Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture is the art and science of modifying land areas by organizing natural, cultivated or constructed elements according to comprehensive aesthetic plan. These elements include topographical features such as hills, valleys, rivers and ponds, vegetation such as trees shrubbery, grass and flowers and constructions such as buildings, terraces, roads, bridges, fountains and statuary. No unalterable rules exist in landscape architecture because each plot of ground offers unique problems caused by variation in contour, climate and surrounding areas.

Landscape architecture was formerly called landscape gardening and was limited to the creation of gardens around private dwellings. Today landscape architecture covers a much wider area of concerns, ranging from setting out of small gardens to the ordering of parks, malls and highways. It includes landscape gardening, which is now understood as the work done by commercial gardeners, who install and care for flowers and greenery according to the design of landscape architects. The landscape architect who usually holds an academic degree in this field has the same professional standing as an architect or engineer and receives a fee directly from the client. The landscape gardener may be a commercial contractor or an amateur, who landscapes the grounds of a private home. In Sri Lanka landscaping of home gardens is becoming popular. This type of work is mainly carried out by landscape gardeners who usually have followed a short term professional courses in landscaping or hold a diploma in agriculture. Landscape architects, who provide for grading and drainage as well as for decorative design, plan large-scale gardens, landscapes of cities, highways and public parks. Small gardens usually do not require the services of a landscape architect. (Encarta 2002)

Landscape Architecture seeks to apply design in its fullest sense in order to ensure the best possible adaptation of the means to an intended carefully considered end of the new scene. Therefore the artistry or visual appreciation must act in unison with the sciences of the earth. (Colvin 1997)

In the _Sri Lankan traditions the concept of created landscape can be identified in three forms. By adapting, improving and maintaining natural forest as a habitable forest garden called `Vana', 'Arama' or'Uyana'.

Creating parks by planting flowering trees and fruit trees for relaxation, beauty and shade. By creating landscape gardens in architectural precincts.

In creating three landscapes different types of trees selected from nature plays a major role. (De Silva 1990)