Landscape Architecture: The Harmony of Design
Landscape architecture blends art and science to create outdoor spaces that balance human use with nature. The art comes in the form of our ability to produce design concepts that aesthetically address user needs. The science is based on our knowledge of native plants, soil, topography, stormwater management, and green infrastructure that foster development of safe, low maintenance public spaces which support positive environmental change.
Landscape architects’ work early in the design process considers existing vegetation, topography, views, and surrounding context of the project site to analyze the best location for development. A thorough understanding of the site’s ecology, such as sunny and shady areas, wind direction, soil types, and drainage patterns guides design solutions that harmonize with the natural world. Enhancing positive features and working around challenges, we minimize long-term maintenance and support safety, comfort, and enjoyment of site users.
In addition to careful consideration of each site’s environmental elements, landscape architects are charged with planning outdoor spaces that are welcoming to all. Designing public gathering and outdoor living spaces that provide barrier-free accessibility using universal design principles further support safety, comfort, and enjoyment for site users. Public gathering areas and outdoor living spaces are designed with barrier-free accessibility in mind, utilizing universal design principles to further enhance safety, comfort, and user satisfaction.
Collaboration between landscape architects, clients, and the community is essential to a project’s success. Working together throughout the design process ensures the proposed solutions address user needs. Continuing this collaboration through the construction administration phase of the project results in outdoor spaces that are well-built, easy to maintain, and supportive of natural landscaping and biodiversity.
Overall, the realm of Landscape architecture addresses the critical question of what happens to the land when our communities require growth. As advocates for both nature and people, landscape architects create cohesive connections that provide a harmonious balance between the two.
— Sandy Bliesener, PLA, LEED AP
OCBA President