Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, and enhancement of the built and natural environments. Landscape architects work on a variety of projects, from designing parks and public spaces to planning the layout of gardens, with a focus on creating aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable outdoor spaces.
Role of a Landscape Architect
A landscape architect can add value to your project, as they bring a wealth of knowledge in plant selection, spatial arrangement, and environmental planning. By working with a landscape architect, you can ensure that your outdoor space is both beautiful and sustainable, tailored to cope with the specific climate challenges of your region. They can help you design a landscape that conserves water, supports local wildlife, and remains resilient in the face of climate change.
Changing Landscape Architecture
The future of landscape architecture in Australia is evolving rapidly, driven by the need to adapt to increasingly hotter and wetter weather events. Adaptive design strategies are being implemented to create resilient landscapes that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This involves
- using drought-tolerant plants
- designing efficient water management systems
- creating green spaces that can absorb and retain water during heavy rainfall.
Benefits of Adaptive Design
The shift towards sustainable and adaptive landscape design brings numerous benefits. These designs can reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity. By incorporating native plants and natural materials, landscape architects can create spaces that need less maintenance and are more in sync with the local environment. Adaptive landscapes can minimise the effects of extreme weather events, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
GeoLINK’s Landscape Architect team have extensive knowledge and experience in site planning and design, specialising in sustainable projects in the natural and built environment. They are leaders in adaptive design providing quality solutions that add economic, social, aesthetic and environmental value to their projects.
An example of this is a project we are collaborating with the NSW Government Architect, NSW Reconstruction Authority, and Dieke Richards as part of the Resilient Lands Program to develop landscape designs for the streetscape of a subdivision and four relocated dwellings in Goonellabah. These designs incorporate extensive research and community consultation conducted by Living Lab with Lismore’s flood-affected residents.
The streetscape will enhance urban cooling by increasing street tree canopy cover, providing much-needed shade for pedestrians. In areas where underground services prevent tree planting, verge gardens will be introduced, featuring native species that attract birds and insects, thereby supporting local biodiversity and pollination. Additionally, these gardens will include edible plant species, offering both residents and pedestrians opportunities for foraging.
Verge gardens have been shown to foster community interaction, reduce social isolation, and contribute to food security while providing cost-saving benefits. By integrating these elements, the project aims to create a resilient and connected urban environment.
Industry Collaboration
The landscape architecture industry is working to make these sustainable changes mainstream. Professional organisations, educational institutions, and government bodies need to collaborate to promote best practices and provide training on adaptive design techniques. A collective effort is essential to ensure sustainable landscape architecture becomes the standard rather than the exception.
As Australia faces the challenges of a changing climate, the role of sustainable landscape architecture becomes increasingly important. Through adaptive design, the industry is creating resilient and beautiful outdoor spaces that can withstand hotter and wetter weather events. By collaborating and embracing innovative practices, landscape architects are paving the way for a sustainable future, one project at a time.
Get in touch with our Landscape Architecture team to find out how we can enhance the outcomes of your next project.
