieces of literature with practical examples.
─ tables and illustrations can be included as supportive information of your arguments
• Submission date: 27th April 2023 @ [email protected]
History and Theory of Urban
Landscape
 Part one
History of Urban Landscape Architecture
• In this lecture , we will be exploring the evolution of urban landscapes and the
key historical influences that have shaped the field of landscape architecture as
we know it today.
1. Ancient Civilizations and Urban Landscapes:
• The history of urban landscape architecture can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
• These civilizations developed sophisticated systems of urban planning and landscape design
to create functional and aesthetically pleasing cities.
• For example, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World
2. Renaissance and Baroque Gardens:
• During the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe, formal gardens became popular, with
an emphasis on symmetry, geometry, and order.
• Gardens such as the Villa d'Este in Italy and the Palace of Versailles in France were prime
examples of the grandiose and meticulously designed landscapes that were influenced by the
art, architecture, and culture of the time.
3. 19th Century Parks and Public Spaces
• The 19th century witnessed the emergence of public parks and spaces in urban
areas, as cities faced challenges with
• industrialization,
• urbanization, and
• social inequality.
• Examples of prominent parks from this period include: Central Park in New York
City, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
4. City Beautiful Movement and Beaux-Arts Landscape Design:
• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the City Beautiful Movement and the
Beaux-Arts landscape design approach gained popularity.
• These movements:
• emphasized the integration of landscape design with architecture and urban planning,
• creating grand and formal urban spaces with monumental buildings and grand boulevards.
• Examples include the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and the White City of the
1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
5. Modernism and the Birth of Landscape Architecture as a Profession
• In the mid-20th century, landscape architecture emerged as a distinct
profession, influenced by modernist design principles and ideas of
urban planning.
• Landscape architects such as Lawrence Halprin and Dan Kiley played a
significant role in the design of modernist landscapes,
• Their works including the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Miller
Garden in Indiana, which pushed the boundaries of traditional landscape
architecture.
6. Contemporary Landscape Architecture
• In recent times, landscape architecture has evolved to address contemporary
challenges such as:
• sustainability,
• climate change, and
• social equity.
• Examples of contemporary urban landscape projects include:
• the High Line in New York City,
• the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project in Seoul, and
• the Chicago Riverwalk
• All are showcase innovative and sustainable approaches to urban landscape
design.
References
• Kostof, S. (1992). The City Shaped: Urban Patterns and Meanings Through History.
Bulfinch Press.
• Hunt, J. D. (1996). Garden and Grove: The Italian Renaissance Garden in the English
Imagination, 1600-1750. Cambridge University Press.
• Rosenzweig, R., & Blackmar, E. (1992). The Park and the People: A History of Central Park.
Cornell University Press.
• Rybczynski, W. (2003). A Clearing in the Distance: Frederick Law Olmsted and America in
the 19th Century. Scribner.
• Corner, J. (1999). Recovering Landscape: Essays in Contemporary Landscape Architecture.
Princeton Architectural Press.
• Waldheim, C. (2016). Landscape as Urbanism: A General Theory. Princeton University
Press.
 Part two
Theory of Urban Landscape Architecture
Definition of Urban Landscape Architecture
• Urban landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field of study in outdoor
spaces in urban areas that involves:
• the design,
• planning, and
• management.
• These spaces can include parks, plazas, streetscapes, waterfronts, and other
public and private landscapes.
• Urban landscape architects work to create functional, sustainable, and
aesthetically pleasing landscapes that promote social, environmental, and
cultural well-being.
Key Theories in Urban Landscape Architecture
1. Ecological Design: This theory focuses on creating urban landscapes that promote ecological
sustainability.
• Practical applications include designing green spaces
such as:
─ parks and gardens,
─ stormwater management systems, and
─ sustainable transportation networks.
• For example, the High Line in New York City is a
successful ecological design that:
─ re-purposes an old elevated rail line into a public park,
─ providing habitat for birds and insects
─ reducing stormwater runoff
2. Landscape Urbanism Theory: Emphasizes the integration of landscape architecture and urban planning
to create sustainable and livable urban environments.
• Practical applications include creating green infrastructure,
such as:
─ green roofs and bioswales, and
─ designing public spaces that are multifunctional and
adaptable to changing needs.
• For example, the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore is a
landscape urbanism project that incorporates sustainable
design features such as:
─ rain gardens,
─ wetlands, and
─ bioswales.
3. New Urbanism Theory: This theory promotes the design of walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods
that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.
• Practical applications include:
─ designing streets that prioritize pedestrians and bicycles,
─ creating public spaces that are easily accessible, and
─ incorporating affordable housing into new developments.
