LSD ebook

Landscape Site Design
Student Guide 1
Guided for student Politeknik Malaysia

Fairoz binti Yaakob

Penerbit I
POLITEKNIK NILAI NEGERI SEMBILAN

2022

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in

any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the

publisher of this book.

First Published : 2022
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 / Fairoz Yaakob

e ISBN 978-967-2742-17-3

Editors:
Nabilah Zafirah binti Zulkepli / Liyana binti Ibrahim

Author:
Fairoz binti Yaakob

Cover Design and Interior Layout:
Fairoz binti Yaakob

Published by:
POLITEKNIK NILAI
KEMENTERIAN PENGAJIAN TINGGI MALAYSIA
Kompleks Pendidikan Bandar Enstek
71760 Bandar Enstek

Negeri Sembilan

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 II

Preface

‫بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم‬

“In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful”

Alhamdulillah, This e-book of Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1
provide you with a general conception of landscape design which may enable
a designer better understanding about the basic things before start designing.
A designer must handle both aesthetics and function at the same time in the
designs.This student guide offers a basic knowledge about an introduction of
landscape site design, elements of landscape design, principles of landscape
site design and process of landscape design. This is followed by an examples
of student’s drawing that shows the whole process of producing a landscape
design proposal.

It is perfect for a beginner landscape designer and those who are looking for a
basic understanding about landscape design. Hopefully, this e-book is able to
be a useful resource in understanding the concept and application of
landscape site design. Finally, the prayer of God so that this effort is accepted
as one of the practices that bring pleasure and reward, as well as able to
spread knowledge, especially to the community. Human will not run away from
making mistakes. Therefore, the authors apologize for any shortcomings and
errors that may be found in the publication of this e-book. Thank you.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 III

Dedicated

I would like to convey my utmost gratitude to the Department of Polytechnic
and Community College Education.
I hereby declare that this module is my original work. To the best of my
knowledge it contains no previously written or published by another person.
However, if there is any due acknowledgement and credit are mentioned
accordingly in the e-book.
I would like to thank all those at Politeknik Nilai who have worked so hard to
make sure this e-book is the very best it can be. I want to thanks all my
friends for their encouragement and support to this e-book. Finally, last but
not least, I would like to thank my family and friends, without whose support
this e-book would not have been possible.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 IV

Abstract

The goal of the Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 e-book is to
enhance students understanding of about landscape site design. This e-
book can be used by students as a quick reference to help them in
designing. This e-book contains a compilation of notes and sample of
drawing that related to landscape design
This student guide offers a basic knowledge about an introduction of
landscape site design, elements of landscape design, principles of
landscape site design and process of landscape design. This is followed by
an examples of student’s drawing that shows the whole process of
producing a landscape design proposal.
It is perfect for a beginner landscape designer and those who are looking for
a basic understanding about landscape design.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 V

Table Of
Contents

1. Introduction to
Landscape Site Design

2. Elements of Landscape
Design

3. Principles of Landscape
Design

4. Landscape Design
Process

5. Examples of Landscape
Site Design Drawings

6. Conclusions

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 VI

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction to
Landscape Site
Design

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 1

INTRODUCTION TO 01

Landscape Site
Design

Landscape site design is the analysis, planning, and design of exterior living spaces. It is the
art of arranging elements to make a good outdoor spaces. The spaces needs to be in
harmony with the surrounding area, have its own aesthetic value and the spaces should
function well. It is also concerned with promoting the comfort, convenience, and health of
urban populations.

Every landscape site design begins with a
thorough site evaluation and analysis of
existing conditions. Based on these findings,
a landscape architect / designer can make
preliminary decisions about features that will
be incorporated into the master site plan and
those that will be changed or deleted.

Image 1

Landscape site design has become a
significant effect in humans as well as all
living things in order to provide a
conducive living environment. The
aggregate effects of landscape design
can influence social, aesthetic and
environmental qualities of the overall
landscaped areas.

Image 2

According to the European Landscape
Convention, “landscape means an area,
as perceived by people, whose character
is the result of the action and interaction of
natural and/or human factors”.

Image 3

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 2

CHAPTER TWO

Elements of
Landscape Design

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 3

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

02Elements of Landscape Design

The principles of landscape design are guidelines, or tools, that designers use to create
attractive, pleasing and comfortable landscapes. The design process begins by determining
the needs and desires of the user and the conditions of the site. With this information, the
designer then organizes the plants and hardscape materials, which are collectively referred to
as the features. The features can be physically described by the visual qualities of line, form,
color, texture, and visual weight—the elements of design. The principles are the fundamental
concepts of composition—proportion, order, repetition, and unity—that serve as guidelines to
arrange or organize the features to create an aesthetically pleasing or beautiful landscape.
Knowledge of the elements and principles of design is essential to designing a landscape and
working through the design process.

