Stremke, S and Schöbel, S (2019) Research through design for energy transition: Two case studies in Germany and the Netherlands. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 8(1), pp. 16-33. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the body of knowledge on research through design (RtD) methods that can be employed by landscape architects and others working on (but not limited to) sustainable energy transition. Design/methodology/approach: A specific approach to RtD – qualitative landscape structure analysis (QLSA) – is introduced and illustrated by means of diagrams and photographs. Two case studies showcase the application of QLSA for research on solar parks in the Netherlands and research on wind turbines in the Alpine foothills in Southern Germany. Findings: The case studies show how RtD can help to define design principles for large solar parks and arrangement of wind turbines in particular landscape types in the Netherlands and Germany, respectively. In doing so, RtD can help to expand the breadth of spatial research beyond well-established methods such as multi-criteria decision analysis and environmental impact assessment. Originality/value: The paper provides insights into contemporary RtD in two countries and affirms the importance of such research with regard to landscape transformations while starting to define a research niche for landscape architects and other environmental designers working on the topic of sustainable energy transition.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | design research; energy landscape; landscape architecture; photovoltaics; wind turbines |
| Index terms: | landscape architect, design principle, Netherlands, Germany, methodology, body of knowledge, case study, designer, transformation, environmental impact assessment, photovoltaic, multi-criteria decision analysis, sustainable energy |
| Subjects: | research methods, Geography, decision analysis, business, profession, data collection methods, design methods, environmental impact, energy systems, knowledge management, renewable energy |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here