Ecological Design Principles for Urban Landscapes

Ecological design principles are essential for creating thriving urban landscapes. By integrating nature into urban planning, cities can become more livable, sustainable, and resilient.

Native plant species are a key component of ecological design. For example, the article highlights the use of native plants in the Chicago Riverwalk, which has improved water quality and reduced stormwater runoff.

Incorporating green infrastructure is crucial for managing urban water cycles. The article mentions the use of green roofs in Chicago, which has reduced stormwater runoff by 20%.

Ecological design also emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring natural habitats. The article notes the success of the Chicago Riverwalk's restoration, which has increased biodiversity and improved air quality.

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Ecological design approach is all about creating landscapes that work with nature, not against it. By incorporating natural functions and interrelationships, we can create ecosystems that provide numerous benefits.

A conventional landscape design often starts with a "clean slate" approach, removing the original landscape and installing built infrastructure. This can lead to a landscape that's aesthetically pleasing but lacks ecosystem services.

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In contrast, ecological design considers the messy yet essential natural functions of plants and ecosystems. This approach can minimize maintenance costs and create a self-sustaining landscape that provides a greater level of ecosystem services.

Ecological design also involves thinking in systems, understanding the interrelationships within an ecosystem. Every member of the system influences and relates to others, so it's essential to plan the landscape and built environment simultaneously.

By integrating natural ecosystem processes and green infrastructure from the start, we can achieve multiple functions. For example, trees can provide shade, soften rainfall, and sequester carbon, while also holding the soil in place and reducing noise.

Different parts of a building can also perform multiple functions, such as a roof that's planted to provide insulation, water retention, and beauty. This reduces the need for additional materials and energy.

Rainwater collection can connect to water features that manage stormwater and provide enjoyment, bringing nature close and creating opportunities for viewing and interacting with the surrounding landscape.

By adopting an ecological design approach, we can create landscapes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial and cost-effective in the long term.

Landscaping is a way to design and manage outdoor spaces that not only look beautiful but also work in harmony with nature. Ecological landscaping, in particular, incorporates principles from ecology, horticulture, and the natural sciences to create a landscape that provides ecosystem services while meeting human needs and aesthetic goals.

A well-designed landscape can bring people together, fostering stronger social bonds and a sense of community. Studies have shown that residents who live in areas with trees and natural areas nearby tend to have better relations with their neighbors and feel more connected to their surroundings.

In an ecological landscape, plants are chosen for their ability to work together as a community, providing a variety of roles and functions. This can include native plants, which are the first and best choice in many cases, as well as non-native plants that are adapted to the conditions and perform the same functions.

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Landscaping is a design process that combines ecology, horticulture, and natural sciences to create a landscape that provides ecosystem services while meeting human needs and aesthetic goals.

It's not about replicating natural landscapes, but rather incorporating natural systems and processes into a human-centered design. This approach requires understanding how nature works, not just how it looks.

Ecological landscaping can look like conventional landscaping, but it's often misunderstood as being "messy" or unkempt. In reality, it's just a different way of thinking about how to design a landscape.

Native plants, for example, can go dormant in dry summers, but leaving their seed heads and winter foliage intact is essential for providing full benefits as wildlife habitat.

Planting a community in your ecological landscape is key to its success. This means choosing plants that thrive together and provide a variety of services, such as food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife.

Plants with similar cultural needs will perform best together, so group them accordingly. A landscape that performs its natural ecological functions well is more important than exactly which plants are used. Native plants are the first and best choice in many cases, but sometimes it may be necessary to substitute non-native plants that are adapted to the conditions and perform the same functions.

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A forest is structured with canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and vines, each performing its own function. Together they form a community. Planting a variety of species of differing ages and sizes increases the resilience of the community by reducing the impact of pests and diseases, and providing redundant coverage for every function.

In the Pacific Northwest, using locally adapted plants will give the best results. Lists of suitable plants are readily available. For instance, a forest in this region might include species like the Pacific yew tree, sequoias, and Douglas-firs.

