By Nicki Copley
What does landscape architecture mean?
While many people have heard the term ‘landscape architecture’, misconceptions about the breadth/depth of the discipline and profession are common. People often default to thinking of landscape architecture as garden design and not wrongly; many very talented landscape architects design gardens. However, the field of landscape architecture is much larger than gardens alone, with many different avenues of theory and practice.
So what is landscape architecture? There are many variations of a similar definition, but I find the two below helpful.
From the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA): “Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, and nurturing of the built and natural environments. With their unique skill set, landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities. They plan and design parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas, residences, and other projects that strengthen communities.” – https://www.asla.org/aboutlandscapearchitecture.aspx
From the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA): “Landscape Architects plan, design and manage natural and built environments, applying aesthetic and scientific principles to address ecological sustainability, quality and health of landscapes, collective memory, heritage and culture, and territorial justice. By leading and coordinating other disciplines, landscape architects deal with the interactions between natural and cultural ecosystems, such as adaptation and mitigation related to climate change and the stability of ecosystems, socio-economic improvements, and community health and welfare to create places that anticipate social and economic well-being.” https://www.iflaworld.com/the-profession
What sort of projects do landscape architects work on?
There is a huge range of project types that landscape architects may be involved with. Common project types are:
- Plazas / Squares / Courtyards
- Parks
- Adaptive re-use of existing built landscapes i.e. post-industrial
- Residential
- Schools
- Playgrounds
- Streetscapes / Laneways
- Preservation or restoration of historic landscapes
- Temporary spaces i.e. parklets
- Resorts or Hotels
- Natural areas such as National Parks or Regional Parks
- Subdivisions
- Mixed-use or Multi-family housing complexes
- Wineries
- Farms / Ranches
- Cemeteries or Memorials
- Hospitals or therapeutic gardens
- Corporate or commercial complexes
This list is long but not exhaustive.
In addition, throughout all practice and project types, landscape architects should be a voice and instrument for social and environmental action. Landscape architects can play a critical role as designers and communicators as we navigate our changing world. We can collaborate to create innovative solutions to the global and local challenges communities face.
There is much discussion about what landscape architecture was in the past, what it is today, and what it could be in the future. Regardless of what the discipline may become, the above list is some of the common project types that landscape architectural firms work on today.
Several of the project types listed above are expanded below:
Plazas / Squares / Courtyards
Plazas, squares, or courtyards are found in a variety of locations: central business districts, downtowns, shopping malls, campuses, etc. Some plaza projects may call for a refurbishment to address aspects like aging materials, accessibility issues, or unsuccessful planting, whereas other plaza projects may necessitate a complete redesign of how the space functions.
In this case, a landscape architect would undertake a range of site analyses and design explorations to address the design brief. They might analyze the site’s existing and projected connectivity – how pedestrians, bicycles, or vehicles move through the area and how this can be made more efficient or enjoyable. They might analyze the historical, cultural, or ecological context, the site’s microclimates, its drainage patterns, or the size of the space and how it relates to the existing or proposed program (program refers to the functions or activities that occur within the space). They might research best practice guidelines for gender-inclusive spaces, or collaborate with community members in the design. A plaza or square can be a complex site and it is the role of the landscape architect to integrate multiple site opportunities and constraints to design a space that achieves the project goals or vision.
Bonn Square, Oxford, England
Design: Graeme Massie Architects
An interesting and helpful example of this project type is Bonn Square in Oxford, England. Before the redevelopment, the square was lacking a distinct character and had gained a reputation for ‘neglect and petty crime’. A common description for many of our underwhelming public spaces. Graeme Massie Architects’ award-winning scheme transformed the square into a flexible, events space that is interwoven with the history and character of Oxford City. Read more here.
Parks
Parks are a beloved project typology. For many people, thinking about a park conjures images of green lawns, pleasantly spaced trees, playgrounds, sculptures, ponds, people strolling along snaking pathways, kids playing sports, etc; images that revolve around one’s immediate pleasure and experience of a park. However many parks have functions that may be less apparent; ecological restoration, stormwater infiltration, flood management, carbon sequestration, and food production are all common functions for a park, in addition to more typical functions like recreation. Cultural practices such as traditional land management might also be integrated into a park’s design or program.
