Metric · verified
A measurable indicator (students often call it a KPI) used as evidence for a design decision.
| Category | Biodiversity |
| Unit | index 1–5 (or % of surface area with ≥ 2 functions) |
| How it is calculated | Σ(area of each surface × number of functions it serves) ÷ total surface area (ground + roof + facade). Functions: logistics operation, stormwater handling, habitat, human amenity, energy. |
| Origin | adapted |
| Status | verified |
Also known as: Multifunctional surface share · Surface multifunctionality · Stacked functions per m² · Nature–programme blending
What it measures
How many jobs each square metre of a logistics site does at once — whether nature is blended into the programme or left as single-purpose decoration.
Calculation
- Split all surfaces (ground, roof, facade) into zones.
- For each zone, count how many of these functions it serves: logistics operation, stormwater handling, habitat for target species, human amenity (breaks, walks), energy generation.
- Index = Σ(zone area × number of functions) ÷ total surface area.
Simpler variant: % of total surface area serving two or more functions.
Can be done in Grasshopper by tagging surfaces with function attributes and summing tagged areas.
Source
Franziska Meisel (Henning Larsen), lecture Nature positive by design. On Bestseller Logistics: the wetland “doesn’t only serve the purpose of biodiversity… it has this multifunctional kind of purpose” (rainwater, air, user experience); the roof meadow gives “space for lunch break… always kind of blending nature with the function”; “every surface, both roof and facade, is also used to really gain more biodiversity” — while the logistics programme still has to work.
Connections
- Used in case studies: Adam Večeřa, Adéla Berkovitz, Aycha Chambashala, Ece Yasar, Julia Godard Lombard
- Informs decisions on: Biodiversity and ecological connectivity on logistics sites, Stormwater and sealed surfaces on logistics sites, Worker comfort and well-being, Land take of logistics buildings
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