INCLUDING EXAMINERS COMMENTS R3111 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN SURVEY TECHNIQUES & DESIGN PRINCIPLES Level 3 Thursday 9 February 2017 09:30 10:55 Written Examination Candidate Number: Candidate Name: Centre Number/Name:.. IMPORTANT Please read carefully before commencing: i) The duration of this paper is 85 minutes; ii) iii) iv) ALL questions should be attempted; EACH question carries 10 marks; Write your answers legibly in the spaces provided. It is NOT necessary that all lined space is used in answering the questions; v) Use METRIC measurements only; vi) vii) viii) ix) Use black or blue ink only. Pencil may be used for drawing purposes only; Where plant names are required, they should include genus, species and where appropriate, cultivar. Where a question requires a specific number of answers; only the first answers given that meet the question requirement will be accepted, regardless of the number of answers offered; Please note, when the word distinct is used within a question, it means that the items have different characteristics or features. Ofqual Unit Code M/507/5862 Please turn over/..
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS MARKS Q1 a) As part of a client brief, prepare SIX questions to identify the information that would be required to design a garden for a person with restricted mobility. 6 Please see over/.. 2
b) Describe TWO ways that a mobility restriction could affect the design of a parking area (excluding materials). MARKS 4 Total Mark Please turn over/.. 3
Q2 Complete the table below. i) List FOUR distinct methods of collecting information for a site appraisal. 2 ii) Describe the information that is most appropriately collected using the methods listed in i). 8 Method 1 Description of information recorded 2 3 4 Total Mark Please see over/.. 4
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Q3 Describe FIVE distinct site features or characteristics that could cause different microclimates within a garden. MARKS 10 Please see over/.. 6
Total Mark Please turn over/.. 7
Q4 Describe FIVE characteristics of a garden designed in the Modernist style. MARKS 10 Please see over/.. 8
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Q5 a) b) State FOUR distinct examples of the use of focal points in garden design. Use BOTH soft and hard landscape features in your answer. Describe how THREE of the focal points named in a) can be used in a garden setting.... MARKS 4 6 Please see over/.. 10
Total Mark.... Please turn over/.. 11
Q6 Describe how EACH of the following factors influences the design of domestic gardens in the UK today: i) TV/Media; ii) environmental awareness. 4 6 Please see over/.. 12
Total Mark Please turn over/.. 13
Q7 a) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how to survey the detail (position of doors, windows etc) of one side of a house using running measurements. 4 Please see over/.. 14
b) Show how to survey the position of the TWO boundary fences using the offset method, on the diagram below. 6 House Boundary Fence 1 Boundary Fence 2 Hedge Total Mark Please turn over/.. 15
Q8 a) Explain, with an example, what is meant by form and space in garden design. 4............ Please see over/.. 16
b) Describe a distinct example for EACH of the following in a Renaissance style garden: i) unity; ii) symmetry; iii) movement................... 2 2 2 Total Mark ******* 17
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These questions are the property of the Royal Horticultural Society. They must not be reproduced or sold. The Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Charity Registration Number: 222879/SC038262 20
R3111 UNDERSTANDING GARDEN SURVEY TECHNIQUES & DESIGN PRINCIPLES Level 3 Thursday 9 February 2017 Candidates Registered 178 Total Candidates Passed 72% Candidates Entered 153 Passed with Commendation 10% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 24 Passed 62% Candidates Deferred 1 Failed 28% Senior Examiner s Comments On the whole this paper was well answered with the majority of candidates attempting and completing all the questions. The following guidelines should be of help to future candidates. 1. Where named plant examples are asked for, full botanical names (genus and species) are required to achieve full marks. Common names will not be given a mark. 2. Use the command statements e.g. list or name (single words only), state (a few sentences), describe or explain (a fuller answer) together with the mark allocation, to judge the depth of the answer. Half marks are often allocated where the basic information given is correct but needs further qualification to gain the full mark. 3. Where a number of answers are specified in the question, the examiner will not select correct answers from a list e.g. if the question states State TWO plant names, only the first two names given will be marked. 4. Labels on diagrams should be correctly positioned to avoid ambiguity and diagrams should be clearly drawn and annotated. No marks will be awarded for artistic merit. 5. Candidates should use unambiguous plant examples as reference sources from, for example, the RHS Find a Plant Service available on the RHS Website. 21 MARKS
