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Signs and Symbols of Landscape and Site Planning

Research I in Planning 1

Researchers:

Anson Jr. Edusma

Christina Joy L. Valles

BSAR 3B

Adviser:

Ar. Dianne Angelynne Lim-so, UAP, M.Arch

May 19, 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE SIGNS AND……………………………………….4-6

SYMBOLS OF SITE PLANNING AND

LANDSCAPE

II. SITE PLANNING SIGNS AND SYMBOLS…………………………………...6-12

1. North Point………………………………………………………………….....7-8

a. True north………………………………………….…………………………8

b. Magnetic north…………………………………….…………………………8

c. Grid north………………………………………….…………………………8

2. Arrows...……………………….……………………………………………….8-9

3. Other Symbols in Site Planning…….………………….…………………..9-12

a. Line identification……………………….………………………………….10

b. Building identification……..……………………………………………….10

c. Building utilities services identification…..………………………………11

d. Trees identification………………………………………………………...11

e. Mechanical and plumbing line distribution……………………………...11

f. Benchmark and elevation identification………………….……………...12

g. Manhole identification……….…………………………………..………...12

III. LANDSCAPE SYMBOLS……….…………………………………..………..12-23

1. Landscape Plant Symbols……….…………………………………..……13-17

a. Evergreen Trees Symbols……….…………………………………..…...14

b. Deciduous Trees Symbols……….…………………………………..…...14

c. Shrub Symbols……….…………………………………..………………..15
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d. Garden Flower Symbols……….………………..…………………..……16

e. Ornamental Grass Symbols….…….…………………….…….………..16

2. Landscape Infrastructure Symbols….…….….………….…………..…..17-22

a. Landscape Fence Symbols….…………..…..….…………..…..….……17

b. Landscape Wall Symbols….…………..…..….…………..……………..18

c. Landscape Table & Chair Symbols….…………..…..….…………..…..19

d. Landscape Bench Symbols….…………..…..….…………..……………20

e. Landscape Bridge Symbols….…………..…..….…………..………...…20

f. Landscape Lamp Symbols….…………..…..….…………..….…………21

g. Landscape Stone Symbols….…………..…..….…………..….………...21

3. Landscape Recreational Facility Symbols….…………..…..….…………...22

a. Landscape Pool Symbols…………………………………………………22

b. Landscape Fitness Symbols……………………………………………...23

IV. REFERENCES…………………...……………………………………………….24
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I. INTRODUCTION TO THE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF SITE PLANNING

AND LANDSCAPE

Through site planning and landscape, the architect can choose the best

places and create a structure that fits the area by doing a thorough examination

of the viability of developing a site. Site planning typically begins by assessing a

potential site for development through thorough site analysis. Information about

slopes, soils, hydrology, vegetation, parcel ownership, orientation, etc. are

assessed and documented. Going through a thorough analysis of the feasibility

of developing a site allows the architect to determine optimal locations and

design for a structure that works within the space. While conducting the site

analysis the architect also needs to review zoning of the potential project site.

These are the regulations that have been developed by the local municipality to

separate the land into different use areas such as residential and industrial

zones. This allows the town or city to not be over powered by one type of land

distinction. On the other hand, the use of symbols in landscape can narrow down

a broad and open space since this might be overwhelming especially to those

students who have just started learning the field. Symbols and signs are created

to make the process of studying this type of field less complicated. Familiarizing

these elements will not only help struggling students but also professionals in

creating an organized and aesthetically pleasing landscape and site. The

effective use of these symbols is immediately evident from the start of the

landscape design process, until the final creation of landscape plan.

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As the architect goes through the site planning phase they take into

consideration and look at the surrounding buildings and adjacent sites to see

what characteristics they have. They may use this information to help inform

some of their decisions which will ultimately be used to grant them approval for

their building and renovation projects. In addition to the general analysis that is

done during this phase, details about where everything is located is also

documented including not only buildings but water, sewer and power lines. This

information needs to be taken into consideration when developing a new

development project. From single buildings to complex mixed-use facilities,

feasibility studies can be conducted to produce site plans to evaluate land use

and identify opportunities. Site planning is the unseen foundation of any land

development project. A site plan is typically a large-scale drawing that shows the

full extent of the site for an existing or proposed development. Site plans, along

with location plans, may be necessary for planning applications. In most cases,

site plans will be drawn up following a series of desk-based studies and site

investigations.

Site planning is also the skill of placing buildings on a piece of land and

sculpting the areas in between them. Signs and symbols simultaneously play a

huge role in site planning and landscape. In landscape architecture, the signs

and symbols are figures that represent the tangibles in a landscape. These icons

may be a visual representation of different kinds of plants and trees that varies

according to their shapes, sizes, and forms. There are also other hardscape

materials to be depicted such as the furniture, bridges, fountains, sheds, and

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more. These signs and symbols are vital in creating an understandable plan

while beautifying or emphasizing the concept of the landscape design. Since

landscape does not only focus on the organization of forms, the use of symbols

should also be able to facilitate in the experimentation of forms and presentation

of spatial experience in the landscape. At the same time, ideas during pre-

construction phase will be easier to sort out and visualized which is said to create

less room for errors as designers go further in the process of landscape

designing.

