Case studies

Abstract

This chapter is focused on case study research as applied to landscape architecture. Other forms of case-based research, such as case series and (nested) case-control studies, are not discussed in this book because they are mainly used in medicine and public health studies and uncommon in landscape architecture research. First, the chapter describes the current status of case study research in landscape architecture and identifies potential shortfalls in its approach. Second, it reviews the concept of a case study. Third, it examines in more detail the theoretical and methodological rationale for case studies, with particular focus upon case study selection and how that task can be best undertaken to achieve research objectives. Finally it identifies directions for improving the way that case study research practice in landscape architecture can contribute to the theoretical development of the discipline. Examples are used to illustrate the key points. The focus of the chapter is the role of case studies in landscape architectural research, rather than in landscape research more generally.