1.Experimental principle

(1) Experimental principle

The virtual simulation experiment of landscape construction in low impact green space (gallery and rainwater garden) is guided by the evidence-based design theory of landscape architecture. Using comprehensive computer virtual reality technology, the experiment enables students to construct hard landscape and soft landscape in virtual teaching space, to solve the problem that cannot be carried out in the actual space and to understand the characteristics as well as the the use of various construction materials.

① Take the theories related to landscape design as the basis of experiments

Following the principle of gradual improvement, students carry out easy construction and evaluation experiment of hard landscape at first. With less content and simple knowledge, the experiment is suitable for junior students. For senior students, there are more complex construction and evaluation experiments of soft landscape, which cover various knowledge points of landscape architecture design and are highly comprehensive.

②Carry out low impact development engineering design, understand hard and soft materials in experiments

Low impact development is an eco-technical system to help achieving the collection and utilization of urban rainwater easily. Control of runoff and pollution from stormwater is realized through decentralized and small-scale source control, making the project as close as possible to the natural hydrological cycle.

Fig. 2  Comparison between Traditional and Low-impact Development Modes

③ Take the landscape performance evaluation as the basis of evidence-based design

After the construction of landscape architecture design, students can simulate effects of design in different environmental conditions and conduct performance evaluation to get evaluation results (Fig. 3) of different plans as the basis of evidence-based design. According to the results, they can modify and adjust their plans and enter the next stage: cycle evaluation and optimization process.

Fig. 3 Framework of Landscape Performance Benefits

(2) Corresponding knowledge points (Fig.4)

Corresponding knowledge points are set up from three aspects: landscape design construction, low impact development engineering design and landscape performance evaluation experiments, 25 points in total:

Knowledge nodes of landscape design construction experiment

(1) Landscape architecture planning and design theory apply;

(2) Campus open space design;

(3) Space distribute, functional organize, vertical design;

(4) Landscape building design;

(5) Steel structure cognize.

(6) Wooden structure cognize;

(7) Modern steel-wood structured gallery design;

(8) Traditional wooden structured gallery design.

Knowledge nodes of low impact development engineering design experiment

(1) Landscape paving engineering cognize;

(2) Pavement materials cognize;

(3) Landscape paving materials cognize;

(4) Landscape paving surface layer design;

(5) Landscape paving technical design;

(6) Landscape paving method design;

(7) Landscape budget; material estimate and budget cognize and control;

(8) Rainwater garden design methods;

(9) Water supply and sewetage engineering: rainwater runoff systematical discharge;

(10) Site engineering: surface runoff organize;

(11) Runoff calculate;

(12) Storage capacity calculate.

Knowledge nodes of Landscape Performance Evaluation Experiment

(1) Principle of evidence-based design research methods;

(2) Calculation principle of landscape performance evaluation;

(3) Calculation method of landscape performance evaluation;

(4) Tree and shrub species cognize and landscape plant arrange;

(5) Groundcover flowers cognize and landscape plant arrange.

Fig. 4 Framework of Knowledge Nodes