How can the field of horticulture improve landscape architecture design outcomes? This abstract argues that horticultural knowledge and practices are valuable inputs into the design practices of landscape architects. The abstract also proposes understanding plant structure, form, specificity to site and the interaction between humans and the environment is important for theoretical design outcomes in terms of form and space but also for the viability and sustainability of a design “on the ground”.
To support this argument the works of Gilles Clément’s, particularly the Third Landscape, the Planetary Garden and Garden in Motion will be considered as will my experiences gained through the projects Wet and Dry and Wardian Dome.
Clément argues that plants should inform landscape design and in the process landscapes become a system requiring minimal human intervention. Such a system Clément believes will encourage the maintenance of biodiversity, an essential element of any landscape. This approach to landscape design Clément believes, challenges landscape architects to re-evaluate how space is utilised and valued by humans.
Building on Clément’s work, I argue that horticultural knowledge is important for plant selection in a particular space. It will influence how effectively a “created” ecosystem functions. Where inappropriate plant selection reduces the functioning of an ecosystem then any design, no matter how good in theory, is unlikely to succeed.
Being able to apply the knowledge of a plant’s form and shape is an important tool in landscape design, particularly for determining how a plant will be embedded in a design. It also enables a designer to humanly manipulate a plant to achieve a desired formal and spatial quality within a given design.
Further investigation is needed into examples of landscape designs predominantly developed from hard materials, with horticultural considerations as a secondary and designs where horticultural expertise is given a high profile in the design phase. Insights gained through this exercise will help answer the question whether horticultural is an important input into landscape design processes as well as being crucial for the viability and sustainability of a design “on the ground”.
Image 1: Clément’s The Third Landscape, the idea of 'man versus nature'
Image 2: Clément’s Parc Andre Citroen Garden in Motion
BIBLIOGRAPHY
KEY REFERENCES
Larcher W, (1995) Physiological Plant Ecology: Ecophysiology and Stress Physiology of Functional Groups, Third Edition
Langenheim J H, Thimann K V, (1982) Botany: Plant Biology and Its Relation to Human Affairs.
Ridge I, (1991) Plant Physiology: Biology: Form and Function
Clément G, [Internet] http://www.gillesclement.com/
EXTRACT TERMS
Ecosystem: a major system if organisms that are interfacing with one another and with their physical environment.
Horticulture: n. [L. hortus, a garden (same root as garden, yard), and cultura, culture]. The cultivation of a garden; the science and art of cultivating flowers, herbs, shrubs, fruits and garden vegetables
Biodiversity: the number, variety, and genetic variation of different organisms found within a specified geographic region.
IMAGE CREDITS
Image 1:http://www.flickr.com/photos/pfibiger/313367462/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Image 2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/unexpectedbacon/325125642/sizes/o/in/photostream/
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