• For example, the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon is a new urbanism development that transformed
an industrial area into a mixed-use neighborhood with:
─ a pedestrian-friendly streetscape,
─ public plazas, and
─ affordable housing.
4. Place Theory: This theory emphasizes the importance of creating places that have a sense of
identity and meaning for the people who use them, such as parks, plazas, and public spaces.
• Practical applications include:
─ designing public spaces that reflect local cultural and ecological contexts,
─ creating streetscapes that prioritize social interaction, and
─ incorporating public art into urban design.
• For example, the Millennium Park in Chicago is a successful place-making project that that
reflects the city's cultural identity. The project incorporates:
─ art works,
─ water features, and
─ public spaces.
5. Human Scale Design Theory: Emphasizes the importance of designing urban environments that
are comfortable and convenient with human-scale and pedestrian-friendly approaches.
• Practical applications include:
─ designing buildings that provide shade and natural light,
─ creating streetscapes that prioritize walking and biking, and
─ incorporating seating and rest areas into public spaces.
• For example, the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado is a human-scale design project that
transformed a car-oriented street into a pedestrian-friendly retail district with:
─ public art,
─ outdoor dining areas, and
─ comfortable seating.
6. Transit-oriented Development Theory: This theory promotes the integration of transit systems
and urban development to create more sustainable and accessible urban environments.
• Practical applications include:
─ designing buildings and public spaces that are easily accessible from public transit,
─ creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streetscapes around transit stations, and
─ incorporating affordable housing into transit-oriented developments.
• For example, the King Street Station redevelopment project in Seattle, Washington is a transit-
oriented development that incorporates:
─ affordable housing,
─ public art, and
─ pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
References
1. Ecological Design Theory
• McHarg, I. L. (1995). Design with Nature. Wiley.
• Hough, M. (1995). Cities and Natural Process: A Basis for Sustainability. Routledge.
2. Landscape Urbanism Theory
• Waldheim, C. (Ed.). (2006). The Landscape Urbanism Reader. Princeton Architectural Press.
• Mostafavi, M., & Doherty, G. (Eds.). (2010). Ecological Urbanism. Lars Muller Publishers.
3. New Urbanism Theory:
• Calthorpe, P. (1993). The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community, and the American Dream. Princeton Architectural
Press.
• Duany, A., Plater-Zyberk, E., & Speck, J. (2001). Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream.
North Point Press
4. Place Theory:
• Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for People. Island Press.
• Whyte, W. H. (1980). The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Project for Public Spaces
5. Human Scale Design Theory:
• Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., & Silverstein, M. (1977). A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. Oxford University
Press.
• Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for People. Island Press
6. Transit-oriented Development Theory
• Cervero, R. (1998). The Transit Metropolis: A Global Inquiry. Island Press.
• Talen, E. (2012). Design for Active Transportation: A Regional Analysis of Walkability, Pedestrian Accessibility and Transit
Connectivity. Routledge.
 Contextual Urban Landscape Study on
Built and Natural Settings in the Global Context
Delivered by Alazar Assefa (Ph.D.)
May 5, 2023
Introduction
• This lecture in Urban Landscape is designed to provide students with
a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the built
and natural environment in the urban context.
• Students will learn how to evaluate, analyze and interpret urban
landscapes, including built and natural features.
• Through case studies and fieldwork, students will learn about the
diverse approaches and methods used in urban landscape analysis
and planning
I. Relationship between the built and natural
environment in urban context

• The relationship between the built and natural environment in

the urban context refers to the way that human-made structures
and natural elements interact and influence one another within
urban spaces.
Incorporating natural elements into urban design
• Urban parks and green spaces provide important benefits to urban dwellers, such as:
• recreation,
• socialization, and
• access to nature.
• These areas are often in competition with the built environment, as cities expand
and demand for space increases.
Sustainable Building Design
• Sustainable building design seeks to minimize the impact of the built
environment on the natural environment by incorporating environmentally
friendly features such as:
• solar shading,
• green roofs, and
• rainwater harvesting systems.
• For example, the Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg, Canada, uses a variety of
sustainable design strategies to reduce its environmental footprint, including:
• a green roof,
• solar shading, and
• a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Urban Agriculture
• Urban agriculture involves growing crops and raising livestock in the city, often:
• on rooftops,
• balconies, or
• in community gardens.
• This practice helps to increase access to fresh, healthy food and can reduce the
environmental impact of food production and transportation.
Green Infrastructure
• Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural features that are
integrated into the built environment to provide ecosystem services such as:
• stormwater management,
• air quality improvement, and
• wildlife habitat.
 Urban waterways
• Urban waterways are natural features that are often altered or degraded in urban
environments.
