Blog

“When people think about what influences elected officials, nine times out of ten their first thought is money… Clearly, skepticism reigns supreme when it comes to our views of how to influence a policymaker.” – Stephanie Vance, “Citizens in Action” Despite being “for the people, by the people,” our representative democracy can seem distant. It can appear inaccessible and elitist, particularly when sensationalized by the “yellow journalism” of contemporary news media. Lobbying, and by extension advocacy, further brings to mind a hidden element of governance. Because of that, they are both practically four letter words. While this presidential election cycle has brought to the forefront the concept of politicians being “bought” by powerful lobbies, simply viewing government as a trade...Read More

Article by Farah Afza Jurekh We explore 10 awesome YouTube tutorials to master hand drawing.  Hand drawings are simply the visual translation of the thoughts of our creative minds. In architecture, hand drawing is one of the most powerful and essential tools. The sketches and drawings of architects should be able to speak, obviously metaphorically; it means that they should be able to communicate with our clients. It must be a medium to express and convey our thoughts and ideas. Now, if you are a beginner, I will suggest that you read this wonderful article; The Complete Beginners Guide to Improving Your Hand Drawing by my colleague Carlos Cortés. For those who have already read this helpful article, assuming that you are now a pro in hand drawing, you need to give your masterpiece life wh...Read More

Article by Rose Buchanan We take a closer look at 10 projects that show how Turenscape is Leading the way in ecological design. The name Turenscape is derived from two Chinese words: “Tu” (meaning “land”) and “Ren” (meaning “people”), combined with the English word “scape” to create a word that indicates the harmony between land and people. It is this philosophy that drives the creativity behind the multidisciplinary firm and allows them to create landscapes that are both ecologically ground-breaking and culturally significant. Turenscape is undoubtedly a favourite of Landscape Architects Network and so we thought it fitting to feature 10 of their ecologically powerful projects. Turenscape is Leading the Way 1. Floating Gardens at the Yonging River Park, Taizhou Turenscape approached the d...Read More

Article by Irene Crowo Nielsen Hart’s Mill Surrounds, ASPECT Studios, Port Adelaide, SA, Australia. It is no secret that children (and adults, for that matter) are attracted to bright colors. Did you, for example, know that yellow is the color people most associate with amusement, optimism, gentleness and spontaneity? That is also a description that fits the Hart’s Mill Surrounds, by ASPECT studios in Port Adelaide, perfectly, and what it quickly has come to represent. But it was not always like this, in fact the historic area around the Hart’s Mill used to be an abandoned, unused, impermeable, contaminated piece of asphalt with weeds growing from the cracks. So how did ASPECT Studios manage to turn this piece of asphalt jungle into an energetic community hub and integrate cultural heritag...Read More

We investigate which landscape design software should be on your radar if you want to use the best program out there.  Are you a techy person, interested in using design software? Want to stay on top of the landscape architecture game? Here at LAN (Landscape Architects Network), we have offered several articles that dive deeply into this subject: Ashley Penn has given us the essential guide to a range of landscape design software options to suit any budget and writer Paul McAtomney has also given the low-down on some of the top 3D modeling software. The following list is of the top landscape design software programs that you should definitely be using or at least trying out throughout your student life and professional career. We will take you through the best options, used by some of the ...Read More

Article by Maria Giovanna Drago The Jack Evans Boat Harbour, by ASPECT Studios, Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia Tweed Heads is an amazing, large city at the Tweed River delta, right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, where the economy is mainly based on tourism. It is known as a paradise for surfers, for its “Fingal Head” (unique hexagonal columns of volcanic rock), and for the its houseboats along the river. It also hosts one of the best landscape renovation projects in recent years. Forget flashy technologies or pretentious designs; here you will discover what it takes to bring a project into harmony with the natural environment. What’s the secret? Making the project feel as if it has been designed just for you. The Jack Evans Boat Harbour A Newborn Bay The Ja...Read More

Article by Rosa di Gregorio Le Monde Garden vineyard design, by Alessandro Isola, Prata di Pordenone, Italy Italy is famous around the world for its history, cultural heritage, design, and food – and also for its beautiful and unique landscape. That landscape has been transformed over time by the skillful agricultural art that has given us the incredible scenery that can be admired today. One of the quintessential Italian agricultural landscapes is that of grapevine plantings and wine production. The culture and connection with the territories where wine is produced has always been essential to building the identity of each region. It’s in one of these great poetic contexts that we find the award-winning project “Le Monde Garden”, by Alessandro Isola. The garden bears the name of the wine ...Read More

Article by Elisa A.M.Varetti Discover our selection of 10 landscape projects that make excellent use of planting design. Anyone who wants to create a powerful design knows that an outstanding planting scheme capable of highlighitng every possible element of the project is more than just required. In this article, you will find a selection of 10 landscape architecture projects that have made excellent use of planting design. Being an expert in this sector is not an easy task, but if you think you have the makings of a plantsman, keep reading. Excellent Use of Planting Design 1. Zhongshan Shipyard, by Turenscape, Zhongshan, China Designed on the site of a former shipyard, this 27-acre park features an extraordinary variety of vegetation species following Kongjian Yu’s philosophy about landsc...Read More

Article by Tahio Avila We explore 10 things you should include in your landscape architecture portfolio . The nicest thing about beginning a design career is that you have fresh ideas and you are ready to participate in a project or in getting a job done. But is your portfolio as ready as you are? Preparing a great landscape architecture portfolio can be a piece of cake for some and a pain in the backside for others. As designers, we should be ready to “build” a portfolio right after we finish school or, even better, start working on it at the beginning of our school life. But sometimes we leave this step to the last minute — and that’s when trouble begins. A landscape architecture portfolio is not only a list of works we have done, it’s also the reference for who we are as designers...Read More

Article by Win Phyo Good design is in the details – We take a look at 10 landscape architecture projects that show the power of detail in design. It is often the little things that count and a combination of little things usually end up amounting to something worthy, touching and extraordinary. This applies to nearly everything in life but guess what? It also applies to landscape designs too! As designers working for many kinds of clients, our job is to paint an exciting big picture. However, what happens when your design gets implemented? In the end, it is the visitors and users of your site that count. It is they who will gush over a tiny detail in design, remember how they felt, what they heard and the small personal interactions they had with your design. This is exactly why, in ...Read More

Article by Tahío Avila Les Quais – Ville De Bruxelles, by Espaces Mobilites, in Bruxelles Centre-ville, Brussels, Belgium. On the edge of the Senna River and right of the city center lies the new “green route” of Bruxelles: a safe pedestrian and cyclist green route developed to encourage recreational leisure and increase gatherings and activities in the zone. This long-neglected embankment has become a place that enhances the quality of life of Bruxelles’ inhabitants and promotes user-friendly public spaces between the historical center and the commerce area of the district. It is a project with the perfect combination of past and present that we (as landscape architects) are happy to develop and bring to life. Les Quais – Ville De Bruxelles The Starting Point For several years...Read More