I define landscape architecture as the art and science of composing landform, water, vegetation, paving, structures and sky in relation to human needs and aspirations. At different scales the results are:

•  garden design (typically private outdoor places)
• landscape design (typically public outdoor places)
• urban design (public, semi-public, community  and private outdoor spaces)

If the six compositional elements are not designed in relation to each other,  less-good places will result. The objectives of landscape architecture relate to Vitruvius‘s three objectives: Commodity (Utility), Firmness (Technical Quality) and Delight (Aesthetic Quality)

See also:

Definitions of landscape architecture

The importance of landscape architecture

 Ueda Landform – Scottish Gallery of Modern Art  design by Charles Jencks (Image courtesy Matt Riggott).