10 сlear answers to 10 easy questions
1. How did Landscape Architecture appear?
The first Landscape Architects were the creators of palaces and parks in Europe, who skillfully formed aesthetic and comfortable spaces for the highest aristocracy. The father of modern Landscape Architecture is considered to be Frederick Law Olmsted, who participated in the creation of New York’s Central Park in the 1860s.
Today, the services of Landscape Architects have become much more affordable. Landscape Architecture specialists take part in the planning of cities and regions, parks and residential estate.
2. What is the difference between a Landscape Architect and an “ordinary” architect?
Landscape Architects focus on the environment, while architects focus on buildings. Architects design structures such as houses, offices, theaters, and others, and Landscape Architects develop plans for outdoor areas around the structures.
3. What is the difference between a Landscape Architect and a Landscape Designer?
The main difference is in the scientific degree. A Landscape Architect has been educated for many years, while a Landscape Designer does not need a certificate. Therefore, a Landscape Architect works on large projects, and a landscape designer works mostly on small nuances in projects.
4. What knowledge should a Landscape Architect have?
Modern Landscape Architecture specialists combine the functions of an engineer, an artist and a philosopher. To get a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture students study deeply disciplines such as Botany and Gardening, Fine Arts and Architecture, Design (including Industrial Design) and Geology, Environmental Psychology, Geography and Ecology.
5. What trends have prevailed in Landscape Architecture in recent years?
– The use of modern materials (concrete, colored glass, textiles) to create new compositional and artistic solutions.
– A combination of Eastern, European and American methods and styles. So, the popularity of Japanese gardens for meditation is constantly growing.
– The tendency to free the landscape from development as much as possible. As part of this trend, a significant part of the structures is underground, and it is covered from above with lawns, flowers, and trees.
– Roof gardens that help solve the problem of landscaping in the context of a shortage of space.
6. Can a Landscape Architect help to increase the value of a property?
Definitely. Landscape Architects are providing creative problem-solving for clients, relieving them of this extensive process. Landscape Architects have to take all the information provided to them (budgets/site/user demographics/project goals / etc.) and filter it into solutions that achieve the desired results. This process is what provides the best possible solutions for the proposed outdoor spaces.
Moreover, utilizing a Landscape Architect will help to establish areas of opportunity, increase project clarity and contribute to the project value (Qualitative/Quantitative), at the same time providing clients with confidence in desired project outcomes.
7. What ideas could Landscape Architects offer for residential estates?
– Bringing the internet cafe to the outdoor space platform (phone charging stations / correct type of seating / shade / internet access);
– Workout stations and circuits tied into outdoor spaces;
– Community gardens.
In the end — anything that helps bring people together.
8. If we are not talking about a new object, but about the renovation of an existing one, what ideas can Landscape Architects offer?
Landscape Architects are not only working on the development of new facilities. An essential part of the work of a Landscape Architect is the optimization and improvement of existing facilities and territories. Moreover, here is what they can offer:
— Creating natural barriers like hedges instead of concrete walls;
— Softening hardscapes with DG’s and gravel instead of poured concrete;
— Drought-tolerant plant material for water savings;
— Upgrading irrigation;
— Landscape lighting to create inviting and safe spaces for tenants to enjoy.
9. How much does the work of a Landscape Architect cost?
Landscape architecture fees usually range between 7% and 10% of the final landscape construction cost, and change orders are billed at between $125 and $195 per hour, depending on the position of the designer or architect in the firm.
10. What is the final product of the Landscape Architect’s work?
The main task of the Landscape Architecture is to smooth out the conflict between urban aesthetics and nature, increase the aesthetic attractiveness of the object and its value. The result of the specialist’s work is a joyful, comfortable, rational, environmentally friendly space in which the interests of nature and man are taken into account equally.
