Abstract:
The implications of projected urbanisation for human well‐being and ecosystem integrity for social‐ecological
resilience emphasise the latent potential of facilitated landscapes and the values and knowledge of landscape
design practitioners. This study therefore considers how to operationalise values in landscape design practice
so as to achieve a balanced social production of ecosystem services. It uses the dual methods of constructivist
content analysis of design projects featured in three prominent profession‐focused magazines and
interpretivist analysis of semi‐structured interviews with experts in the landscape design industry. The
combined findings indicate that, contrary to what scientific literature and theory propounds, landscape design
practitioners perceive Cultural and Regulating Services as more important than Provisioning or Supporting
Services. This reflects concern for social and community matters, sustainability, and the showcasing of design
and aesthetics. For designers, two pertinent concerns are contextual influences on design and design as part of
professional identity. These preferences result in the neglect of Intrinsic and Fundamental Nature Values and
Intangible Landscape Values. In response, this study identifies social practices that show potential for the
operationalisation of values in the profession: education, legislation, rating systems and award systems. From
these, award systems are selected because they provide both intrinsic and extrinsic incentives and show best
potential for the South African context. The analysis of existing award systems revealed trends and discourses
in the industry, and shortcomings in the awards criteria. The study recommends that the awards criteria
specifically articulate all Functional Values of biodiversity, all categories of ecosystem services, all Nature
Values, and reflect both tangible and intangible Landscape Values. Operationalisation as part of the awards
can be achieved in five ways: through social rituals, alignment with existing values, concepts of
multifunctionality and Cultural Services; and examples of best practice. This study promotes inclusionary
processes that respect different kinds of knowledge and values in the South African landscape, which can
contribute to the needs of the majority of the population. The study calls for the reorientation of values inside
the built environment so that the long‐term societal benefits and losses of various land use scenarios are
effectively considered in design decisions.
