"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."
Other definitions emphasise the technical and regulatory aspects of practice. For example, landscape architecture may include site analysis and inventory, land and site planning, planting design, grading and earthworks, nature based solutions, stormwater management, sustainable design, engagement, construction specification, and ensuring compliance with building codes, planning policy, and environmental regulation[3][4][5].
Origins
The origins and practice of landscape architecture dates to some of the earliest of human cultures and just as much as the practice of medicine has been inimical to the species and ubiquitous worldwide for several millennia. The word landscape itself entered English in the late 16th century, derived from the Dutch landschap[6] and the word architect from the Latin architectus, which derives from the Greek (arkhi-, chief + tekton, builder), i.e., chief builder.
However, this article examines the modern profession and educational discipline of those practicing the design of landscape architecture.
In the 1700s, Humphry Repton described his occupation as "landscape gardener" on business cards he had prepared to represent him in work that now would be described as that of a landscape architect.
The title, "landscape architect", was first used by Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City's Central Park in Manhattan and numerous projects of large scale both public and private. He was the founder of a firm of landscape architects who employed highly skilled professionals to design and execute aspects of projects designed under his auspices.
Professional requirements
Depending on the jurisdiction, landscape architects may be required to obtain professional registration, licensure, or certification to practice. The titles, post-nominal letters, and requirements vary internationally. For example, practitioners may become Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute (CMLI)[7] in the United Kingdom, Registered Landscape Architects (RLA) or Professional Landscape Architects (PLA) in the United States[8], or hold equivalent status through professional associations and statutory boards in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. In most cases, registration requires completion of an accredited degree, supervised professional experience, and passing an examination, granting the right to practice independently and use the protected professional title.
International Federation of Landscape Architecture (IFLA)
The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) is an organisation which represents the landscape architectural profession globally. It aims to provide leadership and networks to support the development of the profession and its effective participation in the realisation of attractive, equitable and sustainable environments. IFLA currently represents 80 member associations from Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. The Federation's mission is to create globally sustainable and balanced living environments for the benefit of humanity worldwide[9].
The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) states that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design, and advise on the stewardship, conservation, and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment".[10] This definition of the profession of landscape architect is based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations, International Labour Office,[11]Geneva.
Markdale Garden at Binda near Crookwell, New South Wales, Australia, designed by Edna Walling
To become a recognised professional landscape architect in Australia, the first requirement is to obtain a degree in landscape architecture accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. After at least two years of recognised professional practice, graduates may submit for further assessment to obtain full professional recognition by AILA.
The Landscape Institute, founded in 1929[32], is the recognised body relating to the field of Landscape Architecture throughout the United Kingdom. To become a recognised landscape architect in the UK takes approximately seven years. To begin the process, one has to study an accredited course by the Landscape Institute to obtain a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a similar field. Following this one must progress onto a postgraduate diploma in the field of landscape architecture covering the subject in far greater detail such as mass urban planning, construction, and planting. Following this, the trainee must complete the Pathway to Chartership,[33] a challenging program set out by the Landscape Institute. Following this, one is awarded a full landscape architect title and membership among the Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute (CMLI). Other membership also includes Fellow of the Landscape Institute (FLI) is the highest form of membership awarded to its innovators, leaders and ambassadors[34]. Notable British Landscape Architects include Humphry Reptons, Capability Brown, Geoffrey Jellicoe, Sylvia Crowe, Gertrude Jekyll, Brenda Colvin, Thomas Hayton Mawson, Hal Moggridge, Ian McHarg, Arabella Lennox-Boyd, Tom Stuart-Smith, Johanna Gibbons, Kathryn Moore, Andrew Grant and James Corner.
United States
Drawing of plan for an entrance to Central Park in Manhattan by Richard Morris Hunt (American, 1827–1895) c. 1863
Landscape architects who pass state requirements to become registered, licensed, or certified may be entitled to use the postnominal letters corresponding to their seal, typically RLA (Registered Landscape Architect) or more recently, PLA (Professional Landscape Architect) n.[35] In the US, all 50 states have adopted licensure.[8] The American Society of Landscape Architects endorses the postnominal letters PLA, for Professional Landscape Architect, even though there is no legal or professional distinction between the use of RLA or PLA.[36]
Royston summed up one American theme:
Landscape architecture practices the fine art of relating the structure of culture to the nature of landscape, to the end that people can use it, enjoy it, and preserve it.
Practice
An example of landscape architecture: the Italian Garden, Gardens of the world, Berlin-Marzahn, GermanyThe Fountain Terrace at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand in 1921, was opened to the public in 1939.
Landscape architects work internationally across scales, from small gardens to regional and global landscapes. Their practice combines design, planning, management, and research, addressing issues such as conservation, heritage, urbanisation, infrastructure, health, and climate resilience[37].
The profession operates in diverse contexts, from protected area management and heritage restoration to urban regeneration, renewable energy integration, and nature-based solutions in rapidly growing cities[38][1][39][40][41].
Scope of practice includes:
Policy & strategy – Preparing and implementing policies, strategies, and plans for conservation, recreation, climate adaptation, and nature recovery, including national parks and protected areas[42].
Conservation and cultural landscapes – Planning and managing national parks, protected landscapes, cultural and historic sites, and recreational areas, often integrating indigenous knowledge and cultural values[37].
Urban and rural environments – Designing and maintaining streetscapes, plazas/squares, housing, campuses, parks, gardens, nature reserves, coastal landscapes, agricultural and tourism landscapes[1].
Infrastructure and energy projects – Contributing to the planning and design of transport systems, utilities, dams, wind farms, renewable energy, and other major developments and network[3].
Assessment and evaluation – Undertaking landscape, environmental, and visual impact assessments to inform policies and projects[43][37].
Site analysis and advice – Analysing climate, soils, water, vegetation, biodiversity, and sustainable drainage systems, and advising clients on design solutions, sequencing, and methods of implementation[44].
Design and implementation – Producing plans, specifications, budgets, and schedules, and monitoring construction to ensure compliance with approved designs[46].
Research and education – Conducting research, preparing reports, teaching, and advising on topics such as geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing, ecology, law, and cultural interpretation[47][45].
Project and team Leadership – Leading and managing major landscape planning and design projects, coordinating with architects, engineers, planners, and other professionals[48].
Legal and advisory Roles – Acting as expert witnesses in planning, development, and environmental courts[49][50].
Kerb 15. Landscape Urbanism. Launched by Charles Waldheim, April 2007. Content includes articles and interviews from Charles Waldheim, Mohsen Mostafavi, Alejandro Zaera-Polo (FOA), Kathryn Gustafson, Bart Brands, and Richard Weller
1 2 "LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ARE LICENSED IN ALL 50 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA", American Society of Landscape Architects. "Become a Landscape Architect". www.asla.org. Archived from the original on 2021-09-14. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
↑ Proudfoot, Helen. "Brown, Doris Jocelyn (1898–1971)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Archived from the original on 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2017-09-26– via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
↑ "Licensed to Design: PLA". The Field. American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). 27 August 2012. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
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