The elements of design are the components and characteristics of a landscape that add
harmony, visual appeal, and functionality to that landscape. It is the separate “parts” that
interact and work with each other to create a cohesive design.

1 LINE – Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or curved. Lines are
used in landscape designs to accentuate an object, control movement or
draw attention to a focal point such as a fire pit or water feature. A
walkway or garden path with a direct route to a focal point will naturally
draw a person to that area.

Image 4 Image 5

Horizontal Line Vertical Line

Image 6 Image 7

Diagonal Line Curved Line
Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1
4

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

02Elements of Landscape Design

2 FORM – Form refers to the shapes of objects in a landscape. Many
forms exist in a landscape such as the rectilinear shapes of the house,
walkways and driveways. Plants, topography and hardscape delineate
other forms that may include squares, circles, triangles or irregular shapes.

Image 8 Image 9 Image 10

Planting Form Topography Form Irregular form seating

3 TEXTURE – Texture refers to how coarse or fine the overall surface and
individual leaves of the plant feel or look (perceived visual texture). Like
form, a variety of textures provides interest and contrast in the landscape. It
applies to both softscape and hardscape. It is mean whether the plant or
design feature is hard, soft, fine, course, heavy, light, rough and smooth.

Image 11

Different size of gravel creates different texture
Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 5

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

02Elements of Landscape Design

4 COLOUR – In general, darker colors will recede into the landscape
while lighter colors will be more prominent in the landscape. Warm
colors (red, yellow, orange) will catch your attention. They are energizing
and exciting. Cool colors (blue, purple, pink) will recede in the landscape
and make your space look larger.

Image 12 Image 13

Colour in planting Colour emphasize the sculpture

5 SPACE – Space refers to the area that a shape or form occupies. It also
refers to the background against which we see the shape or form. Space

can be defined as positive and negative. The positive space of a design is
the filled space in the design—often it is the shapes that make up the

design.

Image 14 Image 15 Image 16

Public open space Public open space Private outdoor space

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 6

CHAPTER THREE

Principles of
Landscape Design

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 7

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

03Principles of Landscape Design

The principles of landscape design are guidelines or tools, that designers use
to create attractive, pleasing and comfortable landscapes. It guide designers
in organizing elements for a visually pleasing landscape.

Image 17 Harmony refers to the unity and competences of
the design. Harmony can be achieved through
HARMONY proper planning and organization. Harmony helps

1 differing elements in a landscape design look
unified. It is achieved when all architectural and
design elements and objects combine to create a
visually satisfying effect. A balance must be struck
between harmony and contrast in your design.

Image 18 In landscape design, proportion and scale are

PROPORTION 2 defined, respectively, as the relationship of the
plants and landscape elements to the build-
ings and encompassing area, and the size (and
visual weight) of these elements compared to that
of the human body.

Image 19 Emphasis. The emphasis in landscaping refers

EMPHASIS 3 to that point where the observer's eye is first
drawn when looking at an environment. This
area represents the strongest single element of
your design.

Image 20 Contrast is used to highlight certain elements in

CONTRAST 4 your design. Contrasting colors, plant sizes,
textures, leaf structures, and more when placed
side-by-side can add interest and draw the
viewer's attention.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 8

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

03Principles of Landscape Design

There are two types of balance in design: symmetrical and asymmetrical balance.

Image 21 Image 22

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

5 6

Symmetrical balance is used in formal Asymmetrical balance, also known as
landscapes when one side of the informal balance, differs from one
landscape is a mirror image of the side to the other and appears to be
opposite side. relaxing and free flowing.

7 Rhythm/ repetition can be created within your
garden by the use of repeated elements such
Image 23 as; plants, hard landscaping and structures,
these repeated elements unify the garden design
RHYTHM / REPETITION and help create a sense of movement, leading
the eye through the garden, from the foreground
to the more distant parts of garden.

Image 24 Unity in design simply means all the separate
parts of the landscape work together to create
UNITY
8 a great total design. Colors, shapes, sizes,
textures and other features work together to
create a unified space. Patterns and colors are
often repeated.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 9

CHAPTER FOUR

Landscape Site
Design Process

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 10

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN 04

Design Process

What is Design Process ?

Design process is a way of figuring out what you need to do, then doing it. Along
the way you might solve one or more problems, try to achieve a goal, and/or create
something specific. It is a series of steps, operations, or actions that make something
or create a desired result which is to create a functional and beautiful space of
landscape design The five steps of the design process include:

Conducting
a site

inventory
and analysis

Drawing a Determining
final design your needs

plan

Developing Creating
conceptual functional
design plans diagrams

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 11

““The enjoyment of scenery employs the
mind without fatigue and yet exercises it;
tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus,
through the influence of the mind over the
body gives the effect of refreshing rest and
reinvigoration to the whole system.”
Frederick Law Olmsted - “Father of
Landscape Architecture : 1822 - 1903

Use the design process to identify and Image 25
understand your site and your needs.
Use a theme to guide your decisions;
professional designers always look to the
existing conditions for inspiration and
material and plant choices.

