LA1803, Landscape Architecture Appreciation - EXAM 2

What are the three major roles of plants in landscape architecture?

Aesthetic (visual beauty and design qualities)

Functional (serving a purpose in the landscape)

Other uses (such as recreation, education, and food sources)

Functional uses of plants can be broken down into three broad categories - what are they?

Architectural (defining and creating space)

Engineering (solving environmental problems)

Climate Control (modifying temperature, wind, and sun exposure)

What type of plant use are the functions below?

Aesthetic → beauty, focal point, Unifying Divergent Elements, Softening Architecture

Engineering → Reducing Glare, Erosion Control, Reducing Stormwater Runoff

Architectural → Controlling Movement, Emphasizing a Good View, Defining Space

Climate Control → Slowing down wind, Reducing Heating/Cooling Loads on Buildings, Providing Shade Over a Deck

Other → Tree climbing, education, pollinator habitat

What is the function of a rain garden or bioswale?

A rain garden or bioswale:

Reduces stormwater entering drainage systems

Filters and cleans runoff water (biofiltration)

What are sources of color in plants?

Sources of color include:

Foliage

Stems/bark

Flowers

Which source of color do we start designing with because it is the longest lasting?

Foliage, because it lasts much longer than flowers, which are often short-lived

Why do we consider plant form AND flower form in planting design?

Because:

Form (overall shape/structure) contributes to the long-term structure of the design

Flower form adds visual interest and variation

Both are necessary for a balanced and visually engaging composition

Why is plant fragrance tricky to work with?

Plant fragrance is tricky because:

Some plants smell pleasant, while others smell unpleasant

It is subjective and varies by person

What are different ways to work in seasonality in a landscape project?

Seasonality can be incorporated by:

Using plants with different bloom times

Including evergreens for year-round structure

Designing for interest in all seasons (flowers, bark, seed heads, etc.)

Know the difference between shade trees, ornamental trees, fruiting trees, and evergreen trees

Shade Trees → Large, usually deciduous, planted for shade (not flowers)

Ornamental Trees → Smaller, often have showy flowers

Fruiting Trees → Grown for edible fruit

Evergreen Trees → Keep their leaves year-round

Deciduous plants

Lose leaves in winter

Evergreens

Keep leaves year-round

Perennials

Come back every year, non-woody, often for enhancement

Annuals

Complete life cycle in one year, must be replanted

Bulbs

Grow from underground structures, short seasonal display

Are all dwarf shrubs actually small?

No — "dwarf" just means smaller than the original species, not necessarily small

Explain the general concept of the "backwards" design process

Start with design qualities (form, texture, color, composition)

Then select plants that match those qualities

More planting layers support more wildlife and are more visually engaging—why?

Because:

They create habitat diversity

Increase ecosystem function

Add visual depth and interest

The High Line (NYC)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Elevated park on old rail line

Strong planting design and layering

Encourages walking and urban nature experience

Promenade Plantée (Paris)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Early version of elevated greenway

Inspired projects like the High Line

Little Island (NYC)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Unique sculptural park

Built over water with distinct structural forms

The Lurie Garden (Chicago)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Designed with strong plant composition

Emphasis on seasonal change and structure

André Citroën Park (Paris)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Modern park with formal and themed gardens

Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park (NYC)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Focus on resilience and layered design

Combines infrastructure, landscape, and recreation

Taiyuan Botanical Garden (China)

(important project; must identify based on image and be able to make comments; reference PowerPoint for further study)

Features large timber dome structures

Combines architecture and landscape design

What are the factors to consider in material selection?

Function (use of space and number of users)

Form (shape, mood, installation logistics)

Style and character

Compatibility with architecture and surroundings

Environmental impact

Material availability

Regional appropriateness

Client preference

Maintenance

Budget

What is the difference between a flexible paving system and a rigid paving system?

Flexible paving system → allows water to pass through (permeable)

Rigid paving system → does not allow water through (impermeable)

What are the 3 broad categories of construction materials?

