Design Criteria for a Landscaping Project in the Mountains
Pedro Montes Cruz and Alejandra Roldán Villegas present Design Criteria for a Landscape Project in the Mountains, an article that helps us understand the most important aspects to consider when designing an architecture and landscaping project on mountainous terrain.
Mountains are part of a relief typology in which several relevant geomorphological aspects are distinguished in the landscape analysis, including origin, general geometric configuration, and degree of erosion in some cases. Geomorphologists propose the classification of relief into four basic categories: Plains, Hills, Piedmont, and Mountains.
These categories refer to the general configurations of the relief, where Plains correspond to large extensions of flat or slightly undulating terrain, some of more than 100 km². Hills are elevations that do not exceed 300 meters of relative height, that is, from their base to the summit. Mountains, on the other hand, are formations that exceed 300 meters of relative height from their base to the peak. And finally, the piedmont is located at the lower base of the mountains and reflects its primarily accumulative origin due to the erosive processes that have shaped the mountainous morphologies.
Parque en terreno inclinado / Park in sloped terrain
Fotografía / Photography: Naoki Suzuki vía Unsplash
From the Landscape Architecture perspective, the general characteristics of the reliefs are observed, which will be subject to different interventions that involve various design criteria. These criteria must consider the slopes of the land in degrees or percentages to prevent the effects of erosion or the accumulation of materials carried by runoff, whether concentrated in furrows, streams, and integrated river systems, or across surfaces where runoff leaves layers of sediment that could interfere with the functions of the executed design.
In a Landscape Architecture project it’s important to consider the slopes of the land in degrees or percentages to prevent the erosion or accumulation of materials carried by runoff.
Before design
It is necessary to understand the environmental characteristics of the site and generate a diagnosis of it.
- Sun position: Identify the sun’s path across the land and the times when sunlight is most intense, as well as recognize if there are structures such as buildings or trees that provide shade.
Jardín en montaña / Mountain garden
Fotografía / Photography: vía Unsplash - Climate: Understand the main temperature changes, rainfall frequency, and wind patterns on your sloped land, keeping in mind that environmental changes vary depending on the altitude of the location.
- Vegetation: Conduct of the existing species of the land, classify which ones are in good condition, and determine which can be transplanted.
- River systems (rivers): Record their locations and assess their potential for the design.
- Terrain slope: Identify the type of terrain (hill, piedmont, or mountain) as well as its inclination to determine the appropriate containment elements to choose.
Muros de contención y plataformas en terreno nivelado / Retaining walls and platforms on level ground
Fotografía / Photography: Alejandra Roldán Villegas
Recommendation: Work with a surveyor to fully understand the space. If that’s not possible, the slope of your land can be measured as follows:
-Identify the two points that mark the level difference in your terrain.
Slope = Elevation difference / Horizontal distance × 100
Gráfico para sacar una pendiente / Graph to calculate a slope.
Fotografía / Photography: Alejandra Roldán Villegas
Design Criteria:
- Aesthetics: Consider rest and recreation points if a panoramic view is desired.
Recommendation: Place viewpoints to enhance the experience.
Arquitectura y paisajismo en terreno con pendiente / Architecture and landscaping on sloped terrain.
Fotografía / Photography: Canva Multimedia Mágico - Elements: Propose ramps, stairs, paths, and terraces.
- Contrast and texture: Create dynamism between materials, heights, and colors (this may vary depending on the design concept).
Landscaping
Vegetation: Design with native plants, adaptable to runoff, with deep roots to keep the soil in place and prevent erosion from heavy rains and winds.
Xeriscaping: Propose xerophytic gardens if the space is in a dry climate. These types of gardens require little maintenance, minimal watering, and the species are self-sufficient due to their biological characteristics.
Xerojardinería en terrenos con pendiente / Xeriscaping in sloped terrains
Fotografía / Photography: vía Unsplash
Rain gardens: They offer greater water filtration efficiency, improve soil quality, and do not require irrigation. It is important to choose locations on the land where water is guaranteed to accumulate.
Propuesta arquitectónica con jardines de lluvia / Architectural proposal with rain gardens
Fotografía / Photography: Canva Multimedia Mágico
Water catchment system gardens: Place these on the higher parts of the land. They prevent soil erosion and water retention. Additionally, it is possible to use the collected water for other ecological purposes.
Ponds: Place them at the base of the slope to filter rainwater and retain solid materials carried by river systems.
Estanques de agua naturales / Ponds of natural water
Fotografía / Photography: Ricardo Olvera vía Pexels
Green gutters: Gutters should be designed based on observation. They direct water and, with the help of plant species on the sides, assist in infiltrating it.
Containment and filtration: Propose stone walls, concrete walls, gabions, along with geotextile materials.
Other necessary sustainable alternatives
Use sustainable materials: Stones, recycled materials such as wood and concrete.
Listen to the community: Adapt to their needs and requirements, alongside those of nature.
Mirador, paisajismo y área de descanso / Viewpoint, landscaping, and resting area
Fotografía / Photography: Canva Multimedia Mágico
Conclusion
As landscape architects, it is essential to consider a series of design criteria that not only address aesthetic and, of course, community-related issues, but also the specific characteristics of the terrain. In the case of hills, plains, rolling terrains, foothills, and mountains, slope is a key factor that influences processes like landslides and erosion. To tackle these challenges comprehensively, it is important to collaborate closely with other experts, such as geomorphologists, whose knowledge helps us better understand soil behavior and find effective and, above all, sustainable solutions. Only through a multi- and interdisciplinary approach can we collaboratively design resilient landscapes.