Q1 a) As part of a client brief, prepare SIX questions to identify the information that would be required to design a garden for a person with restricted mobility. 6 a) Candidates were asked to prepare six questions as part of a client brief, in order to identify the important information that the designer would need to design a garden for a client with mobility restrictions. The most important pieces of information to establish would relate to the nature and extent of the person s mobility restriction, and how it affects their use and enjoyment of the garden. Is the client restricted in their range of movement e.g. walking, bending, reaching, wheelchair-bound? How does the disability limit what the client can do e.g. pruning, digging? Does the client want to be able to access the whole garden? This will influence the extent and design of hard landscaping modifications required (e.g. ramps and wide paths). The designer needs to establish what are the intended uses of the garden (e.g. growing flowers, vegetables, entertaining) so that any special features may be planned for (e.g. raised beds). The designer needs to consider the client s practical limitations such as - will there be help to maintain the garden or will the client want to do their own maintenance? Is the degree of disability likely to change over time? Will the client need any modifications to garden buildings or storage for specialist equipment such as a mobility buggy? No marks were awarded for general statements that were not related directly to aspects of mobility restriction, e.g. budget or garden style and aesthetics. Q1 b) Describe TWO ways that a mobility restriction could affect the design of a parking 4 area (excluding materials). b) A mobility restriction could affect the design of a parking area in the following ways: The parking area may need to be wider or larger than usual to allow for ease of access in manoeuvring bulky mobility equipment such as wheelchairs in and out of vehicles. Parking spaces could be positioned so that users have the easiest possible access to the house by allowing appropriate space near to the front door. If the site is on a slope, the parking area will need to be designed in the best way to suit the user e.g. steps may be preferable to a gradient (or vice versa) or it may be best to incorporate a ramp instead of steps. Include a dry covered area between parking spaces and the house so that disabled users can take time getting from the car to the house. Other relevant answers related to design were credited. No marks were awarded for solutions involving maintenance of planting or hard landscape surfaces. 22
Q2 Method 1 Complete the table below. List FOUR distinct methods of collecting information for a site appraisal. 2 Describe the information that is most appropriately collected using the methods listed in i). 8 Description of information recorded 2 3 4 Q2 Methods of collecting and recording data in a site appraisal include: Photography, Sampling for soil analysis, Public records such as Local Authority records, Utility company plans, Builders and architects existing site plans, Designer s own notes to include pre-prepared checklist or questionnaire or note book, Other valid forms of digital technology if specified. Candidates received marks for describing the sort of information that would be appropriately collected using each distinct method. Some lost marks by repeating similar methods e.g. designer s checklist and note book are not distinct. Information that could be recorded included: Photography: views within and outside garden, condition of garden features and plants, hazards e.g. overhead cables, type of access, evidence of exposure. Soil analysis: involves a physical inspection of soil structure and texture by digging an inspection pit or taking core samples. Chemical analysis of soil ph with an on-site testing kit or samples could be sent away for professional analysis. Local Authority records can be a source of information used to establish the existence of Tree Preservation Orders, planning restrictions, conservation areas. Utility companies can provide plans showing location of underground drainage or sewage pipes, underground gas pipes or water mains. Checklist or questionnaire for features and characteristics that must be observed and noted down during the site appraisal: aspect, shade, views, position of drain covers, evidence of watercourses, condition of hard landscaping, condition of plants. Marks were credited for client knowledge about the site collected at the site appraisal stage. No marks were awarded for answers about client needs or aspirations, or about the site survey. 23
