Landscape architecture

Session 08
A Design Methodology
in Landscape Architecture
 «All art concerns the generation
and search for theoretical and technical
instruments
to produce a thing..."
Aristotle
 Content
1. Session Objective
2. Introduction
3. He Site Analysis
4. He Diagnosis
5. He Potential
6. Design objectives, landscape architectural program and conceptual proposal
7. Master Plan (Draft)
 Content
1. Session Objective
2. Introduction
3. Site Analysis
4. The diagnosis
5. The potential
6. Design objectives, landscape architectural program and conceptual proposal
7. Master Plan (Draft)
 1. Session Objective
The main objective of this talk is to make the
student aware of a proposed design
methodology applicable to landscape architecture
projects, so that it serves as a seed for their own
methodology.
 Content
1. Session Objective
2. Introduction
3. He Site Analysis
4. He Diagnosis
5. He Potential
6. Design objectives, landscape architectural program and conceptual proposal
7. Master Plan (Draft)
 2. Introduction
The present methodology that we present here
was proposed by Arch. Landscaper Alejandro
Cabeza Pérez (1997). It will allow the student to
organize the design process, which is followed in
Landscape Architecture, in the search of
formulating a successful project in this area of
design.
 2. Introduction
Stages:
1. Analysis.
2. Diagnosis.
3. Potential.
4. Design Objectives.
5. Landscape Architectural Program.
6. Concept.
7. Preliminary project or Master Plan.
8. Executive Project.
 Content
1. Session Objective
2. Introduction
3. HeSite Analysis
4. He Diagnosis
5. He Potential
6. Design objectives, landscape architectural program and conceptual proposal
7. Master Plan (Draft)
 3. Site Analysis
• The analysis stage that begins the design process in Landscape Architecture is first of all the
perception of the site with all the significant elements according to
the problem to be solved in the open space.

• The site analysis process is the research effort and increasing

systematic collection of data carried out to identify the restrictive
and development opportunity characteristics associated with a property
.
•There is an emphasis on the study of
environmental (natural) and cultural (artificial)
characteristics .

• Examples of environmental conditions that

 3. Site Analysis
require analysis are surface topography, soil
conditions, drainage and water retention systems,
vegetation, surface geology, hydrology and
drainage systems, etc.
• Examples of cultural conditions are
regularly the requirements, use activities on
adjacent properties, infrastructure systems,
transportation systems, historical or archaeological
characteristics, etc.

• Is the list of things that need to be done

remember from the site.
 3. Site Analysis
• The site analysis process begins with
investigation to collect information regarding
existing conditions.
• Information about environmental characteristics is
available from various public and private
organizations.
• In addition to local regulations, many authorities
Municipalities also have
information that can help the landscape architect
understand the environmental and cultural
characteristics of a particular site.
• Review of this information requires a visit to the
 3. Site Analysis
site . A site visit is necessary to verify existing
conditions and information not available through
other means.
• The site visit also allows the landscape architect
to take an opportunity to get the “sense of” or feel
of the site and how this particular site acts with its
surrounding environment (genius loci).
Nature is analyzed with the inventory of the place and the
consideration of physical – environmental, human, artificial and
additional factors as broken down below:
1.1. Physical – Environmental Factors:
• Climate : Climate is commonly available in two forms:
Macroclimate : They are the temperature, environmental
 3. Site Analysis
humidity, precipitation, wind, that occur and are known
in large areas or regions.
Microclimate : They are the temperature, environmental
humidity, precipitation, wind, that are present and
known in the specific site to be designed. Here it is
important to know how much shade or sunlight is
present in the design area and the part of it exposed
to the air.
1.1. Physical – Environmental Factors:
• Topography : Contour lines, slopes, sudden changes.
• Geology : Bedrock, rocky outcrops.
• Soils :
- Physical Characteristics : Texture, structure, drainage.
- Chemical Characteristics : Acidity (pH), organic matter,
 3. Site Analysis
salinity and sodicity.
• Hydrology : Surface water, runoff and natural supplies, flood
zones, infiltration coefficient.
• Vegetation : Natural ecosystems and existing vegetation: trees,
shrubs, significant ground covers to conserve. Current phytosanitary
status. Identification of species and differentiation into native and
introduced.
1.2. Physical-Artificial Factors.
•Land uses at a contextual level or within the development.
Is there a prior zoning?
•Existing architectural elements : Spatial layout, relationship of interior-exterior spaces, typology,
materials, etc.
•Service infrastructure : Roads, electricity, gas, etc.
•Spatial structure : Shapes, articulations, volumetry, sequence.
 3. Site Analysis
•Additional Structures : Circulation, roads, sidewalks or walkways. High voltage towers, street
furniture, pavements, luminaires, etc.
•Existing noises .
1.3. Humanistic Factors.
Historical background .
Socio-Economic-Political Context .
•Users : Social groups, ages, requirements, behavior, habits, customs, traditions, temperament,
etc.
•Activity areas on site .
3. Site Analysis
1.4. Additional Factors.
•Visuals : Images to the site and from the site. It is not just an inventory of views made up of
photographs or sketches, but rather capturing the qualities of the place as a space and its visual-
spatial perception and from the immediate, mediate or distant context, as the case may be.
•Character : What distinctive elements does it provide?
•Identity : Sense of appropriation by local users or a specific community.
Once the investigation has been completed, the information collected, observations
and compiled data are compiled and captured graphically to develop a base plan for future design
purposes, the Site Analysis Plan .

