Introduction to Landscape Architecture

“The good building is not one that hurts the landscape,

but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than
it was before the building was built.” – Frank Lloyd
Wright

University of Jordan
First semester 2022/2023
 Definition of Landscaping
• Landscaping ;refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of
land, including nature, natural and human elements. Living elements, such as
flora or fauna; or what is commonly referred to as gardening; Natural elements
such as landforms, terrain shape, or bodies of water; Human elements such as
structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by
humans; Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.
 Definition of Landscaping
• Landscaping is the development and modification of visible features of an
expanse of land or space enhancing the various amenities of the entire property,
land and estate, by utilizing and involving nature, natural and human elements.
 Definition of Landscaping

• As it is clear from all the definition that Landscaping is both science and art, and
requires good observation and design skills. Hence the knowledge and
understanding of the elements of nature and construction(human elements)to
blend them accordingly is very essential for Landscape Architects and landscapers.
What is Landscape Architecture?

"Landscape architecture is the profession

which applies artistic and scientific principles
to the research, planning, design and
management of both natural and built
environments. Practitioners of this profession
apply creative and technical skills and
scientific and cultural knowledge in the
planned arrangement of natural and
constructed elements on the land with a
concern for the conservation of natural,
constructed and human resources. The
resulting environments shall serve useful,
aesthetic, safe and enjoyable purposes.“
The American Society of Landscape Architects
What is Landscape Architecture?

Landscape architecture is the analysis, planning, design, and

management of the natural and built environment.
Who are Landscape Architects?

Architects design buildings to serve specific purposes and meet

certain needs of the users.

Houses Churches Art Museums

Who are Landscape Architects?

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces to serve specific

purposes and meet certain needs of the users.
Who are Landscape Architects?

Landscape architects enhance the quality of our lives by

adding beauty to the environment.
Who are Landscape Architects?
Landscape architects are also problem solvers; they analyze the environmental
impact of proposed development, plan for pedestrian and automobile traffic, and
determine the best use of each site.
What types of projects do landscape architects design?

Parks Playgrounds

Shopping Centers Campuses

Zoos Streetscapes
Gardens
Golf Courses
Residential Projects
Recreation
Trails and Bike Paths Areas
and much more!
What are the roles of landscape architects?

• Analyze the natural elements of a

site.
• Consider how the site will be
used.
• Assess existing buildings, roads,
water features, and utilities.
• Evaluate the project’s impact on
the
natural environment and local
wildlife.
What is a “Responsible Design”?

It would be great if all the outdoor uses we needed to

design spaces for fit into the natural landscape, but
they don’t. We have all heard the term
“Sustainability”, but I want you all to think about your
design using another term – “Responsibility”

Responsible Design is the design that has the

least impact on the existing native vegetation.
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #1: What do I need, and how can I get it
with the least amount of disturbance to the natural ecosystem?
• Sometimes we try to leave the existing landscape
alone as much as possible in order to protect the
natural features.
Boardwalks through this Pacific rainforest allow
people to explore the environment without destroying
the existing vegetation.
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #1: What do I need, and how can I get it
with the least amount of disturbance to the natural ecosystem?
• Sometimes we try to leave the existing
landscape alone as much as possible in order to
protect existing wildlife habitats.
Dams help control
flooding and create
ponds where
invertebrates can lay
their eggs. The
destruction of
habitats negatively
affects many other
species.
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #2: How can I meet the needs of the users
in a way that protects their health and safety?
You want to go down to the local coffee shop and hang out with your friends. Which sidewalk
would you rather walk down?
Pedestrian circulation is often an afterthought to vehicular circulation.

This or this
one… one?

Responsible design takes into consideration all the users. In both examples there are cars
and a sidewalk, but the photo on the left shows how the sidewalk has been separated from
the road by trees and plants. This not only keeps the people from having to walk right next
to the cars, it also provides them with shade to keep them cool.
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #2: How can I meet the needs of the users
in a way that protects their health and safety?
Some things just aren’t meant to be. Both these situations are unsafe for the users.
Steep slopes and cars don’t mix. Neither do houses and flood plains, yet many homes are
still being built in flood prone areas.
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #3: How can I design an outdoor space with
the least impact on our natural resources?
Responsible Design is design that uses readily available
natural resources, such as local stone or wood.
Some cultures have been using local building materials for
centuries. People in Bali didn’t have the option to import
marble from Italy.
Using local materials
is the best way to
conserve fuel. Why
ship bricks from
Chicago to Florida
when you can just
use local limestone?
What is a “Responsible Design”?
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN IDEA #3: How can I design an outdoor space with
the least impact on our natural resources?
Responsible Design is design that takes advantage of existing infrastructure, such as
parking and sewer.
Recycling isn’t just for aluminum cans.
Outdoor spaces can be recycled, too!

