Design is neither something simple nor just a subject of a creative mind. Creating a good design comes down to applying standards and following design prescriptions. If you want a great landscape design, you should follow the seven principles that are described in detail below:
The first principle is unity. Unity means keeping to the main subject or scheme of your landscaping design. Here, all elements within the design are combined in harmonic and consistent unity and connect with one another. But remember – do not go to extremes or you might end up creating a landscape that is too much for the eye to handle or something that is boring to look at. Unity within a design can be created using various objects with repeating lines like trees and plants, or items with a similar texture or color. However, it is important not to carry this unity throughout every aspect of your landscape as all open spaces need some sort of flare in order to captivate the eyes of those who view it.
The second principle concerning landscape design is balance. It gives the final visual symmetrical outlook that draws attention. Theoretically, there are three essences of balance when it comes to design. The formal or symmetrical balance is when the characteristics of items are identical on the both sides of the landscape. This can range from the amount, size or height of the items used; keeping the balance of the space equal. The other type of balance is asymmetrical. This is also known as an informal balance in landscape design. Here, we can say that each side of the landscaping design is balanced itself though both sides do not look the same way and their balance is not general and united. Finally, there is the balance that is radial. This is where a focal point is used within the landscape with the aid of an item such as a water fountain which has water squirting from the middle. The core of an apple and a daffodil are also examples of this.
Another principle is emphasis. This brings the attention to one certain part of the landscape design. This can be accomplished using an outstanding color, a simple backdrop or unusual lines. You can group some of the subjects in order to mark and indicate the focal point of the landscaping design.
Sequence aka Transition is a landscape design principle, which suggests grouping or setting some objects in an increasing or decreasing order – by size, quantity, colour etc. Gradual change in the objects that represent the idea of the landscape design expresses best the transition principle – objects like growing plants or other objects in transition. By implementing this principle, you could use this development idea, to create profoundness to certain key points within the design.
Rhythm in a landscape design is expressed with repeating of certain objects that gives the virtual idea of motion through the landscape. Rhythm makes the landscape design attractive, catching the eye and it stirs the design.
The last and seventh principle for landscape design is repetition. Here, we talk about identical objects with similar shape, texture or colour. This principle complements the other principles of the landscape design like rhythm and focalization but it is very important to avoid using too many repeating objects as you would spoil the whole design.
Your best landscape design could work out if you combine all the seven principles described above into one, unified design project without giving priority to any of them so that the whole design would be a balanced and successful design work.
The landscape photo used at the top of this post comes from Jeremy Levine Design’s photostream.
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