 Contents

 Introduction
 Uses
 Architectural uses
 Engineering uses
 Climate control
 Esthetic uses

Functional use
The functions of plants are the most objective and easily classified of all
information regarding them .
This language orders and organizes existing beliefs while indicating
present voids in either usage or knowledge , and points the way to future
research . It provides a rational handle to grasp an illogical subject
fraught with romance, and a framework or basis for the use of natural
elements in a highly objective manmade environment . It communicates
facts concerning plant uses and provides a base for compilation of further
knowledge.
Uses
The functions of plants should be the basis for their use in environmental
design . We are selling plants short when we use them for beautification
only . The primary aim of planting design should be to use plants in
solving environmental problems .
Basic to this is a knowledge of their characteristics , what functional
problems they solve , and how effectively they solve them .
This seminar has been prepared as a guide for those who desire a better
understanding of the functions of plants in the environment .
Engineering uses
The engineer is primarily concerned with glare , traffic and sound
control , air-conditioning or filtration and soil erosion .
Our world becomes more dazzling and glittering daily with the glass and
metal of automobiles , building materials , signs and other shiny objects .
When plants are well chosen , they can control natural and manmade
glare and reflection .They also may direct and guide automotive , animal
and pedestrian traffic . Little study has been done in determining the
effectiveness of plant materials in softening or muffling sounds in our
increasingly noisy environment . Preliminary examination points to the
fact that plants can effectively do this .
It is a known fact that plants absorb noxious gases , act as receptors of
dust and dirt particles and cleanse the air of impurities . As air pollution
increases , the importance of plants becomes increasingly apparent .
Plants deter soil erosion by the cover they provide and the spread of their
root systems.
Further research is underway regarding the value of plants in controlling
soil erosion .

Climate control
Shade trees, windbreak trees and snow fence plants are examples of
plants used for climate control. It is well know plants alter adverse
microclimates, making the environment more pleasant and livable for
man. However, extensive quantitative studies are necessary to ascertain
the degree to which this occurs.

This change is effected through interception of precipitation and solar

radiation and through wind and temperature control.
In the daytime, the ground temperature in a forest may be as much as 25°
cooler than the top of the tree canopy. A vine covered wall is cooler than
bare wall. Evergreen trees planted close to a wall of a building from
abrupt temperature changes. Plants at the base of slopes create a cold air
or frost pocket.

Deciduous trees screen the hot sun in summer, and in winter allow
warming rays to pass between bare branches. Because snow will not melt
as rapidly on the north side of tall evergreens, they can be used in such
places as ski slopes to delay snowmelt.

Plants can increase, decrease, or direct wind.

Esthetic uses
Esthetics has generally been the prime factor determining plant use. A
plant whether specimen, topiary, bonsaied, or wind-carved, is effectives a
piece of sculpture in creating interest. Placed against a plain wall, a plant
with an interesting branching pattern presents a pleasing display of line.
A hedge serves as an ever- Changing backdrop against which to display
other landscape elements as our world becomes more crowded with
manmade objects; plants can be used to blend together various unrelated
elements, such as building, utility structures, or inharmonious land
usages.

In addition to their inherent beauty, plants, plants enhance urban

surrounding by attracting such-natural elements as birds and other
animals.
It is not intended that this discussion cover description of individual
plants and their characteristics, for other sources give this information in
detail. The planting designer with a basic understanding of how plants
can be used as architectural elements.
The single plant may form a canopy of varying height depending the
upon the type and age of plant. The canopy formed by a deciduous tree
changes from winter to summer. The canopy formed by a coniferous tree
is relatively unchanging during the year.
References
 Introduction to landscape design-L.Matloch john
 www.landscape.ir
 www.homedesigner.com
 www.daryasoft.com
 www.shotterstock.com