The most important step of any landscape
design is the site analysis which looks at
the grounds and the overall conditions.
This is a critical step for both plant
selection and placement and locating
users activities and functions.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 12

Design Process 01 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Inventory & Analysis

Through the process of site inventory and analysis, you can determine
elements and conditions that will impact the ultimate use and design of your
landscape. Design, when based on thoughtful inventory and analysis, can
improve the environment, by creating new features based on the users'
needs and keeping those features which are deemed useful and desirable.

What is Site Inventory ?

• Data gathering
• Data collection
• Observed
• Identify and record existing condition

What is Site Analysis ?

• Data evaluation
• Analyzed data
• Evaluate or make judgement about worth/ importance of the

condition.
• Determine opportunities and constraints.
• Is it good or bad?
• What should be changed?
• How does the area ‘feel’ or how do you react to the condition

of the site?.

Image 26

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 13

Design Process 01 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Information needed for Site Inventory & Site Analysis

•Site location & Site context

• Identify location of the site and land uses surrounding (site context)
• Produce location plan.

•Topography / Landform & Soil

• Identify areas that are too steep for development
• Locate parts of the site suitable for development
• Find shallow grades that will not drain properly or require excessive

(and expensive) drainage remediation.
• Identify expansive soils (which will raise construction costs)
• Locate poor-draining soils
• Identify fertile or infertile soils
• Note areas or soils prone to erosion
• Determine if soils have an adequate bearing capacity for proposed

development.

•Circulation

• Are there existing pedestrian or vehicular systems on the site?
• Types of access / paths, movement through the landscape

•Hydrology & Drainage

• Identify areas prone to erosion and sedimentation.
• Locate natural water courses and streams or rivers on a site.
• Determine which watershed the site belongs to.
• Find out if the site is located in a flood zone.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 14

Design Process 01 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Information needed for Site Inventory & Site Analysis

•Microclimate

• Identify areas that may be uncomfortable for humans due to
reflected heat, extreme wind velocity, high humidity, or other
environmental factor.

• Locate the dominant direction of the wind. Note if wind directions
change at different times of the year.

• Will reflected heat or wind speed affect what plants and program
activities occur on the site?

•Vegetation & Fauna

• What is the basic plant community found on the site
• Which species are present on the site prior to development.
• Does existing vegetation pose a hazard to development? Is it

highly flammable, toxic, contain invasive exotic species, etc.

•Facilities & Utilities

• Are there any existing structures on the site?
• Does the site have electrical service?
• Does the site have access to municipal water and sewer service?

If not, can water or sewer lines be extended to the site?

•Views & Sensory

• Observe and identify views from inside the site and off the site
from different looking views.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 15

04Example of Inventory and Analysis

Boards Student’s Boards

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 16

04Example of Inventory and Analysis

Boards Student’s Boards

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 17

Design Process 02 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Determining Needs

An important step in landscape design is to know what you expect from the finished
design proposal. Think about how you plan to use your site and how its design might
enhance its use. Then assess your current landscape to learn what works and what
doesn't. At first, focus on what you like and don't like about the existing landscape; then
start identifying your user's wants and needs.
Make landscape design planning an enjoyable process that includes everyone's ideas.
Do a user survey and ask questions to identify user's wants and needs. These
questions will help you in creating a complete assessment of your current landscape,
leading you to discover the best landscape design solutions for your site.

10 important things to consider.

Throughout the design process there are ten important things to consider :

1 •Understand your site for plant selection and activity location

2 •Remember the user by considering what you want and need

3 •Use a form and/or style theme to help determine shapes and organize spaces

4 •Create and link spaces by designating activity areas and linking with elements

5 •Consider the function of plants for both the environment and the user

6 •Structure the plantings by using massing and layering techniques

7 •Highlight important points such as transition areas and focal points

8 •Pay attention to detail in the materials, the colors, and the surface textures

9 •Take time into account for the growth and maintenance of plants

10 •Protect your resources by using sustainable design practices

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 18

Design Process 03 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Design Idea and concept

A design concept in Landscape Architecture is the core
idea that driving the design of an outdoor area, which
can explained via a collection of sketches, drawings,
images, and a written statement.

A good design begins with a good design concept.

The Design Concept will lead the way and give you
direction for your design decisions.

Your concept will lead to your choices in materials,
colours, styles, approach, plants selections and many
more. Every design decision you make will fall back on
your concept for direction.

