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).
In this definition a park like New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park would be landscape design.
Would the work that Martha Schwartz is typically recognised for be urban design?