Through the ages, geometry has had a key influence on the design of urban landscapes – and it’s easy to see why. They are pleasing to the eye and represent a common value of beauty and order that reflects society’s condition of well-being. From the ancient landscapes of Persia and Egypt to Renaissance Europe and even contemporary landscapes, mathematical shapes and patterns have inspired design for centuries. Considered formal, or sometimes classical, geometric landscape designs can be found across the globe today.
Geometric landscapes aren’t just about visual aesthetics, but they greatly influence the way people view and experience them. From circles to triangles, tessellated, layered, and connected to each other to provide a beautiful geometric flow. Geometric shapes define boundaries, create spaces, and channel views in a landscape design. When it comes to geometric style within urban landscapes, the designer is looking to create a connection with nature in a place where it is rarely seen.
In geometric urban landscape designs, you can see symmetry even in the planning of trees and shrubs. Most of the traditional designs feature a point where the eye can rest, and in some cases, you can find a central axis dividing the area with similar plants on both sides forming a symmetrical plan.
Water is an important component in geometric landscape designs and is considered as the axis that connects the parts of the geometric design. Water features are usually used in geometric designs to achieve a sense of calm. Privacy is yet another feature of geometric designs and is common in the form of green walls and fences within a patio or courtyard.
Geometric urban landscapes have always been associated with the French baroque, with the most memorable designs of that epoch being Versailles Park and Park of Vaux-le-Vicomte, both designed by André le Nôtre in the 17th century. However, landscapes designed during the later periods were simpler and used just some of the baselines that were established during that time, including symmetry and perspective principles.
Urban landscaping projects of the current era rely on heritage from the previous epochs but at the same time, they aim to meet the local conditions and deliver on contemporary demands. Some of the tell-tale features of geometric landscapes are the regular lines of decorative plants arranged in symmetrical sites and geometric designs.
One common characteristic among all iterations of geometric design is the principal of repetition. Along with balance, harmony, symmetry, axiality, privacy, and centrality, these are crucial elements in forming the keys of the geometric style in the design of urban landscapes.
Related Articles:
- Biophilia into Office Spaces
- Why Incorporate Biophilia into Corridors and Walkways
- Why Incorporate Biophilia into Collaboration Areas