This plan, and the information contained within it, forms a critical
3. Site Analysis
component of the site design process. The other critical components are the
program to be developed for the client and the landscape architect's understanding of the
internal and external working relationships of that program.
The challenge for the landscape architect is to effectively
synthesize the information collected during the site analysis
process with the development program desired by the client.
Typically, this information is represented graphically on
transparent papers and on CAD-type layers, with which, when
combined, clearly show areas of the site to be designed that are
most convenient to be developed (LANDSCAPE UNITS).
Unique site opportunities are usually much more subtle
and therefore more difficult to define and document than
3. Site Analysis
constraints .
By performing a precise understanding of site conditions, site
analysis allows the landscape designer to know the foundation
upon which a sensitive landscape design project is based .
Without a site analysis, the elements of the design program may
be positioned appropriately with respect to each other, but not
optimally positioned with respect to the multiple opportunities and
constraints of the site.
WE HAVEN'T START DESIGNING YET.
3. Site Analysis

Figure 28: Making notes about site conditions tions using graphics and text
enhances the analysis process.
3. Site Analysis
3. Site Analysis
All of the above data must be represented on a
site plan, using the graphics (colors) and symbols
that the interested party decides. In this plan all
the characteristics of the site must be represented
so that it serves as a basis for future design
actions and there are no gaps to consider.

Figure I. Exam E of 5 te map http://www.landscape-america.com/landscapes/design/site.html

http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/FS104.htm
3. Site Analysis
A large scale Site Analysis Plan depicting trails and points of interest.
 Diocese Site - Site
Analysis
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NCATH 4 Site Analysis 'Diocese Site'

Woodroffe Corporation Architects Town of Ponce inlet

Phil Graham & Company. PA Landscape Architects Comparative Site Analysis
4. Diagnosis
The diagnosis is identified as a first personal or work team interpretation of the information
collected in the analysis stage as a conclusion where the positive, negative and/or significant
aspects should be accentuated.

It can be prepared as a synthesis plan in plan, elevations and images with complementary texts that
summarize what is important to consider from each previous analysis.

WE HAVEN'T START DESIGNING YET.

 4. Diagnosis

Figure 26: Existing site conditions Figure 29: Use colored pencils or
and their impact on the design are markers on drawings so it is easier to
noted on tracing paper. see.
http://www.clemson.edu/caah/cedp/environmental_studies/landscape_design/pdfs/005_chapter2.pdf#search='landscape%20site%20analysis'
Figure A Site Analysis
Figure B Site Constraints
5. Potential
The potential is emerging as the Site's
Vocation , being a
first
zoning that poses a structure space
founded in the
identification of areas or units space
defined:
THE LANDSCAPE UNITS .
5. Potential
The potential of each area is expressed by the following factors :
■ Spatial characteristics of the area, with its main elements.
■ Development potential : Possibilities of hosting a use or activity.
■ Requirements : Change, improvement or some other requirement for adaptation.
■ Parallel to this stage, the Design Objectives and the Definitive
Program are generated.
START DESIGN
It is the definition of the program of spaces , areas and furniture requirements.
Program elements must be located within the qualified development areas of the site (landscape
units), while maintaining the interrelationship between said elements.
5. Potential
Through a series of iterations , the landscape architect refines the site design
to take advantage of the site's unique opportunities while respecting the development
constraints that the site presents.
A design project that is based on a site analysis is commonly felt that it will be well received by
reviewing agencies, that it will have a minimum of work on site, and that it will provide a
functional, safe and enjoyable environment for the people who use the site. place.

