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Are Ecological Design Principles Becoming the Norm in Contemporary Landscape Design? A Comparative Analysis of Realized Park Projects (2015–2025)

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  • Iva Rechner Dika

    (Department of Ornamental Plants, Landscape Architecture and Garden Art, Division of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

This paper investigates the extent to which ecological design principles are integrated into contemporary park design and whether they represent a new landscape design paradigm. It also presents a theoretical literature review and a selection of key ecological principles that form the basis for the subsequent analysis. Based on comparative analysis of 224 realized projects (2015–225) sourced from the Landezine online platform, the research examines the frequency, typology and spatial impact of declared ecological design principles. Although relatively few principles are explicitly mentioned in individual projects, their spatial impact is constantly evident, ranging from minimal to paradigmatic. The frequently declared principles include habitat preservation, stormwater management and reuse of structures on site, with new priorities such as community involvement, innovation, and resilience are also emerging. The design composition analysis confirms that ecological design principles are embedded across both brownfield and non-brownfield contexts, reflecting their widespread application. These findings suggest that EDPs have become essential to shaping resilient and adaptive landscapes. However, further advancement of ecological design depends on deeper integration of theory and practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and context-sensitive application.

Suggested Citation

  • Iva Rechner Dika, 2025. "Are Ecological Design Principles Becoming the Norm in Contemporary Landscape Design? A Comparative Analysis of Realized Park Projects (2015–2025)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-32, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6620-:d:1705684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Angela Heymans & Jessica Breadsell & Gregory M. Morrison & Joshua J. Byrne & Christine Eon, 2019. "Ecological Urban Planning and Design: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-20, July.
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