Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor
and public spaces to achieve environmental, socio-
behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the
systematic investigation of existing social,
ecological, and geological conditions and
processes in the landscape, and the design of
interventions that will produce the desired
outcome. The scope of the profession includes:
urban design; site planning; town or urban
planning; environmental restoration; parks and
recreation planning; visual resource management;
green infrastructure planning and provision; and
private estate and residence landscape master
planning and design; all at varying scales of
design, planning and management. A practitioner in the profession of landscape architecture is called
a landscape architect.
Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, incorporating aspects of: botany, horticulture, the
fine arts, architecture, industrial design, geology and the earth sciences, environmental psychology,
geography, and ecology. The activities of a landscape architect can range from the creation of public
parks and parkways to site planning for campuses and corporate office parks, from the design of
residential estates to the design of civil infrastructure and the management of large wilderness areas
or reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills. Landscape architects work on all
types of structures and external space - large or small, urban, suburban and rural, and with "hard"
(built) and "soft" (planted) materials, while integrating ecological sustainability. The most valuable
contribution can be made at the first stage of a project to generate ideas with technical understanding
and creative flair for the design, organization, and use of spaces. The landscape architect can
conceive the overall concept and prepare the master plan, from which detailed design drawings and
technical specifications are prepared. They can also review proposals to authorize and supervise
contracts for the construction work. Other skills include preparing design impact assessments,
conducting environmental assessments and audits, and serving as an expert witness at inquiries on
land use issues. They can also support and prepare applications for capital and revenue funding
grants
Interesting sites and facts.
Links
http://www.elca.info/en/
http://www.landscapejuice.com/2010/03
/european-landscape-contractors-
association.html
http://www.efig.eu.com/
www.saclap.org.za
www.sali.co.za
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