Landscape Site Grading Principles

A complete guide to site grading for designers and other visual learners Grading With Design in Mind: Landscape Site Grading Principles is a comprehensive guide to grading, written specifically from the design perspective. Heavily illustrated and non-technical, this book meets the needs of designers and visual learners by presenting the principles and methods of site grading with less emphasis on engineering, and a strong focus on the effect on the overall aesthetic. Written by a professor in America's number-one ranked undergraduate landscape architecture program, the book guides readers step-by-step through the process of solving various grading problems in real-life scenarios. Landscape designers, landscape architects, and engineers need to have a deep understanding of site grading as the foundation of any project. Grading plans must not only solve practical requirements, but also create landforms that contribute to the aesthetic ambition of the overall site and architectural design concept. Grading With Design in Mind takes a highly visual approach to presenting modern grading techniques and considerations, providing designers the guidance they need to become competent in site grading while understanding the design implications of the subject. Features include: Numerous illustrations to support the text Step-by-step examples Professional grading plans Studying the professional grading plans helps readers better understand the real-world application of grading principles in different situations. Site grading is a complicated topic with plenty of on-site variables, but Grading with Design in Mind breaks it down into clear, concise instruction with value to both professionals and students in the field of landscape design.

"The contour line is the only precise and accurate means for representing the free and natural formation of terrain in the plan; so learn to use this instrument!" Professor Hans Loidl, Landscape Architect and Teacher The two design elements of landscape architecture are plants and terrain. While the subject of vegetation is well documented by numerous publications, there is a lack of technical literature in the field of grading. This volume fills that gap: History, forms of terrain, basic principles, digital modeling, slope reinforcement systems, construction site implementation, and practical examples – all are treated in detail by the author. Short problems, systematically organized and arranged in increasing order of difficulty, enable the reader to apply what he or she has learned. The exercises are suitable for self-study. Together with the large amount of practical information provided by the book, they also enable architects to become familiar with grading as an important design element of landscape architecture.

Grading is one the most important aspects involved in landscape architecture, and, together with planting and vegetation, the most important tool in designing landscape. Landscape architects must be able to design using contour lines, as well as rapidly develop alternatives and consider options regarding design, ecology, economy, and technology. Knowledge of grading is an indispensable prerequisite. The book explains the basic aspects of grading such as land forms, scales, interpolation, elevation points, contour lines, earth mass calculation, and also introduces the topics of slope protection systems, rainwater management, or onsite grading. In the second edition, these basics have been updated to comprise new technologies including landscapingSMART, digital terrain modeling (DTM) and 3D machine control, as well as grading for roads and parking lots, and other terrain modeling construction machines. Numerous practical examples complement the theoretical foundations, and there is a section for exercises aimed at applying what has been learned.

Site Engineering for Landscape Architects Fifth Edition The leading guide to site design and engineering, now fully updated. The leading choice for site engineering, planning, and construction courses, as well as for practitioners in the field, Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, Fifth Edition introduces the principles and techniques of basic site engineering for grading, drainage, earthwork, and road alignment. The Fifth Edition maintains the text's recognized quality, while revising its content to keep readers up to date with current technologies in the field of landscape architecture. Introducing landform and the language of its design, the text explores the site engineering concepts essential to practicing landscape architecture today—from interpreting landform and contour lines, to designing horizontal and vertical road alignments, to construction sequencing, to designing and sizing stormwater management systems. Integrating design with the construction and implementation processes, the authors provide students with a progressive understanding of the subject matter. This new edition expands its coverage of such current topics as sustainability, green roofs, bioengineering, and lightweight and structural soils. It also features new case studies, as well as inspiring graphics and color photos with real-world examples. Perfect for use as a study guide for the most difficult section of the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam (LARE) or as a handy professional reference, Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, Fifth Edition gives readers a strong foundation for engaging in site development that is environmentally sensitive and intellectually stimulating.

SUPERB EXECUTION RELIES UPON RIGOROUS PROJECT DOCUMENTATION A project will only be built as well as it is documented. This publication focuses on the key documentation needs of the landscape architectural design and construction documentation process. That includes both "design documentation" and "construction documentation" as well as all that which occurs in the transition from one phase to the other. Documentation requirements include those components necessary to explore and define design intent, logic, physical proposals, and ultimately, the specific components included within construction and bid documents. Discover how proper documentation facilitates every stage of the design process from pre-planning to construction, and leads to a highly resolved built outcome. Understand the principles behind these documentation practices. Implement best practices specific to each documentation phase and drawing, from title block and cover sheet design to soil plans and plant protection. Organize keynoting systems, cross-referencing and interdisciplinary coordination amongst multiple consultants and vendors. Study sample project documents from a leading landscape architecture firm to better understand the elements and benefits of complete and well-coordinated project documentation. These standards have been time-tested by over 150 designers at the industry leading landscape architecture firm Design Workshop, reflecting a range of project types, including parks, streetscapes, urban spaces and over-structure construction. This guide shares the methods behind the success, to facilitate exceptional built outcomes through principled documentation practices.

What is landscape architecture? Is it gardening, or science, or art? In this book, Bruce Sharky provides a complete overview of the discipline to provide those that are new to the subject with the foundations for future study and practice. The many varieties of landscape practice are discussed with an emphasis on the significant contributions that landscape architects have made across the world in daily practice. Written by a leading scholar and practitioner, this book outlines the subject and explores how, from a basis in garden design, it 'leapt over the garden wall' to encapsulate areas such as urban and park design, community and regional planning, habitat restoration, green infrastructure and sustainable design, and site engineering and implementation. Coverage includes: The effects that natural and human factors have upon design, and how the discipline is uniquely placed to address these challenges Examples of contemporary landscape architecture work - from storm water management and walkable cities to well-known projects like the New York High Line and the London Olympic Park Exploration of how art and design, science, horticulture, and construction come together in one subject Thinking about Landscape Architecture is perfect for those wanting to better understand this fascinating subject, and those starting out as landscape architecture students.