The size of parks can vary greatly, from pocket parks that might be just as big as the adjacent lot, to much larger parks such as Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London. Large parks are often subject to high-profile design competitions and can be very innovative. I recommend reading the compelling and thought-provoking book ‘Large Parks’, edited by Julia Czerniak and George Hargreaves.
Quzhou Luming Park, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Design: Turenscape
Chinese firm Turenscape designs truly remarkable parks. Many of their park projects challenge typical conventions and understandings of what a park is. One such park is Quzhou Luming Park, located along the west bank of Shiliang Creek, in the West New District of Quzhou City, in Zhejiang Province, China. The park not only meets the recreational needs of residents but also functions as an ecological infrastructure. Issues of climate change, food, and energy security, water resilience, productive landscapes, maintenance, and flooding are all integrated into the park’s design and functionality. Read more here.
Adaptive re-use
As society and technologies evolve, previously valued landscapes can be reduced to derelict relics of the past. Common examples are abandoned rail yards or rail lines, vacant industrial buildings and their surroundings, landfills, and power or gas plants. Often these sites have the added complexity of containing toxic materials or the need to manage emissions (such as landfills). Abandoned sites can become problematic for surrounding residents. In response, landscape architects can be asked to design a scheme that transforms a site to serve a new function – frequently into parks or gathering places. Rather than demolishing the existing landscape and structures that can have important historical or cultural value, landscape architects often look for ways to integrate the past use with the new use, or retain particular elements that recall the previous landscape and its functions.
Industry City Courtyard 5-6, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Design: terrain-nyc
An example of this project type is the Industry City Courtyard 5-6 project in Brooklyn, New York, USA, by design firm terrain-nyc. The courtyard is one of four courtyards that were previously railroad loading docks that delivered goods to the adjacent warehouses and factories. The re-used warehouses now house over 400 companies focused on craft and innovation. Terrain’s courtyard offers visitors and tenants a ‘forested respite from the industrial site’ as well as flexible spaces for gathering, games, events, and recreation. Read more here, and check out the before and after photos.
Two other famous examples of this project type are:
The High Line, New York, USA. Design: a collaboration between James Corner Field Operations (Project Lead), Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Piet Oudolf.
Landscape Park Duisburg Nord, Duisburg, Germany. Design: Latz + Partner, Latz-Riehl, G. Lipkowsky
Preservation or restoration of historic landscapes
Another project type, but perhaps less common, is historical landscapes. These might be sites where the historic nature is obvious, with archaeological or historical structures present, or it might be a landscape of cultural significance where the history is less evident but no less meaningful. A landscape architect might become involved to complete a written landscape assessment report to document their analysis of the landscape character of the site, or they might become involved to design an intervention that helps visitors explore and learn about the landscape in a way that is meaningful and non-harmful to the existing landscape.
Restoration of the Roman Forum of Empúries, Girona, Spain
Design: Lola Domènech
This project set out to restore and refurbish the Roman Forum of Empúries, built 2,010 years ago. See the full project description here.
Hospitals or therapeutic gardens
Spending time outside and in nature has multiple health benefits, including emotional wellness, respiratory health, and immune function. As a result, many hospitals or care facilities develop extensive outdoor spaces for patients and their loved ones to spend time in. These projects may involve a high degree of collaboration between the landscape architecture team and hospital staff or researchers to design a space that is both engaging and safe.
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Design: GREENinc Landscape Architecture + Urbanism
An example of this project type is the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, a specialist pediatric hospital with 200 beds. The landscape comprises several ‘external garden rooms’ and ‘internal courtyard gardens’, each with a unique design that relates to the hospital’s functions. The landscape design incorporates principles of therapeutic landscape design. Read more here.
Landscape Architecture Built showcases a wide variety of project types from many different design firms from around the world. Check out our Project page to explore more projects.
