USAF Landscape Design Guide, with April 2000 Changes

447 Pages·2009·8.92 MB·English

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AFCEE is the OPR for the USAF Landscape Design Guide
Comments regarding the guide should be directed to:
AFCEE/[email protected]

September 1998.
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The USAF Landscape Design Guide meets the requirements of Executive Order 13148

1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 PLANNING PROCESS
1.3 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
1.4 IMPLEMENTATION
1.5 CONCLUSION

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1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 OVERVIEW
The profession
Landscape architecture is a diverse profession. Besides traditional landscape design, tasks performed by
landscape architects range from interior planting plan and wildlife habitat design to community planning
and urban forestry. Landscape architecture considers elements from vegetation to street furniture. For
the purpose of this guide, landscape architecture is defined as "the art and science of design for the
human experience in the natural and man-made environment."
The professional
A professional landscape architect, qualified by education, experience, and often state registration, is
concerned with arranging and preserving the environment to fulfill functional needs and quality of life
desires of the user. The Air Force expects architectural and engineering firms, the Army Corps of
Engineers, and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command to use qualified, professional landscape
architects on Air Force projects. Landscape architect positions have been established at a number of
commands and installations to provide planning, design, on-site construction assistance, and review
expertise.
The design team
To achieve design excellence, the landscape architect must be an integral part of the design team. The
training and education of a qualified landscape architect in planning, site analysis, site design,
construction, and land management provides a unique perspective in project development and execution.
Quality design is the conscientious application of each design profession in concert toward a common
goal. Leave out any portion of the team and the entire effort suffers.
1.1.2 GOAL
Significant resources are required to the develop and maintain the Air Force installation. The continual
need to minimize the outlay of funds on facilities and grounds while maintaining a high quality of life
dictates a development process rooted in logic and efficiency. Although this goal is a challenge, it can be
accomplished in part, through the establishment of a comprehensive landscape development program.
1.1.3 PURPOSE
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The Landscape Design Guide is intended for the:
Landscape architect
As the standard for expectations and requirements for landscape development on Air Force installations
to improve and enhance function and image
Planner
As a reference to the integral nature of landscape design in the facility development and planning
process
Designer
As a definition of appropriate and desirable landscape development within the Air Force design process
1.1.4 PHILOSOPHY
Quality landscape design contributes to attractive, safe, efficient, and maintainable installations. The
designer must strive for sound, economical, functional, and aesthetic development. A well-designed
installation will satisfy the user's needs, instill pride of ownership, and promote a unified visual image.
With continued emphasis on the environment, landscape development has gained increased significance
in the everyday operation of the installation. Many environmental issues can be resolved through the
application of landscape architecture principles.
The landscape architect typically addresses environmental issues such as storm water management,
erosion control, wildlife habitat preservation, and restoration of damaged lands through proper design
and implementation of water harvesting techniques, grading, wetlands design, and native species
planting design.
With this in mind, the installation's landscape development program contributes to solving the problems
of today and providing the foundation for the future by employing the tested solutions of yesterday and
the innovative techniques of tomorrow.
1.1.5 GUIDE ORGANIZATION
The United States Air Force Landscape Design Guide is a comprehensive document composed of three
integrated elements:
General Design Policy
This document presents the basic tenets of landscape architecture in context with the installation
planning, design, and project implementation processes.
Implementation Guidance
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Several significant tasks are integral to the implementation of a comprehensive landscape development
program. In subsequent releases, the Landscape Design Guide will be supplemented with guidance on
topics including landscape planning, landscape maintenance, site construction details, irrigation design,
standard landscape construction specifications, landscape estimating, parking areas, and planting design.
Special Design Guidance
Many elements of landscape architecture are special and unique to the successful and efficient
implementation of the landscape development program at the installation. Topics that will be
individually addressed in the near future include xeriscape design, streetscapes, interior planting design,
wetlands design, urban forestry, hydroseeding, golf course improvements, interpretive facilities,
landscape lighting, static displays, and erosion control.

