Which design principle focuses on harmonious proportions between landscape elements?

The design principle that focuses on harmonious proportions between landscape elements is unity. Unity refers to the cohesion and overall sense of wholeness in a landscape design, achieved when various elements relate to one another in a way that promotes a clear, coherent theme or concept. This principle emphasizes that all components, such as plants, pathways, and structures, should not function independently, but rather work together to create a visually pleasing and functional environment.

In landscape design, unity can be achieved through consistent use of colors, materials, forms, and styles that complement each other. The effective use of unity helps to eliminate visual clutter and provides a sense of organization, allowing viewers to appreciate the landscape as a singular, harmonious entity.

While balance, variety, and contrast are important design principles that can enhance a landscape, they serve different functions. Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight, variety involves incorporating different elements to keep the design interesting, and contrast highlights differences between elements to create excitement. Unity is the overarching principle that ties all these elements together, ensuring that the landscape feels like a cohesive whole.