In modern society, the section of architecture that is associated with the organization of gardens, parks and other open spaces, where landscape and various plants acts as the main element and tool for creativity, is very popular.
The concept
Landscape architecture is defined as art, the main purpose of which is to harmoniously compare the natural beauty of the place and human activities. The main functions of this direction in architecture are:
- Preservation of the natural beauty of the area.
- Creation of a system where both natural and man-made landscapes will be combined.
Based on this, this concept also includes an area known as landscape architecture, where nature and human activities are harmoniously intertwined with each other.
Key Terms
Today, the terms “landscape design” and “landscape architecture” are most often used interchangeably. However, there is a certain difference between these concepts.
Landscape architecture implies a harmonious and easier introduction into the natural environment, minor changes, where the foundation continues to be the naturalness and naturalness of a particular place.
As for landscape design, this term implies a deeper intervention in the natural environment. The terrain in this case is not just reorganized or supplemented by individual man-made elements, but is completely transformed and gets a completely new and unique appearance. Despite this, when creating a design, the natural resources of a particular area are actively used: water, features of the relief and typical vegetation.
Some experts, however, believe that it makes no sense to separate these two concepts, since both of them are related to the formation and organization of open space, and should also create a comfortable environment for a person to stay.
Functions
In addition to the obvious aesthetic function, landscape architecture performs a number of other tasks:
- Protects the natural features of a particular area.
- Landscapes the territory.
- Makes space more environmentally friendly.
- Introduces into human life an aesthetic moment.
Additional tasks
In addition to the functions described above, this branch of architecture also deals with global issues, such as climate change, which affects the state of weather, water systems and directly affects the diversity of the animal and plant world. Landscape architecture allows you to see the big picture and perform some educational function in the perception of this problem by ordinary people.
Landscaping provides knowledge that helps to improve the environment, and also offers options for solving the problem of conservation of natural resources, respect for nature and other equally important environmental issues.
The main objects of landscape architecture
As for the objects of landscape architecture and landscape design, they are quite diverse and have an integrated multi-level structure. Their typology is determined depending on the specific distinguishing features or scope of use. According to the functional criterion, for example, a recreation center or a reserve of historical and cultural significance is distinguished. As for the actual origin, experts distinguish a natural park or the water-green diameter of a human settlement.
In addition, when designing a landscape design or architecture, an important role is played by the scale of the designated object, which is considered from the point of view of the hierarchy. In accordance with this paragraph, the following objects of landscape design and landscape architecture are distinguished:
- Macro level objects. As can be seen from the term, this group includes quite extensive territories. These can be national parks, nature reserves of various kinds, integrated landscaping systems for large sections of modern cities and suburban areas, etc.
- Mesoscale objects. This group includes recreation centers located in close proximity to the city, suburban areas where people rest in large numbers, various historical and historical-cultural reserves, parks that perform multidisciplinary functions, specialized parks, resort recreation areas, areas that are monuments of landscape gardening art, etc.
- Micro level objects. This group is represented by small territories and most often includes gardens, boulevards, squares, embankments, beaches, gardens in schools, enterprises or other similar institutions.
Landscape architecture deals with a number of issues, including: a harmonious combination of nature and human activities, landscaping and improving the environment.