BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Landscape Design 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which design principle refers to the visual weight and stability achieved when both sides of a central axis are mirror images of each other?
- Asymmetrical balance
- Symmetrical balance (Correct answer)
- Radial balance
- Proximal balance
Correct answer: Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance (also called formal balance) occurs when identical elements are arranged on both sides of a central axis, creating a sense of order and stability.
Question 2: In landscape design, a 'borrowed view' refers to:
- A view purchased from an adjacent landowner
- Incorporating distant scenery outside the site boundary into the design composition (Correct answer)
- A temporary easement for scenic access
- Replanting trees removed from another site
Correct answer: Incorporating distant scenery outside the site boundary into the design composition
Borrowed view is a design technique that intentionally frames and incorporates attractive scenery beyond the site's property lines into the perceived landscape.
Question 3: Which grading concept describes the minimum recommended slope for lawn areas to ensure adequate surface drainage?
- 0.25%
- 1–2% (Correct answer)
- 5–8%
- 10–15%
Correct answer: 1–2%
A minimum slope of 1–2% is generally recommended for lawn areas to prevent ponding while remaining gentle enough for mowing and foot traffic.
Question 4: What is the primary function of a 'ha-ha' in landscape design?
- A decorative water feature creating sound
- A sunken retaining wall that maintains an unobstructed view while keeping livestock out (Correct answer)
- A raised berm used to screen utility areas
- A type of pergola used at garden entrances
Correct answer: A sunken retaining wall that maintains an unobstructed view while keeping livestock out
A ha-ha is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier (usually a wall set into a ditch) invisible from a distance, preventing livestock from entering while preserving sight lines.
Question 5: When designing a rain garden, which factor most determines its appropriate size?
- The aesthetic preferences of the client
- The drainage area contributing runoff and local soil infiltration rate (Correct answer)
- The number of plant species selected
- The proximity to overhead utility lines
Correct answer: The drainage area contributing runoff and local soil infiltration rate
Rain garden sizing is driven by the impervious area draining into it and the native soil's ability to infiltrate water within 24–48 hours.
Question 6: In the context of planting design, 'succession planting' refers to:
- Replacing diseased plants with disease-resistant cultivars
- Staggering plant types so that visual interest or harvest occurs continuously across seasons (Correct answer)
- Planting invasive species first to prepare soil for natives
- Installing plants in order from tallest to shortest
Correct answer: Staggering plant types so that visual interest or harvest occurs continuously across seasons
Succession planting staggers bloom times, fruiting periods, or seasonal interest so the landscape maintains appeal throughout the year rather than peaking all at once.
Question 7: Which Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard applies to the maximum running slope of an accessible route that is NOT a ramp?
- 1:10 (10%)
- 1:20 (5%) (Correct answer)
- 1:12 (8.33%)
- 1:8 (12.5%)
Correct answer: 1:20 (5%)
Accessible routes that are not designated ramps must not exceed a 1:20 (5%) running slope; steeper paths must be designed and built as ramps with handrails.
