STUDIO PROBLEM II

FROM LINE TO LANDSCAPE

SROBOSHI DAS
1ST SEMESTER
M.L.A.
 STUDIO PROBLEM II

FROM LINE TO LANDSCAPE

Lines play a major role in influencing landscape. They influence they way we move through a
landscape space and how we see it, therefore affecting largely our perception of the space.

In natural landscape lines are formed by geographical features, and they influence the formation and
perception of the landscape. In designed landscape lines are added knowingly and with a purpose of
creating a certain visual effect or spatial experience, to direct vision and motion. Man's intervention
can create lines either in harmony or in contrast with the natural landscape producing different
experiences for the viewer and the user.

Lines establish the very shape and form of the landscape. They are created where different materials
meet, such as where turf meets pavement or a planting bed. The eye also perceives lines when
paved areas or walls cut through lawns or when patterns are created within paved areas. Lines
appear in nature too, in the crest of surrounding hills or at an edge where a lake or river meets the
land. In the vertical plane lines can be created by trees, columns, street lights, etc. These lines
intersect to form horizontal and vertical planes which in turn intersect to form volumes which we
perceive as spaces.

When something repeats a certain number of times with standard interval between repetitions, a
rhythm is established. This is called a pattern. Line and pattern may be considered separately or
collectively to establish a rhythm in the landscape. This rhythm becomes a governing factor in giving
landscape its character.

The type and geometry of the line used shapes the landscape and determines the spatial effect it
creates. Generally straight lines are used to create a more formal space. The space becomes rigid,
and is often broken into smaller components to break the monotony. On the other hand curved lines
are used for a more relaxed experience. They create a mystery by not completely revealing what lies
at the end; but elements are brought to light as the journey unfolds. This results in a more interesting
journey.

Three examples were studied for the use of lines. In the Natural Landscape, curvilinear lines of an
irregular geometry are formed by the river, which define the space. In the Utilitarian Landscape,
irregular linear patterns are to be seen which are formed by human use and they define the
horizontal plane. In the Natural Landscape, lines that were designed served a purpose at every point,
either directing vision or motion or defining space.

The following were the inferences made from the studies that were carried out -

 Natural Landscape – Floodplains of Yamuna between the DND Flyover and Okhla Barrage

 Lines are formed by edges of geographical features - here, the river

 They are not of any definite shape or form.

 Free-flowing in nature
  They do not establish any regular pattern

 Lines missing in vertical plane

 Utilitarian Landscape - Agricultural land near the Nizamuddin Bridge

 Lines are irregular but prominent in agrarian landscape

 They form a definite pattern that defines the space marking boundaries

 Definite lines are formed by building of infrastructure corridors – roads, flyovers

 No prominent lines in vertical plane

 Designed Landscape - Garden of Five Senses, in Said-ul-Ajaib near Mehrauli heritage area.

 Lines designed by a definite geometry - linear and curvilinear

 They are the primary factor for designing space; they are very prominent here in the
horizontal plane.

 These lines create patterns that can be seen in the landscape

 Few definite lines creating patterns seen in the vertical plane in this case