What is Landscape Architecture? (ASLA Definition)
ASLA defines Landscape Architecture as: “The art and science of analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land. The scope of the profession includes site planning, garden design, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, park and recreation planning, regional planning and historic preservation. Practitioners share a commitment of achieving a balance between preservation, use and management of the country’s resources.” Landscape architects use their technical and artistic talents to plan and design the built environment. They are, in essence, “arcitects of the land.” They formulate the graphic and written criteria (including drawings, construction documents and specifications) to govern the allocation, arrangement and construction of land and water resources. This work includes the preparation of master, site, subdivision and land development plans. Typical landscape architecture plans might include a site analysis, the location of buildings and structures, design of transportation systems, and design of the site environmental systems. A detailed site plan prepared by a landscape architect could also include the design of grading and drainage details, storm water management systems, irrigation systems, erosion and sediment controls, and pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems. Beyond just technical design, landscape architects incorporate social and behavioral elements throughout the entire design process. They use training in social sciences (such as behavioral psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics) to bring a human dimension in their designs. They also have advanced skills in the evaluation of existing environments, environmental perceptions, and the effects of environments on people. By accompanying a technical science and design background with advanced training in social sciences, landscape architects are particularly adept at designing for special needs populations such as children, the elderly or the disabled.