Public Space instructions
Use what you have learned about architecture to design a landscape for a park or a public area between buildings.
Materials
graph paper
pencil
ruler
cardboard templates (optional)
colored pencils
Steps
1. Draw the shape of your park or public space on graph paper. Make sure your space is scaled to the grid on the paper.
The image shows a girl making a sketch on graph paper.
2. Use the grid lines to draw to-scale symbols indicating the location of trees, benches, tables, walkways, and so forth.
The image shows a girl using a ruler to sketch on graph paper.
3. Add a key to your plan. Color your key and symbols appropriately. Use different colors for grassy areas and paved areas.
The image shows a girl coloring the sketch.
Review and Reflect
Describe the space you have created. What type of balance did you show?
How did you create comfortable places for people to use?
What mood is evoked by the colors you chose for your public space?
How do you think people spending time in your public space would feel? Why?
5 answers
To create comfortable places for people to use, I included benches in shaded areas under trees, as well as open grassy areas for picnics and recreational activities. I also made sure to include plenty of walking paths and seating options to accommodate different preferences.
The colors I chose for my public space were mainly greens and browns for the natural elements, with pops of color like red and yellow for flower beds and benches. These colors evoke a calm and peaceful mood, with a touch of vibrancy and energy.
I think people spending time in my public space would feel relaxed and rejuvenated, as well as connected to nature and their community. The mix of open spaces and secluded nooks, as well as the variety of foliage and seating options, would provide something for everyone to enjoy and feel comfortable in the environment.
To add a flower field, you can designate a section of your park as a flower bed or meadow area. Use different colored pencils to represent different types of flowers, and make sure to include a variety of shapes and sizes to create visual interest.
For the pond with fish, you can create a water feature in your design and add fish symbols to represent the presence of fish. You can also use blue or shades of blue to color the water body on your plan.
Remember to consider the scale and placement of these features to ensure they fit well within your park design and complement the overall layout. Feel free to get creative with your design and make adjustments as needed to create a unique and inviting public space.
1. Start by drawing the boundaries of your park or public space on the graph paper and then mark the corners for the pond, flower field, trees with a bench, grassy area, and fountain based on your descriptions.
2. Place the pond at the top left corner of your design. Use blue color to indicate water and add fish symbols within the pond area.
3. Create the flower field at the bottom-left corner. Use different colors to represent various types of flowers and plants within this area.
4. Add trees and a bench at the top-right corner of your design. You can draw tree symbols and a bench for seating under the trees.
5. Designate the bottom-right corner as a grassy area. Color this section with green to represent the grass.
6. In the center of your design, add a fountain. You can represent the fountain with a circular shape and lines to indicate water flowing from it.
7. Once you have sketched out the layout, add a key to your plan and color your symbols appropriately to distinguish between the different elements in your public space.
This design should create a balanced and visually appealing public space that invites people to enjoy nature, relax, and socialize. Feel free to make any adjustments or additions to enhance your design further. Good luck with your landscape design!