Landscape planning is a branch of architecture that is defined as an activity concerned with developing landscaping amongst competing land uses while protecting natural and cultural resources. Landscape architecture is about creating great cities, streets, parks and public spaces – ones that inspire active and healthy living. In the urban context, landscape architecture can be described as the creation of life between buildings. Although landscape design is focused on achieving aesthetic and environmental outcomes, it is no longer just an option as the environment has suffered a huge impact due to centuries of development. It not only adds a beautifying touch but also maintains a healthy balance in our surroundings including air quality, ecology, and natural resources while ensuring sustainability by removing pollutants from the surroundings.
The elements of landscape design such as softscape, hardscape, and water elements are important to create balance in landscape designs. These elements are also normally quite different based on the culture of society. To name a few elements, gazebos, pergolas, concrete pots, water features, fountains, swings, benches and varieties of plants are used to create a diverse atmosphere. But regardless of the design and elements, it is essential to make sure there are proper linkages among the spaces and all the minute details were paid attention to.
The ways landscape design can raise the standard of a certain surrounding are innumerable. It helps combat toxicity and other environmental issues, offers customizable and sustainable development avenues, preserving nature, reducing pollution, water management, offers outdoor recreation, and boosts mental health. It breaks up large spaces to create inviting nooks in order to promote healthy and vibrant communities. In urban areas, these pocket spaces and green patches are the only spots where people go for relaxing. An intention to propagate ecosystems and sustainability gave foundation to new innovative ideas like vertical gardens and green infrastructure so that inhabitants can incorporate a part of landscape design into their homes as well. In a word, be it macro or micro scale, any form of landscape design can have a therapeutic effect on the human mind.
With the world’s population growth the pressure on our resources increases, which is why the goal of landscape architecture is to focus on the improvement of the relationship between people and the environment; as it utilizes fewer resources, supports lifecycle, flourishes the flora, and fauna. Landscape is a living breathing thing and we can reap its benefits in line with how much we invest in it. It gives opportunities to deal with the crisis of space by creating a cost-effective and sustainable development of green plants and natural landforms. We at Vector Plinth thus strive to promote safe, sustainable, and resilient landscapes that endure over time.
