· Kilta Mimarlık
A landscape project isn't just a drawing with a plant list. Reading the plot, mapping the legal limits, the users' needs and buildability all come together in one file. Here is how we put a landscape project together, separately for councils, hotels, shopping centres and villas.
1. First, the plot's legal and physical reading
Before drawing, we look at three things: the zoning status (green space ratio, setbacks, parking rules), whether the plot is in a protected or conservation area, and the land itself (slope, soil, existing trees, water and power points). In Bodrum especially, keeping existing olive and pine trees, retaining solutions on sloping land and water limits shape the project's first decisions.
2. A programme shaped by the users
The same area produces a very different landscape depending on who it is designed for:
- Municipal projects (parks, squares, seafronts): public use, accessibility, durable materials, low maintenance cost, and clear cost estimates and quantities for the tender. Drawings are prepared with the construction specification.
- Hotels: the guest's first impression, arrival and pool areas, night lighting, noise and privacy screens. Safety needs such as service and fire-engine access and an emergency assembly area are planned from the start.
- Shopping centres and commercial sites: pedestrian flow, car park greening, stormwater management on large hard surfaces, and easy maintenance.
- Villas: privacy, views, shade, the pool area and a low-water planting palette. With a single user, a villa garden is the most personal kind of design.
3. Concept and zoning
The site is divided into arrival, circulation, seating, water, planting and service zones. The aim is to get the flow of life right before making the lines look good. At concept stage, 3D images speed up decisions: the client or authority can see the final picture before the plants have grown.
4. Planting, irrigation and lighting
The planting palette is chosen for the climate and the water budget. Because of Bodrum's dry summers, local low-water species, drip irrigation and, where needed, smart irrigation control are designed together with the project. Lighting is planned not only for looks but for safe walking and to limit light pollution. Related articles: drought-tolerant plants and irrigation systems.
5. What's in the drawing set?
A landscape file for a permit or tender usually contains:
- Site and construction plan
- Hard and soft landscape plans, sections and details
- Plant schedule and planting plan
- Irrigation and drainage drawings
- Lighting plan
- Street furniture and equipment layout
- Area schedule (green space and hard surface ratios)
- Cost estimate and quantities where needed
6. Approval: municipality or board?
For most plots the process ends at the municipality. If the plot is in a protected or conservation area, the project must also pass the relevant Regional Conservation Board, which directly affects the timeline and the design decisions. We explain the board process separately: Conservation Board approval in Bodrum.
7. Build and supervision
An approved project loses its value if it isn't carried onto the site correctly. Planting times, irrigation tests and first-year care are part of the project. The closer the contact between the builders and the designer, the fewer surprises on site.
At Kilta we think about architecture, landscape and interiors together. If you're planning a landscape project for a hotel, villa or commercial site, see our landscape design service or get in touch directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is checked before starting a landscape project?
The zoning status (green space ratio, setbacks, parking), whether the plot is in a protected or conservation area, and the land itself: slope, soil, existing trees, water and power points.
What does a landscape project set include?
Site and layout plan, hard and soft landscape plans, sections and details, plant list and planting plan, irrigation and drainage, lighting, furniture layout, an area schedule and, if needed, a bill of quantities.
Who signs a landscape project for a permit?
By law, landscape architects with a registered practice. Kilta is a registered landscape architecture practice and a member of the Chamber of Landscape Architects.
Is a landscape project approved by the municipality or the board?
On most plots the process ends at the municipality. If the plot is in a protected or conservation area, the project also goes to the Regional Conservation Board.
This article is for general information. The documents and approval process vary by municipality and by the plot's status. Contact Kilta for information about your plot.