LAA 141 preview

Landscape Architecture Australia 141, on sale 31 January 2014.

Image: Andrew Lloyd

This issue of Landscape Architecture Australia focuses on recently completed projects from across the country, taking a broad look at the output of the profession.

A number of the exemplary landscape projects reviewed are already award winners – both in Australia and internationally – and some, no doubt, will go on to receive further accolades. Geographically, they traverse the country – Perth to Sydney, Melbourne to Cairns. Looking at them as a suite, what do they say about Australian landscape architecture at this moment? Two things strike me. The first is the way each one of them is a deft response to site. This is sometimes a meaningless, throwaway line – a catch-all for post-justification. But when it is practised with an inquisitive and inventive hand, it gathers up everything about and of the site. It is geographic, ecological, formal, material, memorable, social and cultural. Above all it is authentic, seamlessly melding place and space (making). The second is the pivotal role landscape architects play in the complex matrix of a project’s planning, design, procurement and management. Take a moment to look over the project credits listed with each of the featured projects. It is a good reminder of the leadership of landscape architects in shaping the future of the built environment.

Projects and articles in this issue:

• Reconnecting Dubai With its Landscape Plans for public open space should embrace remnant ecologies. (Author: Julian Bolleter)
• Sydney Olympic Park 2030 Greater integration needed for 2030 masterplan to succeed. (Author: Scott Hawken)
• All Eyes on the Street How do we make urban spaces safer? (Author: Lucy Salt)
• Revitalising Central Dandenong Urban renewal in south-east Melburne. (Reviews: Beau Beza, Dimity Reed)
• Brookfield Place A pragmatic plaza by Hassell in the Perth CBD. (Review: Julian Bolleter)
• Cairns Foreshore Development Celebrating the history of a post-industrial waterfront. (Review: Peter Skinner)
• Box Hill Gardens Multipurpose Area Recreation space by Aspect Studios in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. (Review: Bonnie Grant)
• The Plaza at the Brisbane Showgrounds An engaging entry plaza by Lat27. (Review: Suzanne Kyte)
• Prince Alfred Park Sue Barnsley Design and Neeson Murcutt Architects rework an historic Sydney park. (Review: Julian Raxworthy)

Cameron Bruhn, editorial director, Landscape Architecture Australia

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