Landscape-Led Design: How We Use This Approach to Work With, Not Against, Nature
Today is World Earth Day! So while the world reflects on this year’s theme – our overuse of plastics (#plasticdetox), we’re reflecting on how we as Urban Designers can prioritise sustainability and maximise natural habitats when designing and visioning new developments to safeguard our earth for future generations.
We often talk about being landscape-led here at edge, but what does that mean?
Landscape-led development is a holistic approach that balances development with nature. It means that we recognise the intrinsic value of our landscapes and actively integrate them into our design process.
Development and the need to provide housing often disrupts the natural environment. A landscape-led approach prioritises creating minimal harm to natural resources and wildlife habitats from the design stage to construction. We know that a successful place is not just about houses and their placement, but about creating environments where people feel that they truly belong. By being landscape-led, we create spaces that resonate with memories, history, and experiences beyond the physical site.
So why do we prioritise existing landscape and ecological features when we’re designing?
Existing landscapes have unique ecosystems – they provide essential services like flood control, they protect native plant species, support pollinators, and create wildlife corridors. These green networks enhance urban biodiversity and enrich our lives. But the benefits don’t just stretch to flora and fauna, having access to green spaces also positively impacts our mental and physical health, providing opportunities for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. They also improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a sense of belonging.
What steps do we take when designing to ensure we’re maintaining a landscape-led approach?
We use a holistic approach and look at both the immediate site and the surrounding context to ensure that the site is in-keeping with the local area, and either plugs into the existing networks and connections or could be integrated seamlessly if required. Where possible we retain natural features such as hedgerows, trees and existing watercourses and work these into the design, as well as promoting the integration of green and blue features into the heart of sites, to connect people with nature.
We utilise our knowledge of the One Planet Living framework; created by our friends at Bio-regional. Their 10 key principles provide a concise and meaningful list that we can dip in and out of when at the designing stage.
As we mark World Earth Day, let’s continue to embrace landscape-led design and create places where ‘green’ and ‘grey’ coexist; safeguarding our planet for generations to come.
Written by Lowri