II. SITE PLANNING SIGNS AND SYMBOLS

Site planning signs and symbols are graphical representations used to

represent various features and elements of a site. These symbols are used to

represent the physical, social, economic, and environmental characteristics of a

site and are an important tool for urban designers and planners in the process of

understanding the complexities of a site and determining the most appropriate

design solution. There are a variety of site planning symbols that can be used,

each representing different elements of the site. For example, symbols can be

used to represent the physical features of a site, such as the topography,

vegetation, and existing buildings. Symbols can also be used to represent the

social and economic characteristics of a site, such as the population density,

income level, and cultural diversity of the area. In addition, symbols can be used

to represent the environmental characteristics of a site, such as the presence of

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natural resources, pollution levels, and potential for flooding or other natural

disasters.

Site planning symbols are an important tool because they help to clearly and

concisely communicate the various characteristics of a site. By using

standardized symbols, designers and planners can quickly and easily convey

information about a site to others, such as colleagues, clients, and the wider

community. This allows for more efficient communication and decision-making,

as well as a greater level of transparency and understanding of the design

process. In addition to being a useful tool for communication, these symbols can

also be used to help inform the design process itself. By clearly identifying the

various characteristics of a site, designers and planners can better understand

the constraints and opportunities presented by the site and develop design

solutions that are sensitive to these factors.

1. NORTH POINT

Source: Urban Design Lab

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The north point should always appear on drawings. It is useful for establishing

aspect and shadow paths but mainly for ensuring that all concerned orientate all

drawings the right way up.

There are effectively three types of north:

a. True north – the direction of a meridian of longitude which converges on

the North Pole

b. Magnetic north- the direction indicated by a magnetic compass. Magnetic

north moves slowly with a variable rate and currently is west of grid north

in Great Britain

c. Grid north – the direction of a grid line which is parallel to the central

meridian on the Ordnance Survey grid

2. ARROWS

Source: Urban Design Lab

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are used to depict direction – of movement, of view, of sun path for example –

but may also be used to point to key features in or beyond the plan. It is better to

avoid using both on the same plan, but if this is essential then the forms of the

arrows should be distinct and explained in the key. Arrows should be designed

so that their outline cannot be confused with elements of the base plan.

3. OTHER SYMBOLS IN SITE PLANNING

Source: Urban Design Lab

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a. Line identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

b. Building identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

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c. Building utilities services identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

d. Trees identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

e. Mechanical and plumbing line distribution

Source: Urban Design Lab

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f. Benchmark and elevation identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

g. Manhole identification

Source: Urban Design Lab

III. LANDSCAPE SYMBOLS

Aside from the various greeneries and landscape materials, there are also other

symbols or signs used to illustrate the texture or components of materials such

as wood, concrete, and stones. To add note, arrow is used in positioning annuals

in a landscape. The facilities or infrastructures included in the landscape also use

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symbols. Many of these components differ if placed in various views to create

their own distinction in different views or perspectives. There are mainly three

types of landscape symbols:

1. Landscape Plant Symbols

2. Landscape Infrastructure Symbols

3. Landscape Recreational Facility Symbols

1. Landscape Plant Symbols

Landscape plant symbols are placed in the landscape with the aim to incorporate

organic forms in its design. It may or may not be the focal interest in the

landscape since it will be based on its use or purpose. Organic is related to or

has the characteristics of living organisms. Any elements, patterns, or forms seen

in the natural environment is organic which is the potential basis in designing a

landscape. Since humans are becoming more environmentally-sensitive, there is

an increasing desire among contemporary landscape to add organic forms in

their design. In this part, trees and plants are applied to create organic space or

form in the landscape. Other than it adding organic form in the design, it can

simultaneously provide a solution in the problems that might occur or is present

on the site. The landscape might need noise cancelling or therapeutical

environment to help patients in hospitals. This needs an illustration of plants,

small galleries, or trees in a particular patter, which could be scattered, mosaic,

fractals, or much more. That is why knowing what landscape plant symbols as

well as their types and size is important to be able to make landscape patterns
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attainable. Under this are some landscape plant symbols used in landscape

design.

a. Evergreen Trees Symbols

According to botany, an evergreen plant is one with leaves that stay green

and useful for more than one growing season. This also holds true for

plants that do not shed their leaves throughout the winter or dry season,

such as deciduous plants, but only retain their foliage in warm areas.

Source: Cadnature

b. Deciduous Trees Symbols

In botany and horticulture, deciduous plants are those that lose all of their

leaves for a period of the year. These include trees, shrubs, and

herbaceous perennials. Conversely, because not all of their leaves are

shed at once, evergreen plants appear to be green throughout the year

because they shed their leaves on a different schedule than deciduous

plants.
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Source: Cadnature

c. Shrub Symbols

A perennial woody plant that grows to a small to medium size is called a

shrub. In contrast to herbaceous plants, shrubs have woody stems that

live above ground. They can be distinguished from trees by their

numerous stems and shorter height (less than 6 to 10 m). One of the most

fundamental types of landscape symbols required in a landscape plan are

shrub symbols.