Q3 Describe FIVE distinct site features or characteristics that could cause different microclimates within a garden. 10 Q3 Many features and characteristics present on a site can contribute to a variation in microclimates within the garden. Candidates were asked to name distinct site features or characteristics and therefore lost marks if the same one was repeated for a different microclimate (e.g. north facing slope and south facing slope, or two different causes of shade). Examples of good answers are: Orientation of a named feature or place within the garden, for example a south facing wall absorbs heat during the day to create a warmer microclimate or release heat at night. A feature creating shade or a large oak tree creating shade giving cool conditions below the tree in summer months. A feature creating exposure to wind or shelter from wind - e.g. fence, hedge or shelterbelt protects the area on the leeside from prevailing winds or creates turbulence. Slope or undulating ground leading to a range of sunny and shady areas affecting air temperature or creating potential frost pocket in dips and base of slopes. Bodies of water modulating extremes of temperature or creating humidity. Hard landscaping materials for example a large area of patio absorbing and releasing heat. A feature creating a rain shadow effect such as the overhang of a building which reduces the amount of rain on the lee side/below. A narrow area between buildings creating a wind tunnel effect. No marks were awarded for localised effects on soil conditions e.g. dry soil caused by root uptake of water. Site factors that influence the climate of the whole garden were not accepted i.e. altitude, latitude, proximity to coast, or for factors affecting drainage. Q4 Describe FIVE characteristics of a garden designed in the Modernist style. 10 Q4 Modernism influenced garden design in the early part of the 20th Century. It rejected the traditional and elaborate ornamentation of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Modernist design incorporated the following characteristics: Hard landscaping elements such as patios, and planting areas were typically designed using geometric shapes in uncluttered horizontal expanses, often laid out in an asymmetric ground plan. Curvilinear shapes were sometimes introduced as a contrast to the strong geometry in large sculptural pieces or kidney shaped pools. Vertical elements were used to balance the large horizontal spaces, for example rendered concrete walls, often painted in bold colours. Smooth surface materials were used for paths and patios such as polished concrete, limestone and slate. Planting in large blocks, using a limited palette of colour, or minimal use of specimen trees or other architectural plants. 20th century abstract sculpture in stone, bronze, glass or stainless steel. Reflective pools of water incorporated into the design, often without plants for an uncluttered affect. Outdoor living space was designed to be contiguous to the house by use of continuity of materials with a paved floor or an atrium as a linking element. Candidates were asked to describe characteristics and therefore no marks could be awarded for explaining conceptual ideas of Modernism or for stating the uses of the garden. Some candidates were apparently unsure of the difference between Modernism and modern. In addition, marks were lost for vague, ambiguous statements that do not clearly describe a feature or element e.g. simple, clean lines in planting. 24
Q5 a) State FOUR distinct examples of the use of focal points in garden design. Use BOTH soft and hard landscape features in your answer. 4 a) A wide range of answers were suggested and accepted, provided the elements were clearly of focal value and included at least one example each of hard and soft landscaping. Examples included: Large stone urn on a pedestal. A summerhouse painted in an eye-catching colour. A clump of trees positioned on top of a hill. A specimen tree of distinctive shape or outline. A brightly coloured planting scheme. Large fountain in a walled garden. Where answers were not sufficiently descriptive of a focal point, marks were not awarded for example a tree could be a single Oak in an oak woodland setting and therefore not focal. Some indication of size, or other distinctive feature was needed for it to qualify as a focal point. Borrowed view was not accepted unless a feature in the landscape was stated. Q5 b) Describe how THREE of the focal points named in a) can be used in a garden setting. 6 b) required three focal points given in answer to part a) to be described in more detail, showing how they could be used in a garden setting. A description of positioning or impact was required for full marks. For example: Large stone urn on a pedestal. positioned at the end of a long walkway, placed in front of a dark hedge for maximum contrast. A summerhouse painted in an eye-catching colour, if positioned in the far corner of a large open sweeping lawn can be viewed from the house. A clump of trees positioned on top of a hill, with a white furniture arranged below draws the eye to the distant scene. A specimen tree of distinctive shape or outline such as the wide spreading canopy of Prunus Shogetsu for impressive shape all year round and flower display in spring. A brightly coloured planting scheme in an island bed using a mixed display of bold contrasting colours for example purple and orange. Large fountain in a walled garden, placed in a pond at the centre of the space with intersecting gravel paths leading to it. 25
