To intertwine new construction and landscape and thereby create nature-inclusive environments, DS uses ISLA. What does that mean?
Goal
ISLA stands for Integrated Strategic Landscape Analysis. This form of analysis is an important tool in our daily work as landscape architects. Using ISLA, we can weave ecology, archaeology, water management and client demand into a strong and cohesive landscape.
Design
The analysis consists of two phases. The first phase begins with an analysis in which all available information about the landscape in and around the project area, is incorporated into maps. These maps are grouped into three families; geography, culture and ecology. These families are again divided into several subgroups.
The maps are entered into a graphical program, which allows us to lay several maps simultaneously side by side and on top of each other so that we can make a detailed and cartographic analysis. This analysis is both a research method for ourselves and an interactive communication tool to the client and other stakeholders. The conclusions are then recorded in approximately three opportunity maps.
The second stage is to apply the method in area development and planning thereof. The opportunity maps from the first phase establish the larger landscape story within which the development of the project area will relate. By building a multi-layered story, different scenarios for development emerge. These scenarios form the basis for future wants and needs beyond the PVE (Program of Requirements).
Details
DS believes that any development should be seen as building on and enhancing the landscape in its broadest sense. ISLA is used for knowledge transfer to the client and stakeholders, for better advice and mediation in complex spatial processes.
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