PATTERN TITLE
Pattern #00
Pattern Title
This text is here to be the introductory paragraph, to describe the pattern in general terms –
why it is important and how it is relevant to the design of a destination park. There should
be enough here at the start of the pattern to give people a sense of what it’s all about.
You can go into more detail on the next page, but this text should summarize the basics of
your ideas on this particular pattern.
This text should be a sort of headline that describes the
problem in one or two sentences.
DOROTHEA DIX PARK PATTERN BOOK – NCSU LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
PATTERN TITLE
Header.
This is where the body of text that
describes the pattern in detail should be.
Here is where you should do the bulk of
your explanation – for example – text from
one of your patterns:
Formal borders serve two main
functions:
1. Directing flow of pedestrian traffic and
designating spaces as pedestrian-free –
formal borders define spaces and visually
outline which areas are appropriate to be
in. They are frequently utilized along the
edges of paths. Since pedestrians know
they aren’t supposed to walk through
formally planted areas, visual and spatial
barriers created by formal borders are
effective tools to keep people on paths.
Directing the flow of pedestrian traffic is
useful in situations where:
 The designer wants to encourage a
specific view, which can only be
seen from the path;
 The area beyond the path is sensitive
(newly planted grass, delicate
ecosystem) and could be damaged
by pedestrian traffic;
 The area beyond the path is
dangerous
to
pedestrians.
An
example of this would be at an
amusement park – certain areas
must be kept free of pedestrians
because there is a risk of things falling
out of people’s pockets while they
ride a rollercoaster. In this situation,
the visual barrier alone won’t suffice
and a physical barrier like a fence will
need to be used. However, the
formal border could be employed to
keep people further away from the
fence and to create a more
pleasant environment.
2. Creating distinct spaces, separate from
surrounding areas, with a unique feeling
and sense of place – formal borders can
be used to separate distinct zones in a
Above: Diagram illustrating the ways a formal
border can be utilized to separate different zones of a
park (open wooded / grove, and lawn), and control
park
(forflowexample,
open the
lawns,
and
pedestrian
of traffic by defining
boundaries
wooded
of a path. areas). When formal borders are
arranged in a circle with benches along the
edge, they indicate a space for waiting or
gathering. Formal borders along the edge
of a larger garden define that area and
indicate not to walk there. These borders set
the tone of the space through the following:
 Use of color – color, in the form of
flowers or foliage can have a
profound impact on the feeling of an
environment. For example, plantings
that incorporate lots of yellows and
oranges give off a sense of
excitement and energy while purples,
blues, and silvery hues are calming.
This makes color a powerful tool in
creating distinct spaces or zones
within the garden or park.
 Height – variations in height change
the effect and range of uses of the
formal border. Plantings that are
lower than a foot can serve to keep
people on paths, but they don’t
divide the sense of larger space.
Since people understand they aren’t
supposed to walk in planted areas, they act
as more of a psychological barrier than a
physical one. Lower plantings are effective
DOROTHEA DIX PARK PATTERN BOOK – NCSU LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
PATTERN TITLE
near entrances, where it’s important that
people take in the whole landscape and
are able to orient themselves spatially.
Borders that are about knee height are
effective at preventing people from
leaving the path, and at blocking certain
areas from pedestrian access (drainage
ditches, maintenance roads, garden
areas, etc.). Their main function is as a
physical barrier while still allowing people
to see what is on the other side. Taller
plantings (4 ft. +) can create intimate
spaces by creating visual separations
between other areas in the park. They
also block intrusive noises. These intimate
spaces can serve as peaceful areas for
conversation or meditation. Taller borders
can also visually block views of unsightly
aspects of the park.
These include
fences,
dumpsters,
maintenance
buildings, electrical infrastructure, pipes,
etc.
Above: This is text you can use to describe your
diagram and how it is relevant.
“This would be a place to
include a pithy quote.”
Above: You can use this space to
include additional diagrams or
photographs.
Left: This is text
you can use to
describe your
photo and how it
is relevant.
Right: This is text
you can use to
describe your photo
and how it is
relevant.
DOROTHEA DIX PARK PATTERN BOOK – NCSU LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
PATTERN TITLE
Network.
This is a place where you can describe how your pattern fits in with an overall network. To
borrow some text from A Pattern Language:
Mark the neighborhood, above all, by gateways whenever main patsh enter it – MAIN
GATEWAYS (53)- and by modest boundaries of non-residential land between the
neighborhoods – NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARY (15). Keep major roads within these
boundaries – PARALLEL ROADS (23); give the neighborhood a visible center, perhaps a
common or a green – ACCESSIBLE GREEN (60) – or a SMALL PUBLIC SQUARE (61); and
arrange houses and workshops within the neighborhood in clusters of about a dozen at a
time – HOUSE CLUSTER (37).
Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Your Pattern
Title
Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Other Pattern
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Left: You can use
this space to
include additional
diagrams or
photographs.
DOROTHEA DIX PARK PATTERN BOOK – NCSU LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM