Landscape Design Research Articles

Optimization Strategies for Waterfront Plant Landscapes in Traditional Villages: A Scenic Beauty Estimation–Entropy Weighting Method Analysis

This investigation delves into the waterfront plant landscapes of traditional villages in Western Hunan, China, aiming to bolster sustainable ecological resource management, amplify ecological culture, and ameliorate environmental standards. Furthermore, it endeavors to furnish a theoretical scaffold for the meticulous construction and assessment of these landscapes. This study has illustrated the waterfront botanical landscapes of 32 traditional hamlets within the Xiangxi region, integrating prior research on the waterfront botanical regression model based on the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method. It established and investigated fifteen landscape factors pivotal to the aesthetic valorization of these village waterfronts. The study concocted a beauty quality evaluation model, unearthing a significant correlation (p < 0.01) across evaluations by students majoring in landscape architecture, expert landscape architects, and laypersons, thus underscoring a consensus in aesthetic judgments. A noteworthy correlation between the beauty value (Z-value) and the entropy weight value was elucidated through the equation EWM = −0.106 + 0.425ZSBE, showcasing the landscape quality’s variance among the studied villages. The formulated evaluation model accentuates the significance of seasonal variation, scale affinity, and a rich hierarchical structure.

Promoting global alliances for sustainable architectural education, training, and practice in Nigeria

The field of architecture in Nigeria is experiencing dynamic growth and development, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure demands, and a growing awareness of sustainability. To navigate these challenges and contribute to sustainable development, the study aimed to explore the potential of global alliances that enhance architectural education, training and professionalism. The study combines literature reviews, six case studies of successful international architectural alliances and 34 interviews with architectural professionals to explore the significance of promoting global alliances for sustainable architectural training, practice, and profession in Nigeria. The findings suggest that many countries, like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States of America, and Hong Kong, have formed alliances with architectural regulatory bodies in other nations to simplify international architectural practice. The benefits of a global architectural alliance enable architects to practice worldwide, promoting reciprocity and enhancing competitiveness and professional enhancement. Such alliances enrich architectural education, fostering the development of well-rounded professionals capable of addressing the complex challenges of the built environment. This research provides valuable insights for architectural education, training, and professional stakeholders seeking to elevate sustainable development in Nigeria. By cultivating global alliances, Nigeria can develop a thriving architectural landscape that addresses societal challenges, preserves cultural heritage, and leads the way in sustainable architectural practices.

Application of artificial intelligence sensor and visual image technology in the analysis of hydrophilic space landscape characteristics

With the continuous development of intelligent sensor technology and artificial intelligence, the application of artificial intelligence feature recognition at the level of intelligent sensor information acquisition to urban landscape analysis has become a current research trend and hot spot, but also brings us new research directions and challenges. In this paper, the multi-sensor collaborative filtering algorithm is optimized, and a method based on evidence theory is proposed to deal with the fuzzy and unclear information generated in the process of multi-sensor collaboration. Then, the analysis and recognition of multi-sensor fusion information using AI technology are analyzed in detail. This paper discusses the problems in multi-sensor information fusion and related solutions. Combined with the key nodes of 3D object AI feature recognition, multi-sensor collaborative Dempster Shafer evidence theory and 3D convolutional neural network waterfront space landscape feature recognition sub-model are constructed, and the waterfront space landscape recognition analysis model is tested and analyzed. The results show that the multi-sensor information collection Kalman filtering fusion algorithm effectively realizes the recognition of landscape feature information and the filtering of irrelevant interference information combined with an artificial intelligence algorithm to build a landscape feature recognition model. Among all kinds of landscape recognition, the recognition effect of beach inflow is the best, and the recognition accuracy, recall, and F1 value are all above 95. However, the identification effect of hydrophilic plank roads and underwater breakwater is relatively poor. The recognition accuracy of the hydrophilic platform is the lowest at 83.16 % among the eight landscape types, and the recall rate of underwater breakwater is the lowest at 79.96 % among the eight landscape types. In general, the multi-sensor Kalman filtering algorithm information fusion model designed in this paper has higher recognition accuracy and better classification performance for the collection and classification of the entire landscape dataset. The work of this paper provides a new idea and direction for the design and application of waterfront landscape identification and analysis systems based on intelligent sensors and artificial intelligence technology and lays a certain foundation for the intelligent design of urban waterfront landscapes.