• There are many examples of successful urban waterway restoration projects that
have revitalized these features and improved the quality of urban environments.
• For example, the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan is a long-term project that
aims to transform the Los Angeles River into a natural and sustainable resource
for the city.
Natural Disaster Mitigation
• Natural disasters such as floods and landslides can have devastating effects on
urban environments.
• Incorporating natural elements can mitigate the impact of natural disasters by
absorbing excess water and stabilizing soil
• wetlands,
• floodplains, and
• green roofs.
Biodiversity Conservation

• The preservation of biodiversity is essential for maintaining the

ecological health of urban environments.
• Urban design practices can promote biodiversity conservation in
urban areas
• green spaces,
• wildlife corridors, and
• sustainable building practices
II. How to evaluate, analyze and interpret urban
landscapes, including built and natural features
• Evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting urban landscapes can be a
complex task, as there are many factors to consider, including the
built environment, natural features, cultural and social influences, and
more.
Conduct a site analysis
• Start by conducting a thorough site analysis of the urban landscape.
• This includes gathering data on the physical characteristics of the area, such as
natural:
• the topography,
• vegetation, and
• water features,
• as well as the built environment, such as
• buildings,
• roads, and
• infrastructure.
Consider the historical and cultural context
• It is important to understand the historical and cultural context of the
urban landscape.
• This includes:
• researching the history of the area,
• its cultural significance, and
• any notable events that have occurred there.
Identify key features and characteristics
• Once you have gathered data on the physical and cultural aspects of
the urban landscape, identify the key features and characteristics that
define the area.
• This may include:
• architectural styles,
• landscape elements,
• cultural artifacts, and more.
Analyze the relationships between features
• Next, analyze the relationships between the various features of the
urban landscape.
• For example,
• how do the natural features interact with the built environment, and
• Examining the impact of a river or lake on the development of a city, such as its role in
transportation or industry
• how do cultural influences impact the overall character of the area?
Evaluate the landscape based on criteria
• Based on your analysis, evaluate the urban landscape based on specific
criteria.
• This may include:
• Assessing the aesthetic appeal of a streetscape or public plaza based on criteria such
as:
• visual interest,
• human scale, and
• accessibility
• Assessing the ecological sustainability of a public park or greenway based on criteria
such as:
• water use,
• biodiversity, and
• habitat connectivity
• Evaluating the cultural significance of a historic district or landmark based on criteria
such as:
• architectural integrity,
• historical accuracy, and
• community engagement
Interpreting the landscape
• Synthesizing data on the built and natural environment to identify patterns and
trends in the development of a city or region over time
• Drawing conclusions about the impact of public policy, such as zoning or
transportation planning, on the livability and sustainability of a city or region
• Making recommendations for future development or preservation based on an
analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a particular urban landscape
III. Approaches and methods used in urban
landscape analysis and planning
Landscape and Ecological Assessment
• Landscape and ecological assessments are used to evaluate the existing
conditions of an urban landscape, including;
• its natural systems,
• water resources, and
• wildlife.
• This approach can help identify areas that are in need of ecological restoration or
the implementation of green infrastructure.
• For example, a landscape and ecological assessment might analyze the hydrology
and vegetation of a brownfield site to determine the feasibility of ecological
restoration.
Urban Morphology
• Urban morphology refers to the physical layout and form of the built
environment in urban areas.
• This approach is used to understand the spatial patterns of urban landscapes and
identify opportunities for design interventions that improve connectivity and
circulation.
• For example, urban morphology might be used to identify underutilized spaces
within a dense urban area that could be repurposed for pedestrian or cycling
infrastructure.
Community Engagement
• Community engagement is a vital approach for landscape urbanism projects.
• It involves working closely with local residents and stakeholders to identify their
needs and preferences for the urban landscape.
• Community engagement can take many forms, such as:
• community workshops,
• surveys, or
• public meetings.
• For example, community engagement might be used to solicit input from local
residents on the design of a new public park or community garden.
Typologies and Analysis
• Typologies and analysis involve categorizing and analyzing the different types of
urban landscapes within a city or region.
• This approach can help identify common patterns and themes that inform design
interventions.
• For example, typologies and analysis might be used to identify the unique
features of different neighborhoods within a city, such as:
• historic architecture or
• cultural landmarks.
Urban Agriculture and Food Systems
• Urban agriculture and food systems are increasingly important topics in
landscape urbanism.
• This approach involves incorporating food production and distribution into the
urban landscape:
• can improve food security,
• promote healthy eating habits, and
• create opportunities for local economic development.
• For example, a landscape urbanism project might incorporate urban agriculture
into the design of a public park or community garden.
