Principles of Design

Question 1

What are the four principles of landscape design?

Answer 1

1. Proportion
2. Order
3. Repetition
4. Unity

Question 2

Are the principles of landscape design hard and fast rules?

Answer 2

No, they are guidelines. No one can agree on what the full list of principles even are.

Question 3

What is the principle of proportion in landscape design?

Answer 3

Proportion refers to the size of features in comparison to other features, structures, AND the people moving through or viewing the landscape. It is important for determining the functionality of the space and the comfort of users.

Question 4

What is the principle of order in landscape design?

Answer 4

Order is the organization of the overall landscape. Balance is the key factor for creating order by creating harmonious visual weight on both sides of a scene. Order can symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Question 5

What is the principle of repetition in landscape design?

Answer 5

Repetition is the principle of creating patterns. Excess of repetition can be boring. Rhythm refers to the use of intervals to make patterns.

Question 6

What is the principle of unity in landscape design?

Answer 6

Unity is the creation of a harmonious composition through the other landscape design principles. These are achieved through three sub-principles: interconnection, simplicity, and dominance.

Question 7

What are the three sub-principles of unity and what do they mean?

Answer 7

1. Interconnection - the physical connection of spaces or features.
2. Simplicity - A singular theme or style.
3. Dominance - certain features - that is, focal points - have greater importance than others.