Building Collective Know-How

Part 2: A Framework and Recommendations

Abstract

Procedural knowledge is central to landscape architecture. By better understanding how this knowledge is formed, its use can be strengthened within the profession. Based on knowledge creation theories found in professional practice literature, this article proposes a framework for knowledge formation processes. The framework includes a process model consisting of three stages: knowledge construction, peer review, and knowledge use. It also identifies mechanisms, such as metaphors, maxims, and models, that act as “carriers for theoretical ideas” in the building of procedural knowledge. These theories suggest that procedural knowledge is always imperfect and incomplete; and, therefore is best conveyed through a theory that is suggestive rather than predictive and through a repertoire of multiple concepts, models, and frames. The article concludes with recommendations on how to build procedural knowledge for practitioners, researchers, organizations, and the profession as a whole.