Q6 Describe how EACH of the following factors influences the design of domestic gardens in the UK today: i) TV/Media; 4 ii) environmental awareness. 6 Q6 i) TV and other media such as print and radio are forms of popular culture that influence every aspect of modern life and can reach a very wide audience. They can affect the design of gardens today in the following ways: Garden makeover shows create demand for instant gardens and demand for innovative garden products. Flower shows (and televising of) for example Chelsea Flower Show, push the demand for new planting styles e.g. prairie planting. Celebrity gardeners influence design. Alan Titchmarsh created demand for new products like decking and blue paint. Garden magazines such as The Garden demonstrate ways of achieving ideas in design, or can promote commercial products or raise awareness of new plant varieties. Programmes showing garden styles from around the world encourage use of non-native plants. Internet search engines and life-style websites allow easy access to images of a huge range of design ideas and inspirations. No marks were allowed for the influence on garden practices e.g. organic growing, unless this was linked to design. ii) Environmental awareness influences design in the sense that it can affect gardeners attitudes to the responsible use of resources in the garden and the welfare of wildlife. Marks were given for answers that contained an element of design related to an environmental benefit. Gardens can be designed to use recycled materials such as reclaimed pavers for a garden path. Integrated rainwater collection systems can be designed for water conservation or for a rain garden. Native plants that are beneficial to pollinating insects can be selected. Wildflower meadows instead of clipped lawns for plant diversity can be included and animal habitats e.g. bug hotels, bee houses can be designed. Many other factors were also credited including incorporating a wildlife pond in the design. Installing a green roof to provide plants for insects and increase biodiversity. Installing solar panels for lighting or to power small water features, choice of appropriate materials such as gravel instead of paving for water permeability, selecting responsibly managed timber decking from Forest Stewardship Council forests instead of designing a stone patio from a scarce resource. 26
Q7 a) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how to survey the detail (position of doors, windows etc) of one side of a house using running measurements. 4 a) Running measurements is a simple method used to locate a series of key points along an identified survey line, in this case, a wall on one side of a house. Make a rough sketch identifying each feature that needs to be recorded and label each survey point (a1, a2, a3 etc.). Measure from the corner of the house (point 0) to each point along the survey line so that measurements are cumulative. The tape is not moved. The field book might record measurements like this: 0 = corner of house 0-a1 0.75m 0-a2 1.6m 0-a3 4.2m etc. Continue to the end of the survey line. Q7 b) Show how to survey the position of the TWO boundary fences using the offset 6 method, on the diagram. b) The fence lines shown in the drawing can be surveyed by the following steps: Set up a baseline established at right angles to the house wall. The best position for the baseline is in a central position. Alternatively two baselines could be used at the corners of the house, (but this would require more setting out and more survey points). Take sufficient measurements on house wall to accurately locate the start position of the baseline(s). Survey points for offsets are spaced at frequent and regular intervals along the baseline(s). Offsets are taken at 90 degrees from the base line(s) to both side fences. The length of each offset is measured and recorded. Some candidates incorrectly stated that the baseline should be set up at right angles to the hedge. Others failed to show enough intervals to guarantee an accurate drawing. Very few candidates noted the location of the baseline along the house wall. No marks were awarded for the triangulation method, and reduced marks were given for showing the baselines set up outside the garden boundary. 27
Q8 a) Explain, with an example, what is meant by form and space in garden design. 4 a) Form and space is a single concept and refers to the organisation of 3 dimensional objects (plants and structures) and the open areas between them. Credit was given to answers that showed an understanding of the two terms being related. Form in this context does not refer to the outline shape of objects. Candidates could give any example of hard and soft landscaping to illustrate the relationship of form and space in a garden. Suitable examples could be: Groups of trees and shrubs creating a boundary surrounding a light open lawn area. Large topiary pyramid in each corner of a gravel parterre. A summerhouse and pergola as a backdrop to a large patio area. Q8 b) Describe a distinct example for EACH of the following in a Renaissance style garden: i) unity; 2 ii) symmetry; 2 iii) movement. 2 b) The principles of design could be demonstrated in a Renaissance style garden in the following ways: i) UNITY: the use of the same coloured or type of materials throughout the whole parterre area such as fine gravel as surface dressing. ii) SYMMETRY: identical hedge pattern in a knot garden mirrored either side of a central walkway. iii) MOVEMENT: regular repetition of orange trees planted in terracotta pots along a gravel path or use of large scale mechanised water features like cascades and fountains. 28