Design for Ecosystems

Center for Sustainable Landscapes_Denmarsh Photography, Inc_Lower_Level_Terrace

Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh by The Design Alliance Architects, a 2016 COTE® Top Ten recipient.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Ecosystems

Good design mutually benefits human and nonhuman inhabitants.

How can the design support the ecological health of its place over time?
How can the design help users become more aware and connected with the project’s place and regional ecosystem?
How can the design build resilience while reducing maintenance?
How is the project supporting regional habitat restoration?

Focus topics

Earth forms: Evaluate the different geographic conditions on-site.
Life forms: Identify and protect the species of the site.
Impacts: Understand how human interaction has impacted local ecosystems.

High impact

Best practices

Resources

Projects

If you can do only one (or a few) thing(s)

Develop a project-specific indexing framework that assesses attributes of the surrounding predevelopment, quantitatively and qualitatively.
Design landscaping composed of 100% native plantings, especially species that attract pollinators. Avoid all decorative turf grass.
Integrate bird collision deterrent design strategies.
Create natural nighttime habitat conditions by eliminating unnecessary artificial light and sounds while no humans are present.

Additional information

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