What Is Landscaping?

@eloiseedgington

Learn the fundamentals of this branch of landscape architecture

Few (if any) of the greatest architectural spaces around the world would be able to fill onlookers with such awe if it weren’t for landscaping. Think about beautiful parks filled with monuments; relaxing gardens filled with fountains; or university campuses and their ideal spots for studying: all of these examples feature design elements that fall under the umbrella of landscaping.

A branch of landscape architecture, landscaping’s main aim is to find perfect harmony between human-made constructions and their natural surroundings using an extensive design process. It covers a range of disciplines including architecture, science, art, ecology, law, historic preservation, horticulture, and urbanism.

Espacio Escultórico (Sculpture Space), Mexico. Silva, Escobedo, Hersúa, Felguérez, Goeritz and Sebastián (1981). Photo: Eneas

What’s the role of a professional landscaper?

Professional landscapers are usually architects who have chosen this area of landscape architecture as their specialty. They work with experts in different fields on a daily basis, all of whom contribute to making their creations a reality. Their teams are made up of a mix of different professionals–from engineers to horticulturists. The professional landscaper leads the project and brings the team together.

Landscape architects start off by analyzing the natural terrain in order to work out how they can change it, improve it, or recreate it. To do this, they take into account its natural state and the elements that currently form part of it, be they waterfalls, rivers, trees, or rocks. These elements will become part of the creation in addition to new artificial elements such as fountains and patios.

University of Cambridge, UK, founded in the 12th century

History

Traditionally, gardening is considered a decorative art, and since its beginnings, it has been linked to architecture. Depending on the region or time period, gardens were either spaces for the private use of a household or served as opulent displays of their owners’ wealth.

In East Asia, gardens were considered spiritual spaces reserved for worship.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon by Ferdinand Knab (1886) were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The gardens of the Royal Alcázars of Seville, Spain 13th century

Since the Italian Renaissance, garden design has been considered a fundamental step in designing a building. During the reign of Louis XIV in France, the gardens of Versailles became the embodiment of this idea and led the way for landscaping as we know it. The intricate and precise design incorporated geometric shapes that created a synergy between what had been put there by nature and what had been put there by humans.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli. A Renaissance-era design that helped cement the garden as a fundamental part of an architectural space.

Palace of Versailles, France, 17th century.

Modern landscaping

Today, architects who specialize in landscaping have to learn a series of skills in order to carry out their projects:

–Study the land’s history and carry out an ecological analysis to establish what needs to be preserved.

–Evaluate the social and economic impact of the space and assess how the project will affect a community or several communities.

–Create 3D models, plans, and drawings to show the details of the proposed space.

–Be in contact and follow-up with the clients and the construction team throughout the process (as well as beforehand). Often the landscaper will also need to remain involved in the project following completion to ensure that the space is properly conserved and maintained.

Today, landscaping is a successful and lucrative business. Increasingly, there is more pressure being put on landscapers to prioritize environmentalism and sustainability in their designs.