TREE-BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARBORICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE ON UK ARCHITECTS’ DESIGN PRACTICE.

Abstract

Despite an exiguous amount of published literature investigating the effects of arboricultural knowledge on UK architects’ design practice, factors influencing the practice of UK architects to incorporate trees within their designs have not been fully considered. The research presents a contribution towards this issue through an interpretative, qualitative study comprising a design workshop. It investigated the incorporation of arboricultural topics within UK architectural practice and resulting features of success. A purposive sample group participated in workshops considering application of arboricultural knowledge to design practice. Members of the sample group are defined as stakeholders: those with a professional interest in the study with potential to be affected by any outcomes. The study adopts Action Research (AR) utilising phases of planning, action, and reflection. Following a pilot study comprising three AR cycles, cycle 4 constitutes the intervention explored herein. The intervention adapted a tree-building system promoting possibilities for trees and buildings to coexist in close proximity. The system supported an evolution of current practice, enabling stakeholder utilisation within various areas of professional practice. General System Theory (GST) provided a strategy for exploring issues relating to the association between arboriculture and architecture.

Findings produced three primary themes: 1. Engagement, freedom and enablement; impact on practice as a result of arboricultural understanding 2. Outcomes following acquisition of arboricultural hard skills; abilities and understanding 3. Shift of attitude towards a change of practice; relationships and education. Thus, acquired arboricultural knowledge and a holistic approach to design solutions has benefits including enabling better understanding of treebuilding relationships and deeper engagement with site contexts. Additionally, application of acquired arboricultural hard skills revealed changing attitudes towards tree-building relationships, with conflict emerging as a contributing mechanism. Stakeholders confirmed positive responses to receiving arboricultural knowledge, contextualising trees and practice within a variety of situations, including well-being and sustainability. Findings also identified a gap in professional training and current practice.