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1.2 PLANNING PROCESS Page 1 of 4

1.2 PLANNING PROCESS
1.2.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
The Air Force comprehensive planning process is comprised of phases that progress from the macro to
the micro, beginning with land use and ending with a detailed site plan. This chapter provides a general
overview of these phases as a precursor to the main focus of this guide: landscape development.
In the process of siting a facility, there are basically three planning phases:
1.2.2 LAND USE
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1.2.3 AREA DEVELOPMENT
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1.2.4 SITE PLAN
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Each phase involves analysis, assessment of alternatives, and a decision. The following is a brief
summary of each planning phase as it evolves in the process of arriving at a facility siting solution.
1.2.2 LAND USE
The Land Use Plan divides the installation into functional areas and focuses attention on potential sites
for a new facility. Land use areas generally encompass a group of facilities that have a common activity,
service, or purpose. Since several land use areas on an installation may be compatible with a proposed
facility, additional analysis is required to select the preferred area. Evaluation factors involved at this
phase include:
Functional relationship to existing facilities
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Proximity to user and customer
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Scope of the requirement and expansion potential
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Noise, environmental impact, safety, and security needs
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Existing infrastructure capacity
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Required site preparation
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These are some examples of land use factors that must be evaluated and assessed. The Land Use
Bulletin contains additional information regarding land use assessment and planning.
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Figure 1-1: Land Use Plan Example
1.2.3 AREA DEVELOPMENT
Once the specific land use area has been determined, the next step is integrating the proposed facility
into the surrounding environment of facilities, traffic, and circulation. Area development planning
blends existing conditions and future facility requirements in the site selection process.
More detail is included in this planning process phase. The intent is to develop the site in context with
existing adjacent facilities. The result is a plan that ties the area together. Some of the factors to evaluate
in this phase include:
Architectural theme of surrounding buildings
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Pedestrian and vehicular needs, volumes, destinations, and access
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Future facility requirements
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Parking configuration
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Street realignments and closures
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More detail regarding this phase of the planning process can be found in the Comprehensive Planning
Bulletin, Area Development Planning.
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Figure 1-2: Area Development Plan Example
1.2.4 SITE PLAN
The site plan focuses primarily on the facility itself. The footprint of the building is refined with
additional attention given to site amenities. The area covered by the site plan is generally smaller than
either the Land Use Plan or Area Development Plan. Major site planning factors include:
Topography
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Existing vegetation
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Existing nearby structures
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Existing natural features
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Entrances/service areas
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Orientation
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Walkways
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Parking details
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Lighting
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Drainage
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Pedestrian and vehicular circulation
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Irrigation
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Facility setback from street
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Figure 1-3: Site Plan Example
1.2.5 THE NEXT STEP
The remainder of this guide details the significance of landscape design in regards to function, image,
and quality of life for achieving quality installations.

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1.3 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Landscape design is the creative arrangement of space to achieve harmony, utility, and beauty between
man and nature. This is the phase of facility development process where landscape elements are
integrated with or into the facility to complete the project.
Four factors influence landscape design:
1.3.1 PROCESS
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1.3.2 THEORY
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1.3.3 DESIGN ELEMENTS
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1.3.4 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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1.3.1 PROCESS
The design process synthesizes planning and analysis with project requirements. The design process
results in a landscape design solution that is functional and pleasing within budget limitations. The
following sections describe the main components of the design process:
Project Programming
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Site Analysis
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Concept Design
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Project Programming
The project program analyzes requirements, priorities, and user needs. Input is obtained from personnel
who have an association with the project. For example, the user may require an on-site recreation area, a
place for employees to gather for organizational functions, or additional screening to shield outdoor
storage.
This information and feedback form the basis of the project program requirements and determine the
various activities or functions that need to be addressed.
Site Analysis
The detailed site analysis focuses on site characteristics that help define the final design. Some of the
evaluation factors at this stage include the following:
Evaluation factors
Views
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