Phase II: Design Development

The purpose of the schematic design phase was to establish the design solution for a project as well as gain client acceptance for the preferred design alternative. With the acceptance of the schematic design submittals, the landscape architect begins the next phase: Design Development. As the name implies, the goal of Phase II is for the landscape architect to develop the approved preliminary design in greater detail. During this phase the landscape architect will carefully study and prepare plans for the various systems that will go into the final design package. These systems include: grading and drainage including storm-water management; plant species or material types; circulation and parking layouts, materials such as for paving, walls, and structures; lighting and way-finding; site furniture and specialized equipment such as children’s play structures; and other elements included in the design, for example, paving materials such as brick, concrete, or modular pavers; tree types such as deciduous or evergreen; and examples of various equipment such as lighting and fountain items. The landscape architect will include supplemental materials with the Design Development plans such as catalogue samples and photographs of all materials and equipment. Critical decisions in this phase include the shape, size, systems, and materials in sufficient detail to more accurately estimate probable construction costs. For instance, an entry sign will be drawn to scale, indicating materials of construction, letter style, logo or art to be incorporated in the sign, lighting requirements, and suggested finish colors. Basic dimensions of the sign might be included but not to the detail required in construction drawings.

The Design Development package submitted to the client would include plans rendered to scale and with greater detail than the illustrative plans in schematic design. The sections are more complete and drawn to scale with supporting notes. More refined three-dimensional drawings, such as perspectives, are also submitted along with estimates of probable cost with a supporting narrative. The landscape architect might also identify in the narrative any special or unique circumstances in the construction industry that might impact construction costs, including availability of materials and lead times for delivery of special items. Mention might include possible timing alternatives when seeking bids, depending on the known current workloads of area contractors.

At the Design Development phase it may be necessary to submit a preliminary package of the project to appropriate government agencies and begin the application process towards obtaining design review acceptance where required, and preparing the necessary documentation required for various permits such as a wetland permit. The government design review and permit process have become more complicated, often requiring long lead times from the start of the application process, through the review process, including both public and agency review input, and finally the execution of the actual permit. Some 30, 60, and in some cases even more days are becoming the norm for securing permits and various government approvals. Landscape architecture firms are divided in terms of taking the lead of

shepherding the permit and design review processes. Those that take the responsibility rather than hiring consultants will devote the time to learning the permit procedure. Those firms which learn the permit review procedure then can offer the service and benefit financially. Perhaps more importantly these firms will be in a position to be more directly involved in any discussions that could impact the design. Where a firm wishes to retain design control, direct involvement in the permit process can assure a better design result.

An example of an illustrative plan is shown in Figure 3.7A, which is a refinement based on a client review from the Schematic Design Phase (Figure 3.6F).7 Figure 3.7B is an aerial perspective of the same area. The perspective drawings depict the proposed museum entry (Figures 3.7C and 3.7D). The perspectives provide a view looking at the restored wetlands from a proposed visitors’ viewing deck. An illustrative drawing such as Figure 3.7A would be reviewed with the client together with sections and perspectives to gain approval with a follow-up client review adding Figures 3.7B–D. A preliminary estimate of probable costs and other supplementary information (material and equipment alternatives and potential suppliers) would also be submitted for review by the client.

Figure 3.7 Design Development images for Xin Jin Baihetan National Wetland Park, a greenbelt and river restoration project in central China; project team: Sichuan Agricultural University, Landscape Architectural College, with Bruce Sharky, FASLA.