Site planning involves arranging structures on the land and shaping spaces between them. It is an art linked to architecture, and city planning. The site plan locates objects and activities in space and time. It may be concerned with a small cluster of houses, a single building and the surrounding space, or a small community built in a single operation.
P.S: Article updated on 29th March 2025
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental sustainability, the role of design within natural landscapes is more crucial than ever. Forest landscaping design — the integration of landscape architecture with forest management — is a growing field that merges ecology, artistry, and human experience.
For both landscape architecture students and forest management professionals, understanding this intersection can offer rewarding career opportunities, ecological benefits, and innovative ways to enrich our connection with the natural world.
This article explores the importance of forest landscaping, techniques used to enhance visual aesthetics, the practical application of silviculture (tree and forest management), and how well-designed woodland spaces contribute to both human wellbeing and environmental resilience.
Many people visit forests to escape the bustle of daily life. We hike, camp, cycle, and picnic in woodlands without giving much thought to how the space makes us feel — the shade of the trees, the variety of species, the rustle of leaves, and the surprise of an open clearing all shape our sensory experience.
But walk or drive through a dense, unmanaged forest for several kilometres, and you may find the landscape becomes visually monotonous — a curtain of green with little variation. This sameness can feel calming, but for many, it becomes dull and soporific.
Forest landscaping design seeks to address this by turning forests into dynamic, aesthetically rich environments — without compromising ecological health. By combining the ecological principles of forestry with the artistic sensibilities of landscape architecture, we can transform woodlands into vibrant, functional, and engaging spaces.