1. Outdoor design Principles: Tools, Types & Elements Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf
January 2008
University of Palestine
Faculty of Applied Engineering & Urban Planning
Dept. of Architecture, Interior Design & Planning
Landscape Architecture (EAPS4303)
Lecturer 4/1
Outdoor design Principles:
Tools, Types & Elements
Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,
University of Plastine International

2. Functional Principles/Aspects
Objectives
1. Know the basic functions of landscape
2. Understand the functional aspects
3. How to incorporate functionality into landscape design
To achieve a useful/usable landscape, the functional aspects are significant supporting the activities ongoing on the space…
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

3. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Basic Functions
Public (in view of neighbours & passers-by), private (entertainment, recreation) & utility/service (storage, garbage cans, air conditioner) areas
Primary functions
of landscape are
divided into:
front yard (public),
side yard (depends) &
back yard (private).
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

4. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Purpose:
getting people from the street to the front door (major function)
Major components:
Crub appeal
is how the buildings looks from the rood
either driving by or walking
increase the value of property
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

5. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Traditional Landscaping
Primarily dealt with foundation planting;
consists of green hedges to hide foundation
the hedge is sheared into a box or other geometric forms
hedges have corners punctuated with taller shrubs to blend sharp corners….
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

6. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Framing the Building
an approach uses the landscape as a boundary/frame
Done by planting large trees or shrubs on both sides to focus the observer’s attention
Funnelling effect
draw attention to the front door by planting larger items on outside while placing progressively smaller plants closer to the door..
Funnelling Effect
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

7. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Hiding the Entrance
Avoid tall planting that screen the front door
The front door of a building should be easy to find
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

8. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Blending Approach
Landscape helps tie the building to the ground and blend it into the surroundings
Plants help to balance the structure with the landscape and soften the sharp corners.
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,

9. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 14.09.2008
Front Yard
Defined Borders
Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf,