Research progress on application of landscape ecology in landscape architecture.

Abstract

As one of the three basic theories of landscape architecture in China, landscape ecology provides a powerful tool for leading landscape architecture in the way from experience- to evidence-based. By systematically reviewing literatures, we explored the advantages and necessity of applying landscape ecology theories and methods in landscape architecture, and summarized the interdisciplinary research hotspot and progress, including research subject, scientific foundation of planning or design, and the landscape performance for improving human wellbeing. We proposed the prior topics on the combination of landscape ecology and landscape architecture to meet the needs of planning and design in practice, including studying the landscape connotation and classification system to serve the multi-disciplinary and multi-sectors, evaluating landscape performance and quantifying the planning and design parameters for the decision-making, studying the coupling system of landscape pattern and ecological processes for solving environmental problems of human settlement and to decrease uncertainties of planning and design, studying how to enhance the capacity of landscape service for human wellbeing. We proposed to promote the application of landscape ecology comprehensive researches into practice, to consolidate the scientific basis of planning and design in landscape architecture, and to construct a practice-oriented scientific research system to bridge the gap between theory and practice.