Understanding Perceptions of Plant Landscaping in LID: Seeking a Sustainable Design and Management Strategy

Abstract

Using field and quantitative surveys, the authors evaluated public attitudes toward and opinions regarding plant landscaping low-impact development (LID) in the city of Hangzhou, China. The results showed that the public has high expectations for ecological projects and landscape appearance in LID infrastructure, whereas they are unaware of the significance of plant landscaping structures and functions. The authors recommend enhancing the visual aesthetic quality offered by attractive plant landscaping in LID, which could significantly increase public support and recognition of LID. In addition, the study of tourist attitudes toward landscape selection showed that respondents have a stronger will for the popularization of science about plants’ ecological functions in LID infrastructure. To maintain sustainable LID and achieve cobenefits, it is suggested that vegetation’s visual aesthetic quality, natural education activities about plants, and public participation be carefully designed according to the type and function of LID. These findings provide designers and environmental managers with an integrated view of landscape design with plants in LID.