Short answer
Designers should advocate for and implement native landscaping solutions in institutional settings, as these are demonstrably preferred by users and contribute to ecological health.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Ecological Engineering (2024)
- Method
- Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) survey
- Sample
- 1088 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
University communities demonstrate a strong preference for native plant landscapes over traditional turf lawns, indicating a potential pathway for integrating ecosystem services into campus design and mitigating the disconnect from nature. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in Ecological Engineering. Using Multicriteria decision analysis (mcda) survey with 1088 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should advocate for and implement native landscaping solutions in institutional settings, as these are demonstrably preferred by users and contribute to ecological health.
Native Landscapes Outperform Lawns in University Settings, Driving Sustainable Design Choices
University communities demonstrate a strong preference for native plant landscapes over traditional turf lawns, indicating a potential pathway for integrating ecosystem services into campus design and mitigating the disconnect from nature.
Ecological Engineering · 2024
Key Findings
- 01Native ecosystems, particularly coastal sage scrub, were highly ranked.
- 02Traditional turf grass lawns were the lowest ranked landscape.
- 03Support for replacing lawns with native plants was high.
- 04Preferences varied based on pro-environmental attitudes and university status (student vs. staff).
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should advocate for and implement native landscaping solutions in institutional settings, as these are demonstrably preferred by users and contribute to ecological health.
How to apply
When designing or redesigning outdoor spaces on campuses or in similar institutional settings, conduct user preference surveys and prioritize the inclusion of native plant species, moving away from large areas of turf grass.
Project actions
- 01When researching user preferences for outdoor spaces, consider the ecological context and the potential for 'extinction of experience'.
- 02Use preference data to justify design choices that favour native species and sustainable landscaping practices.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Large sample size across multiple institutions.
- +Use of a robust analytical method (MCDA).
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific region of California, so preferences might differ in other climates or cultural contexts.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by a large sample size and consistent findings across multiple campuses. Validity is enhanced by using a recognized analytical method (MCDA) to explore complex preferences.
Think critically
To what extent do cultural backgrounds and exposure to different types of green spaces influence preferences for native versus non-native landscapes?
Design Principles
"Integrate ecological functionality with user preference by prioritizing native and biodiverse landscapes over conventional, less ecologically valuable alternatives."
Understanding user preferences for natural spaces is crucial for designing environments that not only serve ecological functions but also foster a connection between people and nature. This insight can guide landscape architects, urban planners, and designers in creating more sustainable and engaging outdoor spaces.
What This Means for Your Design
People at universities like natural, native plants much more than grass lawns. This means designers should use more native plants in places like parks and campuses to make people feel more connected to nature.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use findings on landscape preference to justify the selection of materials and species in your design project.
- 2.Reference the study when discussing the importance of user-centred design in creating sustainable environments.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates a strong preference for native plant landscapes over traditional turf lawns among university communities, suggesting that designs incorporating native species can enhance user satisfaction and support ecological goals. This aligns with strategies to combat the 'extinction of experience' by fostering a connection with local ecosystems.
Source
Ecological Engineering
Ecosystem service values support conservation and sustainable land development: Perspectives from four University of California campuses
journal · 2024
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about native landscapes outperform lawns in university settings, driving sustainable design choices?
- Designers should advocate for and implement native landscaping solutions in institutional settings, as these are demonstrably preferred by users and contribute to ecological health. Evidence: Ecological Engineering (2024).
- Why does "Native Landscapes Outperform Lawns in University Settings, Driving Sustainable Design Choices" matter for design?
- Understanding user preferences for natural spaces is crucial for designing environments that not only serve ecological functions but also foster a connection between people and nature. This insight can guide landscape architects, urban planners, and designers in creating more sustainable and engaging outdoor spaces.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should advocate for and implement native landscaping solutions in institutional settings, as these are demonstrably preferred by users and contribute to ecological health.
- What were the main findings?
- Native ecosystems, particularly coastal sage scrub, were highly ranked.. Traditional turf grass lawns were the lowest ranked landscape.. Support for replacing lawns with native plants was high.. Preferences varied based on pro-environmental attitudes and university status (student vs. staff).
- What research method was used?
- Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) survey with 1088 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from Ecological Engineering.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or redesigning outdoor spaces on campuses or in similar institutional settings, conduct user preference surveys and prioritize the inclusion of native plant species, moving away from large areas of turf grass.
- What are the limitations?
- Preferences may be influenced by local climate and existing campus aesthetics; the study focused on a specific geographic region.