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What does a landscape architect do?

Architecture is already a foundational concept with which we are familiar - the design and planning of a project. However, you've probably heard of another idea - Landscape Architecture.

Landscape Architecture goes far beyond the selection of plants and ornaments for a garden. It is a field of knowledge that blends Science, Art, and Design.

Therefore, a landscape architect is the professional responsible for creating outdoor spaces that combine functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Thus, this field is responsible for making urban spaces, buildings, and landscapes more special and unique. It is through the work of a landscape architect that gardens cease to be just gardens - they become true home oases.

If you would like to learn more about how a landscape architect can revolutionize your garden project, keep reading our article.

Principles of Landscape Architecture

The profession of Landscape Architect is, naturally, a relatively recent craft. With the rise of greater industrialization and the prioritization of utility over aesthetics, the need to consider and preserve beauty and contemplation became threatened, necessitating intervention.

It was around the 1950s that landscape architects emerged as a response to this threat. The preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of gardens and green spaces became crucial in this context.

At its core, Landscape Architecture involves conceptualizing, designing, and constructing landscapes, requiring certain principles to be considered to create harmonious and balanced projects.

  1. Sustainability

Sustainability is the foundation of landscape architecture. It involves creating spaces that not only enhance the environment but also promote the preservation of natural resources and reduce environmental impact.

Practices such as using native plants, conserving water, employing recycled materials, and integrating renewable energy systems are essential.

Sustainability is not just an aesthetic choice but an ethical and ecological responsibility that ensures landscape projects contribute positively to the global ecosystem.

The use of techniques and materials that respect the environment and promote the conservation of natural resources is essential to exemplary landscape work.

  1. Functionality

Functionality is also one of the pillars of landscape architecture, focusing on creating spaces that meet specific user needs. This includes designing areas for leisure, relaxation, circulation, and social interaction.

A well-designed space should be accessible, comfortable, and safe, providing a positive experience for all who use it.

The landscape architect considers factors such as pedestrian flow, usability of pathways, appropriate lighting, and the presence of urban furniture that meets the needs of different groups, including children, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility.

Essentially, the design of these spaces should address comfort and accessibility needs.

  1. Aesthetics

The creation of visually pleasing environments that naturally integrate with the surroundings is the responsibility of aesthetics. The beauty of a space should be a priority, considering the use of plants, materials, and elements that create a harmonious and attractive composition.

When designing an outdoor space, careful selection of plants is essential to ensure that colors, textures, and shapes complement each other, creating a visually coherent palette. Additionally, materials such as stones, wood, and metals should be chosen not only for their durability but also for their ability to harmonize with the vegetation and architectural style of the environment. 

Aesthetics also involves considering both natural and artificial lighting, which can highlight specific features of the garden and create varied atmospheres throughout the day and night. The arrangement of elements such as pathways, fountains, and furniture should guide people's gaze and movement fluidly, providing a pleasant visual and sensory experience.

Furthermore, the integration of water elements such as lakes, waterfalls, and fountains not only enriches the space aesthetically but also introduces a dynamic element that captures light and adds movement, sound, and reflections, enhancing the sensory experience.

  1. Balance

The harmonization of natural and built elements is essential to create a cohesive and pleasant space. This balance includes carefully integrating different types of plants, structures, and water elements so that they complement and enrich the environment without overwhelming it.

When selecting plants, it's important to consider their light, water, and soil needs, ensuring they can coexist and thrive together. This involves combining species with different textures, heights, and colors to create a dynamic and interesting visual throughout the seasons.

Structures such as pergolas, decks, and pathways should be designed to blend naturally with the surroundings, using materials that complement the vegetation and architectural style of the space.

Lighting, both natural and artificial, should be carefully planned to highlight specific features of the garden and create different atmospheres throughout the day and night.

Therefore, balance in landscape architecture is not just a matter of aesthetics but also functionality and sustainability. A well-balanced space provides beauty, comfort, and harmony, reflecting the seamless integration between nature and human design.

  1. Biodiversity

The promotion of biodiversity is a central principle in landscape architecture, focusing on creating healthy and balanced habitats that support a wide variety of plants and animals. Biological diversity is crucial for the resilience of ecosystems, helping to mitigate pests and diseases and promoting long-term sustainability.

Biodiversity enhances the complexity and functionality of ecosystems. Native plants, for example, are adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance, while also providing food and shelter for local wildlife. The inclusion of different plant species also helps create diverse micro-habitats, supporting a broader range of insects, birds, and small mammals.

Therefore, this principle concerns the promotion of plant and animal diversity, creating healthy and balanced habitats. Biological diversity is essential for the resilience of ecosystems, helping to mitigate pests and diseases and promoting long-term sustainability.

How does the Landscape Architect work?

The work of a landscape architect involves several stages, from planning to project execution.

  1. Consultancy

This stage is crucial for establishing a clear understanding of the client's needs and expectations. The landscape architect conducts detailed meetings to discuss the desired use of the space, aesthetic preferences, available budget, and any specific site constraints, such as municipal regulations or natural features that need to be considered.

 

  1. Space Analysis

Here, the landscape architect conducts a detailed assessment of the terrain. This includes studying the topography (the terrain's relief), analyzing the type of soil present (for example, its drainage capacity and composition), observing existing vegetation, and understanding the predominant climatic conditions in the region.

This analysis provides the foundation for the design, influencing choices of plants, materials, and structures.

  1. Planning and Design

Based on the information gathered from the site analysis and the client's needs, the landscape architect develops detailed plans and a conceptual design.

This phase involves the strategic layout of landscape elements such as pathways, seating areas, gardens, trees, and shrubs.

Regarding design, it considers aesthetic, functional, and environmental aspects, aiming to create a harmonious and sustainable space.

  1. Budget

During this phase, the landscape architect prepares a detailed budget that covers all aspects of the project, from materials and labor to indirect costs such as permits and fees.

Financial planning involves not only estimating the initial costs of the project but also considering potential future expenses related to the maintenance and management of the landscaped space.

  1. Implementation

Once the project is approved, the landscape architect oversees the practical implementation of the plan.

This involves tasks such as coordinating with contractors and specialists to ensure that installations are carried out according to specifications. During this phase, it is essential to maintain open communication with clients and stakeholders in the construction process to address any challenges and ensure that the final result meets expectations.

  1. Maintenance

After completing the project, the landscape architect may offer ongoing management and maintenance services. This includes irrigation schedules, pruning of plants, pest control, and soil fertilization.

The goal is to preserve the health and beauty of the landscaped environment over time, adjusting care as needed to ensure the sustainability of the created ecosystem.

Conclusion

The profession of landscape architect is vital for creating outdoor spaces that not only enhance the environment but also promote sustainability and the well-being of communities. With diverse training and a holistic approach to design, landscape architects can transform urban and rural areas into oases of tranquility and beauty.

At Horpidia, we understand the importance of nature in people's lives and are dedicated to creating projects that respect and enhance the environment. Each project is an opportunity to turn ideas into reality while maintaining balance and harmony with nature.

If you want to learn more about how we can help transform your outdoor space, please contact us. We are ready to create something extraordinary together.