Step 1 of 4
Collect Data
Step 2 of 4
Site Analysis
Step 3 of 4
Initial Design
Step 4 of 4
Complete the Plan
The Draft Design
Continue to refine the design
The draft design continues to refine and define the spaces created in the bubble diagram. The shape and function of these places now become specified.
Plant species and material details will be chosen in the next phase. Unspecific terms such as “shade tree,” “groundcover” or “tall shrub” are still fine at this point. Generality is good.
Think of design bubbles as outdoor rooms. Much like indoor rooms, each one serves a function and has a purpose. The greatest gains in sustainability can be achieved in the design of the larger rooms and how they interact with the smaller rooms next to them. The main consideration is if the function and flow of the “rooms” make sense and if these decisions support the goal of sustainability.
Here is a Draft Design Example for reference:
