Basic Principles Of Site Design

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Observing the proportions of the main idea, skillfully linking elements using repetitions and alternation, you can create a harmoniously attractive uniqueness of the site. Get psychological and visual comfort in the design of the territory

Repetition principle

The rhythm that appears when using repetitions to organize the space of the lot is the foundation of any project. The structure of the landscape becomes more interesting due to patterns of repeating identical elements, line shapes.

A more interesting repetition would be a gradual change in shape or color. For example, a square can change when creating a lawn, a pond, or garden paving. Square objects are positioned with slight changes in size. It is important to understand that you need to be careful with repetitions, as overabundance leads to monotony and visual confusion.

The principle of proportions

When starting to organize the space and design the landscape, you need to understand that a comfortable perception can only be with a proportional coordination of all elements. It is important to measure the scale of the territory with the choice of objects. For example, if you surround a small area of 10 m2 with twenty-meter cypresses … it will destroy you, cause the negative pressure of an enclosed space. If, on an area of six acres, you exclude the planting of trees / bushes and apply a variety of ground cover plants only, you will get depressing nakedness and visual emptiness.

The main principle of landscape design is the proportional relationship of objects with each other and with respect to the territory. The ratio of the height of the house, the area of the yard, vegetable garden and garden is also taken into account. The plant elements included in the design are divided into three groups and are selected proportionally in relation to buildings, human growth and other plants. When there is a proportionate relationship between these three components, a harmonious landscape setting is obtained. It is useful to achieve uniformity of planning between open, built-up and occupied areas.

Benches, gazebos, paths, street tables must be selected in proportion to the main object (house, utility block). When creating the main recreation area (patio, outdoor terrace), a sufficient size is always chosen for entertainment. It is here that it is important not to overdo it and observe the ratio of this zone to the area of the house, so as not to overshadow the home territory.

The balance can be carried out asymmetrically, in perspective, or tied to classical symmetry. Here it is important to choose a real axis and "bind" to it visually the color, size, texture and shape. Symmetry is the easiest organization solution to accomplish by mirroring the alignment around the selected axis.

Asymmetry is achieved by manipulating visually identical objects located relative to the axis. Distinctive features: shape, texture, color combinations. Close-fitting, large sizes, rough-weighted textures, bright-evocative colors are carefully used. It's easier to work with muted tones, small dimensions, light textures, sparse landings.

Balanced perspective suggests choosing the most prominent elements in terms of size and color for the foreground. With their help, when viewing the landscape, we see a clear decrease in relation to our location, it is this technique that creates the impression of remoteness and an increase in space.

The principle of unity or the general design of the landscape

Harmony or a common whole of functionality, element bindings appear due to the choice of the main style, theme, concept in the design of the territory. The simplicity and clear system of subordination of plant elements to dominant or minor architectural forms works here. The main plants are set apart and "tied" with less expressive and bright elements. At the same time, it is unacceptable to interrupt the line of unity: there is a chain change of elements, without intervals.

The general design is based on the “rule of three”. The number of objects to be grouped is not limited only to this number, you can use any odd number, usually 3; five; 7. It also helps to maintain the unity of the "reception of differences" - the creation of a step of heights from three values: large, average and small.

Using a set of basic principles when designing, each owner implements his ideas. As a result, the site acquires an individual style and harmonious landscape.