Kids Neighborhood Workshop
City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Division

Part 8: Landscape Architecture


LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
The landscape architect designs outdoor spaces such as parks, parkways, and plazas. The secret lays not in the plan itself, the forms, the plants, or its spaces, but what people experience as they encounter these spaces. The landscape architect, then, must be concerned with who will be using these outdoor spaces and what type of experience is desired.

Landscape architecture is much more than choosing and arranging plants. Design elements which the landscape architect utilizes also include space, texture, color, hardscape surfaces, and lighting. Landscape architects may also design structures within the landscape, such as a trellis or wall. All of these elements contribute to the experience.


ACTIVITY: DESIGN A PARK
Use the survey information to complete this activity. Before you begin designing, discuss these questions.

What kind of park do people want? An active place to play sports or a passive, quiet place for relaxation?

Where is the best place for a park?

Who will use this park? Children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens?

What kinds of things should go into your park?

Where are the best views?

Have you provided parking, bathrooms, sidewalks?

Draw your ideas on a base map of the park site. Display and present your design to the group. As a group, work together to blend everyones ideas into a single design for a park.


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