Water is a special design element in open space planning and one that lends a decidedly distinguished touch. But it is not enough merely to insert water basins and fountains at the appropriate spots in architectural drawings. As early as the design stage the planner must begin to think about where the water is going to come from, where it is going to drain, and how it is going to be cleaned.

At the beginning of one's architecture studies, there are many unknowns: what is really important? how do I brainstorm a design idea? how can this idea be depicted and ultimately implemented? BASICS is a series that imparts fundamental knowledge in compact individual volumes as well as in topical compendiums. It offers precise, step-by-step discussions, systematically covering the most important material pertaining to a given topic. Tailored to the needs of students, the series addresses all key subject areas, including design, architectural presentation, construction, professional practice, building services, landscape architecture, and urbanism.

Unlike concrete or masonry, plants are a living building material that changes in the course of the seasons and the years. Their growth and varying appearance are factors that must be considered when designing and planning.

In addition, plants can also be employed to create different design levels. They can be used as sheathing (green facades, ground cover - lawns) and to generate spaces of various heights (hedges, shrubs, trees).

Topics:

• Basics of using plants
• Plant typologies
• Function and impact of spaces
• Site-specificity
• Design principles
• Planting plan and representation
• Execution

A la difference de la maconnerie ou du beton, la plante est un materiau vivant qui evolue au cours des saisons et des annees. Ses aspects changeants et sa croissance constituent des facteurs a prendre en consideration lors de l'elaboration du projet et de l'amenagement.

Les plantes peuvent etre utilisees a divers niveaux du projet: pour couvrir des elements (murs vegetaux, couverture du sol, gazon) et creer des volumes a differentes hauteurs (haies, buissons, arbres, etc.).

Themes abordes:

• Les principes de base dans l'utilisation des plantes
• Typologie des plantes
• Effet produit dans l'espace et fonction
• Rapport avec le lieu
• Principes de l'amenagement
• Plan des vegetaux et representation
• Realisation