Designs Based on Geometric Shapes

Most landscape designers ensure that their designs have strong connections by basing the design around a few fundamental shapes. Geometric entities such as circles and squares (or parts thereof) of each are commonly used. The figure below illustrates this; the grassed play area, entertaining space, water feature and steppers linking spaces are based on a circle, while the vegetable space is formed by a square and half square to form a rectangle.

Using strong shapes such as these can help bring a sense of unity to your work.

Dissecting circles

Dissect a circle and use individual parts in a design. Half and quarter-circles etc.

Landscape designers - Basic shapes

Extend diameter and extend the tangential line to create another strong shape.

Landscape designers - Basic shapes extended

Dissecting squares

The square can be divided and subdivided on the angle to provide even more shapes for landscape designers to work with.

Landscape designers - squares and diagonals

YouTube movie This movie shows (in a rather simplistic way) how shapes such as squares and circles can be used by landscape designers to create a piece of landscape design.

Landscape designers - Backyard design

YouTube movie  Some more examples of designs featuring circles, squares and parts thereof.

Landscape designers -courtyard with wisteria

Here are some designs based on a square or part thereof.

Landscape designers - formal design

Landscape designers - small rear garden

Here we combine circles, parts of circles and arcs, squares joined to form rectangles to create a design.

Landscape designers -Studio garden

YouTube movie Here is a ‘before and after’ view of a design for a small space in a Parisian garden by a gCADPlus user. The focal point is based on an underlying triangular space uncovered when preparing the site for redevelopment. For more examples by this design team visit: https://www.lesherbesfollesdannette.com/

Further reading

https://www.landscapingnetwork.com/landscape-design/layouts.html

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