An overview of the design elements
Here we present the main elements of design in the external environment. In terms of design development on-site activity, they occur broadly in the order presented here:- master planning, earthworks, hardworks and softworks.
Master planning provides the overview required to enable the whole development to take place in a coherent and considered manner. Without this, the detailed design elements which follow may not succeed.
Earthworks is often required as part of the initial site shaping or leveling for building development. This can be a creative part of the design process rather than just an engineering necessity.
Hardworks generally involves paving, drainage and boundary features, and may include detailed features such as signage and interpetation.
Softworks provides the living element of the site, from trees and shrubs to grass.
Sustainability: the Eden Centre says "If the future isn't green, we don't have one" and we agree.
Many landscape projects will incorporate a number, or all, of these aspects of design, and must do so in a fully integrated fashion. Nonetheless, it is helful to break them into component parts in order to better understand the disciplines which constitute good landscape design.