Integration of ecological knowledge in European landscape architecture: a systematic project-description review

Landscape architecture has a strong environmental focus and clearly states the ambition to integrate ecological knowledge in its practice and theory. This study aims to assess the state of the art in integrating ecology in landscape architecture project design, identifying well-integrated ecological knowledge areas and potential knowledge gaps, to support future development of this integration. This systematic review sampled project descriptions published between 2010 and 2023 on the platform Landezine. The project descriptions were assessed by a team of ecologists to identify and categorize presented ecological knowledge. The categories (dispersal, abiotic, biotic factors and feedback mechanisms) were based on the Ecological Filters Framework, derived from a well-established concept in community ecology. Out of 579 project descriptions, 30% included one ecology keyword, while 13% met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The proportion of ecological-content descriptions has increased over time. Dispersal factors, including landscape ecological considerations, were the most frequently mentioned; followed by abiotic factors, with water availability being the most common. However, biotic factors and feedback mechanisms, were largely absent in the descriptions. This study highlights that the inclusion of ecological content in landscape architecture project descriptions is becoming more prevalent but remained extraordinary in the assessed timeframe, contrary to clearly stated ambitions. Notably, knowledge categories critical for optimizing ecosystem functions (biotic factors) and predicting long-term ecological community development (feedback mechanisms) are significant gaps. Addressing these gaps is essential for advancing ecological integration and promoting sustainability.