Short answer

Incorporate a holistic understanding of landscape value, moving beyond mere utility to embrace aesthetic and intrinsic qualities, to create more resilient and accepted designs.

Field: Classic Design
Source: International Journal of the Commons (2017)
Method: Theoretical exploration and case study analysis
Evidence: Moderate effect

Viewing landscapes not just as resources for use, but as shared 'commons' with aesthetic and intrinsic values, leads to more balanced and successful conservation and design outcomes. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in International Journal of the Commons. Using Theoretical exploration and case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate a holistic understanding of landscape value, moving beyond mere utility to embrace aesthetic and intrinsic qualities, to create more resilient and accepted designs.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Landscape as a 'Commons' Enhances Design Value Beyond Utility

Viewing landscapes not just as resources for use, but as shared 'commons' with aesthetic and intrinsic values, leads to more balanced and successful conservation and design outcomes.

International Journal of the Commons · 2017

Key Findings

01A resource-based view of landscape is insufficient for capturing its multifaceted nature.
02Conceptualizing landscape as a 'commons' integrates diverse values (use, existence, intrinsic).
03Balancing these values is crucial for successful landscape conservation and design projects, as exemplified by the Lavaux site.

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate a holistic understanding of landscape value, moving beyond mere utility to embrace aesthetic and intrinsic qualities, to create more resilient and accepted designs.

How to apply

When designing or intervening in a landscape, explicitly map out and consider the different types of values stakeholders hold – from direct use to aesthetic appreciation and inherent ecological significance.

Project actions

01When analyzing a site, identify and categorize its use, aesthetic, and intrinsic values.
02Consider how different stakeholders perceive these values and where conflicts might arise.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can conceptualizing landscape as a 'commons,' encompassing use, existence (aesthetic), and intrinsic values, lead to more effective and conflict-resolving design and conservation strategies?

MethodTheoretical exploration and case study analysis

ProcedureThe research theoretically distinguishes between use, existence, and intrinsic values of landscape. It then applies this framework to the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage Site to demonstrate how balancing these values can resolve conflicts and inform conservation projects.

ContextLandscape architecture, urban planning, heritage conservation, environmental design

Variables

IVConceptualization of landscape (resource vs. commons)

DVSuccess of conservation/design outcomes, resolution of conflicts

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a nuanced theoretical framework for understanding landscape value.
+Offers a practical case study demonstrating the application of the framework.

Limitations

It can be challenging to objectively measure or quantify 'existence' or 'intrinsic' values, and perceptions can vary greatly among individuals.

Reliability & validity

The theoretical framework's validity is supported by its ability to explain real-world conflicts and successful outcomes. Reliability would depend on consistent application of the value categorization across different analyses.

Think critically

To what extent can 'intrinsic value' be objectively determined or universally agreed upon in a design context?

Design Principles

"Design for landscape commons: Recognize and integrate use, existence, and intrinsic values to achieve balanced and sustainable outcomes."

This perspective challenges designers to move beyond purely functional or utilitarian considerations. By acknowledging a broader spectrum of values, design projects can better address complex stakeholder needs and create more meaningful, enduring, and contextually rich environments.

What This Means for Your Design

Think about landscapes as shared spaces with many different kinds of value, not just what we can use them for. This helps make better design choices.

How to use in your project

1.Use the concepts of use, existence, and intrinsic values to analyze the context of your design project.
2.Justify design decisions by explaining how they balance these different values.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the importance of viewing landscapes as 'commons' rather than solely as resources. By considering use, existence (aesthetic), and intrinsic values, design projects can achieve a more holistic and balanced approach, leading to greater stakeholder acceptance and more sustainable outcomes. This framework can inform the analysis of site context and the justification of design decisions, ensuring that a project respects the multifaceted nature of the landscape.

Source

International Journal of the Commons

From landscape resources to landscape commons: focussing on the non-utility values of landscape

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about landscape as a 'commons' enhances design value beyond utility?: Incorporate a holistic understanding of landscape value, moving beyond mere utility to embrace aesthetic and intrinsic qualities, to create more resilient and accepted designs. Evidence: International Journal of the Commons (2017).
Why does "Landscape as a 'Commons' Enhances Design Value Beyond Utility" matter for design?: This perspective challenges designers to move beyond purely functional or utilitarian considerations. By acknowledging a broader spectrum of values, design projects can better address complex stakeholder needs and create more meaningful, enduring, and contextually rich environments.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate a holistic understanding of landscape value, moving beyond mere utility to embrace aesthetic and intrinsic qualities, to create more resilient and accepted designs.
What were the main findings?: A resource-based view of landscape is insufficient for capturing its multifaceted nature.. Conceptualizing landscape as a 'commons' integrates diverse values (use, existence, intrinsic).. Balancing these values is crucial for successful landscape conservation and design projects, as exemplified by the Lavaux site.
What research method was used?: Theoretical exploration and case study analysis.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from International Journal of the Commons.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or intervening in a landscape, explicitly map out and consider the different types of values stakeholders hold – from direct use to aesthetic appreciation and inherent ecological significance.
What are the limitations?: The theoretical framework may require adaptation for different cultural or ecological contexts; empirical testing of the framework's conflict-resolution efficacy across diverse sites would strengthen findings.