12 Signature Solutions In this chapter you will learn about: • •
Eight common signature solutions for solving most site-grading problems Applying several of the signature solutions in combination to create a sitegrading plan
Introduction Each landscape site is unique, complete with its own idiosyncratic physical qualities and complex natural processes. The human component, in the form of constructed improvements or activities, adds further layers of complexity to a project site. In the activity of site grading, the focus is primarily on the topography and the movement of water onto and across the site. Site grading provides the foundation that can integrate landscape and design into an experiential, aesthetic, and functional whole. Although each landscape site is different, the solutions to site grading often follow one of several standard approaches known as signature grading solutions. Even though grading plans may look different—and they are different in detail—there are more similarities than one might realize. In this chapter the basic approaches to solving grading problems will be presented. A step-by-step process that will lead the reader through several grading solutions will be presented. The goal of presenting these stepby-step approaches is not to minimize the complexities involved in arriving at a site-grading plan, but to provide insight on how to think about and work
