landcentered

Landcentered is a design and planning approach that places the land and its ecological processes at the center of decision making. It seeks to align built form with soil health, water cycles, biodiversity, and climate resilience, rather than privileging density, traffic, or architecture alone.

The term gained prominence in environmental design discussions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, overlapping with landscape ecology, ecological design, and place-based planning. It is often contrasted with human-centered or technology-centered approaches and is closely linked to concepts such as sustainable landscapes and regenerative design.

Key principles include:

- Centering ecological processes such as soil health, water cycles, and habitat diversity in planning decisions.

- Prioritizing landscape and ecological functions over hard infrastructure where feasible.

- Designing for regenerative outcomes that restore rather than merely sustain ecosystems.

- Using local materials and incorporating traditional and Indigenous knowledge.

- Engaging communities to ensure equity and long-term stewardship.

- Building resilience to climate change, flood risk, and disturbance through adaptive design.

Applications of landcentered design span urban planning, architecture, agriculture, and forestry. In cities, it guides street networks, parks, and stormwater management to mimic natural hydrology; in architecture, it informs siting, form, and material choices; and in land management, it supports habitat networks and local food production. The approach emphasizes long-term ecological health alongside social and economic goals.

Critics argue that strict adherence can complicate housing delivery or increase upfront costs in dense areas, though proponents point to long-term benefits such as reduced risk, enhanced ecosystem services, and improved community resilience.

See also landscape architecture, ecological design, place-based planning, land ethic.