Dirt under the nails: Landscape Architects as diplomats, advocates and gardeners

Jon Hazelwood, Principal and Landscape Architect, writes for World Landscape Architecture on the evolving expectations of designers.

Landscape architecture has become a political discipline, with landscape architects the diplomats, facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Urban landscapes carry a heavy burden on them in terms of performance, attracting people and pollinators, promoting biodiversity and well-being, staying within budget, requiring minimal maintenance, culturally important, blending seamlessly into their surroundings, adapting to seasonal changes, and standing the test of time.

Sydney Metro planting trials: Billy Buttons flourishing among small species of Poa and ground cover species such as Chrysosephalum helping to suppress weeds and reduce need for organic mulch.

The diversity and success rate of this planting trial and complex plant mixes such as this, will allow designers to apply their knowledge to future projects in a variety of conditions and maintenance regimes.

They must also be Instagram-worthy while addressing climate challenges and remaining sustainable.

The modern urban landscape must not only inspire but educate, all while reflecting the dynamic tapestry of humanity that surrounds it.

Sydney Metro planting trials: after a year of close observation, we’ve accumulated a robust evidence base that is expanding our knowledge.

A succession of seasonal flowers, such as this Ozthamnus diosmifolius create ever changing interest throughout the year and constant food for pollinators.

So, how do we address the pressing issues of mitigating heat island effects, integrating sustainable design principles, reducing environmental impact, while fostering collaboration, and engaging the community?

Read how Jon proposes this challenge is met, on World Landscape Architecture.

Jon Hazelwood

项目

Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation

Surrounded by the city’s renowned cultural institutions, the vast, ever-changing landscape of the Melbourne Arts Precinct will come alive with crowds of people, art and performance – a display of architecture and nature in perfect harmony.

对话

Return to the garden

What is our emotional connection to the planting we experience in our cities - how does it bring people together, and what value can it create for users and investors?

新闻和活动

Sydney Metro planting trials: sowing the seeds for urban biodiversity

Biodiversity loss is a pressing issue in contemporary cities. Our Sydney Metro planting trials aim to achieve a beautiful, biodiverse ground-level landscape that will inform the design of future public landscapes across the city.

对话

Naturalistic planting and rewilding: native or nothing?

The debate around native or exotic urban planting can sometimes be a thorny one, culturally, environmentally and emotionally.

对话

As Nature Intended: making cities ‘wild’ again

In this episode of Hassell Talks, landscape architect Jon Hazelwood talks to Claudia West – director of Phyto studio and co-author of Planting in a Post-Wild World – and Robert Hammond, co-founder and CEO of The High Line, about planting the seeds for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with nature, whatever the space, scale or budget

研究

Corridors: Designing linear infrastructure in a non-linear world

Our new landmark study uncovers how infrastructure can, and indeed must, be better integrated to deliver greater value for all. Download the ‘Corridors’ report.

对话

Verdant ecosystems and resilient cities: lessons from the subtropics

Perched between the mountains and the sea on Australia’s Pacific coast, South East Queensland and northern New South Wales exist in a subtropical ‘sweet spot’. But our climate is shifting.

研究

From Office to Oasis: how landlords and developers can transform workplaces with green spaces

Workplaces with leafy terraces, indoor planting and green rooftops attract employees, improve wellness and productivity and help meet environmental commitments. But how do you make them a success?

Topics