Design Research Methods for Landscape Architecture

Synopsis: Designated as a ‘13th Five-Year Plan’ textbook for civil engineering disciplines by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and recommended for higher education institutions offering Landscape Architecture (Landscape Studies) programmes.

This textbook comprises two principal sections. Part I, covering Chapters 1 to 8, focuses on theoretical considerations and classification. It explores the distinctive characteristics and categorisation of landscape design research, utilising diverse case studies to illustrate various design research approaches. It demonstrates that design, whether as a noun or verb, can serve as a research subject, while the entire landscape design practice process can constitute a research endeavour. Comprising eight chapters, Chapter 1 establishes fundamental concepts. Chapter 2 focuses on the essence of landscape design research, while Chapter 3 introduces the book's classification framework for such research. Subsequent chapters (4–8) present case studies of different types of landscape design research.

Part Two of the book provides practical operational guidance, progressively unfolding across Chapters 9 to 15. It systematically guides the design research process through specific operational levels: literature retrieval, research question definition, literature review methodology, and data collection techniques. Chapter 13 addresses data types, Chapter 14 covers data analysis methods, and Chapter 15 outlines typical research approaches and pathways for developing research-oriented articles, each step accompanied by concrete operational recommendations. This book employs a multifaceted approach—integrating theory, case studies, technical workflows, practical recommendations, and self-assessment checklists—to progressively guide the conceptualisation and execution of design research.