The Overlooked Core of Environmental Stewardship
Landscape architects are uniquely positioned to shape the natural environment through design, planning, and technical problem-solving. Unlike other design disciplines that focus primarily on the built environment, landscape architects specialize in integrating natural systems into human spaces to create functional, sustainable, and resilient landscapes. This fundamental distinction is why landscape architects must understand and design irrigation systems as a core competency.
Working With Natural Systems
The design philosophy of landscape architects centers on working with natural systems rather than against them. We study soil composition, hydrology, climate patterns, and plant ecology to create landscapes that respond dynamically to their surroundings. This approach ensures that the designed solutions support ecological function rather than simply imposing mechanical fixes that may lead to unintended consequences.
Consider storm water management. A well-designed system might mimic natural hydrological processes—bio-swales, rain gardens, and permeable paving that slow, filter, and infiltrate storm water into the soil. These systems not only manage water effectively but also support plant life, reduce heat island effects, and improve habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
This philosophy—integrating solutions rather than imposing them—is also why irrigation should be within the purview of landscape architects rather than left solely to those who do not fully understand these systems.
The Importance of Irrigation in Environmental Design
Water is at the core of all living systems. As landscape architects, we not only design spaces for our clients, we work with plants, soil, and ecological processes that are inherently water-dependent. An irrigation system should not be seen as just a mechanical solution for keeping plants alive—it is an integral component of a sustainable design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Yet, too often, irrigation is treated as an afterthought, delegated to those who may lack an understanding of the living landscape.
Why Irrigation Should Not Be an Afterthought
Many professionals approach irrigation as simply a means of water delivery. While this ensures plants receive water, it does not guaranty plant health or sustainability. Poorly designed irrigation systems often fail to support plant vitality because they do not consider:
Soil composition and infiltration rates (e.g., clay soils require different watering techniques than sandy soils)
Plant species water needs (e.g., deep-rooted trees vs. shallow-rooted groundcovers)
Microclimates within a site (e.g., sun-exposed vs. shaded areas)
Long-term sustainability (e.g., whether the system encourages deep rooting and drought resilience)
The result? Overwatered lawns, under-irrigated plantings, wasted water, and landscapes that fail to thrive. Worse yet, poorly designed irrigation systems can contribute to soil erosion, plant disease, and increased maintenance costs.
Landscape Architects: The Stewards of Water and the Environment
The unfortunate reality is that many landscape architects lack the knowledge or ability to design truly effective irrigation solutions—yet neither do many contractors or engineers. Irrigation is too often dismissed as a purely technical and secondary discipline, something to be handed off rather than incorporated into the broader vision of a landscape. This is a fundamental failure in our profession, given that water management is central to environmental stewardship.
As landscape architects, we must take ownership of irrigation design because we are among the few professionals trained to see the full picture:
How water moves through a site naturally
How plants and soil interact with moisture
How design choices impact long-term sustainability
We should be designing irrigation systems that:
Prioritize water conservation through drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and smart controllers
Integrate natural hydrology to work with storm water, not against it
Adapt to plant needs rather than using one-size-fits-all schedules
Incorporate alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse
A Call to Action: Mastering Irrigation as a Core Competency
As a profession, we pride ourselves on being stewards of the natural and built environment, yet too many landscape architects lack the knowledge or ability to design irrigation systems effectively.
This must change! Irrigation is not a mechanical add-on; it is an integral part of a successful landscape. We must approach it with the same rigor and creativity that we apply to planting design, grading, and site planning.
This means:
Prioritizing irrigation education in landscape architecture programs
Pursuing certifications in sustainable irrigation practices
Taking an active role in specifying and designing irrigation systems rather than delegating them
By doing so, we reclaim our role as the true stewards of the living environment—ensuring that the landscapes we design are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come.
The future of landscape architecture depends on our ability to lead in all aspects of environmental design. And that starts with water.
~ Eric
Kommentare