Building thermal energy efficiency modeling based on light image inspection and super resolution algorithm in interior landscape design

With the intensification of global climate change and energy crisis, the thermal efficiency of buildings has become increasingly important. Interior landscape design not only affects living comfort, but also plays a key role in building energy efficiency. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to explore the modeling method of building thermal energy efficiency based on optical image inspection and super resolution algorithm. The light image inspection technique is used to obtain the data of light and temperature distribution inside the building. The super-resolution algorithm of deep learning is used to process the acquired low-resolution image to improve the clarity and detail of the image. Combined with the physical characteristics of the building, the thermal efficiency model of the building is constructed and multi-dimensional analysis is carried out. The experimental results show that the combination of optical image inspection and super resolution algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy of building thermal efficiency modeling. Compared with traditional methods, the prediction error of the model is reduced, and the recommended optimization scheme performs better in terms of energy consumption in different interior landscape design schemes. Therefore, the building thermal efficiency modeling method based on optical image inspection and super resolution algorithm provides a new idea for interior landscape design. Through accurate thermal efficiency analysis, it can provide more scientific decision-making basis for architectural designers, so as to realize the sustainable development of buildings and maximize the energy efficiency.

Indoor thermal energy optimization and 3D visualization based on ambient light sensing in the protection of historical architectural landscapes

While preserving cultural heritage, historic buildings also face the challenge of modern comfort and energy efficiency. Thermal energy optimization of indoor environment is an important means to improve living comfort and reduce energy consumption. Especially when protecting historical buildings, it is necessary to analyze how to carry out effective thermal energy management without affecting their appearance and structure. This paper discusses the optimization strategy of indoor thermal energy based on ambient light sensing technology, combined with 3D visualization to achieve the balance between energy conservation and comfort in historic buildings. Through the dynamic monitoring and analysis of indoor thermal environment, a feasible solution is provided for the protection and utilization of historical buildings. In this study, ambient light sensors were deployed in a historical building to monitor indoor light, temperature and humidity in real time. Through data collection and analysis, the main factors affecting indoor thermal environment are identified. 3D visualization technology is used to visualize the indoor heat energy distribution, and specific optimization suggestions are put forward. The research shows that the application of ambient light sensor significantly improves the monitoring accuracy of indoor heat energy, and the implementation of optimization measures reduces the indoor temperature fluctuation and energy consumption. The 3D visualization visually shows the thermal energy changes before and after optimization, providing a basis for managers to make decisions. Combined with 3D visualization technology, it not only enhances the comprehensibility of data, but also provides innovative ideas for the protection and rational use of historical buildings.

Deep Learning-based Joint Optimization and Application Research of Urban Network Communication System and Landscape Design

Deep Learning-based Joint Optimization and Application Research of Urban Network Communication System and Landscape Design

Analysis of the Species Composition of Wood and Shrubs Species, Their Role in the Structure of City Parks of Osh

In the city of Osh, one of the acute problems when using wood species in landscape design is the study of their ecological properties in relation to the environment. The planting of trees in urban parks, squares along streets and boulevards is influenced by various environmental factors. In such conditions, the study of the ecological state and viability of plants is relevant, since woody plants perform sanitary, hygienic and aesthetic functions in an urbanized environment. The main purpose of this scientific article is to identify in the conditions of the city of Osh, the peculiarities of the development of ornamental species of woody and shrubby plants, the ecological justification of their reconstruction, to improve the sanitary and hygienic condition and the development of practical recommendations in landscape works. The study of the characteristics of tree and shrub species and the results obtained to assess their role in the structure of urban parks in Osh will help to improve their decorative qualities, the correct choice of their placement, care and improvement of the urban environment. The results of the work can also be used in the construction and reconstruction of green spaces in parks in the city of Osh, as well as in the improvement of other public facilities in the city. The practical recommendations obtained from the results of the study initiate a large-scale reconstruction of planted species of trees and shrubs in parks, squares and along modern streets.

