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HARMONY OF
DESIGN
A harmonious landscape design creates an environment that is
sensitive and responsive to the land. Our approach is
to organize design within a series of "outdoor rooms" which
can be an extension of the interior, so that the line between
the interior-exterior becomes blurred. The landscape
also becomes an extension of the client, a place that touches
their heart and allows them to daydream, sit quietly or play
loudly.
Achieving harmony in landscape design entails an effective
blend of both the art and science. The art of design
requires attention to simplicity and elegance. The science
of design must take into account the site analysis ("anatomy
of the site") such as the topography of the site, drainage,
weather patterns, existing vegetation, wetlands and natural
water features among others.
A landscape is a dynamic environment that changes and evolves
as it ages. Landscape architecture is a delicate balance
between the "static design" (the hardscape of steps, walls,
terraces, swimming pools, etc.) and the "living design" (the
landscape of trees, shrubs, gardens, etc).
Sustainable design methodology is applied wherever possible
in the design. The are many ways to apply sustainable
design practices such as building and tree siting for energy
efficiency, no-mow turf management, native plantings, etc.
Stormwater control using Best Management Practices (BMPs) include
various types of detention basins, retention basins, infiltration
basins, wetland basins, wetland channels, biofilters/grass strips,
filter media, hydrodynamic devices, percolation trenches/dry
wells, and porous pavement.
The design needs to incorporate, not only the clients needs
and desires, but also the needs of the land. Forethought
to the growth of the living environment is essential for understanding
how the living landscape will grow and interact with the static
landscape over time.
Okerstrom Lang Landscape Architects strongly believes in using
the local vernacular. Native plant species, natural hardscape
materials and designing for four-season interest creates a design
that is in harmony with the surrounding landscape and buildings
and puts the space in proper context. The controlled
use of color and ornamentation without clutter, the creative
use of sun and wind and the importance of proportion and scale
help in achieving the most memorable and enjoyable outdoor spaces.
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