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Active Living Elements Predicted to Be in Demand04-18-18 | Association News

Active Living Elements Predicted to Be in Demand
ASLA Survey Receives 808 Responses

"Flexible use space" came in as the fourth highest predicted landscape amenity that will grow in popularity in 2018.

The "2018 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey," conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), asked participants to rate their expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements for 2018.

Here are the top 10 projected site amenities and designs for 2018, according to the survey:

• Native plants - 83.3%
• Native/adapted drought tolerant plants - 83%
• Low-maintenance landscapes - 80%

• Flexible use space (for yoga classes, movie night, etc.) - 74.2%
• Drip/water-efficient irrigation - 72.4%
• Permeable paving - 74%
• Rain gardens - 71.2%
• Reduced lawn area - 70.8%
• Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) - 70.5%
• Charging stations (mobile devices) - 70%

Note:
The list is the same as 2017's - except for the additions of "flexible use space" and "charging stations," which were newly added options for the 2018 survey.

Other notable landscape elements that received high ratings were:

Fire pits/ fireplaces - 66%
Dog-related recreation area - 68%
Bike storage - 69.9%

Several landscape amenities that received a low expectation for popularity growth in 2018 were:

Outdoor showers/baths - 22.9%
Lawn croquet - 13.9%
Saunas - 11.8%
Tennis courts - 9.1%
Plunge pools - 18.6%
Formal gardens - 15.2%

The full list of responses across 6 categories, as well as the complete press releases, can be seen HERE.