摘要：
Landscape architects are facing unprecedented challenges and complexities associated with design projects of today. To better adapt and evolve in light of these issues, the toolbox for the profession is currently expanding beyond traditional implements and devices to include emerging tools that have originated in other industries. The barriers to entry for these tools are continuously being lowered due to more user-friendly hardware, more intuitive software, and increased affordability, allowing them to get into the hands of more people. Yet, many of these emerging tools now available to professionals originated elsewhere and cannot be simply transferred over to the design world. This article argues that there is a need to critically evaluate and assess new technologies for use in landscape architectural practice. It unpacks how the XL Research and Innovation Lab at SWA Group has experimented with and tested the limitations of three new tools — unmanned aerial vehicles, immersive environment technologies, and machine learning algorithms — to better understand their potential for design. For each tool, the article provides an overview of its technology, a case study testing the technology for use in landscape architectural practice, a list of observed strengths and limitations, and a projected roadmap for future applications.%如今,景观设计师在设计实践中正面临着前所未有的复杂挑战.为了更好地适应并应对这些问题,景观设计领域试图摆脱传统工具与设备的限制,引入源自其他行业的新兴工具.基于不断优化用户体验的硬件、更为直观的软件和逐渐降低的成本,越来越多的人能够有机会接触并使用这些工具.然而,多数新兴工具最初都是为其他领域的专业人士所量身定制,因此并不能直接为设计领域所沿用.本文认为,唯有通过严谨的分析和评估,才能进一步将新兴技术应用于景观设计实践.通过剖析SWA集团XL研究与创新实验室就无人驾驶飞行器、沉浸式环境技术和机器学习算法这三种新兴工具的局限性所进行的实验和测试,本文试图厘清这些工具在设计行业的应用潜力.具体而言,本文概述了每种工具所涉及的技术,同时提供案例研究以判断其在景观设计实践中的应用前景,并依据实验结果列明每种工具的优势和局限,最终展望了这些工具在未来的应用可能.
