Landscape architecture, also known as ландшафтный дизайн, is an art and profession, practiced by landscape architects, incorporating both nature and urban culture. In modern practice, landscape architecture blends the practical with the inspirational, embracing a playful spirit that perceives the environment as an artistic production. In its most abstract form, landscape architecture suggests that the creation of the landscape does not require a specific planning or designing process. Rather, the landscape is seen as an organic whole, existing in and around the specific environment of its site, and designed to provide visual entertainment, often in a counter-cultural mode.
Urban landscape design corresponds to the needs of the client in terms of the existing and future site conditions. The site evaluation and resulting recommendations are using to create a plan for implementation. In urban landscapes, the aesthetic quality of the landscape can support the planned functional aspects of the buildings. In landscape architecture, the purpose of the landscape is secondary to the function of man in relation to the landscape. Man's relation to the landscape develops through interaction with the landscape. Thus, the aesthetic value derived from landscape design is not based on the content of the landscape but the relation between man and landscape.
An important concern of landscape architects is energy efficiency. This concern is shared by many building owners who are seeking for energy-efficient buildings. Landscape designing focuses on efficient utilization of energy, particularly sunlight, water and other renewable sources. In some cases, the designing principle involves incorporating passive solar heat systems into buildings and heating pools, which are cost-effective and ecologically sound. Another aspect of successful landscape designing is to ensure maximum use of existing resources. Thus, careful planning of site evaluation and designing principles can reap rich benefits by minimizing the use of non-renewable resources.
When landscape design is undertaken for building purposes, it provides the basis for various other elements. Landscape architecture also has a significant role in supporting various forms of social life. The gardens constructed in landscape design are excellent recreational areas that can be used by children. They can also be used as play areas for the adults.
A major concern of modern landscape design is ensuring the protection of the natural resources. Landscape architecture aims at protecting natural resources for future generations. For this purpose, it is important to incorporate strategies that will prevent or minimize adverse effects caused by development on the environment. Some of the techniques that are often adopted include creation of buffer zones around the buildings, implementation of conservation measures and adaptation of local ecosystems.
The concept of landscape design dates back to the 12th century. It was founded on a book written by medieval architect Bergh of Norway. Since then, the field has undergone many advancements. Modern landscape architecture combines natural elements with human aesthetic sense to create magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens. This often divided into two major sub-disciplines: Planning and implementing.