Object Explication in FormSpace: Why and How to Use It

Object explication in landscape design is a detailed list of all elements planned for placement on a plot. It includes not only names but also key characteristics, quantity, dimensions, and other important information. This document is critically important for plot owners, as it allows for highly accurate budget control, quality of work execution, and ensures clear mutual understanding between the client and contractors at all stages of project implementation.

What is Object Explication and Why is it Important

Explication (from Latin explicatio — explanation) in the context of landscape design is a detailed description of every object that will be present on the plot. This can be anything: from a specific type of tree or shrub to a paving element, garden sculpture, light fixture, or bench. The goal of explication is to eliminate any ambiguity and provide complete information about each component of the project.

Its importance cannot be overstated. For a plot of 6-20 ares, explication becomes a roadmap. It prevents misunderstandings that can lead to costly rework. For example, if the exact diameter and depth of the planting pit for a large-sized tree or the type of covering for pathways 1.2 meters wide are not specified, and this differs from the original intention, the owner may incur additional costs of up to 20-30% of the cost of these works. Explication ensures transparency and predictability, which is especially valuable when working with contractors.

What Data Does Explication Include

The content of explication depends on the type of object, but it usually includes the following categories and data:

• Plants: common and Latin name, variety, quantity, age/size at planting (e.g., stem height 1.5 m or root ball volume 50-60 cm), required planting conditions (sun/shade, soil type), expected size at maturity. For example, for a Thuja Smaragd hedge, the number of seedlings, height 120-140 cm, with a planting step of 60 cm is indicated.
• Small Architectural Forms (SAF): object name (gazebo, bench, pergola), dimensions (length, width, height), material, style, installation method. For example, a 3x4 meter gazebo made of glued laminated timber with flexible shingle roofing.
• Paving and Covering Elements: material type (paving slabs, cobblestones, gravel, decking), color, element dimensions, laying area, laying method (e.g., on a sand-gravel base or concrete).
• Lighting Systems: fixture type (spotlight, lantern, accent lighting), power, quantity, location, light source type, connection method.
• Irrigation Systems: type (drip, sprinkler), number of nozzles/emitters, radius of action, location, equipment brand.
• Water Bodies and Features: type (pond, fountain, stream), dimensions, depth, materials used, equipment (filters, pumps, lighting).

Stages of Creating Explication for Your Plot

Creating explication is not a one-time act but a sequential process that evolves with the landscape design project:

1. Conceptual Stage: At this stage, the main functional zones (e.g., a recreation area of 15-20 m², a playground, a vegetable garden) and large objects are defined. Explication here is general, indicating object categories without detailed specifications.
2. Sketch Design: Once the plot zoning plan is approved, more detailed elaboration begins. Specific types of plants, SAF, and materials are selected. Explication is supplemented with names, approximate sizes, and materials.
3. Working Design: This is the most detailed stage. Here, precise characteristics are indicated for each object: plant varieties, planting material sizes, light fixture article numbers, exact paving areas, material specifications. It is at this stage that explication becomes a full-fledged document for procurement and work execution.
4. Adjustment: During project implementation, changes may arise, for example, due to the unavailability of a desired plant variety or budget changes. The explication must be updated to reflect all внесенные коррективы.

Typical Mistakes When Working with Explication

Avoiding mistakes when compiling explication is critically important for a successful project:

• Insufficient Detail: The most common mistake. General formulations like “trees” or “shrubs” without specifying the variety, size, or quantity lead to the contractor choosing at their discretion, which may not match your expectations and the project's aesthetics. Always specify down to the article number or full species and variety name.
• Ignoring the Budget: Including overly expensive or rare items in the explication without assessing their cost can lead to a significant budget overrun. Explication should be realistic in terms of financial capabilities.
• Lack of Connection to the Plan: Explication must be clearly linked to the plot's master plan. Each object in the explication must have its location on the diagram to avoid confusion during placement. For example, “3 Melba apple trees by the eastern fence.”
• Outdated Information: Project changes that were not reflected in the explication can lead to ordering unnecessary materials or performing work based on outdated data. Regularly update the document.

