Embedding integrated designed ecological experiments into urban landscape design

Designed experiments embed ecological research into urban design to study and shape buildings, landscapes, and the infrastructure of human settlements. They foster relationships among ecologists, designers, engineers, decision makers, and citizens, an opportunity for testing ecological hypotheses, and a platform for experiential learning among multiple participants – all of which have the potential to aid in overcoming barriers to the goals of urban ecology. The approach, bridges disciplines through creative partnerships between designers, ecologists, and city agencies to combine hypothesis driven research. This model produces an urban research platform facilitating experimentation to guide urban forestry, urban design, and land management.