Simon Hopes

In order to understand what landscape architecture is, one needs to dig into its history and how does it influence our surroundings? The current landscape architects need to have enough information regarding urban planning, civil engineering, sustainability, and horticulture. All these aspects overlap to create landscape architecture which has been around for centuries.

What Forms the Basis of Landscape Architecture?

The core of landscape architecture is basically the intersection of the natural world and the environment created by humans. Humans have recognized this amalgamation since ancient Roman times – proof of which is the continual improvement in simple gardening from Renaissance and right into modern times.

Developments in the Last Half-Century

In the last few decades, landscape architects have seen some groundbreaking changes in the field. During the 2016 mid-June summit of the Landscape Architecture Foundation held in Philadelphia, all the professionals pondered on the significant changes which took place during the second half of the twentieth century.

The landscape architects have realized the need to widen their perspectives and accommodate the requirements of the urban population. Keeping the population closer to nature and giving special consideration to the environment are the emerging goals of this profession.

Revitalizing the Cities

In continents like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, we have seen new megacities being formed. On the other hand, Europe and America face the urgent need to reform their cities. It is up to the landscape architects now to make the cities safer, greener, and more pleasing but how?

The landscape architects have the ability to find creative solutions to transform dysfunctional spaces into practical ones. These spaces can be used by the population to gather and spend quality time together. The modern urban development is focused less on the expansion of the undeveloped plots and is more about improving the spaces which are currently underutilized.

The Garden City Movement

This movement is the most important aspect of landscape architecture and was initiated in the United Kingdom in 1898 by Sir Ebenezer Howard. Landscape architecture of the garden city is intended towards the formation of such communities which have the right proportion of residencies, agriculture, and industry.

Compartmentalizing different aspects of modern life including social life, natural life, agricultural life, and industrial life, the landscape architecture of the garden city is an outward attempt to improve the human living.

The Future of Landscape Architecture

Various studies have proved that people are healthier and happier when they find nature to be more accessible. Outdoor spaces are not only least expensive to create but can also guarantee top returns on investments. The only challenge at hand is to leverage the skills and talent of the landscape architects.

Earlier, outdoor spaces were not given a similar value that buildings and interiors get. However, things are changing and the scope for landscape architecture is widening. People are longing to return to nature and there are high chances that the digital landscape and smart cities will play a significant role in this.