Landscape architecture is the

design of outdoor areas, landmarks,

and structures to achieve
environmental, social, behavioural,
or aesthetic outcomes.
Landscape architecture
encompasses the analysis,
planning, design, management, and
stewardship of the natural and built
environments. Types of projects
include: residential, parks and
recreation, monuments, urban
design, streetscapes and public
spaces, transportation corridors and
facilities, gardens and arboreta,
security design, hospitality and
resorts, institutional, academic
campuses, therapeutic gardens,
historic preservation and

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

restoration, reclamation,
conservation, corporate and
commercial, landscape art and earth
sculpture, interior landscapes, and
more. Landscape architecture
combines social, economic,
environmental and cultural
perspectives.
Landscape architecture is a multi-
disciplinary field, incorporating
aspects of urban design,
architecture, geography, ecology,
civil engineering, structural
engineering, horticulture,
environmental psychology,
industrial design, soil sciences,
botany, and fine arts.
Landscape Architects conduct
research and advise on planning,

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

design and management of the
outdoor environment and spaces,
both within and beyond the built
environment, and its conservation
and sustainability of development.
Landscape architects plan and
design traditional places such as
parks, residential developments,
campuses, gardens, cemeteries,
commercial centers, resorts,
transportation facilities, corporate
and institutional centers, and
waterfront developments. They
also design and plan the restoration
of natural places disturbed by
humans, such as wetlands, stream
corridors, mined areas, and forested
land. Having an appreciation for
historic landscapes and cultural

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

resources enables landscape
architects to undertake preservation
planning projects for national,
regional, and local historic sites and
areas.
Working with architects, city
planners, civil engineers, and other
professionals, landscape architects
play an important role in
environmental protection by
designing and implementing
projects that respect both the needs
of people and of our environment.
A wide range of opportunities are
open to landscape architects today.
They may work on a variety of
projects, such as the development
and preservation of open spaces,
recreation areas, wildlife refuges,

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

zoos, parks, golf courses, and
transportation systems.
Landscape architects also may
work for many types of
organizations—from real estate
development firms starting new
projects to municipalities
constructing airports or parks and
they often are involved with the
development of a site from its
conception. Working with
architects, surveyors, and
engineers, landscape architects help
determine the best arrangement of
roads and buildings. They also
collaborate with environmental
scientists, foresters, and other
professionals to find the best way to
conserve or restore natural

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

resources. Once these decisions are
made, landscape architects create
detailed plans indicating new
topography, vegetation, walkways,
and other landscaping details, such
as fountains and decorative
features.
In planning a site, landscape
architects first consider the nature
and purpose of the project and the
funds available. They analyze the
natural elements of the site, such as
the climate, soil, slope of the land,
drainage, and vegetation; observe
where sunlight falls on the site at
different times of the day and
examine the site from various
angles; and assess the effect of
existing buildings, roads,

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

walkways, and utilities on the
project. After studying and
analyzing the site, landscape
architects prepare a preliminary
design. To accommodate the needs
of the client and other stakeholders
in the project, as well as the
conditions at the site, the design
frequently evolves based on input
gathered at meetings held during
the design development phase.
These modifications from the
preliminary design lead to the
approval of the final design. They
also take into account any local,
state, or federal regulations, such as
those providing barrier-free
accessibility and those protecting
wetlands or historic resources. In

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

preparing designs, computer-aided
design (CAD) has become an
essential tool for most landscape
architects. Many landscape
architects also use video simulation
to help clients envision the
proposed ideas and plans. For
larger-scale site planning,
landscape architects also use
geographic information systems
(GIS) technology, a computer
mapping system. Throughout all
phases of the planning and design,
landscape architects consult with
other professionals involved in the
project. Once the design is
complete, they prepare a proposal
for the client. They produce
detailed plans of the site, including

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

written reports, sketches, models,
photographs, land-use studies, and
cost estimates, and submit them for
approval by the client and by
regulatory agencies. When the
plans are approved, landscape
architects prepare working
drawings showing all existing and
proposed features. They also
outline in detail the methods of
construction, itemize construction
details, and draw up a list of
necessary materials, including the
written technical specifications for
the project. Finally, during the
construction implementation phase
of the project, the landscape
architect is often called upon, by the
client, to monitor the installation of

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

his or her design. Some landscape
architects work on a variety of
projects, while others specialize in
a particular area, such as residential
development, street and highway
beautification, waterfront
improvement projects, parks and
playgrounds, or shopping centers.
Still others work in regional
planning and resource
management; feasibility,
environmental impact, and cost
studies; or site construction.
Increasingly, landscape architects
are becoming involved with
projects in environmental
remediation, such as preservation
and restoration of wetlands, as well
as the restoration of degraded land,

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

such as mines or landfills. Historic
landscape preservation and
restoration is another important
area where landscape architects are
playing an increasingly important
role. Due to growth and geographic
shifts in population, the expertise of
landscape architects will be highly
sought after in the planning and
development of new residential,
commercial, and other types of
construction. For the general
public, their most important issues
and concerns impacting their daily
lives and routines have a close
relationship to a landscape
architect’s area of practice and
responsibility. Thus, the work of
landscape architects will play an

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022

increasingly important role in
shaping the world’s future by
making a positive impact on health,
economic, social, and
environmental issues.

KGS & SSK TKMCE 2022