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Focal Points and Other Mechanisms to Control the Viewer's Eye

Examples of Scale, Line, Focal Points

From David Beaulieu, About.com

You probably know that landscape designers create focal points to direct the eye to an area. For instance, symmetry is often employed to help focus attention on the desired spot. But the focal point is just one of the "tricks of the trade." Scale and line are examples of other landscape design concepts that deal with eye movement. In this photo gallery, I'll show you examples of how such concepts are applied. Clicking on the pictures below will take you to larger images and explanations of the concepts they illustrate.
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Images 1-12 of 13

  1. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: Foundation PlantingsFocal point example.
  2. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: SymmetryPicture of entryway symmetry.
  3. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: SymmetryPicture showing granite columns flanking a gate entrance.
  4. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: SymmetryPicture of brick wall entry for driveway.
  5. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: FramingThis hedge helps frame a vista.
  6. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: BordersPhoto of fence with varying board heights.
  7. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: Curved LinesA curved border planting.
  8. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: Curved LinesPicture of a curved flagstone path.
  9. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: Curved LinesIn this picture, the curving fence is a perfect match for the circular courtyard.
  10. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: Curved LinesPicture of curved foundation planting.
  11. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: ScaleTrees for one-storey homes should be in scale with such houses.
  12. Focal Points, Other Landscaping Visual Cues: ScaleLarge trees can help scale down two-storey homes.
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