A response to Kelleann Foster – Becoming a Landscape Architect

Our lecturer recently gave us a selection of pages from the book, ‘Becoming a Landscape Architect’, by Kelleann Foster, which has been a very thought-provoking read for a third year landscape architect student. Within these pages, the definition of landscape architecture and what it entails is discussed.

Foster identifies the issues with defining the profession, and how it so often misconstrued by those less familiar with it. This is something I, like many others, have experienced regularly – ‘fancy gardening’ is a common assumption I receive and my nan still asks me to weed her garden (I, of course, oblige). The reason it is such an unknown is because, as Foster describes, landscape architecture is a ‘360-degree profession’ and ‘broad, rich, and far-reaching’. The term landscape architect encompasses many other professions – there is a huge number of specialities that can fall under the title as the opportunities are endless. Foster identifies, however, that no matter the speciality, all landscape architects have a number of important things in common:

•          A deep appreciation for the environment.
•          A commitment to the highest standards of design and planning.
•          Pride in knowing that their work directly enhances the quality of people’s lives.

This is because, as she further acknowledges, every time humans interact with the land, there is an opportunity for landscape architects to become involved and assist in producing a positive outcome. This allows many people to benefit from the work of landscape architects, as well as offering career opportunities for a wide ranging variety of individuals.

Foster goes on to list definitions of landscape architecture from other professionals, I have noted some of my favourites below:

“Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management and stewardship of the natural and built environment through science and design.”

“Landscape architecture is truly an art that integrates the idea of the built environment with nature.”

“Landscape architecture is a bout trying to find something that’s really wonderful about the environment around you, and something that’s really unique about the culture around you, and combining all those things into a rich experience.”

“A landscape architect is more of a holistic coordinator of many things that take place in spaces, to create a harmonious and, ultimately, long-term sustainable whole.”

“A landscape architect is more like a sculptor who manipulates the earth, and the grade and horizon. It is more of an art form versus a service.”

“It’s an application of science to art and it goes beyond problem solving to creating new opportunities and regenerating biological integrity.”

Reading Kelleann’s pages instigated thoughts on my view of the landscape profession and how I fit into that. I feel that landscape architecture being so hard to define is one of the many reasons I love it so much – there really is endless opportunities and experiences to be had within the field and I look forward to a long career exploring this. The way each landscape architect views the profession will be different but for me it is about enjoying an amalgamation of the sciences and arts to nurture deep connections between people and the landscape, with a focus on healing damaged environments, alongside enhancing and conserving healthy, sustainable places.

References:

Foster, K. (2009) Becoming a Landscape Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design (Accessed: 19 February 2021)