Here are some examples of plant communities that work well together:

By planting a community of plants that work together, you'll create a thriving ecological landscape that provides a variety of services and benefits for both people and wildlife.

Ecological design offers numerous benefits, and it's essential to consider them when planning a landscape.

A community setting that encourages healthful physical activity and recreation is just one of the many advantages of ecological design.

Properly placed trees can reduce cooling costs in the summer, with a 25-foot tree saving 8% to 12% of annual heating costs. Evergreens serving as windbreaks can save 10% to 50% on heating costs in the winter.

Green roofs, like the one on City Hall in Chicago, can save up to $5,000 per year in energy costs and be as much as 78°F cooler than unvegetated roofs on hot days.

By incorporating ecological design principles, landscapes can provide multiple ecosystem services more cheaply and effectively than man-made infrastructure.

A study in Washington state found that the economic benefits of trees, averaged over 40 years, substantially exceed the costs of planting and management.

Ecological design can also help remove toxins from water before it enters streams and aquifers, improving stream health.

Mature tree canopies provide shade for people, homes, and streets, as well as carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services.

Here are some of the key benefits of ecological design:

Green infrastructure is a natural resource base that exists within, around, and between urban areas, including streams, lakes, parks, and private yards. It's made up of components like trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, soil, and water biota.

Green infrastructure planning provides ecosystem services and benefits human health through landscape design strategies. These strategies include green roofs, rain gardens, and water harvesting.

Green roofs, in particular, can buffer temperatures, save energy, and aid in stormwater management. They can also be designed with native plants, like the rooftop garden at the Moda Health headquarters in Bend, Oregon.

In Seattle, street designs incorporating green infrastructure, such as permeable pavement and bioswales, cost $329 per square foot less than conventional construction.

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Managing stormwater is a significant urban issue, and green infrastructure can help. Vegetation and porous surfaces can slow down stormwater flow and allow it to percolate slowly into the ground, reducing runoff and pollutants.

In Portland, Oregon, investing $8 million in green infrastructure saved $250 million in hard infrastructure costs.

Trees are excellent at filtering pollutants out of the atmosphere, absorbing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and other pollutants. They hold up to 45% of terrestrial carbon worldwide, making them an important carbon sink.

In an urban setting, trees help provide cleaner air and reduce carbon pollution. This is especially important in cities where air quality is often a concern.

Native plants require less water and fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making them a more sustainable choice for landscapes. They also need less mowing and trimming, reducing the use of pollution-emitting devices.

By integrating the built environment with the landscape, we can create spaces that perform multiple functions, such as providing shade, softening rainfall, and sequestering carbon.

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Trees are excellent at filtering pollutants out of the atmosphere, absorbing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and other pollutants. They hold up to 45% of terrestrial carbon worldwide, making them a crucial carbon sink.

Trees can provide cleaner air and reduce carbon pollution in urban settings. This is especially important in cities where air quality can be a major concern.

Native plants can be managed with less water and fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides because they're adapted to the site. This reduces the use of pollution-emitting devices.

Incorporating native plants into your landscape can also reduce the need for mowing and trimming, which means fewer pollution-emitting devices are needed.

Thinking in systems can help you understand the interrelationships in an ecosystem. Every member of the system relates to and influences others.

By integrating the built environment with the landscape, you can create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly space. This involves planning spaces and functions simultaneously with the buildings.

Natural ecosystem processes and green infrastructure can perform multiple functions, such as providing shade, softening rainfall, and sequestering carbon. Trees are a great example of this, as they provide many benefits to the environment.

Different parts of a building can also perform multiple functions, such as providing insulation, water retention, and beauty. A rooftop garden can be a great example of this, as it can provide insulation and reduce the need for energy and lighting.

Rainwater collection can be connected to water features that manage stormwater and provide enjoyment. This can be a great way to reduce the environmental impact of your building and create a more sustainable space.

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Temperature plays a significant role in the environmental impact of cities. The "heat island effect" can increase maximum temperatures by as much as 45°F over shaded areas.

