Urban Landscape Architecture: Architecture & Landscape

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND GIS

GISc in Landscape Architectonic Research and Design
The aim of this study is to find new ways of landscape architectonic research and design using Geo Information Science (GISc). This involves describing and exploring Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a method and technique so as to produce an idea of the possibilities and limitations of GIS in design research and research by design in landscape architecture. It also involves the critical scrutiny of existing methods and techniques for research and design and developing new ones.
SUBJECT

Application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in landscape architecture as tool for spatial research and design.

RATIONAlE

The study regards GIS as a powerful tool for spatial research, design and planning in the field of landscape architecture. GIS will be presented as a powerful platform for visual representation, analysis and modelling of complex landscape architectonic environments. The study also investigates the significant role of mapping in spatial design, while mapping is an important component of GISc. In this respect the study extends the knowledge apparatus of landscape architecture in terms of theory, digital instruments, methodology, and design techniques.
3D-model of Piazza San Marco, Venice (image: S.Nijhuis/J.Wiers)

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This research is an exploration of GIS as an instrument in landscape architectonic research and design. Main topics are GISc-based representation, analysis and modelling of the landscape architectonic composition in order to describe and comprehend the basic form, spatial form, metaphorical form, and the programmatic form. Case studies form the heart of the work and cover the scope and remit of landscape architecture: architecture and landscape, urban landscapes and cultural landscapes (e.g. Piazza San Marco, Stourhead, Florence, Beemster). The examples reveal the potential of GIS as a tool for landscape architecture and showcase what the added value is: (1) by following the profession and developing aspects from it (application) and (2) by setting in train fundamental new developments in the field.

GIS-based analysis of visual properties Piazza San Marco (images: S.Nijhuis)

APPROACH

The study involves the following steps: Investigating the significance of maps in landscape architectonic research in relation to GISc Research into GIS as a method and technique for representation, analysis and exploration in lanscape research and design Exploring the possibilities of GIS as a instrument for landscape architectonic research and design, based on case study research

RESULTS

The study results in various products: dissertation, articles/book chapters, external reports, lectures and monograph

PROJECT INFORMATION PhD-candidate: Ass.Prof. Steffen Nijhuis Supervisors: Prof. Clemens M. Steenbergen PhD Prof. Erik A. de Jong PhD Period: 2008 2012 Partner: Wageningen University, Centre for Geo-Information External funding: Province of North Holland / DRO Amsterdam

RELATED PUBLICATIONS (SELECTION) Nijhuis S, Lammeren R van & Hoeven FD van der (eds.) (2010) Exploring the Visual Landscape. Advances in Landscape Physiognomic Research in the Netherlands. Amsterdam: IOS Press (in preparation) Nijhuis S (2009). Mapping architectonic structures with GIS. In: L.M. Calabrese, et al. (eds.) Architecture Annual 2007-2008. Delft University of Technology. Rotterdam, 010 publishers Nijhuis S (2008). Application of GPS data in Geographic Information Systems. In: J van Schaick & SC van der Spek (Eds.), Urbanism on Track. Amsterdam: IOS Press. pp 35-47. Steenbergen CM, Reh W, Nijhuis S & Pouderoijen MT (2009) The Polder Atlas of the Netherlands. Bussum: Thoth Steenbergen, CM, Meeks, S, & Nijhuis, S (2008). Composing landscapes. Basel, etc.: Birkhauser publishers.

Delft University of Technology - Faculty of Architecture - Department of Urbanism - Chair of Landscape Architecture
Julianalaan 134 2628BL Delft Netherlands http://landscapearchitecture.bk.tudelft.nl/ secretariat: +31 15 278 12 298 s.nijhuis@tudelft.nl