Abstract
This paper introduces an expanding research frontier in the landscape architecture discipline, landscape performance research, which embraces the scientific dimension of landscape architecture through evidence-based designs that are anchored in quantitative performance assessment. Specifically, this paper summarizes metrics and methods for determining landscape-derived economic benefits that have been utilized in the Landscape Performance Series (LPS) initiated by the Landscape Architecture Foundation. This paper identifies 24 metrics and 32 associated methods for the assessment of economic benefits found in 82 published case studies. Common issues arising through research in quantifying economic benefits for the LPS are discussed and the various approaches taken by researchers are clarified. The paper also provides an analysis of three case studies from the LPS that are representative of common research methods used to quantify economic benefits. The paper suggests that high(er) levels of sustainability in the built environment require the integration of economic benefits into landscape performance assessment portfolios in order to forecast project success and reduce uncertainties. Therefore, evidence-based design approaches increase the scientific rigor of landscape architecture education and research, and elevate the status of the profession.
Highlights
Recognizing and quantifying the economic benefits of landscape performance demonstrates the fiscal argument for considered landscape designs
As one of the three pillars of sustainable development, economic benefits have been examined by a number of studies within the landscape architecture discipline [2,3,4]
The section below provides a detailed account on possible metrics and methods for economic benefits assessment as synthesized from the Landscape Performance Series (LPS) database
Summary
Recognizing and quantifying the economic benefits of landscape performance demonstrates the fiscal argument for considered landscape designs These benefits have their foundations in the use of cost/benefit analyses that allow researchers to assess the landscapes in question and compare them in time or space based on their economic impact for clients and surrounding areas. These benefits are demonstrated as monetary savings, profits, and other results (e.g., job creation) that are widely considered to be positive economic outcomes. AAddvvaanncciinngg rreesseeaarrcchh iinnttoo llaannddssccaappee eeccoonnoommiicc ppeerrffoorrmmaannccee iiss eesssseennttiiaall ffoorr sscchhoollaarrss aanndd pprraaccttiittiioonneerrss ttoo cclloossee tthhee ggaapp bbeettwweeeenn sscciieennccee aanndd pprraaccttiiccee [[66]] aanndd ttoo aaddvvooccaattee ffoorr tthhee eeccoonnoommiicc rreelleevvaannccyy ooff tthhee ddiisscciipplliinnee [[77––99]]. The section below provides a detailed account on possible metrics and methods for economic benefits assessment as synthesized from the LPS database
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