Unity, Symmetrical Balance, Asymmetrical Balance, Proportion, Harmony, Contrast and Rhythm. Explore examples of these design principles.
Design Elements
The components used in a landscape design have a number of characteristics which should be considered.
Look at characteristics that are sometimes referred to as design elements:
Line:
Line can be either fixed or moving.
Fixed lines examples are borders of paths, fences, walls, the outline of a building, the shape of a statue and the edge of a lawn.
Moving lines examples are the edge of a shadow and the outline of a fast growing plant.
Form:
Form is the outline or three-dimensional shape of an object.
Mass:
Mass is the degree of solidity of forms. Denser, heavier or darker foliage will create the effect of greater mass.
Space:
Space is the volume which is defined by physical boundaries such as walls, trees, shrubs, ground surface and the sky or canopy of plants above.
Texture:
Texture refers to the patterning of the components of the landscape: coarse or fine, rough or smooth etc.
Significant texture is when considering scale, particularly in more intimate, smaller areas.
There is texture in plants, wood, stone, gravel ... even in water as the wind blows over its surface.
Color:
Color can be used for harmony or contrast.
Not always, but generally designers use contrasting colors sparingly.
In general pale or cool colors (white, silver, blue, green and pastel shades) create a relaxing atmosphere in the garden while stronger, more vibrant tones (reds, yellows, orange, bright pink) demand attention and subconsciously encourage activity.
Tone:
Tone is the relationship between color, light and texture.
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