HO-148
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT 
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE 
PURDUE UNIVERSITY 
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
Principles of Landscape Design
by Greg Pierceall, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture
What is landscape design, and what are the qualities of good design? Landscape design is the ordering and manipulating of elements which, if handled correctly, result in an environment which can be truly enjoyed. There are no magical combinations or rules which automatically guarantee a good design. Rather, each solution is unique and should be evaluated on its own. There are, however, some common traits of good design which can be discussed in general terms, regardless of their individual applications. Residential illustrations are used, including the entry and outdoor living spaces of a single family home. Listed below are five characteristics typically contained in all good landscape designs.

Characteristics of Good Residential Landscape Design
•	Satisfies the needs of the client. A good design exhibits influences indicative of the designer’s preferences; however, it also reflects and is directed by the client’s tastes and needs. The proposed design should be functional and be visually pleasing and economically feasible so that it is not too costly to implement.
•	Functions properly. The design should be logically organized and work easily and safely. Sidewalks and patios are constructed of suitable and durable materials and of proper dimensions to allow comfortable use. Water drainage should betaken into consideration, and appropriate plant materials selected sensitively to fit the cultural and microclimatic conditions existing or desired.
•	Sensitive to the site. The landscape design respects and works with all site features emphasizing the positive qualities, such as outstanding or mature vegetation, rock outcroppings, or note-able views. Simultaneously plans should minimize any negative aspects, such as lack of privacy, no shade, or unsightly adjoining property. Other limitations are also considered such as soil types and location of utilities and their easements in regards to locating proposed elements. A sympathetic understanding is given to natural seasonal phenomena such as prevailing winter winds, summer breezes, and annual variations of sun angles, temperature, etc.
•	Enhances the quality of life. A pleasing landscape improves our day to day surroundings. It makes life more enjoyable and pleasant by providing a setting that reduces tensions, anxieties, and conflicts in our daily environment.
•	Aesthetically successful. Good designs have all of the previously listed features composed in an aesthetically satisfying manner. Many times a design’s worth is judged totally by its appearance, without consideration of all the other criteria which are equally important. Remember, good looks alone do not necessarily make a design successful. Similarly, a design which works functionally but fails visually is not desirable. Successful designs combine both functional and aesthetic qualities into the total composition.
No Magic Formulas
Attractive and functionally organized designs are usually not accidental occurrences. Typically much forethought and planning goes into design proposals. While there are no magic formulas for good design certain principles have evolved over time through all of the arts-music, painting, architecture, sculpture, etc.-that when used are most likely to yield orderly and aesthetically pleasing results.