Methodology | Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Upon completion of an in-depth literature review on the fields of landscape architecture and sustainable agriculture, research was used by the author to perform a pilot study. In the Fall 2019 semester, this pilot study identified leaders within the fields of landscape architecture and sustainable agriculture. Though not all-inclusive, the research identified professionals, firms, and non-profit organizations gleaned from published work, award-winning design projects, and features in online and/or journal articles. The author then investigated the design, engagement, and implementation practices of the selected individuals and organizations using online and print media to study design practices, built work, and collaborative experiences. This closer look identified a set of built multifunctional agricultural parks to research as case studies. More information on the pilot study and the professionals, firms, and non-profit organizations can be found in Appendix C.

The combination of literature review and preliminary case study research was used to create a set of landscape performance metrics used to quantitatively evaluate each case study for this report, and for future case studies. Case studies are used in this report to form a set of projective design strategies and programming elements for future multifunctional agricultural landscapes. A visual of the entire methodology can be seen below in Figure 3.01.