Landscape Design: Theory and Application

Landscape Design: Theory and Application was written from a blended perspective of a horticulturist and landscape architect who together have over 25 years of university teaching experience in landscape design. This text discusses design tools used by landscape design professionals and then describes how to use these tools to graphically represent a landscape design concept. It introduces the topic of design as a process and how human preferences impact landscape design components. Students will learn the basic elements of art and how these elements are applied to aesthetic landscape design principles. They will also learn to understand how functional design principles need to be considered in concert with the aesthetic principles, and how landscape preference influences the application of the aesthetic principles. The process of landscape design is discussed in detail including: strategies for interacting with the client, selling a landscape concept, and creating a design from start (concept development) to finish (final plan). With the foundation for design principles and design process in place, this text provides detailed descriptions of plant material and hardscape material selections, respectively. Lastly, strategies for pricing the landscape, examples of landscape business models, and highlights a successful landscape design/build company are covered in order to provide concrete examples of how and why they have been successful.