Currently, due to the growth of cities, the problem of optimizing the living environment is quite acute, because as a result of the development of cities a special environment has been formed, often unfavorable to human life. The formation of a full-fledged human living environment is the main goal of landscape design and architecture, which includes the task of creating a harmonious, stable, as close as possible to the natural environment, which minimizes the impact of adverse factors associated with urbanization.
Landscape organization of suburban housing should compensate for the adverse effects on people in the city and help in obtaining a recreational opportunity, even when staying in the countryside for a short time.
History of landscape architecture development
The objects of landscape design throughout the history of its development have expressed certain aesthetic views changing in each era. Styles of gardens and parks were formed hundreds of years, like other types of art (architecture, painting, literature) were a reflection of the era and carried the imprint of style, which was characteristic of a particular historical period in a particular area. Garden architects adhered to the laws of natural science and relied on the laws of philosophy. But just as the philosophy of the West differs from that of the East, so does their garden and park art and approaches to landscape design. New forms of garden and park art arose when the corresponding socio-economic and cultural-historical conditions appeared.
In each epoch, each nation had its own garden, which was assigned a certain role. The first mention of landscapes that have survived refers to the VI-II centuries BC. Even then, on the territory of Ancient Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, garden architecture was formed as a separate occupation. Later in Persia there appeared so-called paradises for royal hunting.
In ancient Greece, gardens became popular at gymnasiums. The epoch of the Middle Ages was quite harsh, people's lives became closed: gardens "hid" outside the walls of monasteries and mainly began to perform a utilitarian function. At that time, "kitchen" and pharmacy gardens began to spread at hospitals (gardens of pharmacy herbs).
During the Renaissance, the gardens served as a meeting place for scientists, poets, artists, musicians, nobles, dancers and games.
The period of Romanticism is a period of romance, gardens were designed for romantic walks and dates.
Slave ownership era. Garden and park art emerged:
- at cult constructions;
- palaces of rulers;
- estates of nobility.
There was a great dependence of the garden layout, selection of plants and other details of the composition on the natural and climatic conditions. Thus, the layout of the Persian or Egyptian garden was simple, rational and connected with the irrigation system - reservoirs and channels.
But already in those times there were attempts to transform and improve the environment. Hanging gardens of Semiramis are an example of the desire to decorate and change the desert landscape. Geoplastic means in combination with vegetation, irrigation system were used.
The ancient period. The garden is a place of worship and presence of gods, saturated with their statues, sacred buildings, altars. Philosophical and aesthetic understanding of relations with nature was deepened, people realized themselves as a part of the whole - nature.
In ancient Greece, the classical period
- Temples were surrounded by symmetrically planted trees (Hephaisteion in Athens, second half of the 5th century BC);
- urban life centres (e.g. Athens' agora);
- Regular gardens with colonnades and sculptures for sports competitions.
Gardens and parks were the public domain, a place for sports competitions, classes, conversations, and socializing, rather than an adornment of royal palaces.
Hellenic era (III-I centuries BC). With the advent of the monarchy and the exclusion of citizens from state activities, the role of the garden as an indispensable part of the palace is strengthened.
With the emergence of a new philosophy (Epicurus), the garden became particularly important, calling for the rejection of state activity and the enjoyment of the simple joys of being in blossoming gardens.
The ancient Roman gardens, surrounded by colonnades, are rectangular in shape. Artificial ponds, fountains, trimmed trees and shrubs played an important role. Small forms were used - light trailing hedges, pergolas, pergolas decorated with curly plants.
Typical gardens were peristyle gardens - rectangular courtyards. Garden towers served as a place of contemplation from above, so the plants were carefully selected for compositions. The garden could not exist without irrigation, the water was not only utilitarian, but also aesthetic.
The Middle Ages. The garden was formed as a continuation of the dwelling, it was surrounded by walls. The garden served as a place of rest, entertainment, and helped to satisfy utilitarian needs. Fruit, grapes, medicinal plants and flowers were grown in pharmacy gardens.