In landscape gardening art and landscape architecture, a small architectural form (MAF) is an auxiliary architectural structure, an artistic and decorative element that is endowed with simple functions. Some of them do not have any functions and are a decorative ornament.
A bit of history
Small architectural form is not today's invention. Her people knew back in the Renaissance, when in Italy they created unique park ensembles. And in ancient Japan they were convinced that stone is the basis of the garden. He was an integral element of each site, and stone sculpture was considered mandatory. For example, images of turtles with an octagon on the shell symbolized wisdom, eternity and longevity.
In the Slavic peoples on the garden arbors, porches, in the patterns of platbands of houses you can see birds, animals, flowers, epic heroes. Thus, even the ancient masters led to the unity of space and mood.
MAF in the city
Today, when creating the landscape design of the city, architects seek to make the most of natural conditions. Indeed, it is in contact with nature that a modern urban man, psychologically overloaded, finds a reserve for the restoration of physical and spiritual forces.
When landscaping city streets, parks, squares, it is very important to choose a design of small architectural forms and elements of improvement, which will ideally match their location and purpose. For example, a bench for rest, which is located in front of the entrance to the house, is designed for a short rest, and therefore can be completely simple: a board-seat on legs. In the park, square on the shore of the reservoir, in other words, in more favorable places for recreation, a different small architectural form would be more appropriate. The bench should be more comfortable. Perhaps it will be in the form of a sofa with a comfortable back, so that you can spend quite a lot of time on it.
Installation of small architectural forms is no less difficult task than their manufacture.
Materials used
When choosing elements of urban landscape design, the choice of materials from which they are made is of great importance. For this, it is preferable to use natural elements such as wood, metal, stone, and for coating paths and sites - sand, gravel, flagstone. Using such materials, colorful plastic or multi-colored wooden parts should be avoided. Bright color in urban landscape design is acceptable provided that it is tactfully used. It even needs to be administered in very small quantities.
This rule changes slightly when we create children's small architectural forms. Here, the proportion of bright elements should be significantly increased.
Sculptural groups and fountains
This type of MAF deserves special attention. Citizens are very fond of fountains. Elderly people enjoy relaxing on benches by the bubbling water, young people make dates here. It is important that such a small architectural form be thought out to the smallest detail. The fountain should be located where people like to spend time. He will look ridiculous in the forecourt. Passengers in a hurry and meeting are unlikely to admire him and the sculptural group surrounding him.
Small architectural form: stop
Unfortunately, in our country for many years the stop was perceived only as a waiting place for transport. While abroad it is a beautiful architectural element and a recreation area. Stops should be equipped with awnings, waste bins, benches. Improvement and landscaping of stops is of great importance. After all, in fact, this is a waiting and relaxation area, designed for passengers.
Color value
It is well known that color is very important in creating an interior. He plays an equally important role in the creation of small forms on the territory to be formed. The color of fountains, sculptures, buildings, paving slabs, the tone of monumental painting - this is the basis of the design decision of the whole territory. When planning landscaping and landscaping, color should be used as a means of bringing architecture closer to nature.
How to avoid monotony
It is no secret that in recent years the scale of housing construction in our country is simply enormous. In this regard, the mass production of MAF within one city becomes relevant. How to avoid such repetitions? Architects should be wary of repetitions within sight of decorative small forms (flower beds, vases). Mass elements that perform certain functions (urns, benches, tiles) can be repeated as much as necessary.
Products of the same type may have different shapes and colors. This will allow them to be arranged in different ways with each other. For example, a low ground flower bowl and a high vase should not only be beautiful, but also combine well with each other. Mass production of small forms should be as diverse as possible in shape, color and texture. And finally, with the large-scale use of this type of architecture in residential development, it is necessary to create original highly artistic works on critical central sites, made by real masters commissioned by architects for a particular place.
We make a personal plot
If you have a country house or a summer cottage, then you probably want to refine it. And here you can not do without benches, swings, fountains. What buildings are most popular today for decorating a suburban area? Small architectural forms for the garden are very diverse. Let's try to describe the most popular of them.
Benches
As you already know, this is one of the types of MAF. Not even one of the most modest garden areas can do without it. Benches can make the site more comfortable. If they are located in secluded shady corners, no one will refuse to rest there. They can be of different sizes and styles: forged and wooden, with backs and armrests and without them. In any case, such a small architectural form is needed on the site. Of wood, I must say, it will be more comfortable. It is this material that has maximum living energy and heat. These are the necessary small architectural forms. With your own hands, a bench made will give you moral satisfaction. You can paint it or, preserving the natural beauty of the material, cover it with several layers of varnish.
