What is landscape architecture?
A common dialogue between myself and the people I first meet.
Person: “What do you do?”
Me: “I’m a landscape architect.“
Person: (Usually mishear me and say) “Oh, an architect?“
Me: “No… *landscape* architect…“
Person: “Oh you must be very good with gardens then, you should come look at mine.” Or perhaps “That’s so cool, what does it involve?”
These are the usual responses I get when I tell people I am a landscape architect. I’m sure many people working in this profession can relate to this. Some people I know, for ease of conversation, simply say architecture. I don’t blame them, but I myself quite enjoy it. I find it a good opportunity to increase awareness and hopefully spark some interest in this fascinating field.
A common misconception is that landscape architecture is solely to do with garden design, but in actuality it is much more than that. In simple terms, landscape architecture is the design of outdoor spaces, those that surround buildings, or a public space. Any external spaces around developments usually involve landscape architects, and on top of this we work on rural sites as well.
Of course, in reality, landscape is a much larger field than I can explain in such brief terms. In a professional context, I would likely use some industry ‘buzzword’ to describe it. But that’s my attempt at a basic explanation to someone who has no knowledge.
Landscape Architecture – Urban Context
Have you ever wondered who was responsible for those lovely shrubs and flowers planted in the plaza outside your work building? What about the funky-looking benches? Or who chose the paving slabs that you’re walking on? Maybe you have, maybe you haven’t. But a landscape architect was involved in every one of those decisions. Other examples include urban tree planting, water management, public realm design, and much more.
Landscape Architecture – Rural Context
The job of a landscape architect extends to rural and remote places too! We design and manage the natural environment through protection, preservation, and conservation. The climate crisis is a huge topic right now, and landscape architects have a huge part to play in tackling it and protecting our environment. This includes but is not limited to river restorations, peatland restoration, flood management, forestry, land management, landscape visual impact assessment (LVIA), and countless others.
Your choice
As a starting landscape architect, I would recommend keeping your options open, and aiming to gain experience in both urban and rural contexts. Once you have given both areas a go, you will be able to decide which you feel more interested or confident in, and can then focus your career growth in that direction. Alternatively, you can continue to gain more experience in both and be more well-rounded. The choice is really up to you. There are so many different paths you can take, and different areas of landscape you can specialise in.
With this blog, I hope to speak to landscape professionals with different backgrounds and specialities and bring their stories to you. I hope it will help you in your journey to discover which areas of landscape architecture fascinate you the most.
So why should you care about landscape architecture?
Landscape architecture surrounds us everywhere. From the moment we step out of our homes, places we go outside, and streets we walk. While we don’t pay it much attention, our physical environment has a real impact on us.
For example, the outdoor environment and having access to open spaces has never been more important, for mental and physical health. Doctors can prescribe going outside as a way to help with mental and physical health. ‘Our Natural Health Service’ is an initiative by NatureScot, aiming to use nature-based solutions to promote better health and quality of life. When the world went into lockdown, the UK allowed individuals to have their once a day ‘outdoor time’. People flocked to local parks to have their daily exercise. We have an affinity for the outdoors and nature, it makes us feel happier, helps to clear our minds, relax, and de-stress.
As exemplified by lockdown, outdoor spaces are incredibly important, and through landscape architecture you have the power to influence design decisions and watch them come alive. I might be biased but the thought of that is pretty cool!
In conclusion…
Landscape architects help shape the built and natural environment. For many years, we as humans have been designing spaces to accommodate people, but we also need to accommodate nature. Ultimately, I see landscape architecture as a way to create spaces that allow for both nature and culture to exist in harmony. Finding that balance is ongoing and ever-changing. We need new ideas, new perspectives, innovations, new technology, design approaches, and boldness. It’s exciting and challenging.
Thank you for taking the time to read this far! I hope you will come back for more future blog posts.
If you want a more in-depth explanation of landscape architecture I suggest visiting the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) website.
If you have any questions or suggestions, click on the contact page and drop me a message. I look forward to hearing from you!
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