Making landscape architecture more visible in 2021
Despite the first course of landscape architecture being offered in New Zealand more than 50 years ago, many of those outside the profession don’t know what it is about or the breadth of roles it covers.
Many think it revolves around designing gardens, with no understanding of how it can enhance their own wellbeing by building sustainable and vibrant communities, protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
Te Whau Coastal Path by Jasmax is a strong example of infrastructural landscape architecture.
Practitioners still battle to convince a lot of local authorities or national bodies to include them at the beginning of a project rather than just thinking of them as an “extra” add on.
And while the NZILA is working hard to change that, progress can be frustratingly slow.
With many organisations facing big budget cuts after the uncertainty and chaos of last year, it’s more important than ever that the profession is seen as a crucial part of projects, with their ideas and input sought early on.
In the video below, LAA asks practitioners how they would like to see the profession advanced in 2021.
