DESIGNING LANDSCAPES (A walk through the landscape architectural design process)

Transcription

1 DESIGNING LANDSCAPES (A walk through the landscape architectural design process) KENNETH K. KAMMEYER, A.S.L.A. Senior Principal Kammeyer & Associates Incorporated Corona, California PROLOGUE: A reading from "the Hunter and the Philosopher". (Simonds) INTRODUCTION: The hunter and philosopher captures the spirit of what Landscape Architecture is all about. A more articulate definition, one given in 1910 defines it this way. "Landscape Architecture is primarily a fine art, and as such its most important function is to create and preserve beauty in the surrounding of human habitations and in the broader natural scenery of the country: but it is also concerned with promoting the comfort, convenience, and health of urban populations, which have scanty access to rural scenery, and urgently need to have their hurrying, workaday lives refreshed and calmed by the beautiful and reposeful sights and sound which nature, aided by the landscape art, can abundantly provide". (Eloit) Another definition reduced to legalistic language. "The Landscape Architect is the person lawfully licensed by the State to practice as such. The profession applies artistic and scientific principals to the research, planning, design and management of both natural and built environments.".most states feel the practice of Landscape Architecture directly effect the health, safety and welfare of the public and require registration, commonly call a license. Several California Universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in Landscape Architecture. For state registration a candidate must meet certain educational and/ or experience requirements. In addition they must pass a comprehensive examination, in seven sections, that consumes up to four days. Even though Landscape Architects perform a wide range of services, they are employed in dozens of different ways, and practice differently. A generally accepted, contemporary, "design process" is many time in use. By understanding this "design process" you will better be equipped to interface with them in pursuit of your mission. In the brief time we have today we will give you an overview of that design process. There are specific and general terms that relate to the practice of Landscape Architecture. To effectively work with professionals in this field your must understand, as with any specialized field of endeavor, some of "their" terminology. For your future reference we have prepared an abbreviated glossary of common terms in use today. Hopefully by understanding the terminology, your effectiveness will be enhanced. 79

2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS: (Topical, current, and sometimes confusing nomenclature relating to the Practice of Landscape Architecture, Landscape Construction and the building process.) Architect: The Architect is the person lawfully licensed to practice architecture or an entity lawfully practicing architecture identified as such in the Agreement and is referred to throughout the Contract Documents as if singular in number. The term "Architect" means the Architect or the Architect's authorized representative. As-Built Drawings: CEQA: Change Order: Clerk of Works: Contour Grading: Contract Documents: Construction Change Directive: Contractor: Poor terminology see/use "Record Drawings" Abbreviation for "California Environmental Quality Act". A State law that mandates environmental review and evaluation of public and private projects undertaken or approved by public agencies. This review sometimes results in the need to complete an EIR (Environmental Impact Report). A Change Order is a written instrument prepared by the Architect and signed by the Owner, Contractor and Architect, stating their agreement upon a change of work, an amount of the Contract Sum if any and the extent of the adjustment in Contract Time if any. The representative of the owner of a construction project that observes contractor compliance to a contract. More appropriate is/see "Contracts Administrator" Refers to "rounding-off' or a "curving" concept related to grading of land. Consists of the Agreement between Owner and Contractor, Conditions of the Contract, Drawings, Specifications, Addenda issued prior to execution of the Contract, and other documents listed in the Agreement. A Construction Change Directive is a written order prepared by the Architect and signed by the Owner and Architect, directing a change in the work. Referred to inaccurately as "Change Order". The Contractor is the person or entity identified as such in the Agreement and is referred to throughout the Contract Documents as if singular in number. The term "Contractor" means the Contractor or the Contractor's authorized representative. 80

3 Contracts Administrator: Design Development: Drawings: Elevation Drawing: BIR: Evapotran~piration or "ET' Field Observation: Fuel Modification Zone: General Contractor: A representative of the owner of a construction project that observes contractor compliance to a contract. Use in lieu of "Clerk of Works". An intermittent design step used by professionals to define a specific level of detail. Normally more than a plan including "Outline Specifications' and details. May be the same as the inappropriate terminology, "Preliminary Design", in common usage. The Drawings are graphic and pictorial portions of the Contract Documents showing the design, location and dimensions of the Work, generally including plans, elevations, sections, details schedules and diagrams. The terms "Working Drawings" and "Contract Drawings" are developed for a specific purpose. A scale drawing depicting a vertical view of a design element. Typically a structure and referenced by directional exposure, i.e. "North Elevation". Abbreviation for Environmental Impact Report. A comprehensive analysis of the possible environmental impacts of the proposed project. This report also includes a comprehensive plan to mitigate these impacts. A term used to describe the total water used by plants. The two factors that determine "ET', and hence the watering requirements, are species and climate. The periodic observation of the construction process by the Owner, Architect and/or Landscape Architect. May be to review design intent and details. Used appropriately in this context in-leu of "Inspection". An area of land defined as a potential for fire damage related to the landscape, in which certain planting and maintenance criteria are prescribed. Sometime synonymous with "Contractor" when used in Contract Documents. A state licenced activity in which the Contractor is the responsible party to provide equipment and or services to complete a given contract. Limits may be set as to type of state licence required for a particular scope/project service. 81