Benefits of Using Explication for the Plot Owner

The use of explication brings significant benefits to the plot owner, especially when planning and implementing large-scale projects:

• Budget Control: With accurate explication, it's easy to request commercial offers from different suppliers and contractors, compare prices, and choose optimal options. This helps avoid unforeseen expenses and stay within the planned budget.
• Transparency and Clear Terms of Reference (ToR): Explication serves as a detailed technical specification for all contractors. Everyone knows exactly what and in what quantity should be installed or planted, which minimizes the risks of errors and misunderstandings. This is especially important when working with multiple teams, for example, one handling paving, another plantings.
• Easier Care and Maintenance: When you know the exact plant varieties and equipment characteristics, it's much easier to plan their care, purchase necessary fertilizers, protective agents, or spare parts for irrigation systems.
• Long-term Planning: Explication is part of the project documentation that can be useful in the future when selling the plot, during reconstruction, or simply for maintaining a personal history of landscape development.

How to Plan in FormSpace: Precise Description of Each Element

FormSpace offers convenient tools for creating a detailed explication of your plot's objects, integrating it directly into the planning process. Start by uploading your plot plan (Module 1.0 “Plot Plan”) or creating it from scratch. After defining the main zones using the zoning tool (Module 1.1 “Plot Zones”), proceed to place objects. Use Module 1.7 “Objects” to add each element of your future landscape: from trees and shrubs to benches, lanterns, and pathways.

For each added object in FormSpace, you can specify detailed characteristics that will form the basis of your explication. For example, when placing a tree, you can specify its type (“Apple Tree,” “Thuja”), variety (“Antonovka,” “Smaragd”), estimated height at maturity, crown diameter, and quantity. For pathways, you can specify the material (“Paving Slabs,” “Gravel”), width (e.g., 1 meter), and laying type. This data is saved in the project and can be exported or viewed at any time. If you use Module 2.1 “AI Concept” to generate ideas, FormSpace will suggest general object categories that you can then detail, turning the concept into a precise explication. Even when using Module 3.1 “Design by Photo” to get inspired and visualize the desired result, subsequent placement and description of objects in Module 1.7 will allow you to transform the image into a concrete list for implementation. Thus, FormSpace becomes a central tool for forming a complete and accurate explication that will be indispensable for builders and suppliers. You can read more about zoning in our article: Zoning Your Plot with FormSpace: How to Create an Ideal Space.

FAQ

Is explication mandatory for small plots?

Even for small plots (e.g., 4-6 ares), explication is very useful. Although the volume of documents will be smaller, it will still help clearly define which plants and elements will be placed, in what quantity, and where. This will prevent space overload and help avoid mistakes in material procurement, which is especially important with a limited budget and space.

Can explication be changed after approval?

Yes, explication is a living document. Various circumstances may arise during project implementation: unavailability of the required material from a supplier, changes in preferences, or budget adjustments. It is important to promptly make all changes to the document and coordinate them with all project participants to avoid confusion and additional costs.

Who should create the explication: the owner or the designer?

Most often, the explication is compiled by a landscape designer or architect, as they possess the necessary knowledge about materials, plants, and technologies. However, the plot owner should actively participate in this process, providing their wishes, approving material choices, and controlling the explication's compliance with their expectations. In FormSpace, you can independently detail each element.

What if I don't know the exact names of plants?

If you don't know the exact botanical names, you can start with general categories (e.g., “coniferous tree,” “flowering shrub”) and then gradually refine them with a designer or a nursery consultant. It is important to indicate key characteristics such as leaf/flower color, height, width, and care requirements. FormSpace also allows you to add your own descriptions to objects.

How does explication help save money?

Explication helps save money in several ways. Firstly, it allows for accurate calculation of the necessary quantity of materials, minimizing excesses. Secondly, with a detailed list, you can request precise prices from several suppliers and choose the most advantageous offers. Thirdly, it prevents costly rework caused by misunderstandings or errors in implementation, which, in our estimates, can reach 20-30% of the project cost without clear ToR. Additional tips on choosing plants can be found here: Choosing Plants for Your Plot: Tips and Ideas from FormSpace.

Is explication only needed for new projects?

No, explication is useful not only for creating a new landscape but also for reconstructing or modernizing an existing plot. It helps to record the current state, determine what will be preserved, what will be removed, and what will be added. This allows for systematizing work and controlling changes, ensuring continuity and logical transformations.

How does explication differ from a master plan?

A master plan is a graphic representation of the plot with the placement of all main elements, zoning, and communications. Explication, on the other hand, is a textual document that describes each object indicated on the master plan in detail, with its characteristics, quantity, and specifications. The master plan shows where and what, while explication shows exactly what that “what” will be.

Object explication is the foundation for the successful implementation of any landscape project. It not only ensures order and transparency but also allows you, as the plot owner, to be fully involved in the process and control every stage of creating your dream garden. Start creating your explication today in FormSpace to ensure your project is realized exactly to your vision.