It has a rugged character and fits appropriately in areas that have irregular or abrupt
Figure 10-57
An example of an angular design theme. Also,
Figure 10-60
The design theme used in the front yard may be different from the one used in the backyard. topography with rock outcrops and boulders. The straight lines of the rectangular theme reinforce the lines of the house, and the curvilinear theme is associated with the softer character of plant materials. For instance, a rectangular theme and a modified diagonal theme are so similar to each other that neither will seem to be of major importance when used together. At first glance, the angles drawn in Figure 10-57 may seem to be randomly drawn. The angular design theme offers an extremely bold and dynamic design system. Figure 10-58
Guidelines should be used to form the basis of an angular design theme. For example, Figure 10-63 illustrates a rectangular theme with a special circular feature as an accent. When using this theme, it is suggested that a system of guidelines that are 0, 45, 60, and 90 degrees in relation to the face of the house be used (Figure 10-58). This approach works especially well when the straight lines are placed near the house and the curved lines are located away from the house, establishing a transition from structure to informality as one moves away from the house. There are times when a designer may choose to create an overall composition that combines two design themes. This will alleviate the possibility of drawing a composition that would create problems in using and maintaining the design (Figure 10-59). However, when designing adjacent spaces with different design themes, sensible and comfortable transitions between the two should be considered. This accent could be a fountain or a bed of ground cover with a sculpture displayed in it. Figure 10-61
An example of a rectangular design theme combined with a curvilinear design theme. For instance, Figure 10-61 shows a design that incorporates a rectangular theme for the structured elements (terraces, decks, walkways, and fences), while a curvilinear theme is used for all the planting areas. For example, it may be desirable to create a formal setting for the house in the front yard while providing a casual or natural feeling in the backyard. But a closer examination reveals that most lines are parallel, perpendicular, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees to the back of the house. if the modified diagonal theme is used in a subordinate fashion, the design will most likely be perceived as a rectangular theme with a few corners angled in a weak manner (Figure 10-62). Mostly obtuse angles (angles greater than 45 degrees) should be used; acute angles should be avoided. If a system of guidelines is not used, too many different angles are apt to be used, causing the composition to seem uncontrolled and chaotic. First, the designer may wish to create environments of different character. Theme Combinations
When designing a residential site, one design theme will probably prevail throughout the site. Second, because a person can be in only one area of the site at one time, spaces can have different characters without clashing or conflicting with each other.
