SmartScape Overview
Each SmartScape area is a mixed landscape composed of shrubs and water efficient native and ornamental species. The blend of water efficient plant species and cutting edge irrigation technology is designed to promote a water conserving landscape that demonstrates efficient water use.
Future implications for the SmartScape initiative are focused on its potential to provide exemplary landscape designs, and augment urban water conservation efforts. Additionally, knowledge and information sequestered from the SmartScape demonstration will be dispersed to academia, industry partners, policy makers, and the general public.
Water Budget Example
The design and installation of all SmartScape areas complies with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Each SmartScape area has a calculated water budget via MWELO standards. SmartScape areas must perform within or below this water budget.
The diagram below shows the three distinct color-coded hydrazones in SmartScape I. Each hydrazone has specific water use limitations which are calculated via MWELO standards. Plant species are matched to each hydrazone by their water needs. Plant water needs are called Plant Factors (PFs). Detailed PF information is sourced from the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS). The higher the PF, the higher the water need required.
