Measuring the Performance of the Built Environment: An Investigation of Evaluation Methods

As landscape architecture shifts toward evidence-based practices, the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF)’s Case Study Investigation (CSI) initiative has been instrumental in driving the growth of Landscape Performance Evaluation (LPE) and enhancing disciplinary rigour. This paper reflects on our CSI case study, evaluating Te Whāriki, a master-planned residential landscape in New Zealand. We adopt a methodological reflexivity approach, critically examining the challenges faced and insights gained during the evaluation, providing a comprehensive reflection on the current practical challenges and potential future research directions in the field of LPE. This research reflects upon the methodological reliability of LPE approaches, challenging stereotypes surrounding “measured” and “estimated” methods. Our study emphasises the importance of improving input data quality, explores the trade-off between accuracy and cost, and introduces the concept of a universal currency for landscape benefits. By offering our reflections, this paper aims to stimulate further conversations and catalyse ongoing iterations in the evaluation framework and methodological exploration within this evolving field.