A Study on Elderly-friendly Park Landscape Design with an Emphasis on Emotional Healing

A Study on Elderly-friendly Park Landscape Design with an Emphasis on Emotional Healing

The cooling effect of trees in high-rise building complexes in relation to spatial distance from buildings

Street trees are vital in mitigating urban heat islands, with their cooling effect significantly influenced by the urban layout. Past studies explored how urban canyon characteristics—aspect ratio, building coverage—affect tree cooling, yet seldom analyzed the impact of distance between trees and buildings. Addressing this, our study evaluates tree cooling effects concerning their proximity to shaded and sunlit walls. The findings highlight that cooling effectiveness varies with the ratio of distance from the shaded wall to building height (Dsha:H), peaking within a ratio range of 0.55 to 0.7. Below a ratio of 0.3, effectiveness decreases to 9–29 %, emphasizing the importance of strategic planting distances. The result shows that when planted at an optimal distance from buildings, small trees can produce similar radiation mitigation effects to those of larger trees. This discovery advocates for thoughtful tree placement in high-density areas, optimally leveraging their shade and evapotranspiration benefits. The study provides actionable insights for urban planners and landscape architects, suggesting that careful consideration of tree placement relative to building shadows can significantly improve urban climates, offering a strategic approach to deploying green infrastructure in high-rise complexes for enhanced climate resilience.

Landscape Design Planning and Research of Renewable Energy Application Projects from a Sustainable Perspective

The substantial emission of carbon exacerbates climate change, posing a threat to human survival and sustainable development. The primary inducement for the carbon emission issue is the excessive dependence of human activities on fossil energy. The construction industry is among the major sectors contributing to carbon emissions, and the low-carbon development within this industry serves as the cyclical engine for the path towards carbon reduction. Currently, there is limited research that integrates low-carbon development with the landscape design of renewable energy projects. Most studies emphasize the application of relevant low-carbon measures, overlooking the landmark effects of building decarbonization. Addressing how to truly achieve landscape design for renewable energy projects from a sustainable perspective based on relevant carbon emission quantification indicators during the architectural design phase is an urgent problem to be solved. This paper takes a sustainable perspective as the starting point and systematically summarizes landscape design concepts from this perspective. It proposes three major design approaches: ecological sustainability, cultural integration, and the application of advanced technology. Using these approaches, the paper tackles the balance between economics, energy, and the environment in landscape design, recognizing it as essentially a high-dimensional multi-objective optimization problem from a methodological perspective. The paper introduces an energy-economy-environment coupling model and utilizes big data. After low-carbon planning and design, both the net carbon footprint and total carbon footprint of the landscape significantly decrease. The Greenfield carbon sequestration per kilogram increases from 301,023.21 to the current 347,856.02, with an increase of 46,832.81.

Application of Sponge City Ecological Landscape Design in Residential District

In response to the escalating challenges posed by rapid urbanization, this article conducts a comprehensive exploration of innovative models for urban water management. Through a comparative analysis, we delve into the principles, methodologies, and potential outcomes of three prominent models: the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Water-Sensitive City Model (WSUD), and Depression-Infiltration Canal System Model. Each model offers a unique perspective on addressing urban water challenges, emphasizing sustainability, adaptability, and environmental protection. The SUDS model emphasizes replicating natural ecological drainage systems to mitigate urban waterlogging, enhance water quality, and promote sustainable water management practices. Incorporating green infrastructure, natural ecological restoration, and community participation, the WSUD model integrates various aspects of water management to achieve effective utilization and recycling of water resources while enhancing urban resilience. This paper is helpful to promote a more sustainable and flexible future.

Landscape in Technological Image The Complex Aesthetics Perspective

In the Anthropocene, what contribution to landscape design and creation can the technological image, whose action, or agency, is global in scope?Beyond being a functional backdrop for human action and an object of images provided by devices designed for control in virtual mappings and telematic geolocations, can the landscape also be the subject of technological images that are able to promote a new paradigm of reciprocity between man and cosmos? In an attempt to answer such questions, this contribution is aimed at reconsidering in epistemological terms certain notions of the aesthetics of the technological image and, in particular, of the audiovisual image: immersivity, synesthesia and Stimmung.In the perspective of the development of a complex aesthetics, it is hypothesized that the aesthetic experience of the artistic audiovisual image of the landscape can potentially promote a sensitive knowledge of the environment, capable of contributing to the development of an ecological sensitivity.

