BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Landscape Design 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a 'section drawing' in landscape architectural design documentation?
- To show plant species from above
- To reveal vertical relationships between grade changes, structures, and plantings along a cut plane (Correct answer)
- To document irrigation system layout
- To illustrate material colors and textures
Correct answer: To reveal vertical relationships between grade changes, structures, and plantings along a cut plane
A section drawing cuts through a site along a chosen plane to show the vertical profile — revealing how grade changes, walls, plants, and structures relate to one another in elevation.
Question 2: Which ecological concept describes the edge zone where two different plant communities meet, often exhibiting higher biodiversity than either adjacent community?
- Canopy closure
- Ecotone (Correct answer)
- Climax community
- Monoculture
Correct answer: Ecotone
An ecotone is the transitional zone between two distinct ecosystems or plant communities, where species from both communities and unique edge species coexist, typically increasing biodiversity.
Question 3: In CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), which landscape strategy improves safety by ensuring people can see and be seen throughout a space?
- Territoriality – marking ownership boundaries with tall hedges
- Natural surveillance – maintaining clear sight lines through appropriate plant placement and lighting (Correct answer)
- Activity support – programming dense events in small areas
- Access control – blocking all secondary entry points with fencing
Correct answer: Natural surveillance – maintaining clear sight lines through appropriate plant placement and lighting
Natural surveillance is a CPTED principle that uses design — keeping plants trimmed below eye level, providing adequate lighting, and orienting windows toward public spaces — to increase visibility and deter crime.
Question 4: Which design strategy involves organizing a site's program elements along a primary movement corridor with secondary spaces branching off it?
- Grid organization
- Linear/spine organization (Correct answer)
- Radial organization
- Cluster organization
Correct answer: Linear/spine organization
A linear or spine organization places a main pathway or axis as the organizing structure, with program elements, rooms, or garden areas arranged sequentially along it.
Question 5: What does 'canopy cover' refer to in urban forestry and landscape design?
- The decorative overhead structure in a plaza
- The percentage of ground area shaded by tree crowns when viewed from above (Correct answer)
- The protective layer of mulch around tree bases
- The height of the lowest branches on a mature tree
Correct answer: The percentage of ground area shaded by tree crowns when viewed from above
Canopy cover is the proportion of a landscape's surface area shaded by tree crowns as measured in a top-down (plan) view, used to assess shade, heat island reduction, and ecological benefits.
Question 6: Which approach best describes 'adaptive reuse' in landscape architecture?
- Planting adaptable species that tolerate multiple soil conditions
- Repurposing previously developed or disturbed sites (such as brownfields or industrial land) for new landscape uses (Correct answer)
- Modifying irrigation systems seasonally to conserve water
- Adapting foreign design styles to local cultural contexts
Correct answer: Repurposing previously developed or disturbed sites (such as brownfields or industrial land) for new landscape uses
Adaptive reuse in landscape architecture involves transforming degraded, obsolete, or formerly industrial sites into new parks, greenways, or public spaces, as seen in projects like the High Line in New York City.
Question 7: When developing a master plan for a large public park, which document typically establishes the overarching vision, phasing, and long-term management framework?
- Construction documents (CDs)
- Conceptual design report
- General Management Plan (GMP) or Master Plan report (Correct answer)
- Schematic planting plan
Correct answer: General Management Plan (GMP) or Master Plan report
A General Management Plan or Master Plan report articulates the park's vision, goals, phased implementation strategy, and management framework, serving as the guiding document for all subsequent design and operations decisions.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Landscape Design 5
What is the primary purpose of a 'section drawing' in landscape architectural design documentation?