Landscape Architecture

This book covers five essential topics in landscape architecture. The first chapter explores how the sponge city concept developed in China contributes to urban rainwater management through nature-based solutions. Sponge cities optimize the green, grey, and blue systems of cities to balance the water cycle, conserve water, and reduce flood risk. The use of vegetation, permeable surfaces, and constructed wetlands helps preserve ecological balance. The second chapter discusses the use of turfgrass in landscaping and compares five turf establishment techniques with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Turfgrass areas serve ecological, aesthetic, and social functions. The third chapter addresses climate change and water scarcity by evaluating xeriscape landscaping practices at Harran University’s Osmanbey Campus, emphasizing water-efficient, drought-tolerant plantings and sustainable irrigation methods. The fourth chapter investigates the impact of peripheral urbanization during the COVID-19 pandemic on land surface temperature in Antalya's Döşemealtı district, showing that increased impermeable surfaces reduced vegetation cover leading to higher surface temperatures. The fifth chapter provides a comprehensive review of the use of ArcGIS Pro in landscape architecture workflows from data acquisition and georeferencing to topological digitization, surface analysis, and suitability modeling, highlighting the integration of GIS with design processes. In conclusion, the book emphasizes the importance of integrating nature-based approaches with advanced technological tools for sustainable, resilient urban design.