Application of green building thermal energy conservation based on light imaging equipment in landscape optimization of waterfront space

As the global focus on sustainable development intensifies, green buildings have become an important way to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental quality. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of technology based on optical imaging equipment in the heat saving of green buildings, especially in the landscape optimization of waterfront space, and evaluate its effectiveness and feasibility. In this study, light imaging equipment was used to monitor the heat distribution of different green buildings in the waterfront space, and combined with environmental data and energy consumption, the influence of architectural design and landscape configuration on heat energy conservation was analyzed. Through case study and quantitative analysis, the optimization effect of different design schemes on thermal effect is evaluated. The study found that rational allocation of buildings and surrounding landscape can significantly reduce heat loss, reflecting the importance of heat management. Light imaging technology effectively reveals the thermal energy dynamics of buildings under different weather conditions, verifying the potential of green buildings to reduce energy consumption. Therefore, the research based on optical imaging equipment provides a new perspective and method for the energy saving of green buildings in the waterfront space, and demonstrates the important role of optimizing landscape design in improving building energy efficiency.

Israel’s landscapes of Brutalism

ABSTRACT This paper examines the adoption of brutalism in the work of Israeli landscape architects. Since the 1960s, Brutalism made its way from Europe to Israel by leading architects at the time. In parallel, landscape architects also considered Brutalism appropriate to the young state, and the use of concrete as a cheap and readily available construction material. They demonstrated creativity by constructing plazas, outdoor housing complexes, playgrounds and parks, essentially laying a cement carpet across the landscape. The absence of a well-established local outdoor material tradition, coupled with climatic and maintenance considerations, encouraged the burgeoning prominence of outdoor Brutalism in Israel.

The Design of Health Promoting Outdoor Environments for People with Young-Onset Dementia-A Study from a Rehabilitation Garden.

Health-promoting outdoor environments designed for people living with dementia (PLwD) has proved to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for treatment of symptoms and improved well-being. However, for individuals with Young-Onset Dementia (YOD), who have particular symptoms and needs, the content and design of these environments are underexplored. This study aimed to explore the needs of individuals with YOD in a garden setting, to generate design-related knowledge for 'dementia-friendly' outdoor environments, while contributing to the field of Evidence-Based Design (EBD). An 8-week long nature-based program was carried out in Alnarp's rehabilitation garden, a specifically developed garden based on research from e.g., landscape architecture, environmental psychology and medical science. The study used a triangulation of qualitative methods including six participants with YOD and a multidisciplinary team of five staff members. Content analysis was used for all gathered data, including 17 semi-structured interviews with participants with YOD and with staff. Data collection and analysis was performed based on the evidence-based Quality Evaluation Tool (QET). The study led to a target group adapted version of the QET for people with YOD containing 20 developed environmental qualities for designers to pursue in therapeutic gardens, including the additional quality of Calmness. A progression was noted, as a result of perceived positive effects during the intervention, indicating possible change and development of the group's needs and preferences in the outdoors.

Estimating the predictability of physical activities in urban parks based on landscape morphology—empirical analysis based on 10 urban parks in Nanjing, China

As the urban population continues growing and residents prioritise the green and healthy aspects of cities, urban parks are facing unprecedented pressure in terms of usage. Through physical activity survey and landscape morphology qualifying from urban parks in Nanjing, China, this study conducted predictive analysis on 5 activity classification patterns and 14 specific physical activities, by employing random forest and gradient-boosting tree classification models. Our findings indicate that classification based on gender and outdoor activity items exhibited superior average prediction accuracy. Moreover, among the 14 activities, better prediction results were obtained for activities such as rest, collective, female, children, and intimate activities. This research explores the potential for extending studies from the correlation between activity and environment to prediction, offering valuable insights to enhance the interactive analysis between park landscape design and environmental behaviour. Ultimately, it aims to promote the efficient utilisation of urban park environments.

The role of landscape planning in reducing damages caused by flood (case study: Nekaroud, Iran)

Traditional flood control methods, such as gray infrastructure, are no longer sufficient to effectively manage flood events independently. Urban and landscape designers have devised design strategies to combat riverine and flash flooding in urban settings. These solutions aim to enhance urban ecological resilience by incorporating provisions for varying water levels within the urban environment. However, limited reviews have specifically explored how landscape architecture strategies can play a more effective and beneficial role in flood control. This paper aims to focus on landscape design solutions for flood adaptation and clarify the parameters in order to reduce vulnerability to floods. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the primary connection between humans and a river, and draws upon knowledge in hydraulics, ecology, flood control practices, and field observation to explore the practical solutions for reducing river floods. Moreover, it investigates the flood control method of Nekaroud in Iran, which serves as an example of inefficient flood control solutions. Surveys showed the significance of the river's position within its context and its fundamental role in enhancing spatial quality during the planning process, particularly in landscape planning. Neglecting this aspect can lead to further problems, such as ecosystem threats and limited access to the riverbank, as observed in the Nekaroud basin. Finally, the paper identifies various challenges facing the flooding at the macro, meso, and micro levels, and proposes landscape design solutions for flood adaptation that prioritize maintaining the river within its main context.