The Blackpool Zoo in England is situated on what used

to be an airfield. So was this state park in Hawaii.
Some other things to consider…

Hey, this totally makes

sense! I can do this!

1. Think about what you need to build (is it a school or

an ice skating rink). Determine who the users are
going to be - dogs, skateboarders - and what their
needs are.
2. Try to locate the outdoor space someplace where it
makes sense – locate the park near the
neighborhood, not the sewage treatment plant.
3. Think about the existing landform and how a space
can be designed to adapt to that landform rather
than alter it.
Lets Play!
Important keywords

Avenue?
Important keywords

Avenue : A wide road or pathway lined with trees on either side.

Important keywords

Climber?
Important keywords

Climber (Creeper/Vine) : A non-supporting plant, woody or herbaceous, which clings to a wall, trellis or
other structures as it grows upward.
Important keywords

Buffer?
Important keywords

Buffer : The use of landscape to curtail view, sound or dust with plants or earth berms, wall, or any such
element.
Important keywords

Columnar?
Important keywords

Columnar : A slender, upright plant form.

Important keywords

Exotic?
Important keywords

Exotic : A plant that is not native to the area in which it is planted.

Important keywords

Foliage?
Important keywords

Foliage : The collective leaves of a plant or plants.

Important keywords

Fencing?
Important keywords

Fencing : A barrier of plant or construction material used to set off the boundary of an area and to
restrict visual or physical passage in or out of it.
Important keywords

Geo-textile?
Important keywords

Geo-textile : Any permeable textile (natural or synthetic) used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any
other geotechnical engineering-related material as an integral part of a human made project, structure
or system.
Important keywords

Grading?
Important keywords

Grading of land: The cutting and/or filling of earth to establish smooth finish contours for a landscape
construction project. Grading facilitates good drainage and sculpts land to suit the intent of landscape
design
Important keywords

Gradient?
Important keywords
Gradient : The degree of slope of road or land surface. The gradient is a measure of the slope height
as related to its base. The slope is expressed in terms of percentage or ratio.
Important keywords

Groundcover?
Important keywords
Groundcover : The planting material that forms a carpet of low height; these low-growing plants are
usually installed as the final part of landscape construction.
Important keywords

Hardscape?
Important keywords
Hardscape : Civil work component of landscape architecture such as pavement, walkways, roads,
retaining walls, sculpture, street amenities, fountains and other built environment.
Important keywords

Hardy Plant?
Important keywords
Hardy Plant : Plants that can withstand harsh temperature variations, pollution, dust, extreme soil
conditions, and minimal water requirements. These plants have ability to remain dormant in such
conditions and survive.
Important keywords

Hedge?
Important keywords
Hedge : Number of shrubs or trees (often similar species) planted closely together in a line. A hedge
may be pruned to shape or allowed to grow to assume its natural shape.
Important keywords

Herb?
Important keywords
Herb : An annual plant with a non-woody or fleshy structure. Certain herbs are highly useful for
cooking or of high medicinal value.
Important keywords

Kerb?
Important keywords
Kerb: A concrete or stone edging along a pathway or road often constructed with a channel to guide
the flow of storm water and thereby serving dual purpose.
Important keywords

Mound?
Important keywords

Mound : A small hill or bank of earth, developed as a characteristic feature in landscape.

Important keywords

Native plant?
Important keywords

Native plant : A local plant

Important keywords

Screen?
Important keywords

Screen : A vegetative or constructed hedge or fence used to block wind, undesirable views, noise,
glare ,also known as ‘screen planting’ and ‘buffer plantation’.
Important keywords

Sediment?
Important keywords

Sediment : The product of erosion processes; the solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in
suspension, is being transported or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water, gravity or
ice.
Important keywords

Shrub?
Important keywords

Shrub : A woody plant of low to medium height, deciduous or evergreen, generally having many
stems.
Important keywords

Soft scape?
Important keywords

Soft scape : The natural elements in landscape design, such as plant materials and the soil itself.
Important keywords

Transplanting?
Important keywords

Transplanting : Moving a plant from its place of origin to another location. Transplanting is the
process of bodily lifting of mature and large plants from their position to a new position.
Important keywords

Swale?
Important keywords

Swale : A linear wide and shallow depression used to temporarily store, route or filter runoff. A
swale may be grassed or lined.
 Thank you!

Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the
legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our
tables, preserved our landscape, and inspired us with a
powerful work ethic.
James H. Douglas, Jr.