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A researcher takes counts and notes in an urban plaza
LAF's Megan Barnes delivers a landscape performance training
A view of Manhattan from above

Landscape performance can be defined as a measure of the effectiveness with which landscape solutions fulfill their intended purpose and contribute to sustainability.

Landscape performance involves assessment of progress toward environmental, social, and economic goals based on measurable outcomes. Research has shown that well-designed landscapes provide an array of benefits from flood protection to increased revenues to mental wellness. The growing body of knowledge on landscape performance can help to inform public policy, reduce investor risk, and improve return on investment.

Launched in 2010, LAF's Landscape Performance Series is an online portal and set of initiatives to build capacity and transform the way landscape is considered in the design and development process. It brings together information and innovations from research, industry, academia, and professional practice.

No matter how sustainability is defined – carbon neutral, net zero water, biodiversity, livability – it cannot be achieved without considering landscape. LAF launched the Landscape Performance Series to showcase the measurable contributions of landscape solutions.

Barbara Deutsch, FASLA, LAF CEO

 

LandscapePerformance.org

With 150 Case Study Briefs, 120 Fast Facts, and dozens of Benefits Toolkit calculators, LandscapePerformance.org is the go-to place to find precedents, show value, and make the case for sustainable landscape solutions. The resources can be used to:

  • Find precedents, show value, and advocate for sustainable landscape solutions
  • Explore metrics and methods to quantify environmental, social, and economic benefits
  • Earn professional development hours (PDHs) by attending a presentation or webinar
  • Browse and share teaching materials to integrate landscape performance into design curricula
  • Stay current on landscape performance news and trends

 

Trainings and Workshops

LAF offers webinars, presentations, and workshops to increase capacity and foster dialogue about landscape performance. All trainings are registered through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) so that attendees can earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Our two hour-long presentations can be delivered in-person or via live webinar:

  • Landscape Performance to Demonstrate Impact (LP101)
  • Evaluating Performance and Approaches to Quantify Benefits (LP201)

If you are interested in scheduling a webinar or education session for your firm, agency, university, or other group, please contact us at lps [at] lafoundation.org (lps[at]lafoundation[dot]org).

 

Design Education

In today’s increasingly evidence-based marketplace, landscape architecture students need to be able to convey the environmental, economic, experiential, and social value of excellent design. LAF works to incorporate landscape performance into design education to give students the awareness and skills they need to design for, evaluate, and communicate the impact of their projects.

Our Resources for Educators offers sample teaching materials for integrating landscape performance into landscape architecture course offerings, including studio, seminar, and lecture courses. 

The Landscape Performance Series is made possible with support from our generous sponsors. Promotion support is provided by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Program Sponsors

Special Thanks

LAF Legacy Society members Clarence and Ruth Roy and Deb Mitchell, along with other leaders at SmithGroup established the JJR | Roy Research Fund, which seeded the initial development and launch of the Landscape Performance Series and continues to provide sustaining support today.