ABSTRACT

The last chapter concluded with a summary of the key qualities most often to be associated with landscapes of a high aesthetic value. We also noted that these qualities should be incor- porated into design concepts. This is no easy task. It requires an understanding of the process of design, central to which is creativity. One of the aims of this book is to foster a multi-disciplinary approach to planning, designing and managing landscape change. Of the disciplines that are currently involved in landscape planning and land management, the one with most training in design is that of land- scape architecture. Landscape architects are likely to be most familiar and comfortable with many of the aesthetic concepts discussed in the previous chapter. They normally work with other disciplines when undertaking most of their projects. However, the place of design and the need for designers is not always well understood. It will be valuable to summarize what landscape designers have to offer and to clear up some misconceptions about this profession.