A good design concept solves big complex problem.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 19

Design Process 03 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Concept Development Process

CLARIFYING CONCEPT CONCEPT
REQUIREMENTS GENERATION SELECTION

-Inventory & Analyisis

-Synthesis

We can think of design concepts in two ways.

1. Verbal – the verbal parts of your 2. Visual – the visual parts of your
concept might be words you use to concept might be a specific image or
describe the site. For example your color scheme. It might be an idea to use
design concept might be one of circles prominently. Visual concepts tend
sophisticated elegance. Verbal concepts to be a little more concrete. Visual
tend toward the abstract. They’re focused Concepts are focused more on the how
on the message your design is to of conveying your message.
communicate.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 20

Design Process 04 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Bubble Diagrams

Decide how you want people to see and use a space. Make a list of user needs and
desires. Will it be a sports field or a rose garden? Are you looking to attract visitors or
guide them to another location? Conveys the list in Bubble Diagram forms.

Bubble Diagram

• A Bubble Diagram is a very simple (hand)

drawing that consists of roughly drawn
bubbles (representing spaces) connected by
solid lines, broken lines or wavy lines etc. to
specify the type of relationship between the
spaces or shows arrangement of space.

• The main purpose of a bubble diagram is to

graphically illustrate the program, or a list that
itemizes the spaces that must take place in
the propose area.

• Bubble diagram conveys information. This

information tells you the spaces of the site,
their functions, relationships, and the
circulation patterns.

• Bubble diagrams help to organize the space

and provide a way to let ideas flow.

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 21

Design Process 05 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Conceptual Diagram / Functional Diagram

• Conceptual Diagram is an early phase of the design process.
• It includes the design of interactions, experiences, processes, and strategies.

It involves an understanding of people's needs (users)

• Is a continuous process after bubble diagram but in this stage is to relate to

the actual site conditions with approximate size and scale.

• Conceptual plan is more detailed in both content and graphic representation.

Image 27

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 22

Design Process 06 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Schematic Plan & Proposed Plan

A schematic plan details and
addresses the location and
shapes of various spaces and
places with a fair minimum of
detail. It does address specific
need and visual the design
approach.
Eg : Design Approach - Curvilinear

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 23

Design Process 06 04LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN

Schematic Plan & Proposed Plan

Eg : Design Approach - Irregular

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 24

CHAPTER FIVE

Example of
Landscape Site
Design Drawings

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 25

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin 23DLH20F1005
Set 01
Case Study
Board

Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin
23DLH20F1005

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 26

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin 23DLH20F1005
Set 01
Design Development
Board

Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin
23DLH20F1005

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 27

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin 23DLH20F1005
Set 01
Master Plan
Board

Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin
23DLH20F1005

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 28

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin 23DLH20F1005
Set 01
Section Elevation &
Perspectives Board

Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin
23DLH20F1005

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 28

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin 23DLH20F1005
Set 01
Enlargement
Plan Board

Nur Asyura Ahmad Shalihin
23DLH20F1005

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 29

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim 23DLH19F2029
Set 02
Case Study
Board

Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim
23DLH19F2029

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 30

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim 23DLH19F2029
Set 02
Design Development
Board

Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim
23DLH19F2029

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 31

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim 23DLH19F2029
Set 02
Master Plan
Board

Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim
23DLH19F2029

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 32

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim 23DLH19F2029
Set 02
Section Elevation &
Perspectives Board

Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim
23DLH19F2029

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 33

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim 23DLH19F2029
Set 02
Enlargement
Plan Board

Siti Zulaikha Muhamad Halim
23DLH19F2029

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 34

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Chow Ga Lam 23DLH20F1028
Set 03
Case Study
Board

Chow Ga Lam
23DLH20F1028

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 35

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Chow Ga Lam 23DLH20F1028
Set 03
Design Development
Board

Chow Ga Lam
23DLH20F1028

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 36

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Chow Ga Lam 23DLH20F1028
Set 03
Master Plan
Board

Chow Ga Lam
23DLH20F1028

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 37

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Chow Ga Lam 23DLH20F1028
Set 03
Section Elevation &
Perspectives Board

Chow Ga Lam
23DLH20F1028

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 38

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Chow Ga Lam 23DLH20F1028
Set 03
Enlargement
Plan Board

Chow Ga Lam
23DLH20F1028

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 39

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Muhammad Nabil Yusman 23DLH18F2007

Set 04 Case Study
Board

Muhammad Nabil Yusman
23DLH18F2007

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 40

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Muhammad Nabil Yusman 23DLH18F2007

Set 04 Design Development
Board

Muhammad Nabil Yusman
23DLH18F2007

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 41

Example of Landscape Site Design
Drawings Student’s Final Project
Muhammad Nabil Yusman 23DLH18F2007

Set 04 Design Development
Board

Muhammad Nabil Yusman
23DLH18F2007

Landscape Site Design : Student Guide 1 42