The Future of Education
Applying Isomorphic Spatial Patterns to Integrate Planning and Design in Environmental Design Education
Ping Xu, University of Colorado Boulder (United States)
Abstract
This research explores identifying common patterns across various planning and design disciplines to integrate environmental design education. The study methods include (1) a literature review of systems philosophy [2], (2) historical case studies, (3) a comparative analysis of spatial patterns in landscape planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, and interior design, and (4) practical application of the findings in architectural education. Environmental design encompasses multiple fields, each with expertise, often operating in isolation. However, addressing complex environmental system problems requires an interdisciplinary approach. Historically, human-designed spaces have harmonized with natural and built environments, revealing interconnected spatial patterns. Richard Forman identifies natural landscapes through corridors, patches, and edges [1]. Kevin Lynch analyzes urban spaces through roads, districts, and nodes such as plazas and landmarks [3]. Carl Steinitz indicates their common concepts [4]. The author observes those spatial patterns can also appear in campuses, gardens, and architectural spaces. A unified history course that integrates city planning, urban design, landscape architecture, and architecture could replace fragmented curricula, considering climate, geography, spatial design, and cultural-political contexts. Identifying isomorphic patterns in architectural studio education fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and more efficient learning. The study suggests that establishing common principles and models across different design fields can improve interdisciplinary education and promote a holistic approach to sustainable environmental design.
Keywords:
Isomorphic spatial patterns, Systems philosophy, Interdisciplinary, Environmental design education
References
[1] Forman, R., & Godron, M. Landscape Ecology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986.
[2] Laszlo, E. Introduction to Systems Philosophy, with a foreword by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. London: Gordon and Breach Science Publishers,1972.
[3] Lynch, K. The Image of the City. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1960.
[4] Steinitz, C. (2012). A Framework for Geodesign: Changing Geography by Design. Redlands: Esri.
