Landscape Architecture: Key Concepts, Processes, and Scales

What scale does Anne Spafford focus on?

Small-scale / residential landscape architecture.

Why is small-scale landscape architecture important?

It directly affects daily human experience and requires detailed, human-centered design.

What is Anne Spafford's long-term work history?

Designing residential landscapes and teaching design.

What is the purpose of generating 100 questions?

To build curiosity, observation skills, and creative thinking.

What do the four categories represent?

Types of curiosity; unified by the word Wonder.

Why do peers have more questions in some categories?

People notice different things based on interests and experiences.

Is one category of curiosity more important than the others?

No — all categories contribute equally.

What is a short definition of landscape architecture?

Designing, planning, and managing outdoor spaces.

What are the project scales of landscape architecture?

Small, medium, large, and regional.

Which sustainability diagram is more accurate, Venn or nested?

Nested is more accurate because society and economy exist within the environment.

What science-related aspects are involved in landscape architecture?

Ecology, soils, hydrology, climate, plant biology.

What art-related aspects are involved in landscape architecture?

Aesthetics, form, composition, visual balance.

What human-related aspects are involved in landscape architecture?

Culture, behavior, accessibility, safety, social needs.

What does ASLA stand for?

American Society of Landscape Architects.

What is the mission of ASLA?

Advance the profession and improve quality of life.

Give an example of working in complex systems.

Designing a park balancing ecology, stormwater, circulation, and human use.

Why does landscape architecture matter?

Improves environmental health, human well-being, and cultural meaning.

What is the landscape architect's charge?

Protect health, safety, and welfare.

What is a shortfall of the landscape architect's charge?

Doesn't fully capture beauty, culture, or ecological richness.

What is spatial contagion?

Design decisions in one area influence nearby areas.

How do you evaluate good design?

Function, aesthetics, clarity, sustainability, user experience.

What is NOT part of the evaluation of design?

Personal taste.

What is a general definition of the design process?

A structured, iterative method for solving design problems.

What is the purpose of the design process?

Ensures thoroughness, creativity, and problem-solving.

How is creativity gauged?

Number, variety, and originality of ideas.

What are the six big stages of the design process?

Research, Inventory, Analysis, Concepts, Design Development, Final Design.

Why do subphases matter in the design process?

Prevents missing information and builds a strong foundation.

What is the order of subphases in the design process?

Inventory → Analysis → Program → Concepts → Design Development → Final Design.

Is the design process linear or cyclical?

Cyclical.

What is the most iterative part of design?

Concept generation.

What is the first step after signing a contract?

Create the program.

What are two ways to collect site data?

Hand measuring; digital/survey data.

What should a base map include?

Property lines, buildings, utilities, vegetation, topography, drainage, hardscape.

What is the difference between site inventory and site analysis?

Inventory = what exists; Analysis = what it means.

What are examples of inventory/analysis items?

Vegetation, slopes, drainage, sun/shade, views, circulation, noise.

What are functional vs. aesthetic needs?

Functional = what the space must do; Aesthetic = style and preferences.

Why is merging client and site data important?

Ensures the design meets client needs while fitting site conditions.

What additional research might a designer do?

Codes, plant suitability, climate data, soil tests, precedent studies.

What is the purpose of bubble diagrams?

Show relationships and adjacencies between spaces.

Do bubble diagrams show final shapes?

False.

What is the goal of form composition?

Create a coherent, functional ground plane pattern.

What are the three ground plane categories?

Rectilinear, Curvilinear, Skewed Rectilinear.

What form are backyards often laid out using?

Rectilinear.

Why might skewed rectilinear be used?

Adds interest, softens geometry, directs views.

What is the next step after form composition?

Spatial composition.

What are examples of spatial composition elements?

Walls, fences, hedges, pergolas, seating walls, gateways.

What are fence/wall options?

Materials, height, transparency, detail design, multifunction.

When are construction documents created?

After final design approval.

What are examples of phasing options?

Install hardscape first, add plants later, add lighting later.

What are examples of landscape management activities?

Pruning, mulching, irrigation, fertilizing, pest control.

What is the final stage of evaluation in the design process?

Evaluation leads back into future design improvements.

What are the four design qualities?

Line, Form, Color, Texture.

What are the connotations of line?

Curved = calm; Jagged = energetic; Straight = orderly.

What are the connotations of color?

Warm = energetic; Cool = calm; Dark = heavy; Light = uplifting.

What is atypical color use?

Context can make a color express unexpected emotions.

What are the design principles represented by RVBESS?

Repetition, Variety, Balance, Emphasis, Scale, Sequence.

What is the relationship between qualities and principles in design?

Qualities are ingredients; principles are how they're arranged.

How does landscape architecture differ from fine art?

Must meet functional, ecological, and safety needs.

What is the most powerful design quality?

Line.

What are sources of line in design?

Edges, paths, walls, plant forms.

What are sources of form in design?

Plant shapes, structures, ground plane patterns.

What are sources of color in design?

Plants, materials, lighting, water.

What are sources of texture in design?

Leaves, bark, stone, gravel, surfaces.

What do people prefer in built environments?

Order, neatness, and legibility.

What does 'orderly frames for messy ecosystems' mean?

Design provides structure that makes wild nature feel intentional.

What is the definition of cues to care?

Visible signs of maintenance.

Why do cues to care matter?

They signal safety, intention, and stewardship.

What are examples of cues to care?

Mowed edges, mulched beds, pruned shrubs, clean paths.

What are high-performing landscapes?

Landscapes that are beautiful AND functional.

What are the benefits of designing with nature?

More resilient, sustainable, and lower maintenance.

What is the definition of site microclimate?

Localized climate conditions (sun, shade, wind, humidity).

What is the comfortable temperature range?

About 68-78°F.

What is the comfortable humidity range?

About 30-60%.

How do landscape architects improve outdoor comfort?

Shade, windbreaks, breezeways, water features, materials.

What is the sun position in summer?

High in the sky.

What time of day needs the most sun protection?

Midday (10am-4pm).

How do trees conserve energy?

Shade in summer; windbreak in winter.

What is the best tree type for energy conservation?

Deciduous.

What tool is used for analyzing sun exposure?

Sun path diagram / solar pathfinder.

From which direction do winter winds come in MS and how can they be blocked?

From the north/northwest; block with evergreens or berms.