Note: At this point, the area data provided by the SEDUE Urban Equipment Regulatory System
are valuable.
 Diocese Site - Site Plan (Complete Build-Out)

Woodroffe Corporation Architects Town of Ponce Inlet

Phil Graham & Company, P.A. Landscape Architects Comparative Site Analysis
7. Goals
Derived from the previous stages and according to an existing initial
program, the design objectives are generated that will allow access to
the review of the initial program or the proposal for a new one. These
objectives are addressed from the general to the particular and are
described in the infinitive. Example:

•Provide adequate spaces for leisure and recreation of...

•Rescue the urban image of...
•Reestablish environmental conditions through...
•Provide a character more appropriate to the historical context...
•Instituting a reforestation program...
8. Concept
The concept should be understood as the set of ideas generated from the
assimilation of previous stages .

This conceptual stage can be expressed in a Conceptual Plan as an

Assembly Plan or Master Plan, which shows the proposed spatial structure
and the management of natural and artificial elements, without yet adopting
the form of a preliminary project, supported by three-dimensional conceptual
images.

Examples of some general and particular concepts are:

Creation of an oasis.
Experience in colors, aromas and textures.
Dynamism.
Native vegetation circuit.
River Walk.
Ecological trail, etc.
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7. Master Plan Preliminary Draft Stage.
The preliminary project shows all the natural and artificial
elements, being the stage that precedes the development of the
executive project.

It is expressed in the generation of a Master or Group Plan

according to the scale addressed, with the following plans:

•Master Plan or overall plan.

•Schematic cuts.
•Plan details of parts of the Master Plan or Overall Plan.
•Perspective notes.
•Lighting and signaling criteria.
•Selection of construction elements.
•Vegetable palette.
•Descriptive memory.
 7. Master Plan Preliminary Draft
Stage.

http://www.wsdesign.org/projects/land/green/green.htm
8. Executive Project Stage.

The Executive Project entails the complete technical

development of all the information in plans and reports for the
construction of the project, from the layout plans to construction
details, soil mixtures, planting plans, quantification of plant material,
calculation reports and catalog of concepts, as well as a construction
manual.
8. Executive Project Stage.

http://www.gardenaesthetics.com/siteanalysis.html
8. Executive Project Stage.

http://www.wsdesign.org/projects/land/green/green.htm
Course Development: MASTER

Y
PLAN.
Course Development: MASTER
PLAN.
Bibliography:
• CABEZA , Alejandro (1993), Development of landscape architecture until 1930 , Tampico,
Universidad del Noreste, sp

• GARDEN GUIDE www.gardenvisit.com

• GUZMÁN RÍOS , Vicente (1988), Exterior spaces: Plumage of architecture , Mexico,

Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, 504 p.

• JOHNSON , Lauri Macmillan, Notes for the History and Theory of Landscape Architecture
Course , School of Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona at
http://www.capla.arizona.edu/landscape/courses/lar542/modernism. htm

• JELLICOE , Geoffrey and Susan JELLICOE (2000), The Landscape of Man: The
Conformation of the Environment from Prehistory to the Present Day , Barcelona, Editorial
Gustavo Gili, 2a. Ed., 408p.

• KLUCHERT , Ehrenfried (2000), Great Gardens of Europe: From Antiquity to the Present
Day , Cologne, Könemann Publishing House, 496 p.

• LAURIE , Michael (1983), Introduction to landscape architecture , Barcelona, Gustavo Gili,

Architecture/Perspectives Collection, 304 p.

• LEIVA , Alfonso and Michele CESCAS DE LEIVA (1980), Evolution of Exterior Space , in
Escala magazine, no. 111, 28p.