THINKING ABOUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Phase I: Schematic Design Schematic design consists of several components, beginning with early meetings with the client, initial research (due diligence), site analysis, programming, and the preparation of one or more schematic design proposals.
Pre-Design: Background Research, Inventory, and Evaluation The first phase or step of the design process comprises gathering information and gaining familiarity with the client’s project aspirations, the site and its physical and historical context, and the legal landscape. At the outset of a new design project, the landscape architect must first become familiar with four important factors of the project. The process of gathering information for the four factors has two components: (1) gathering or inventorying the information; and (2) interpretation and evaluation of the information collected. The aim is to gather what will be useful information that will later inform site planning and site design decisions. That information is: 1. Research concerning the client, users, and stakeholders including: a. Program elements including activities and uses, facilities and other structures. b. Likes, dislikes, and desires of client. c. Project aspirations of the client. d. Area and other dimensional requirements of each program element and structure. e. Optimum relational diagram of program elements. f. Circulation requirements including: vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, service vehicles, and parking. g. Climate, sun exposure and prevailing winds. h. Hydrology analysis, particularly general direction of surface water flow patterns. 2. Knowledge and understanding of the physical attributes of the project site: the landscape architect must understand the site and its context1 (neighborhood and region), including the topography, climate, soils, vegetation, sun and seasonal variations, and myriad of other physical and temporal site-related characteristics including: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. 48
Topography, landform, and slope analysis (Figure 3.2).2 Aspect3 or topography-climate (Figures 3.3 and 3.4). Soils and geology. Vegetation (Figure 3.5). Climate, including seasonal rainfall, air temperature, and wind direction and speed. Sun angles (summer and winter). Views and landmarks. Existing man-made features. Utilities and infrastructure (on- and off-site).
