In the construction business there are a number of different disciplines that come together to create an ideal structure in the built environment. There are architects, engineers, interior architects, interior designers, builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and a host of other professionals and artisans. Creating an ideal landscape or environment similarly includes a number of highly skilled experts that need to work together.
There are landscape architects, landscapers, landscape designers, horticulturalists and specialists in garden cultivation and maintenance. Creating the ideal garden might also include builders for ponds, water features, pergolas for outdoor entertaining, retaining walls for steep slopes or cut outs, as well walkways and driveways.
It might also involve engineers for earth moving and excavations, plumbers for irrigation and water reticulation, and electricians for lighting. Like a structural architect a landscape architect is responsible for the overall design and function of a space. A landscape architect is highly qualified and will usually oversee the entire project from start to finish.
Landscape architects typically work on larger projects like parks, public spaces, schools, housing developments, hotels and resorts, office parks and might even include elements of town planning for green spaces and green corridors for animals and humans. Included in the design the landscape architect would also take into account the ‘borrowed landscape’ and the style of the existing or proposed building. For example, a traditional, formal English garden or a classical Italian garden with fountains and water features would not work well for an ultra-modern office park.
For a luxurious hotel a minimalist aloe garden would probably not be appropriate. Landscape architects can help to settle a structure into its surroundings so often co-ordinate with structural architects for an overall design plan. Most landscape architects will also consider smaller residential projects. As a landscape architect’s scope of work is so diverse they need to have some knowledge of a broad number of different fields.
These include engineering and construction, environmental issues,hydrology, soil types, weather patterns, the preservation of wetlands and other unique prevailing eco-systems. It would include the conservation of historical sites, as well as the relevant by-laws for the site where they are designing and building.
Their work might include Environmental Impact Assessments as well as proposals for land rehabilitation for degraded areas like heavy industrial sites or inner city problem spaces to make the spaces more user friendly, safer and aesthetically pleasing. In many instances the landscape architect is designing a lifestyle and the way in which the space will be used. Considerations would encompass
traffic patterns (both for people and for vehicles), recreational areas, sporting and entertainment facilities as well as how the space functions during different times of day and different seasons.
The design could include the construction of berms or walls, or planting hedges to hide unsightly parts of the site or shelter it for privacy, or to protect the site from traffic noise or prevailing winds. A striking example of Landscape Architecture was covered in Structure and Design issue 64 featuring the creation of ‘The Heart of the School’ at Chisipite Senior School. As with structural architects, landscape architects need to work with and co-ordinate a team of professional suppliers and service providers. They also need to liaise closely with the clients to ensure all expectations are met.
At Chisipite Architectural Planning Studio worked with Kerry-Anne Goddard (Landscape Architect from the company Umbrella Tree) as well as the school’s board to come up with the final design.
Goddard is one of the few qualified Landscape Architects in Zimbabwe and has years of experience both in Zimbabwe and abroad. Goddard was responsible for implementing the final design which included earth works, construction, plumbing and electrical work to create the final outcome. Goddard supervised a wide range of contractors and sub-contractors to ensure the project came in on time and on budget. What was once a dis-used and neglected space has become a multi-functional and iconic installation that helps define the personality of the school.
A landscape architect would usually initially consult with both the structural architect and the client to get a feel of what the requirements for the project would be.
A new structure (or a renovation to an existing structure) needs to connect to its environment and function efficiently in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Biophilic design is one of the new catch words and trends for current design which basically involves connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
Once the initial brief has been clarified the landscape architect would spend considerable time on site assessing the limits and possibilities of the project.
Considerations would include the orientation of the site, style of the structures, slopes and drainage, driveways and accessibility, fences and barriers, new external structures and usability.
Conceptual drawing would be presented to the client – usually drawings are done on CAD or a similar programme. At this stage both aesthetic and practical considerations are taken into account.
Once the design has been approved this is usually followed by budget and time line proposals. The landscape architect would then assemble the team of necessary contractors and provide detailed drawings for each – earthmovers, engineers, builders and plumbers and other disciplines.
The design would often provide a guideline for landscapers to provide the ideal planting solutions – the position and type of trees for shade and areas which would need to be screened by plantings.
The various disciplines need to be co-ordinated so everything happens at the right time and in the correct sequence.
Then the implementation of weeks, or sometime months, of planning would begin, with the landscape architect supervising and overseeing every phase of the project to its successful completion.
Landscape architecture is truly both a science and an art.
Text by Michael Nott Photos by Fotohaus
From S&D ISSUE 66