Trees and vegetation are a crucial factor in reducing peak summer temperatures, greatly increasing human comfort. They provide shade and evapotranspiration, which can make a huge difference in how we experience the heat.

Cities with more green spaces tend to have lower temperatures, making them more livable for residents.

Urban forests and diverse understory vegetation provide habitat for native animals. Native plants support native insects, birds and mammals.

Native pollinators supplement honeybee pollination for gardens and farms. Birds, butterflies and other wildlife provide great pleasure for city dwellers.

Planting native vegetation is key to creating a thriving wildlife habitat. This can be as simple as incorporating native plants into your garden design.

Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less maintenance, making them a great choice for urban ecosystems.

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Check the local zoning, landscaping and construction codes early in the process, as they may limit the available options for ecological landscaping. In some communities, there will be help and support available for ecological landscaping.

Conserve existing features and plants of value by establishing areas to protect before the buildings, paving and other hardscape are placed. Maximize contiguous areas containing native trees and understory, if present, and use secure fencing and explicit signage to make them off-limits during construction.

Preserve resources wherever possible by designing the landscape to reduce unnecessary runoff and retain water on site as much as feasible. Minimize outside resource inputs by preserving existing plant communities and by saving and reusing materials from the site, such as topsoil and rock.

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Planning your landscape first is crucial, and it's not just about aesthetics. Conserve existing features and plants of value, as once lost, replacing them can be difficult and expensive, or even impossible.

Before construction begins, establish areas to protect, such as native trees and understory, and use secure fencing and explicit signage to make them off-limits during construction. This will help preserve these valuable resources.

Design the landscape to reduce unnecessary runoff and retain water on site as much as feasible. Minimize outside resource inputs by preserving existing plant communities and by saving and reusing materials from the site, such as topsoil and rock, rather than importing them.

Regenerating natural systems that have been lost or damaged is also essential. Restore degraded streams or wetlands and incorporate them into the design.

In a natural community, one species may dominate in a wet year while in a dry year a different species may dominate, but the space will always be filled and the necessary ecological functions will be performed.

This adaptability is key to creating a resilient and thriving landscape. By allowing plants to change and adapt with the seasons and yearly weather changes, you can create a dynamic and diverse ecosystem.

A static landscape, on the other hand, can be stressful and time-consuming to maintain. It requires constant effort to keep everything looking perfect, which can be exhausting and unsustainable.

In a natural community, the space is always filled, and the necessary ecological functions are performed, even in the face of changing weather conditions. This is a more natural and sustainable approach to landscaping.

When choosing plants for your ecological landscape, look for native plants that thrive with little maintenance and are noninvasive. They should be chosen for more than merely aesthetic appeal, with emphasis on plant communities that grow well together and the services they can provide.

Using locally adapted plants will give the best results, as seen in the example of the green roof at the Oregon Dental Association headquarters. A custom palette of native and drought-tolerant plants was used to create a thriving rooftop garden in an arid climate.

Plants with similar cultural needs will perform best together, so group them accordingly. This will help create a resilient community that can withstand pests and diseases.

A landscape that performs its natural ecological functions well is more important than exactly which plants are used. Native plants are the first and best choice in many cases, but sometimes it may be necessary to substitute non-native plants that are adapted to the conditions and perform the same functions.

Planting a variety of species of differing ages and sizes increases the resilience of the community by reducing the impact of pests and diseases, and providing redundant coverage for every function. This variety is also interesting and aesthetically pleasing, as seen in the example of the forest structure.

In addition to choosing the right plants, it's also essential to find a landscaper who understands how to use native plants in an ecological landscape. This may require some research and interviewing, but it's worth it to get the results you want.

Regular maintenance is also important to ensure the health and resilience of your ecological landscape. This may include tasks such as pruning, mulching, and monitoring for pests and diseases.

Case studies and resources are essential for implementing ecological design principles in real-world projects. The City of Portland, Environmental Services, has a wealth of case studies on water management projects in the Portland area.

