OJB*lab, founded in 2015 as a distinct research arm of the practice, grew out of a desire to analyze our work more fully and move beyond the established sustainability certification systems.

Everything we learn builds upon itself. We dig into the performance of our landscapes and subject them to a rigorous post-occupancy analysis. Every project advances our knowledge and helps us improve our next project.

We developed a list of metrics including infrastructure, environmental, social, cultural factors. We continue to analyze every project through these metrics and build on our knowledge and performance in successive projects. Measuring and documenting completed projects on how they have performed against their design intent has given us important benchmarks, as well as new design standards and improved targets. These findings and improvements are continually shaping and inspiring us to deliver responsive design.

Landscape architecture is a highly collaborative endeavor and cross-pollination of industries is essential to tackling our most complex environmental, cultural, and community health challenges. A superpower of landscape is its ability to relate to every person and industry. The OJB*lab team utilizes the diverse voices and expertise of landscape partnerships to drive inventive, responsive and sustainable solutions. The team’s work is a collaborative endeavor with universities, local and federal government agencies, community advocacy groups, non-profits, developers, and practicing professionals.

Wellness is a core value of OJB*lab’s research work, utilizing evidence-based design to employ nature-based strategies to improve human and environmental health. Current research work includes a grant-funded study of the effects of air pollution on public open space adjacent to highways, with the aim of creating safer and more healthful design interventions. The research methodology pairs field measurements with engagement of an interdisciplinary advisory group. The project collaborates with professionals from the City of Philadelphia, the EPA, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, the McHarg Center, and University practitioners. Findings are anticipated to be published in 2022.