What is the term for the art of arranging buildings in harmony with the landscape?

The term that describes the art of arranging buildings in harmony with the landscape is site planning. Site planning involves the thoughtful placement of structures within a given environment, taking into consideration factors such as topography, existing natural features, and environmental impact. This discipline aims to enhance the aesthetic quality of a setting while ensuring that development is functional and sustainable.

Site planning is critical, as it not only addresses how buildings will coexist with their natural surroundings but also considers accessibility, drainage, and the relationship between the built environment and the ecosystem. The goal is to create a cohesive integration of architecture and landscape, ensuring that development feels like a natural extension of the land rather than an imposition on it.

Architecture focuses more on the design and construction of individual buildings rather than their integration within the landscape. Landscape design, while important for the aesthetic and functional aspects of outdoor spaces, does not encompass the overarching planning of the built environment in relation to its natural setting. Urban development tends to address broader issues related to city growth and infrastructure, but does not specifically focus on the arrangement of buildings with respect to the landscape.