Refuge and Prospect

GROWING DESIGN: REFUGE AND PROSPECT EXPLAINED
A feeling of "refuge" comes from the fact that I am comfortable and secure, in a spot from which I am relatively protected with a broad view of the landscape in front of me. The "prospect" comes from the fact that I can look out over a vast terrain that holds a number of potentially good and/or interesting things to think about. Refuge and prospect is something that the earliest humans might have experienced sitting at the mouth of a cave overlooking a bountiful valley. Many scientists think that an innate positive response to such situations may be in our psyche as a result of millions of years of evolution. Places of refuge are generally associated with the connection to earth and water. Ancient people recognized this connection, and sanctified the regenerative nature of the earth.

The theories about “refuge and prospect” come from the landscape architect Jay Appleton. In public spaces “prospect” describes a place where we can see others, and “refuge” is a place were we can retreat and conceal ourselves. The best places are balanced in terms of prospect and refuge; we have the best view, but don’t feel exposed, or unprotected. According to Appleton, the ability to see without being seen increases perceived safety, which in turn increases the aesthetic pleasure experienced in the environment.

A specific prediction of this theory is that people prefer the edges of a space more than the middle. Often prospect and refuge are in conflict, as a prospect tends to be expansive and bright whereas a refuge is small and dark, but there are cases where they are beautifully combined in one place; these places are ones in which we feel most comfortable or which we vividly remember enjoying.

REFUGE AND PROSPECT IN YOUR GARDEN
The principles of refuge and prospect can be used with particular success within the design of your garden. Becoming aware of these principles provides you with the ability to play with powerful landscape relationships at a smaller scale.

In planning and designing a garden space, the development of an edge is fundamental. This edge can bound, enclose, protect, reveal, imply, project, and much more. Examples of edges include pavements, paths, fences, water, hedges, walls, natural features, and trees. An edge that emphasises safety, protection and enclosure falls into the category of "refuge."

When an edge is used to emphasise a view, this is "prospect". If you want to develop outdoor space with prospect, your design should address the view or magnify the perspective that is already there. Grand prospects of hills, lakes, or oceans are not always available, yet the principles can still be applied. The focus of prospect could lead the eye down a pathway or avenue, or frame a beautiful tree.

The illusion of prospect can be created within an enclosed place (refuge), by creating a separation between spaces, so the view is emphasised. Viewing one space from another, emphasising the connection between separate spaces, creates prospect.