Short answer

Integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge and actively involve stakeholders in an iterative process to develop context-specific, regenerative solutions for landscape-scale sustainability challenges.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Ecology and Society (2023)
Method
Literature review and case study analysis
Evidence
Strong effect

A novel Regenerative Landscape Design (RLD) framework offers a structured, transdisciplinary approach to address complex environmental and social challenges at landscape scales. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Ecology and Society. Using Literature review and case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge and actively involve stakeholders in an iterative process to develop context-specific, regenerative solutions for landscape-scale sustainability challenges.

Study
SustainabilityRecentStrong effect

Regenerative Landscape Design Framework Enhances Sustainability Planning

A novel Regenerative Landscape Design (RLD) framework offers a structured, transdisciplinary approach to address complex environmental and social challenges at landscape scales.

Ecology and Society · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Existing disciplines have unevenly applied key components of regenerative landscape design.
  • 02A transdisciplinary, pattern-based, and iterative approach is crucial for effective landscape stewardship.
  • 03Facilitated engagement and co-production of local knowledge are essential for developing desirable landscape outcomes.
  • 04The RLD framework provides a practical guide for aligning problem framing with solution deployment.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge and actively involve stakeholders in an iterative process to develop context-specific, regenerative solutions for landscape-scale sustainability challenges.

How to apply

When undertaking a design project focused on environmental or social sustainability at a large scale, consider adopting a regenerative approach that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines and actively involves all relevant stakeholders throughout the design process.

Project actions

  • 01When researching a design problem, look for connections between different fields of study.
  • 02Consider how to involve a variety of users or stakeholders in your design process, not just the end-user.
  • 03Think about how your design can adapt and improve over time, rather than being a fixed solution.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a Regenerative Landscape Design (RLD) framework be developed and implemented to enhance sustainability planning and address complex environmental and social crises at landscape scales?
MethodLiterature review and case study analysis
ProcedureThe study reviewed existing applications of landscape design, design thinking, and regenerative processes across various disciplines. It then proposed the RLD framework and illustrated its implementation through two case studies in different geographical and socio-economic contexts.
ContextEnvironmental and social sustainability planning, landscape stewardship, transdisciplinary research.

Variables

IVImplementation of the Regenerative Landscape Design (RLD) framework.
DVEnhancement of sustainability planning and achievement of desirable landscape stewardship outcomes.
CVComplexity of environmental and social crises, scale of landscape interventions, existing disciplinary approaches.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a novel, integrative framework for a complex problem.
  • +Utilizes real-world case studies to illustrate application.
  • +Emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinarity and stakeholder engagement.

Limitations

It can be challenging to access and integrate knowledge from truly diverse disciplines, and effectively facilitating engagement with multiple stakeholders requires significant time and skill.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the RLD framework is supported by its synthesis of existing research and its application in case studies. Reliability would depend on consistent application of the framework's principles across different projects and contexts, which requires further empirical testing.

Think critically

To what extent can the RLD framework be generalized across vastly different cultural and ecological contexts, and what are the potential pitfalls of imposing a standardized framework on diverse local realities?

05

Design Principles

"Embrace transdisciplinarity and iterative co-creation for effective landscape stewardship."

This framework moves beyond traditional siloed approaches by integrating diverse knowledge systems and fostering collaborative engagement. It provides a practical pathway for designers and researchers to develop more effective and locally relevant solutions for sustainable landscape stewardship.

06

What This Means for Your Design

This research suggests a new way to plan for sustainable landscapes by bringing together different experts and local people to create solutions that work for a specific place.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference the RLD framework when discussing the need for transdisciplinary approaches in your design project.
  • 2.Use the case studies to illustrate how different contexts require tailored sustainability solutions.
  • 3.Incorporate principles of iterative design and stakeholder engagement into your project methodology.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The Regenerative Landscape Design (RLD) framework, as proposed by Smithwick et al. (2023), offers a valuable model for addressing complex sustainability challenges by emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration and iterative, pattern-based problem-solving. This approach moves beyond single-discipline solutions to foster co-production of locally relevant knowledge, which is essential for effective landscape stewardship and the development of robust sustainability plans.

09

Source

Ecology and Society

Regenerative landscape design: an integrative framework to enhance sustainability planning

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about regenerative landscape design framework enhances sustainability planning?
Integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge and actively involve stakeholders in an iterative process to develop context-specific, regenerative solutions for landscape-scale sustainability challenges. Evidence: Ecology and Society (2023).
Why does "Regenerative Landscape Design Framework Enhances Sustainability Planning" matter for design?
This framework moves beyond traditional siloed approaches by integrating diverse knowledge systems and fostering collaborative engagement. It provides a practical pathway for designers and researchers to develop more effective and locally relevant solutions for sustainable landscape stewardship.
How can designers apply this research?
Integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge and actively involve stakeholders in an iterative process to develop context-specific, regenerative solutions for landscape-scale sustainability challenges.
What were the main findings?
Existing disciplines have unevenly applied key components of regenerative landscape design.. A transdisciplinary, pattern-based, and iterative approach is crucial for effective landscape stewardship.. Facilitated engagement and co-production of local knowledge are essential for developing desirable landscape outcomes.. The RLD framework provides a practical guide for aligning problem framing with solution deployment.
What research method was used?
Literature review and case study analysis.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Ecology and Society.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When undertaking a design project focused on environmental or social sustainability at a large scale, consider adopting a regenerative approach that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines and actively involves all relevant stakeholders throughout the design process.
What are the limitations?
The framework's implementation pathways are still emerging and require further testing and adaptation across diverse contexts. The effectiveness of facilitated engagement can vary significantly based on local social dynamics.