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The American Society of Landscape Architects defines landscape
architecture as the "...profession which applies artistic
and scientific principles to the research, planning, design and
management of both natural and built environments. Practioners
of this profession apply creative and technical skills and scientific,
cultural and political know-ledge in the planned arrangement of
natural and constructed elements on the land with a concern for
the stewardship and conservation of natural, constructed and human
resources. The resulting environments shall serve useful, aesthetic,
safe and enjoyable purposes."
"Landscape architecture may, for the purposes of landscape
preservation, development and enhancement, include: investigation,
selection, and allocation of land and water resources for appropriate
use; feasibility studies; formulation of graphic and written criteria
to govern the planning and design of land construction programs;
preparation, review, and analysis of master plans for land use
and development; production of overall site plans, landscape grading
and landscape drainage plans, irrigation plants, planting plans,
and construction details; specifications; cost estimates and reports
for land development; collaboration in the design of roads, bridges,
and structures with respect to the functional and aesthetic requirements
of the areas on which they are to be placed; negotiation and arrangement
for execution of land area projects; field observation and inspection
of land area construction, restoration, and maintenance."
(from: 1993 Members Handbook, pg. 2)
Landscape architects and permaculturists share an interest in
the design of landscapes including the relative location of elements,
concerns for movement of water on the site, and use of plants.
Landscape architects also use a design process as a means to consider
natural and cultural forces influencing design decisions. Permaculture,
in general, is more specific in its statement of principles and
its design and selection of plants for useful, productive and
sustainable ends. Individual landscape architects may, however,
approach design from a permaculture perspective while others see
the landscape as a functional, decorative and aesthetic entity.
Permaculturists should be aware of at least these three references written by landscape architects:
Lyle, John T. 1994. Regenerative Design for Sustainable
Development. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
McHarg, Ian. 1969. Design with Nature. Garden City, New
York: Natural History Press. (available in new edition as well)
Thayer, Robert L. Jr.. 1994. Gray World, Green Heart; Technology,
Nature, and the Sustainable Landscape. New York: John Wiley
& Sons.
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