What does landscape ecology study in relation to design?

Landscape ecology focuses on the relationships between spatial patterns and ecological processes, making it essential for understanding how landscape design can influence ecological functions. This field examines how different elements of a landscape—such as forest patches, wetlands, or urban areas—interact with one another and how these interactions affect both the species that inhabit these areas and the ecosystem services they provide.

By studying the spatial distribution of various landscape elements and their connections, landscape ecologists can assess how these patterns influence processes like water flow, nutrient cycling, and habitat connectivity. This understanding is critical for landscape architects, as they can apply these insights to design more sustainable and resilient environments.

While the interactions between non-native and native species, biodiversity, and pollution are important topics in ecology and can inform design decisions, they are more specific factors within the broader framework of landscape ecology. Thus, understanding spatial patterns and ecological processes is fundamental to informing effective landscape design strategies.