Towards A New Practice of Integrated Landscape Design and Care

Abstract

This research examines how to bridge an existing gap between landscape design and maintenance within the overarching goal of supporting and enhancing ecological function in designed landscapes. Emerging from a practice-based problem, the research solution aims to bring together the working ecosystems of design and maintenance through a process of building strong and effective teams working towards common goals. The UK Design Council’s Double Diamond was used as the guiding framework for the development of the thesis problem and solution. Two research methodologies, Design Science Research and practice-based research were used to identify and solve the problem by generating new knowledge and insights around integrating ecological landscape design and maintenance. Three major components of research were conducted: 1) “On the Ground” interviews, 2) Key Informant interviews, and 3) a Practitioners Precedent review. These were used to inform the research solution, a “Model of Care”. The “Model of Care” is based on the fundamental principles of common values and goals, support structure, knowledge transfer, communication, and capacity-building. To test and describe the solution, four care archetypes were developed: 1) “Self”, 2) “Community”, 3) “Contractor”, and 4) “Staff”. For each of these archetypes, a persona and design fiction narrative were developed to describe how the “Model of Care” could be applied in practice. The research demonstrated how an integrated approach to design and care of landscapes can lead to better outcomes for not only ecologically designed landscapes, but designed landscapes in general. The research also illustrated the value and importance of reflection, innovation, and experimentation within a practice-based context towards solving complex challenges.