Gazebos
Such a small architectural form is necessary at every site. Even the smallest gazebo, entwined with weaving plants, creates an indescribable comfort. In addition, it can perform a number of useful functions. It's no secret that in the summer all family members like to spend time here. Breakfast or dinner in the fresh air surrounded by greenery - what could be better! Therefore, if the size of your site allows, then choose the right model in size and configuration. Today, these small architectural forms are very common. With your own hands you can build a gazebo from almost any material. It can be made of brick, wood or metal (forged). But at the same time, it should match the design of your home. If you want to use the gazebo in the winter, glaze it and make a warm floor. By the way, you can do it yourself. With your own hands, the gazebo built will become even more comfortable and warmer. You can buy a finished sample and install it in the right place.
Bridges
Nowadays, in suburban areas you can see real works of landscape art. Many of them have water bodies. They can be of different sizes, but in any case it is a magnificent decoration of the site and a great place to relax. If you also have a reservoir, and its size is quite impressive, then you should think about installing a bridge. It can be a modest sample of logs or a real forged bridge. It all depends on your choice, the size of the site and the reservoir.
Fountains and sculptures
If you want your site more like an English park, then you will need another small architectural form. A fountain is what you need. Near it you can install several sculptures. The murmur of water, cozy benches and a trimmed lawn will create the atmosphere of an old noble castle.
Playgrounds
If you have small children, then you can not do without a playground. Sandboxes and swings, sports complexes and slides are also small architectural forms. With your own hands, even in a very small area, you can create a multifunctional sports complex. Today, many manufacturers offer off-the-shelf options for such facilities. Many of them are compact and quite affordable.
Decorative elements
If you have already built a cozy gazebo on the site, created an artificial pond, installed a fountain, and there is still a lot of space, you should consider decorative elements. You can install a decorative well or mill. They will revitalize and diversify the landscape.
Arches, trellis, pergolas
These architectural forms are essential for maintaining garden climbing plants. If you need to shade a certain area, these structures are used. Often they are made with their own hands. These designs need not be airy and light. They can even be cast from concrete.
Pergola will look spectacular if it is made of wooden bars or metal pipes welded together. You can use crossed rails. If such a design is arranged in a semicircle, then it is possible to successfully zon the recreation area.
Garden furniture, decorations
This is also a kind of small architectural forms. For a country house or a summer cottage, bamboo or rattan furniture is perfect. These are quite durable materials that are not afraid of direct sunlight.
It is believed that the sculptures on the site must certainly be made of natural stone or ceramics. It can be funny gnomes, cute little animals or some abstract forms. Such products are now sold in stores. But if you connect imagination, then they can be created from what you see daily. For example, you can originally cut a hedge or bush, giving them an exotic shape.
Fences
This small form is quite functional. First of all, it fences one territory from another, creates an internal demarcation of functional zones, in addition, it can serve as a support for climbing plants, protection from the wind, and shading of the site. However, the main function is still to protect the territory from unwanted guests. Therefore, its height, as a rule, is 1.5 meters. The fence can be metal, wood, stone or brick. Internal fences that separate one zone from another can also be used. For example, a recreation area and a garden.
Lighting
Each area of the site needs separate lighting. Lamps and lanterns are also MAFs that add a unique flavor to your garden. Most often in landscape design they use forged or cast lanterns. Since recent times, stone samples have also been used in personal plots. They should be arranged in different places, creating interesting compositions with shrubs and trees. Such decorative elements will create a mysterious and romantic atmosphere on the site in the evening.
In the gazebo, a lamp with a textile lampshade will organically look. It’s not difficult to do it yourself. It is necessary to remember that, when creating any architectural form, it is necessary to think over its design so that it successfully fits into the already existing general composition. LFAs play a large role in landscape design. They allow you to revitalize the site, make it more comfortable, functional and original. Even in the smallest territory there is always a place for a children's swing or a sculptural group. And there is no need to talk about plots with a large area. However, it should be remembered that the territory should not be overloaded with a large number of elements. It is more advisable to choose several architectural forms that combine well with each other. The site will be concise and stylish.