MA Landscape Architecture Studies glossary

A design concept that connects humans with nature, either directly or indirectly, to improve wellbeing. This can be as simple as using mirrored surfaces to reflect sunlight, working with natural building materials and organic shapes, planting greenery, or even simulating nature.

An urban and land-use planning term. Blue infrastructure refers to water elements such as rivers, canals, floodplains and permeable pavements, whilst green includes features such as parks, allotments, gardens, and green walls. Balancing grey infrastructure (urban constructions) with blue and green helps create a healthier, happier place to live.  

The first plan in the design process. Its aim is to provide a sense of the overall look and feel of the space, setting out function and form without detailing specific techniques, materials, or project management requirements.  

A design philosophy where a material or product is not thrown away (from cradle to grave) but is recycled into a new product at the end of its life, so that ultimately there is no waste.

An alternative term for farm or arable land.

The process of collecting and formatting data to create a virtual image or map. Elements including water, topography, roads, and power lines are distilled into layers, which, when compiled, produce a complete visual representation of a space. This is then used to explore a landscape’s form and function and analyse its social and biophysical context. 

The premise that everyone should have access to a safe and healthy environment, regardless of who they are. This includes access to clean air and water, healthy food, transport links, and safe homes. Environmental laws and policies help to protect and promote environmental justice.

A term used to describe components such as drainage systems, footpaths and driveways, walls and fences. It contrasts with soft landscaping.

This is the planning, design, creation, and management of landscapes within natural and urban environments. It requires imagination, and the ability to problem solve, as well as expert technical skills and detailed knowledge of materials, sustainability, and the human and natural environments.

The process of calculating the value of the ecosystem services that natural assets provide to lead to better decisions for development; natural assets include soil, air, water and all living things.

Also known as co-design, this approach aims to directly engage all stakeholders throughout the planning and design process. By working with the community and those who will ultimately use the space, it ensures the end result is functional and meets the users’ needs.

A multifaceted approach that transforms public spaces into community hubs that promote health and wellbeing. Placemaking aims to improve sociability as well as strengthening the bond between people and their surroundings. Closely linked to participatory design, placemaking is powered by collaboration and the local community.

This refers to recycled material – anything from reclaimed wood to re-used, crushed concrete.

Simply put, a rural landscape is considered to be any area outside of urban landscape, and can include cultivated land. Typically, rural landscapes have low population density and fewer human infrastructures.

Similar to biophilic design, the term salutogenic describes the therapeutic relationship between our surroundings and our mental and physical health, with particular focus on stress and lifestyle. An example of salutogenic design within the context of landscape architecture might be a hospital garden.

Typically referring to natural elements like trees, hedges and shrubs, it is the opposite of hard landscaping.

Landscape architecture that centres on reducing the negative impact on the environment, enriching the lives of its occupants, helping local ecosystems flourish, and contributing to wider environmental initiatives.

The landscape including and surrounding a city or town. These are developed areas with a high density of inhabitants and human infrastructure.

Also called a drainage basin or catchment area, this is an area of land that drains or ‘sheds’ water into a specific waterbody. Gravity helps to guide the path that water takes across the landscape.