A new special issue of the Chinese journal Landscape Architecture is devoted to landscape performance. The issue features research about the Landscape Performance Series and research gleaned from the process of producing Case Study Briefs for the series. It’s very exciting to see the concept landscape performance gaining traction internationally! Abstracts (in English and Chinese) are available in the online version. 4/6/15 UPDATE: We have obtained and posted digital copies of the full articles.

Introduction
By Ming-Han Li, PhD

Research Development of Landscape Performance Assessment in America
By Dai-xin Dai, PhD and Ming-han Li, PhD
This article introduces the research background, basic concept, significance and theoretical framework of landscape performance, details the application of the case study research method and procedure on landscape performance evaluation and describes the evaluation methods and calculators. Based on the case study of Daybreak community, this paper puts forward some suggestions which may be the inspiration for China’s sustainable landscape architecture research. Full article (Chinese only)

Landscape Performance: Measurement and Assessment of Multifunctional Landscapes
By Christopher D. Ellis, PhD, Byoung-Suk Kweon, PhD, Sarah Alward, and Robin L. Burke
Landscape performance measures the quantifiable benefits of designed landscapes. Each landscape is unique and subsequently requires distinct approaches to performance measurement. In the process of identifying appropriate performance categories, the multifunctional nature of a landscape is revealed. This paper discusses these issues and presents two landscape performance case studies to help illustrate the conclusions. Full article

Landscape Performance: Past, Present, and Future
By Forster Ndubisi, PhD, Heather Whitlow, and Barbara Deutsch
This article provides a synopsis and discussion of landscape performance research and practice, especially in the United States and explores its future as a vehicle for creating sustainable, high-performing, and resilient landscapes. It reviews the growing need for and the emergence of performance systems that strive to provide credible evidence (data and information) to support, guide and evaluate the outcomes of design decisions. Full article

Landscape Performance of Built Projects: Comparing Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Published Metrics and Methods
By Yi Luo, PhD and Ming-han Li, PhD
Landscape performance research is still in its infancy. This study compares the currently used metrics of landscape performance with other measuring systems in order to identify gaps and make recommendations on improving future landscape performance metrics. It also examines and discusses the reliability and validity of the methods that are frequently used in landscape performance quantification. Full article

Assessing Economic Performance of Landscape Architecture Projects: Lessons Learned from Texas Case Studies
By Taner R. Ozdil, PhD and Dylan M. Stewart
This article evaluates the relationship between landscape architecture and economic activity by reviewing the economic performance findings from five projects/case studies in Texas, USA: Klyde Warren Park, Katy Trail, UT Dallas Campus Identity and Landscape Framework Plan, Addison Circle, and Buffalo Bayou Promenade. Full article

Assessing Residential Landscape Performance: Visual and Bioclimatic Analyses through In-Situ DataText
By Bo Yang, PhD, Pamela Blackmore, and Chris Binder
This article introduces the assessment of three residential projects in Pitkin County, Colorado, USA. It focuses on the visual and bioclimatic analyses of two different projects, based on first-hand, in-situ data, and highlights the feasibility of achieving social benefits through landscape design. Full article

Social & Cultural Metrics: Measuring the Intangible Benefits of Designed Landscapes
By M. Elen Deming
This article reports on three case studies of public spaces in the Midwestern region of the United States. Despite the clear relationship between intangible social benefits and sustainability, the challenges in measuring intangible benefits of designed landscapes can be significant. Socio-cultural research questions, methodology, and findings are described and critiqued. Steps toward improving measurement procedures for social and cultural benefits are suggested. Full article