Loose materials (gravel, crushed stone)

Unit materials (brick, stone, pavers, wood)

Adhesive/fluid materials (concrete, asphalt)

Know pros and cons of Loose materials

✅ Inexpensive, permeable, good texture

❌ Need containment, higher maintenance

Know pros and cons of Unit materials

✅ Durable, versatile, structured

❌ More expensive

Know pros and cons of Adhesive/fluid materials

✅ Durable, flexible forms, smooth

❌ Can crack, impermeable, heavy

Fieldstone

natural, irregular, weathered stones found on or near the soil surface; typically cleared from fields for agriculture

Flagstone

flat stones used for paving

Cut/dimensioned stone

precisely cut to uniform sizes

Riverstone

smooth stones shaped by water

Cobblestone

small, rounded stones used for paving

What is a bond? (as it pertains to bricks/pavers)

A bond is the pattern in which bricks or pavers are arranged

Basketweave

alternating pairs forming a woven look

Running bond

offset linear pattern

Herringbone

interlocking zig-zag pattern

Movement implications of running bond (perpendicular vs parallel)?

Parallel to movement → smoother, easier walking

Perpendicular → can feel more interrupted or less smooth

Which is the strongest pattern and why?

Herringbone bond

Strongest because of interlocking joints that resist movement

Difference between a break joint and an expansion joint?

Expansion joint → allows for expansion/contraction in concrete

Break joint → controls where cracks occur

Why are experiencing awe and joy important in landscapes?

They:

Improve well-being and mental health

Increase creativity, kindness, and resilience

Reduce stress and improve mood

What is small-scale awe?

Brief, powerful, often unexpected moments of wonder created through design

What does it mean to provide neurological richness in a design? Give an example.

Creating visual and sensory complexity that stimulates the brain

Example: layered planting with varied textures and colors

What role does contrast play in creating small-scale awe?

Contrast creates visual interest and surprise, making elements stand out

What are some ways of creating joyful elements in a landscape?

Use unexpected features

Incorporate playful or whimsical elements

Add bright or meaningful colors

Create variety and abundance

Which is more effective: squares or curves/spirals/circles?

Curves, spirals, and circles are more effective for creating awe and joy

If you incorporate a 6' bench, how many strangers will sit?

1, maybe 2. People don't like to sit next to people they don't know

People tend to prefer seating which they can move around (say into sun or shade, depending on the season) (T/F)

True — people prefer movable seating

Optimal seat height is 18" (T/F)

True

The fewer people using a pathway, the narrower it needs to be (T/F)

True

What is the prospect/refuge theory?

People prefer spaces where they can:

See (prospect)

Feel protected (refuge)

Minimum sidewalk width for two people?

4 ft. 6 in. → 4'-6"

Do people move slower or faster on wider pathways?

Faster

Our sense of well-being diminishes as our stress increases and our connection with nature decreases

True

Landscape Architects design parks and streetscapes to help people enjoy time outdoors and increase physical activity to help them stay/get healthy. (T/F)

True

Landscapes can improve physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Give an example of each.

Physical → improved fitness

Mental → reduced anxiety

Social → meeting others

Emotional → increased happiness

Three ways of obtaining benefits of nature? Give an example of each.

Passive (viewing nature)

Quasi-active (light interaction, walking)

Active (gardening, physical engagement)

Restorative Landscapes need to embody a sense of escape, fascination, mystery, and extent. (T/F)

True

Restorative Landscapes can help address mental fatigue, (T/F)

True

What special population group would NOT want mystery in a restorative landscape?

Veterans (PTSD populations)

What is Forest Therapy? What are some benefits?

Walking in forests to reduce stress

Benefits:

Lower cortisol

Lower blood pressure

Improved mood

Generally, restorative gardens should stimulate all five senses. Can you give an example of a landscape element that would stimulate each sense?

Sight → plants/colors

Sound → water features

Smell → fragrant plants

Touch → textured materials

Taste → edible plants

Which population group is the exception, and would NOT benefit from sensory stimulation?

Autistic individuals

How do pollinator and human needs overlap?

Both prefer:

Visually appealing plants

Diverse plantings

Healthy ecosystems

Elements required for pollinator habitat:

Food (nectar/pollen)

Water

Shelter

Diverse plant species

Hardest time for pollinators to find food?

Early spring, winter, or late fall when fewer plants are blooming

Only native plants support pollinators. (T/F)

False

Research has shown that landscapes designed by humans are more diverse than in nature, thereby better at supporting pollinators. (T/F)

True