Like all areas of design, landscape architecture trends have been changing rapidly in the last several years. In urban spaces, trends have been brought on by a need to make public spaces that have economic, social, and environmental values, while many commercial buildings and businesses have seen the need for outdoor spaces as a way for people to relax and to increase productivity.
There’s been a push to include more structures, lounge areas, pathways, and recreation in landscape architecture than ever before. 2020 is poised to see a continuation of these ideas, with the following 8 trends being of particular influence:
1. Structural Definition
Landscape architecture is effective if it’s being noticed, with spaces that are inviting to viewers. Using a pergola to help define a space and bring more attention to it is one way to ensure that their goals are being met. This area has benches and sculptures as well as beautiful greenery, but it’s the pergola that helps people see and approach the landscaping to better interact with it.
2. Outdoor Lounges
The outdoor lounge or outdoor living room is increasing in popularity in many areas. Businesses are using outdoor lounges as a way to allow employees to relax, while restaurants are using them for entertainment purposes. They allow more relaxation, and setups like this one help create small conversation areas and more intimacy. Creating varied lounges also allows different groups to gather at once.
3. Entertainment Spaces
Many areas are beginning to see the benefits of including items in their landscaping that people can interact with. This can help make spaces more of a destination point, rather than simply an addition to a property. This library has added a giant chessboard to their landscaping, inviting visitors to the library to stop and enjoy a game of chess on their way indoors. Unique features like this can help attract people to the building, because once they arrive for a chess game, they’re more likely to visit the library as well.
4. Multi-functional Patios
Landscape architecture has recently been focused on benefiting everyone. This means that businesses and public buildings have been including more outdoor spaces for people to use and to relax in. This includes multi-functional patios, like this one, that can include an outdoor kitchen, eating areas, and lounge areas, as well as lots of greenery. Native plants are particularly trending for spaces like this, because they’re easy to care for and easily complement the space.
5. Low-Maintenance Landscapes
People want spaces that are usable, enjoyable, and functional, but they also want them to be low maintenance and beneficial to everyone. This includes things like xeriscaping and using materials like engineered wood to create walkways and paths, as well as the use of native plants. Rather than planting grass, which needs to be mowed and fertilized, more plants and surface materials that are low maintenance are trending right now.
6. Building Extensions
Indoor/outdoor spaces are also increasing in popularity, in hopes of engaging more people to leave buildings and workspaces for recreation outdoors. Walkways, pergolas, gazebos, and other outdoor structures are being built adjoining the buildings themselves, which creates a more fluid appearance for the landscaping and helps draw people from the building to the outdoors.
7. Water Features
Many parks and other outdoor areas are adding water features and recreation in 2020. This helps to create destination spots, particularly in hot weather, and increases engagement with the park and the landscaping. The design also includes seating areas, shaded areas, and low-maintenance paving materials, keeping up with multiple trends at once.
8. Structural Resiliency
One of the latest trends in landscaping has nothing to do with style, and everything to do with economical benefits and long term gains. This includes choosing materials such as aluminum that will hold up well no matter what may happen. This includes materials that can withstand natural disasters, as well as everyday wear and tear.
While wood may collapse or rot, materials such as the pergolas made by Structureworks hold onto their resiliency long term. The basic structure will remain sound even if parts need to be replaced. This means fewer wasted materials and less money spent on projects long term.
Step Up Your Landscaping Trends in 2020
With a greater focus on usability, and the benefits for the environment and people, landscape architecture will continue to grow in popularity in the next several years. By focusing on these features as you plan and construct your landscapes, you can bring more attention to the many benefits that landscape architecture can bring.