Using Visual Preference Surveys to Inform Planting Design in Stormwater Planters

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Date

2018-08-25

Authors

Murphy, Brittany

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Abstract

Urban green stormwater infrastructure facilities come in many forms, which include variation in the number and types of plant species. How plant diversity in stormwater facilities is perceived and valued by the public, stormwater professionals, and designers remains in question. This project investigates whether plant diversity in small scale urban sites (curbside stormwater planters) is preferred by local residents and designers, how this preference might be related to overall attitudes about water management issues, and how the preferences of current and future designers differ from local residents. This study consists of two survey tests: a visual preference test, and an awareness and attitudes test. There are three participant groups from Eugene, OR: residents living close to a stormwater planter, stormwater professionals, and landscape architecture students at the University of Oregon. The results reveal the respondents’ visual preference for plant diversity, understanding of stormwater planter function, and their awareness of watershed issues. Survey results were then used to inform proposed planting designs for a stormwater planter in Eugene. I explore how designers can approach stormwater facility planting design in ways that are responsive to both professional and public preferences.

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Examining committee chair: Dave Hulse

Keywords

Stormwater design, Visual preference, Survey, Planting design, Stormwater planters

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