Developing a method for environmental design of industrial plants based on Landscape ecology principles and visual preferences: the case of Damavand power plant, Tehran, Iran

Although industrial development is considered vital for the production of goods and materials for the societies, their negative social and environmental impacts have already been examined. Building industrial plants is seen as multi facet issues which involve a broad range of factors and design considerations. They consume natural resources and fossil fuel energies. These, has led to immense waste generation, air pollution, water and land contamination, and some ecological crisis. Power plant industries as heavy industries affect their workers productivity, surroundings and people who live in their adjacent due to the improper programming or landscape design or their huge structures. They can alter environment and disrupt ecological systems and landscapes elements largely. They also might affect people perception and visual effects. Using two methods, an ecological design and landscape visual preference, this paper has developed an ecological-aesthetical design framework for the landscape design of power plants. Environmental design strategies and design consideration were formulated; and conceptual alternatives design scenarios are prepared. For the aesthetical purpose, several pictures are taken from 5 viewpoints then using photomontage method, alternative models are simulated reflecting power plant site after environmental design modifications. A survey method was used for visual preferences among employees and managers for comparison of simulated pictures with original image of power plant site. Survey results helped to visualize ecological design principles according to people preferences in the landscape design of power plant that can provide a suitable workplace for employees and improve their productivity, facilitates ecological flows and enhances landscape integrity.