2 Site Gr ading and the Legal Requirements In this chapter you will learn about: •
Site grading and why it is important
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The practical and aesthetic considerations of site grading
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How grading can be used to avoid or minimize various slope failure issues or area flooding The relationship between landscape architects, architects, and civil engineers as a team or collaborative enterprise Site grading as an integral component for achieving professional licensure
What Is Site Grading? Site grading is a process requiring a set of technical skills and understanding of a specific body of knowledge. The two are used together to guide the designer in modifying the existing topography of a project site to achieve functional objectives and accommodate program elements. Think of grading as land sculpture using the medium of topography to achieve a desired three-dimensional result. A sculptor might use clay, wax, or a whole range of materials to create three-dimensional forms. The materials or tools that landscape architects use to develop their design goals may initially involve clay, but eventually their
