Designing Geography Part III: The GeoDesign Framework

Carl Steinitz, professor of landscape architecture at Harvard University, first described how the GeoDesign Framework worked by posing it as a series of six questions relevant to landscape change.  The first three questions describe the world as it is and assess its condition (the assessment process). The last three questions describe the world as it could be, evaluating proposed design alternatives and their impacts (the intervention process).

Assessment

The first question, “How should the geo-scape (the planet’s life zone) be described?” consists of abstracting geography into a series of inventory data layers.

The second question, “How does the geo-scape operate?” requires combining geospatial data and the use of spatial analysis and modeling techniques to describe geographic processes and/or predict how spatial phenomena and processes might change over time.

The third question, “Is the geo-scape working well?” involves the creation of composite maps that combine a number of dissimilar things in a way that shows areas that are more favorable than others for certain activities. From Steinitz’s point of view, the assessment process consists of examining existing conditions and determining whether the current conditions are operating well or not.

Typically the assessment phase involves the participation of a diverse set of subject matter experts and stakeholders who are involved in defining issues, metrics, and the proper method of analysis.

Intervention

Once the assessment is complete, the geo-scape intervention process begins. The fourth question, “How might the geo-scape be altered?” involves the sketching of design alternatives directly onto a geospatially referenced surface or data layer.

The fifth question, “What differences might the changes cause?” is answered by the quick evaluation of the impacts of those changes.

Finally, the sixth question, “Should the geo-scape be changed?” integrates considerations of polices and values into the decision process. The information produced by these impact models is used to help stakeholders and decision makers weigh the pros and cons of each decision factor so they can weigh alternative solutions and make the most informed decision possible.

Watch Carl Steinitz present “Ways of Designing” at the 2010 GeoDesign Summit >>

GeoDesign in Practice

The GeoDesign Framework provides an excellent conceptual diagram for proposing changes to the geo-scape over any scale. However, as the project grows in scale and complexity, so do the analyses.  That is where the GeoDesign Framework empowered by integrative workflows, intuitive design tools, GIS driven geoprocessing, and feedback dashboards can really help to guide a design project from start to finish.

The specific ingredients of each project will be dependent on the issues, participants, available data, information, knowledge, culture, values, geographic context, and available technology. The goal is that the GeoDesign Framework will infuse design with a blend of value-based and science-based information made relevant by its geography and history to help designers and stakeholders make as wise a decision as possible, taking into account potential impacts.

Keep up with #GeoDesignSummit, on Twitter - happening this week!