What is the process called that organizes external space to achieve a balance between environmental and human needs?

The process that organizes external space to achieve a balance between environmental and human needs is known as landscape design. This discipline focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas by considering the relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape. Landscape design involves not just the selection of plants but also the planning of structures, pathways, and other elements that integrate harmoniously with the existing environment. Designers strive to enhance outdoor spaces in a way that promotes sustainability and responds to human use and appreciation.

Landscape architecture often encompasses broader principles that include design, but it tends to incorporate elements of planning and the construction of landscapes on a larger scale. While landscape engineering focuses more on the technical aspects of landscape projects, including structural integrity and materials, landscape management deals with the maintenance and ongoing care of landscapes rather than their initial design. Overall, landscape design specifically encapsulates the creative and functional aspects of arranging and organizing outdoor spaces to fulfill both ecological and human-centric goals.