This might lead to the use of an angular design theme, one that is usually quite different from most landscapes and can be quite visually active. The fourth and final example of architectural attention in the form composition phase is illustrated in Figure 10-67. Architectural attention can be influential in selecting a design theme in the form composition phase. Eating outdoors is a real pleasure for them and they plan to install a permanent grill for cooking near the kitchen and breakfast areas. Stone, reflective of the front stone wall, was selected for the major patio space. With regard to overall garden character, they prefer a formal garden design that is clean and crisp and that responds to the architecture. It is separated from the entertaining space and the adjacent property with a high fence, but allows for a view of the river. The designer selected a curvilinear design theme that would provide for smooth, casual, flowing lines. In addition, she wanted a private space not only for reading and exercise, but also for entertaining an intimate group. Four examples are presented to illustrate how the design theme responded to certain aspects of the architecture. In a different situation, a client might want a very conservative, casual, and soft character in the design. She stated that she was mostly a casual individual who enjoyed reading, exercising, and occasional entertaining. It is important to note that major decisions concerning design forms can be made at this form composition phase. Although much of the interior decor is also quite formal, they are more interested in having a very informal garden design. The form and pattern of the major patio space adjacent to the family room came from the arched window pattern on the front fa£ade of the house. Their children are grown and married. For instance, a house with a variety of angular patterns of roofs, windows, and walls may best be suited to a diagonal or modified diagonal theme. For instance, even for a house that does not have a strong style, a client may really like the character of the porch—in particular, the arches of the porch. The two side patios, which will allow for additional table placement, are situated at an angle to reflect the strong roof pattern and to focus attention to the corners of the property where special plant masses might be established. In these situations, it is suggested that the designer look toward the architecture for design suggestions. For instance, a client may be interested in having a very energetic design with a lot of visual action. These clients are a young couple with two
grade-school-aged children and two dogs. A private space for the hot tub was included near the bedroom. Figure 10-64 shows the first example. They are working parents who enjoy relaxing when they get home. The vegetable garden was placed in the back corner with a small sitting/relaxing area adjacent and beneath some shade trees. It is especially important to attend to those architectural features that were addressed and discussed at the client meeting, and subsequently photographed. The private space, near the dining room, is enclosed with a fence high enough to provide the requisite separation for her reading and exercising activities. Stone, similar to the stone on the front of the house, was used with a curvilinear layout to provide for a casual, welcoming connection to the lawn area and the river. They are champion bridge players, and usually entertain 12 people once a month. A curvilinear design might suit these clients well. They have always been partial to houses with a formal character, and really enjoy the clean, white look of this one. The clients are a middle-aged couple who both have top management positions in local companies. The rest of the yard was configured with a curvilinear design theme, which blends with the arch character and the softness of the curves. For relaxation, they plan to maintain vegetable and perennial gardens. Stone is their favorite material for patio spaces because they love the low stone wall along the front edge of the property. Figure 10-65 illustrates another example. They wanted a larger than normal patio space that would even offer the lawn as an overflow area in case they entertained a larger group. As demonstrated in these four examples, architectural character can be incorporated into a designer’s thinking in the form composition phase of design. There are times when a particular design theme might be selected to reflect the client’s preference regarding overall design character. They entertain small groups, approximately six to eight people, every other month or so. The major patio would be large enough for a table and chairs, with room for some other groupings of furniture, as well as potted plants. The wood deck system was used to provide easy access and views through each of the several sliding glass doors. A place for the grill has been established near the indoor eating areas. This can occur in a few different ways. These architectural elements will have a strong relationship to the existing architecture. As you can see, an arc and tangent design theme was selected. Therefore, if the clients are not attracted to a specific design theme, and the house does not have a specific style, the designer may incorporate specific architectural features into the main forms of the design. The shape of the decks was established to emphasize access down the steps to the lower stone patio in directions of the best views to the river. In this case, the designer would select a design theme that would allow for those particular forms to be the accented areas. Then, an arc similar to the porch arches was used to accent the edge of the major gathering space. They also requested a private place for a hot tub, with a view to the river. The client, a
single mother with three children, did not have any preferences concerning the proposed character of the landscape design. First, a specific design theme (rectangular, circular, angular, etc.) may be selected because it seems to be strongly related to the distinctive character of the architecture.
