DEVELOPING THE LANDSCAPE PLAN 1 7 



direct method of dividing the lot up into the different areas, for the pur- 

 pose of study, is accomplished by extending the lines of the house in 

 some such manner as shown in the illustration. (Fig. 10). In a rough 

 way this method divides the property into a series of rectangular parts. 

 The idea of a geometrical treatment of tho plan at once presents itself. 

 In this idea is found the reason and justification of the fitness for restraint 

 and formality in the design for city places. 



There is an age old idea that there are two separate and distinct 

 forms of landscape treatment, the formal and informal. There is also 

 an age'old controversy between those who choose and favor one form 

 as opposed to the other. For our purpose it is better to understand 

 something of the characteristics of each form and follow the logical 

 way of choosing either or both according to the consistency of the 

 instance. 



With formal we generally associate the idea of the definite and 

 controlled line, form and shape. These are regular patterns, regular 

 lines, of geometric precision and arrangement. With informal the idea 

 might be taken to mean just the opposite of formal, but as referred to 

 here it means less formal, less controlled, and freer in line, and opposed 

 to apparent geometric pattern and form. 



Naturally the parts of the grounds that are close to and appear 

 almost as a part of the house, repeating and carrying out its lines, 



Fig. 12 The front lawn should be left open with the trees and shrubs 

 relegated to the sides 



