[Site Spaces and Planting] Session 2 - Site Spaces

Summary

This session on landscape architecture delves into the definition of volumes through the interplay of three essential planes: the base plane, overhead plane, and vertical plane. The speaker explains how these planes collectively define spaces and influence human activity. Through practical examples and illustrations, the importance of surface materials, drainage solutions, and the aesthetic qualities of these planes is highlighted. Ultimately, understanding their interactions is crucial for effective landscape design, as they shape both functionality and the sensory experience of outdoor environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Volumes in landscape architecture are defined by three key elements: base plane, vertical plane, and overhead plane.
• 🌍 The base plane serves as the foundational surface of a space, influencing circulation and interaction.
• 🌳 Vertical planes, such as walls and trees, help to enclose and define spaces, impacting privacy and function.
• ☁️ Overhead planes, including canopies and roofs, affect the character and quality of a space by controlling light and rain.
• 🔄 Not all three planes must be present in a design; effective combinations of two can still define a space.
• 🏗️ Different surface materials on the base plane can delineate areas and enhance functionality, such as distinguishing between a parking lot and a tennis court.
• 💧 Proper drainage design on the base plane is essential for managing water runoff and maintaining the integrity of the space.
• 🔍 The characteristics of overhead planes can vary in terms of material, density, and translucence, each affecting the spatial experience.
• 🛠️ Vertical elements can serve multiple purposes, including acting as safety barriers, providing enclosure, and creating focal points.
• 🌿 The design of base, vertical, and overhead planes must be thoughtfully integrated to create cohesive and inviting outdoor environments.

Q & A

What are the three key elements that define space in landscape architecture?

The three key elements are the base plane, overhead plane, and vertical plane.

How does the base plane contribute to defining a space?

The base plane serves as the foundational surface, influencing how areas are delineated and used. It can consist of various materials that establish boundaries and manage surface drainage.

What role does the overhead plane play in spatial design?

The overhead plane controls the character and quality of the space beneath it, affecting light and weather conditions. It can be designed in different forms, such as solid structures or translucent materials.

Why are vertical planes important in landscape architecture?

Vertical planes act as dividers and screens that contain and articulate space, providing privacy, defining usage areas, and enhancing the visual and functional qualities of the environment.

Can all three elements be present in every outdoor space?

No, not all three elements need to be present. A combination of two elements can effectively define a space, depending on the design intent.

What are some examples of materials used for the base plane?

Examples of materials for the base plane include concrete, gravel, grass, and water surfaces.

How can surface materials influence human activity in a space?

Differentiating surface materials can create distinct areas for various activities, guiding how people interact with the space.

What factors should be considered when designing the overhead plane?

Designers should consider factors such as pattern density, solidity, translucence, reflectivity, and sound absorption when designing the overhead plane.

How can vertical planes enhance the aesthetic appeal of a landscape?

Vertical planes can create focal points and enhance the spatial experience by providing containment, screen elements, and often becoming dominant features within the space.

What are the implications of enclosure created by vertical planes?

Enclosure provided by vertical planes can enhance privacy, focus attention inward on objects within the area, and help articulate the functional use of different spaces.