1. Problem Statement
This is addressing what is wrong with the site, and why you feel that it is important to change the site from what it is now.
2. Site Inventory and Analysis
This is how it sounds- it included visiting the site, looking at photos, and maps, as well as doing research of the site. With this information you look at what is important to keep and what are problem areas. This is generally done with an opportunities and constraints map or an inventory and analysis map. Inventory and Analysis maps are done by using Kevin Lynch's five elements. These five elements include: paths, nodes, landmarks, edges, and districts. Paths are areas of circulation, not just where paths have been outlined already, but the paths that people take, which could be cutting through grass or planters. Nodes are areas of activity or where people need to make a decision where to go. Landmarks are significant features to the land; this could be prime meeting locations either manmade or natural. Edges are either walls, or imaginary lines between spaces. Lastly, districts are areas of a certain behavior. They are categorized by how people behave within a given area, and what uses it serves.
3. Formulation of Alternative Solutions.
Looking at what you've accumulated in the previous step, this looks at the best possible locations for program elements, which are what your design would like to include on site.
4. Choice of Solution
And obviously you can't pick all of the designs, you need to focus in on one. At this part in the process, you and your client(s) look at the best possible option and go with it. At this point you come up with a final design map and technical drawings. These are often called site plans. Here are a couple that I've done so far.
5. Implementation
Implementation is putting the plan into action. It is the shining moment, I believe, in a landscape architects career. Watching your design unfold before your eyes is incredibly rewarding.
6. Project Evaluation
So your plan is in place, but sometimes our plans don't quite meet the standards we aimed for. Project evaluation is going back after your site is finished and reevaluating the work you've completed. Sometimes our plan was successful and is used as planned, however, sometimes the does not meet it's full potential and the design process is started over.
So there's how an idea turns into reality.
