Landscape Architecture Overview

Appreciation & Application of Soft Landscape Elements

• Soft landscaping involves all plant materials used in landscape architectural design, whether native to the habitat or introduced to the site.

Spatial Materials in Landscape Design

• Landscape design uses ground planes, wall planes, and sometimes sky planes to define outdoor spaces.
• Key elements include landform, hardscape, softscape, water elements, and structures.

Definition of Soft Landscape Element/Plant Materials

• Soft landscape elements are all plant materials included in a landscape design.

Appreciation of Soft Landscape (Importance in Islam)

• Islam stresses the importance of planting, maintaining, and conserving plants.
• Planting is considered a rewarding act.
• The Prophet (s.a.w) emphasized the reward for planting trees or seeds that produce fruit consumed by birds, people, or animals.

Appreciation of Soft Landscape (Importance in Islam) - No Destruction

• Islam emphasizes the importance of protecting plants from harm and prohibits cutting trees or plants without a valid reason.
• Abu Bakar, the first caliph, reminded his armies sent to Syria not to harm or destroy fruit trees.

Natural to their Habitat (e.g., Rainforest)

• The emergent layer is 38 meters high and consists of trees like Shorea spp., Tualang, and Kempas.
• The canopy layer is 29 meters high and comprises dome-shaped trees, along with epiphytic fig trees.
• The understory layer is 17 meters high and is populated with saplings, lianas, and epiphytic ferns.
• Undergrowth ranges from 5–10 centimeters.

Types of Plants

• Native/Indigenous Plants: Grow naturally, characteristic of the region
• Naturalized Plants: Introduced intentionally or accidentally, adapt to the local environment
• Exotic Plants: Foreign to the local region

Roles of Plants in Landscape Architecture

• Ecological, aesthetic, and functional roles are essential in landscape architecture.

Importance of Plant Materials

• Plants contribute to environmental survival and ecosystem services.
• They provide ecosystem services by forming soil, cycling nutrients, and serving as the fundamental basis for life.
• Plants provide food, water, fuel, fiber, and medicines for human use.
• They also regulate ecosystems by controlling floods, diseases, pests, and climate moderation.
• Plants offer cultural value through beauty, recreation, education, and spirituality.

Applications of Soft Landscape Elements in Design

• Landscape architects prioritize preserving existing plants during design.
• If introducing new plants, thorough planning is necessary to avoid issues caused by unsuitable species.
• Appropriately designed plantings can transform barren sites into pleasant and useful spaces and enhance their visual appeal.

Types of Plant Materials

• Trees: Different categories exist, including flowering (fragrant), fruit, and a combination of both.
• Shrubs: Includes flowering shrubs and those with colorful leaves.
• Palms: Includes types like solitary trunk palms, multi-trunk palms, and fan palms, each with unique features.
• Groundcovers: Used as part of the ground surface, e.g., moss rose and periwinkle.
• Climbers: Provide vertical elements in landscaping, such as Bauhinia kochinea.
• Turf/Grass: Common landscaping materials like Axonopus compressus, a type of grass.
• Aquatic Plants: Include water lilies for aquatic environments.

Roles of Plants in Landscape Architecture: Plants Selection

• Architectural Functional Uses: Plants can create architectural elements such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Aesthetic Function: Plants can frame views, act as focal points, unify areas, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings.
• Ecological Considerations: Selecting native versus exotic plants, biodiversity, pollinator support, and the impact of plants on the local ecosystem are crucial factors.
• Site Specific Selection: Plant selection should consider soil type, climate, moisture, and sunlight to ensure successful growth.

Roles of Plants in Landscape Architecture: Plant characteristics

• Form/Shape: Plant form and shape create visual effects and determine how plants can be used.
• Density: The opacity/transparency of plants affects the amount of light they let through.
• Volume: The space occupied by plants.
• Height/Width: The height and width of plants affect their use, and whether they serve the intended purpose.

Aesthetic Functions of Soft Landscape

• Ornamentation: Decorative function of plants.
• Formal elements: Form, color, and texture are important in determining aesthetic value.
• Additional aesthetics: Consider accent, contrast, silhouettes, reflection, smell, and softening/unifying effects.
• Plants as a Focal Point: Plants can become focal points in a design by providing a visual interest and drawing attention.
• Framing views; a combination of plants or trees that frame a view creates a more appealing presentation.
• Soften building outlines: Hide sharp edges with plant coverage and increase aesthetic value through plant color and texture.
• Plant colors and fragrances: Plants add beauty, themes, and even aromatherapy.

Ecological/Climatic Uses of Soft Landscape

• Reduce solar radiation: Moderates, filters, reflects, and scatters solar radiation to control temperature.
• Temperature control: Creates shade to reduce excessive radiation.
• Wind shelter: Reduces turbulence around tall buildings.