Modernism, in the context of landscape design, is a result of forms and
functions that reflect the need for outdoor living spaces that enhance
contemporary lifestyles. As Garrett Eckbo, one of the central figures in modern
landscape architecture, said, landscape design is the “arrangement of
environments for people.”
Contemporary garden design tends to focus on
scale as opposed to formal landscape
that are based on axial relationships. It also foregoes the more classic landscape
design forms and
larger scale from Greek, Roman, and classical architecture traditions. This
design motif became popular in the 1950’s baby boom, particularly in California
where weather and lifestyle was very conducive to this innovative style.
In modern landscape design, boundaries between areas
of color, textures and shapes are undefined—or conversely, sharply defined.
Color and composition create the emotional response. Combining freshness and
flair, these designs use dramatic geometric shapes to create a point of view
that is fluid and natural. Water and light are often used, as in artfully-lit
outdoor water fountains, to enhance the sensual
loveliness and liveliness. The designs are arresting, both close up and far
Form and Function in Modern Landscape Design
maxim says, form follows function. Modern landscape design is an aesthetic that
shows only what is necessary while often leaving surfaces exposed. The
simplicity of modern design reveals itself in that every form has a function,
even when that function is merely to engage the senses.
It is possible, sometimes
desirable, to use modern design techniques without creating a high-tech look.
That is, to make use of horizontal and vertical planes that manufacture a modern
sculpture effect—and let colors and plantings evoke a warm, welcoming feel. It
is that juxtaposition—hard and soft, linear and non-linear, energetic and
restrained—that is the essence of modern landscape design. “Less is more” is the
modern landscape design mantra. A huge plant palette is not necessary. Rather,
it is how plants, materials, and textures are used and mass them together that
create the contemporary effect.
The architecture of
the house needs to be carefully considered when using a contemporary garden design. If the house is bold,
the grounds need to be strong also. The home and landscape can be tied
together through selective use of plantings or the intelligent placement of a
hardscape feature, such as an organic approach to the front door.
Using Today’s Technology in Your Modern Landscape
Naturally new technologies
in building materials are a big component of modern landscape design, which can
mean a new approach using old materials or a new approach using new materials.
Often, it is the contrast of material usage that suggests
Concrete, with its sturdiness
and malleability, has won a firm place in contemporary garden design. Its cool, gray color
alone establishes its credibility. Its uses run the gamut from flooring to
columns to stark, amorphous benches. In addition to concrete, advances in steel
and glass technologies, plus construction methods, can be even further exploited
within the modern landscape design.
Often materials, such as stone,
metal, plastics, steel and glass, are left in an exposed or raw state. Part of
the beauty of these materials derives from their interplay with nature—the way
steel rusts to a warm, burnt look, for instance.
The Spaces of
Modern Landscape Design
Landscape themes such as English, Asian,
Zen gardens, natural, Japanese or modern identify not
only your property but also your tastes and style. Color, form, line, scale, and
texture are your means of expressing those landscape design
Your choices can be demonstrated in the plants and
hardscapes you choose. Beauty can be a maple imported from Japan. It can also be
the wild grass native to the Texas coastal plains. You may have outdoor works of
art to display in your landscape. Or you might use a stream that ends in a
waterfall as an ever-changing sculpture of sound and movement. Landscape
lighting is another crucial tool of contemporary garden design as it
creates ambiance and lets you enjoy your landscape night and
Other uses of
space in contemporary designs include:
• Outdoor rooms for
living. These living areas, in effect, make your home bigger. They also
serve to create transition areas that connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. In
this regard, this style is similar to a Mediterranean
landscape design with its underlying principle that the outdoor living area should
be just as enjoyable and functional as the home’s interior.
kitchens. The center of outdoor entertainment, outdoor
provide a natural gathering place. Their design should complement both the house
and the landscape. Above all, their design should be functional.
swimming pools. When designed from a modern viewpoint, luxury
swimming pools are anything but a boring rectangle or kidney-shaped pool. They
become sophisticated and exciting, eye-catching and mesmerizing. Often, you can
combine them with an outdoor water
fountain that eliminates some redundancies while adding vitality to your overall
Modern landscape design is even
more appropriate today than it was 50 years ago. Jeff Halper with Exterior
Worlds says, “Contemporary garden design has gotten only better
with time. With today’s busy lifestyles, there is less time for gardening. Also,
we need to use our gardens for multiple functions these days—sanctuary,
entertainment, a place for children to play safely. Modern landscape design
addresses all these wants and needs.”
Robert Irwin, the landscape
architect of the Getty Center in Los Angeles,
puts it this way: “…maybe the world is an art form [and] the gardening of our
universe” reveals our participation in that work of art.
modern landscape design—and the gardening of your universe—call Exterior Worlds at 713-827-2255.