The National Association of Homebuilders Green Building Program (NAHB) offers articles on dozens of topics related to green building and land development, along with links to further resources and regulations.

If you're looking for comprehensive resources on sustainable landscaping, check out The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), a voluntary national rating system that provides guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices.

Here are some key resources to get you started:

The Tenth Anniversary Edition of Ecological Design is a landmark volume that helped usher in a new era in green design and sustainability planning. It's a book that sparked dialogue and triggered collaboration across spatial scales and design professions.

Sim Van der Ryn's work on Ecological Design has been critically important in sparking dialogue and triggering collaboration across spatial scales and design professions. The book provides a framework for integrating human design with living systems.

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Ecological Design challenges us to go further, creating buildings, infrastructures, and landscapes that are truly restorative rather than merely diminishing the rate at which things are getting worse. It's a call to action that remains relevant today.

The book was first published in 1996 and has been a valuable and relevant text ever since. It's a testament to the importance of sustainable design and the need for us to rethink the way we build and interact with our environment.

Pringle Creek Community in Salem, Oregon, is a great example of a thriving community. It's a residential subdivision that respects and restores natural ecosystems while building community.

Over 80% of the existing trees were preserved, including ancient Pacific yew trees, sequoias, and oak trees. No chemicals are used to maintain the landscape.

Community open space is a key feature of Pringle Creek, with parks that provide connectivity for wildlife and a trail system. More than 85% of rainwater is retained on site through permeable paving and bioswales containing native plants.

The community center is surrounded by preserved Oregon white oaks. Green roofs have been installed on two buildings, providing pollinator habitat and keeping the buildings seasonally cooler and warmer.

Social bonds within communities grow stronger where there are trees and natural areas nearby. People report feeling safer and more connected to the landscape when they live in areas with plenty of greenery.

Planting a variety of species of differing ages and sizes increases the resilience of the community by reducing the impact of pests and diseases. This variety is also interesting and aesthetically pleasing.

If you're looking to create a sustainable landscape, there are many resources available to help guide you.

The City of Portland, Environmental Services, offers case studies of water management projects in the Portland area that can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

The National Association of Homebuilders Green Building Program (NAHB) has articles on dozens of topics relating to green building and land development, and links to further resources and regulations.

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The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) is a voluntary national rating system for sustainable landscaping, with extensive website and publications providing guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction, and maintenance practices.

The Sustainable Sites Handbook: A Complete Guide to the Principles, Strategies and Best Practices for Sustainable Landscapes is a comprehensive resource that can help you create a sustainable landscape.

Some key resources for ecological landscaping include:

At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, students and faculty are actively engaged in ecological design through various projects and initiatives.

One notable project is the Zero Discharge Zone Masterplan, which aimed to reduce stormwater runoff on campus. This project led to the inclusion of a goal to manage stormwater runoff into the official masterplan for the UWM campus.

The campus is also home to several demonstration projects, including the Sandburg Commons Green Roof, the Golda Meir Library Green Roof and PV power system, the Spiral Garden, and the Power Plant Cistern Project.

The Society of Building Science Educators' Carbon Neutral Design Project is an international research and curriculum development project that promotes net-zero energy building design.

The Design Network is an initiative to bring together various disciplines, design professionals, government leaders, and other interested parties to promote innovation in the ecological design of urban water systems around the Great Lakes basin.

Students and faculty from UWM travel to Frankfurt every other year, with students from Frankfurt visiting UWM in the alternate years, to focus on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

The Ascent Life-cycle Cost Analysis Project analyzed the embodied carbon savings produced by the use of mass-timber construction for the Ascent Building in Milwaukee, which is currently the tallest mass-timber structure in the world.

The Wells Studio is a multi-year design studio funding partnership with precast concrete manufacturer Wells, which engages students and faculty in advancing the field of architectural precast in ecological directions.

The Design + Construction Initiative (DCI) is a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering professional growth and advancing research in ecological, environmental, and economical architecture and construction.

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