DESIGN CASE STUDY #2

‘Square peg in a round hole’ or ‘Round peg in a square hole.’

A problem not unusual for most garden designers or in any design profession. Geometric and curved shapes are often very difficult to arrange together in a single composition. The unfortunate issue for many designers is that we usually have to start with a rectangular canvas. How many sheets of paper come in circles and how many houses do you know of have no corners?

As a garden designer when first arriving at a new project, you are faced with the same old dilemma - a rectangular plot. This is why geometric designs are the most popular - they fit proportionally within the boundary and they work alongside the straight lines from the house.

Introducing curves into a larger site is always easier as you are able to deconstruct the limitations of the boundary by sub-dividing smaller spaces into whatever shape you want. Smaller sites are often restricted by the boundary which holds additional influence over the whole design.

Why do we want to use curves?

Straight lines convey order and structure - they reflect our control over the landscape.

On the contrary curves are considered more natural, unspoilt by mankind. In design school we are taught that curves create comforting and relaxing emotional responses which is why we are continuously drawn to them. Scientific research has revealed that we are attracted to circular shapes because they make us feel safe while in contrast - diagonal lines play on our fears of sharp dangerous pointy objects that can cause injury and harm.

This is why I seek to introduce curves into my drawings wherever I can. Below are examples of how different types of curves can be used in small gardens that I have designed.

Circles are strong shapes that draw you in. They are one continuous, unbroken line which provides strength and protection, creates unity and harmony, while offering a sense of comfort and warmth. They will inevitably stand out, drawing in your attention and are wonderful linking spaces for generating movement.

In the garden above the influence of the rectangular boundary was further enhanced because of the feature red brick walls, instrumental to the courtyard garden style. It would have been easier to use a geometric layout but the bold approach of using a single circle allows the garden to open out, is more inviting and softens the boundary. A circular box hedge which wraps around the edge of the lawn is divided up with small brick pillars, breaking down the boundary and integrating it into the circle.

A serpentine or ‘S’ shape line are softer than straight lines which are more direct and predictable. Just as straight lines are used to connect A to B, encouraging movement - serpentine lines do the same but with grace as they sweep in and out.

The garden above shows how an ‘S’ shape is broken up into different uses such as the curved concrete ramp running into the bar table and finally onto the seating. This subtle use of curve encourages you to explore the entire space while on route from A to B.

This natural form of the serpentine curve (above) emulates a river course running downstream using a gravel path. The meandering line is more active than the one before which makes it less subtle and very dramatic -however too many irregular curves in the one line can make a shape less interesting and over complicated - so you need to be careful not to overdo it.

A radial pattern starts with a small circle that grows outward in large spiralling curves. This method allows the circle to dominate the space around it - taking all influence away from the rectangular boundary. I have found that the best way to make it succeed is to keep the curves strictly circular instead of wavy - this will make the curves stronger, holding steadfast against the overpowering boundary.

The garden above introduces two strong circles within a courtyard space which open out through a radial pattern via a set of steps and surrounding terraced raised beds. The small circle is the linchpin that holds the entire design together.

These designs show different approaches to radial design such as overlapping circles, deconstructed circles and multiple circles.

To explain in simple terms - half a circle. Not however half the quality or properties as a full circle. Semi-circles have the ability to easily fit into a geometric design because they only have two points. Whether concave or convex they are extremely effective in creating a positive line of division within a space.

The semi-circular raised lawn encapsulates the summer house and seating area but also interacts with the rest of the garden by creating an opening that links the two areas together.

The two gardens above use a curved semi-circular wall in the main patio to create a smaller enclosure for an outdoor fireplace or a hot tub. These strong curves bring a sense of calmness and balance to the contrasting horizontal and diagonal lines that configure the whole composition.

So yes… it is possible to use curves successfully in a small garden but not for every project. Design is a process of evaluating the site, following a brief, seeking inspiration and multiple problem solving. There is no doubt that curves can create positive results but should never be forced into a design - I believe in strictly following through the process step by step until I have arrived at my final layout - with or without curves.