Desert Landscape Architecture

Title: Desert Landscape Architecture
Author: John C Krieg
ISBN: 1574442252 / 9781574442250
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 656
Publisher: CRC Press
Year: 1998
Availability: 2 to 3 weeks

Tab Article

Outlines the elements of landscape architectural design
Provides descriptions and illustrations for more than 350 species
Lists elements comprising exterior structures and surfaces
Outlines irrigation equipment and specific functions
Contains tables for recommended gradients and common conversion factors
Includes a monthly maintenance calendar for scheduling the sequence of maintenance events
Presents charts, tables, addresses, and further information

This book provides an understanding of desert environments, their climatic conditions, and unique physical beauty - using the five American deserts of the southwestern United States as an example. Through considerable research, sensitivity, and practical experience, the author provides insight into how built environments are designed and installed in order to cope with the harsh, unforgiving physiographic area. Bridging the gap between professional jargon and common sense, Desert Landscape Architecture displays detailed information for every facet of landscape design, environmental concerns, water issues, cultural issues, and plant material use.

This unique, thorough book:
o Provides information applicable to any desert region of the world
o Supplies a plant compendium with extensive plant lists comprising more than 750 species
o Examines desert flora and fauna as well as the fragile ecosystems they occupy
o Reviews human use areas
o Investigates grading from an aesthetic and practical standpoint
o Explains the significance of adequate site drainage
o Discusses schematic, preliminary, and working drawing plans
o Lists types of site furnishings and their specific purposes
o Describes how various hardscape elements are drawn and specified
o Explains plant growth in detail
o Discusses the dynamics of plant communities and their function in larger ecosystems
o Reviews the factors affecting plant selection in the design process
o Identifies desert planning zones
o Emphasizes the critical nature of irrigation design in the desert landscape architecture - explaining it as an environmental necessity, not a technical issue
o Outlines the basic principles of hydrology related to system design
o Discusses water conservation and presents alternatives for reducing water consumption
o Examines types of light and suitable applications
o Describes lighting design concepts and explores how lighting is graphically depicted on plans
o Examines the role of initial programming for the success of the project
o Describes project bidding and field observation process
o Reviews maintenance components such as pruning and fertilization

List of plates include:
World Deserts and Geography
North American Deserts
Southwest U.S. Deserts
Design Process
Design Elements
Solar Orientation
Contour Interpretation
Gradients
Drainage Structures
Roadway Design
The Outdoor Room
Human Dimensions
Water Features
Tree Physiology
Plant Physiology
Plant Reproduction
Plant Orders
Micro Planting Zones
Macro Planting Zones Native Vegetation
Backflow Prevention
Conventional System Equipment
Emitter System Equipment
Electrical Components
Lighting Techniques
Tree Maintenance
Shrub Maintenance

Tab Article

Introduction
North American Deserts
Landscape Architectural Design
Grading Design
Hardscape Design
Plant Materials and Planting Design
Plant Compendium
Irrigation Design
Lighting Design
Installation and Maintenance
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix
Index