Sustainable Materials and Technologies
• Sustainable materials and technologies are important considerations for
landscape urbanism projects.
• This approach involves using materials and technologies that are:
• environmentally sustainable,
• energy-efficient, and
• socially responsible.
• For example, a landscape urbanism project might incorporate renewable energy
sources, such as solar or wind power, into the design of a public space or building
List of key references
• Longley, P. A., Goodchild, M. F., Maguire, D. J., & Rhind, D. W. (2015). Geographic information
systems and science. John Wiley & Sons.
• Steiner, F. R., & van der Ryn, S. (2014). Ecological design. Island Press.
• Lynch, K. (1960). The image of the city. MIT Press.
• Ahern, J. (2011). Urban landscape sustainability and resilience: the promise and challenges of
integrating ecology with urban planning and design. Landscape Ecology, 26(8), 1155-1156.
• Lerner, S., & Marcus, C. C. (2017). Community participation methods in design and planning.
Routledge.
• Nasar, J. L., & Julian, D. A. (1995). The psychological sense of community in the neighborhood.
Journal of the American Planning Association, 61(2), 178-184
Approach to Landscape Design in
Urban Context
By Alazar Assefa (Ph.D.)
May 5, 2023
Introduction
• Landscape design in urban contexts requires a comprehensive approach to:
• spatial analysis,
• design, and
• graphical presentation techniques.
• This approach should consider the physical, social, cultural, and environmental
aspects of the urban landscape.
• The design process should involve:
• understanding of the context,
• site analysis,
• design concept development, and
• graphical presentation techniques.
1. Spatial Analysis:
• Involves the identification of physical, social, cultural, and environmental
factors that influence the urban landscape.
• Understanding these factors helps to inform the design process and ensure
that the design is responsive to the context.
• Land use patterns:
• Understanding the distribution of land uses (urban functions) in an urban area is critical to
developing a landscape design that is responsive to the surrounding environment.
• The analysis should also identify areas of:
• high-density development,
• open spaces, and
• natural areas.
• The analysis should also identify any existing infrastructure that can be used to create
connectivity.
• Street networks:
• The design of an urban landscape should consider the street network as a critical component
of the overall design.
• The analysis should consider:
• existing street network,
• its capacity, and
• the potential for future expansion.
• The analysis should also consider the potential for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
• Building heights:
• Building heights have a significant impact on the urban landscape.
• The analysis should consider:
• existing building heights and
• potential for future development.
• The analysis should also consider:
• potential for shading and
• impact on microclimates.
• Cultural landmarks:
• Cultural landmarks are an important aspect of the urban landscape.
• The analysis should consider:
• location of cultural landmarks and
• their potential impact on the landscape design.
• The analysis should also consider the potential for new cultural landmarks to be developed as
part of the landscape design.
• Ecological systems:
• Urban landscapes are often located in areas with unique ecological systems.
• The analysis should consider:
• existing ecological systems (plant, animals including microorganism exist on land and water feature)
• potential impact of the landscape design on these systems.
• The analysis should also consider the potential for new ecological systems to be developed as
part of the landscape design.
2. Design
• The design process involves the development of a design concept that responds
to the spatial analysis and context.
• The concept should integrate the physical, social, cultural, and environmental
aspects of the urban landscape.
• The design should be:
• functional,
• aesthetically pleasing, and
• sustainable.
• The design should also consider the needs and desires of the community.
• The design process typically involves several stages, including:
• Conceptualization: Developing the overarching vision for the project
• Schematic design: Refining that vision and developing preliminary design ideas
• Design development: Refining those ideas and developing detailed plans
• Construction documentation: Creating the documents necessary for construction
3. Presentation
• Sketching
• Sketching is an essential design technique that should be used throughout the
design process.
• Sketching allows designers to quickly explore different design concepts and
communicate ideas to stakeholders.
• Modeling
• Modeling is a critical design technique that allows designers to test different
design concepts in three dimensions.
• Modeling can be done using:
• physical models,
• digital models, or
• a combination of the two.
• Rendering:
• Rendering is a technique used to create realistic images of the landscape
design.
• Renderings are often:
• used to communicate the design to stakeholders and
• help them visualize the final product.
• 3D visualization:
• 3D visualization is an advanced rendering technique that allows designers to
create immersive environments.
• 3D visualization can be used to:
• create virtual reality experiences,
• which can be used to engage stakeholders and
• test different design concepts.
Key References:
• Urban Design: A Typology of Procedures and Products by Jon Lang
• The Language of Landscape by Anne Whiston Spirn
• Landscape Architecture: An Introduction by Robert Holden and Jamie Liversedge
• Site Analysis: Informing Context-Sensitive and Sustainable Site Planning