Source: Cadnature
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d. Garden Flower Symbols

Flowers are known to be good communicators. Some flowers are symbolic

form of love, hope, healing, grief, and good fortune. The Almanac contains

a complete list of flower interpretations. When selecting flowers for a

garden, a holiday, or even a wedding, consider the language of flowers.

There are hidden meanings and worth in every flower.

Source: Cadnature

e. Ornamental Grass Symbols

In gardens, decorative grasses are used for similar functions as natural

grasses and plants that resemble grass, including sedges. The majority of

ornamental grasses are perennial, or those that last for two years or

longer. Annual grasses only last for one growing season either due to their

natural growth habits or the fact that they are not hardy in our climate.
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Source: Cadnature

2. Landscape Infrastructure Symbols

Landscape infrastructure symbols include the structure or hardscape materials

present in the landscape design. The use of these symbols helps designers to

determine the proper or realistic placement of textures, materials, or furniture on

the landscape. It can also provide information on their desirable sizes, types, and

aesthetic. While plants symbols can create the form of the landscape,

infrastructure symbols will help organize the needed elements or solutions on the

landscape. Landscape infrastructure symbols include landscape fences, walls,

bridges, stones, and furniture like tables and chairs, and benches.

a. Landscape Fence Symbols

A fence is a strip that serves as a partition to keep people outside the

boundaries of a home. The fence in a garden is created to match the

theme of the house and garden. However, the barrier shouldn't typically be

taller than 2 meters. For landscape planning, there are many different
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fence emblems available. When designing a garden, the following fence

kinds should be taken into account:

Source: Cadbull

b. Landscape Wall Symbols

The most frequent component of a house is a wall. On a map, external

walls are represented by thick lines, and interior walls are represented by

thin lines. A wall could have many hues, straight or curved shapes, and

sizes. So, in a plan, a landscape symbol represents every aspect of a wall.

A fountain might be connected to a wall. To enhance the aesthetic theme

of the landscape, adding tiles and chips to a wall are highly

recommended. Retaining walls are taken into consideration by designers

primarily for landscape decoration. The landscape walls fall into the

following categories:
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Source: Cadbull

c. Landscape Table & Chair Symbols

Certain landscape designs must include icons for chairs and tables. There

are single chairs, office chairs, recliners, sling chairs, armchairs, lounge

chairs, desks, square, round, dining, and oblong tables among other types

of furniture.

Source: Cadblock
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d. Landscape Bench Symbols

Seats are highly desirable in landscape design to enhance the beauty of

the environment. Nowadays, seating can be transformed a form of art that

represents the concept of the landscape. A number of individuals may sit

on the bench and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere created by the

landscaping.

Source: Dwgmodels

e. Landscape Bridge Symbols

The bridge, whether it connects heaven and earth or two worlds, is

essentially symbolic of communication and unification. As a result, it might

be viewed as a link between God and Man. It could be a portal to reality or

simply a metaphor for travel and crossing. In the landscape planning,

bridge is used to connect pool and grass.

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Source: Freecadfloorplans

f. Landscape Lamp Symbols

There is the electrical illumination, light bulb, lamp. The symbolism of the

lamp is seen in life, in the light of divinity, in knowledge, in the intellect,

and in righteous deeds.

Source: Cadblock

g. Landscape Stone Symbols

Stones are desirable to use in driveways, specifically gravel for a

satisfying crunch underfoot or use the range of decorative gravel and

stones to brighten the tops of potted plants to give property the final
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touches it deserves.

Source: Cadnature

3. Landscape Recreational Facility Symbols

Landscape recreational facility symbols are most commonly used in the

landscape plans where people usually do recreational activities, relax, and bond

with others. There are residential buildings that often requires these types of

amenities, and other facilities that need it for specific uses or activities. These

symbols are advantageous in many ways. Since it usually takes more space, the

placement of it in the project has to be identified beforehand. It is also relevant in

finalizing the over-all design of landscape. Here are a few landscapes

recreational facility symbols.

a. Landscape Pool Symbols

Certain landscape planning needs to use pool, pond, water symbols.

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Source: Cadbull

b. Landscape Fitness Symbols

It goes without saying that some home gardens, communal landscapes, or

public parks require fitness equipment to be more enjoyable. Here are

some important fitness symbols, such as playgrounds and exercise

centers, that help landscape planning become more tangible.

Source: CadBlock
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REFERENCES

Crowley, B. (2019, April 19) BCA Architecture & Construction Services: Site

planning. https://www.bc-architecture.com/site-planning/

Booth, N. K. (2012). Foundations of Landscape Architecture: Integrating Form

and Space Using the Language of Site Design. Hoboken, New Jersey; John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Edraw Content Team. (n.d.). Garden Symbols & Meanings: EdrawMax.

Edrawsoft. https://www.edrawsoft.com/symbols/landscape-design-

symbols.html

Site Analysis Symbols in urban design. Urban Design lab. (2022, December 27).

https://urbandesignlab.in/site-analysis-symbols-in-urban-design