Assessing the efficacy of natural soil biotin on soil quality, microbial diversity, and Rhododendron simsii growth for sustainable landscape architecture.

Fertilization significantly influences soil quality and its sustainable use in urban garden maintenance. The widespread application of inorganic fertilizers has raised ecological concerns due to their potential environmental impacts. Organic fertilizers, while beneficial, often have slow effects and are costly. Biofertilizers, with their eco-friendly nature and low carbon footprint, are gaining attention for their multifaceted role in supporting plant growth. Despite the focus on fruit trees, vegetables, and medicinal plants, ornamental plants have been understudied. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel microbial fertilizer, 'natural soil biotin', on Rhododendron plants, specifically the Azalea hybrid 'Carnation'. The study employed a comparative approach to assess the impact of different fertilization strategies on soil properties, microbial diversity, enzyme activity, plant morphology, and physiological parameters. The application of 'natural soil biotin' was compared with the use of inorganic and organic fertilizers. The combined application of 'natural soil biotin' was found to effectively enhance soil properties and mitigate the impact of other fertilizers on soil pH. It also improved the relative abundance of beneficial microbial groups such as Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, the mixed application significantly increased the activities of urease and sucrase in Rhododendron plants, which promoted their growth, development, and stress resistance. The results indicate that the mixed application of 'natural soil biotin' with inorganic and organic fertilizers not only improved the soil quality but also enhanced the efficiency of fertilizer utilization. This approach led to increased economic and environmental benefits in Rhododendron cultivation. The findings contribute to the foundation for soil improvement and ecological restoration, suggesting that 'natural soil biotin' could be a promising alternative or supplement to traditional fertilization methods in sustainable landscape architecture.

Interference Effect of Tree Spacing on Natural Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations Measured Using Passive Samplers

Research highlights: The increasing rates of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic have popularized the notion of access to natural environments as a solution, leading to a surge in demand for urban green spaces. The concentration of natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs) in forests, resulting from plant metabolism, plays a crucial role in forest-based healing and ecosystem health. Background and objectives: This study aimed to investigate how tree spacing influences NVOC concentrations within forest ecosystems using passive samplers, thereby enhancing the understanding of optimal forest management practices to promote human health benefits. Methods: We employed passive samplers to investigate tree spacing effects on NVOC concentrations. We placed passive samplers among trees in the study area to measure NVOC concentrations in individual trees and analyzed the relationship between NVOC concentration and tree spacing and structure. Results: A multiple regression analysis using distance decay models showed that a tree spacing of 2.7–3 m had a significant impact on NVOC concentrations. These findings provide a better understanding of how tree structure, tree spacing, and microclimate within the forest influence NVOC concentration. Conclusion: These findings have important implications for forest management and the design of forest landscapes to promote human health and well-being by considering the spatial distribution of NVOC concentrations.

The Six Qualities of Great Urban Places framework: combining theory and practice to decode the components of places that deliver for people and planet

ABSTRACT The Six Qualities of Great Urban Places is a practice-based framework for designing cities and neighbourhoods that deliver for people and planet. Our approach is grounded in practical experience and a literature review, which aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to thriving ecological, economic, and social systems. We also drew inspiration from established design frameworks, such as the Government Architect of NSW’s ‘Better Placed’ design policy, The Scottish Government’s ‘Place Standard Tool’, and the ‘City Resilience Framework’ by the Resilient Cities Network. Moreover, we incorporated insights from Hassell’s experience in urban design and landscape architecture. From our research and practice, we identified six common characteristics of well-functioning places and ecosystems: 1) Beautifully Original, 2) Conveniently Compact, 3) Richly Diverse, 4) Openly Networked, 5) Playfully Dynamic, and 6) Naturally Regenerative. We discovered that what distinguishes these qualities from other design frameworks we have analysed is their dual manifestation in both the physical design of spaces and their social and economic fabric. In this article, we present these qualities and share reflections from our practical application of the framework. Our aim is to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how to foster healthy urban environments.