Principles and theory of landscape architecture

Abstract

In the past, landscaping was commonly considered in one of two ways: as a luxury for the wealthy, or as a cosmetic for making mediocre architecture look good. Today however, landscaping represents a major defence against monotonous building styles, unplanned suburban neighbourhoods, inner city decay and the destruction of land through misuse. To ensure that land, the most fundamental resource of all, is properly assessed and considered in providing this defence, it is essential that land use and landscape planning become prime concerns of designers, planners and government bodies at all levels. This report contains a number of views or opinions prevalent amongst those noted for their involvement and writing in the various fields of landscape architecture. The report provides the reader with a basic outline of landscape architecture, discussing in general terms the materials of which the landscape is made, quality in the landscape, the elements of landscape design including site planning, landforms, water, vegetation and the built environment, and finally, maintenance of the landscape. In an attempt to aid those embarking on an investigation, a selected bibliography covering most fields related to landscape architecture is included as an appendix to the report.