• History and Ideas
  • Prehistory to Middle Ages
  • Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment
  • 19th Century
  • 20th Century
  • From Millennium to Olympics
• The Genius of Place
  • Design and Vision
  • Planning the Landscape
  • Management and Conservation
  • Historic Conservation
  • The Science of Landscape
  • Cities and Towns
  • Gardens and Parks
• The Power to Change
  • Climate Change
  • Sustainable Communities
  • Environment
  • Housing
  • Hunger
  • Transportation

The Science of Landscape

The scientific processes that shape the landscape are of great importance to landscape architects. These may include botany, geology, ecology, soil science and wildlife and habitat conservation.  Landscape science is a discipline in its own right and can also be a pathway into design or management.    

The science of landscape generally requires work in collaboration with landscape architects who are specialised in design, landscape managers, architects, planners and civil engineers.  Ecological surveys, wildlife studies, planting studies, conservation, management, pollution mitigation and reclamation are all within the scope of work for a landscape scientist.

Environmental assessment is an important part of the work of landscape architects, and this involves preparing landscape and visual impact assessments, reports and, occasionally, appearing  as an expert witness in public inquiries.