4 General Plan: Hardscape: Isometric Drawing: Inspection: Landscape Architect: Landscape Biomass: Landscape Contractor: Landscape Designer: A planning document which guides the development of cities. This document is recommended by Planning Commissions, and eventually adopted by the local government. The "General Plan" is a land use and zoning tool. A general term referring to features within a landscape or park project exclusive of plant materials. The representation of an object in isometric projection, of 30, 45 or 60 degrees, but with lines parallel to the edges drawn in true length. Refers to complete or consistent review of the construction process to control quality and quantity as specified or detailed. Confused with the term "Field Observation". The Landscape Architect is the person lawfully licensed by the State to practice as such. The profession applies artistic and scientific principals to the research, planning, design and management of both natural and built environments. The total weight of the living organisms directly attributed to the landscape of a given area. A Specialty Contractor that contracts to perform work or provide services on landscape related Projects. Possesses a State Contractor License "C-27". A term used often by those practicing Landscape Architecture that does not posses a valid State licence to practice Landscape Architecture. This use is illegal in states that have a "Practice Act" i.e. California. Landscape Maintenance District: An area established by governmental authority for the express purpose of maintaining certain landscape elements and establishing a special tax necessary for same. Master Plan: As used in planning, a comprehensive, long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of a project, city, town, or region expressing official contemplations on the course its community facilities should take. It makes proposals for aspects of growth and development. 82

5 Master Plan: continued Open Space: Owner: Performance Bond: Preliminary Plan: Perspective Drawing: Probable Project Construction Cost: Product Data: Project: Record Drawings: As relates to a given site it may establishes progran~ elements, relationships, theme and or a development phasing. Predominantly un-built land serving, in part, the conservation, ecological, recreation, historic and community enhancement purposes. The Owner is the person or entity identified as such in the Agreement and is referred to through the Contract Documents as if singular in number. The term "Owner" means the Owner or the Owner's authorized representative. A "Bond" that is required as a part of the "Contract Documents" that insures that the Contractor will complete the project for the "Bid Price". Contractors are normally required to submit the bond in the amount of 100% of the awarded contract amount. May infer areas rather than details. Should be defined when used (i.e. Show location of elements, paths, parking areas, mass grading, play areas and planting masses). See "Design Development Drawings" for alternative usage. A method of drawing giving the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions. A estimate of the expected construction cost. Product Data are illustrations, standard schedules, performance charts, instructions, brochures, diagrams and other information furnished by the Contractor. They typically are materials or equipment for some portion of the work related to Manufacturers and, or Suppliers. The Project is the total construction of which the work performed under Contract Documents may be the whole or a part. Information provided by the Contractor relative to the actual location and type of systems in-place. Common for recording of underground facilities. 83

6 RFP: Samples: Schematic Design: Section Drawing: Shop Drawings: Site Analysis: Specifications: Streetscape: Subcontractor: Abbreviation for "Request for Proposal". Information submitted by an entity to obtain professional assistance. Samples are physical examples which illustrate materials, equipment or workmanship and establish standards by which the "Work" will be judged. A planning analytical technic in which the physical components in a plan are represented symbolically, usually by their names written inside individual circles, for the purpose of considering their relationships. Drawings depicting, in scale, a cross section of a site, structure or facility indicating form and type of materials. Usually referenced for location and direction on a corresponding plan. Shop Drawings are detailed drawings, diagrams, schedules and other data specially prepared by the Contractor, Subcontractor, Sub-subcontractor, supplier or distributer to illustrate some portion of the work. A detailed examination of a site in order to understand its nature and determine its essential features, or areas of opportunity and constraints to development. The Specifications are that portion of the Contract Documents consisting of written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and performance of related services. The setting or character of a street or road related site. Generally includes appropriate plantings, walks, equipment and related constructed items. A "Streetscape Plan" may be for the development of a street right-ofway or parkland which includes both hardscape design elements and a planting plan. A person or entity who has a direct contact with the Contractor to perform a portion of the Work at the Site. 84

7 DESIGN PROCESS: Most clients don't foresee the extreme amount of work that will be required to design their projects. Neither do most design firms or related specialist. This is why a general understanding is helpful for marketing related services or providing input relative to manufactured materials. Let me "walk" you through the design process of a Landscape Architect. For purposes of this example we are making the assumption the project is of substantial size. For example a single family residence or other small project will obviously not require this much of a detailed scenario. DESIGN PROCESS OUTLINE: (Guidelines) PHASE ONE PHASE TWO PHASE THERE PHASE FOUR PHASE FIVE PHASE SIX PHASE SEVEN PHASE EIGHT PHASE NINE PREDESIGN SITE ANALYSIS SCHEMATIC DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS BIDDING/CONTRACTOR NEGOTIATION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION POST-CONSTRUCTION EXTENDED SERVICES SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES Items relevant to landscape planning include: (General Discussion) EXHIBITS ILLUSTRATING PHASES OF: PHASE TWO PHASE THERE PHASE FOUR PHASE FIVE PHASE SEVEN SITE AN AL YSIS SCHEMATIC DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION REFERENCES Eliot, C. W. (1910) Letters to the Editors of Landscape Architecture. Simonds, J. 0. (1961) Landscape Architecture. New York: McGraw-Hill. Guidelines, THE DESIGN SERVICES APPRAISERc : 1990 Orinda California. 85