Application of urban metabolism theory in the planning and design of cities: New sustainable energy landscapes – PhD study Roberta Pistoni (2015-2018)

Application of energy conscious design principles in the planning and design of sustainable energy landscapes – PhD study Roberta Pistoni (2015-2018)

This PhD research aims to examine the relations between energy conscious design and landscape design and to understand which principles and strategies are currently applied in planning and design practice. The skills and roles of landscape architecture (as discipline) and landscape design (as activity) are also investigated.

The research considers France and the Netherlands as case studies; nations that have in their political agenda strategies in order to transit from fossil fuels towards renewable and carbon-free sources. Furthermore, the two nations have an important and long lasting tradition in landscape architecture, but with different roles and involvement in energy transition processes.

The inquiry is approached through research on design and subdivided in three activities. Firstly, a literature survey about energy landscape and public policy connecting energy and space/landscape in France and in the Netherlands, and about “energy conscious concepts”. Secondly, an online survey about landscape architects practice is conducted. Thirdly, case study research is carried out. Two French and two Dutch territories that are engaged in energy transition are examined.

This research is developed inside LAREP at the École Nationale Superieure de Paysage (ENSP) in Versailles/France under the supervision of Patrick Moquay and co-supervised by Sven Stremke of Landscape Architecture Group at Wageningen University/The Netherlands.

Status: in progress
Start: 1 November 2015
End: 1 November 2018

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Figure: Renewable Energy Landscape in the Po Valley, Italy (Pistoni, 2016)