Architecture Practice Exam 2025 - Free Architecture Practice Questions and Study Guide

In landscape architecture, "hardscape" specifically refers to the non-plant elements of a landscape. This includes constructed features such as paths, walls, patios, driveways, and any other materials that are part of the landscape design but do not involve living plants. These elements are crucial for defining spaces, providing functionality, and enhancing the aesthetics of an outdoor area.

Hardscape serves important practical purposes as well. For example, pathways allow for movement through an outdoor space, while walls can provide privacy, structure, and even protection against soil erosion. They create a framework that complements the softscape, which includes trees, shrubs, and other plant materials, by providing contrast and defining borders and surfaces.

While decorative elements like sculptures or water features may also contribute to the overall design of a landscape, they are not encompassed by the term "hardscape." Instead, they typically fall under different categories, such as ornamental or water features, which focus on aesthetic value rather than the foundational aspects of landscape architecture that hardscape includes.