LAA 144 preview

Are you laying bricks or building a cathedral? The question comes from a parable that reflects on the way individual, everyday tasks relate to a bigger vision or grand plan. I’ve heard it told a number of ways and you can read about it in Annette Simmons’ book The Story Factor, which explores the art and power of storytelling. The story comes to mind with the recent death of the founder of this magazine.

Landscape Architecture Australia 144.

Image: Andrew Lloyd

Ralph Neale published the first issue of Landscape Australia in 1979 and continued to edit it until 1997 and publish it until 2001. Ralph received an OAM in the Australia Day Honours in 1994 for his “service to conservation, the environment and to landscape architecture.” His friend and colleague Anne Latreille reflects on his contribution on page 79. Ralph’s passing is a reminder that every issue of the magazine adds another chapter (or brick) to the story of Australian landscape architecture (our collective cathedral). As it builds on history and embraces its legacy, the magazine must simultaneously keep a firm eye on future directions. Daily “bricklaying” inspiration can be found by looking carefully in both directions and the refreshed look we introduce with this issue responds to this bifocal vision.

A 1987 review of the magazine by John Turner in The Age praised it for “provid[ing] good and stimulating reading for every man and every woman.” This inclusive quality is equally (if not more) relevant today. Interest in the work of landscape architects is growing within the built environment professions, government and the wider community. Landscape architecture is critical to the shaping of a sustainable future and everything that the profession does to communicate, advocate or demonstrate this helps build the metaphoric cathedral. Landscape Architecture Australia is a powerful (and accessible) vehicle for taking the message to a wide audience.

Projects and articles in this issue:

• Detroit: where to from here? A report from Detroit on the city’s challenges and opportunities. (Article: Adrian McGregor)
• Healing Wounded Landscapes. How landscape architecture can contribute to post-mining sustainability. (Article: Matt Baida)
• World Wars and Landscape Architecture. How two world wars have influenced the profession. (Article: Gareth Collins)
• Of Stone and Steel. The MacKenzie Falls Precinct Redevelopment by Hansen Partnership. (Review: Ricky Ray Ricardo)
• Civic Space and Community Backyard. Dandenong Civic Square by Rush\Wright Associates, Lyons and Material Thinking. (Review: Kate Gamble)
• A Room with a View. The Fiona Stanley Hospital landscapes by Hassell, Hames Sharley and Silver Thomas Hanley. (Review: Tinka Sack)
• AILA National Awards. Full coverage of the 2014 National Landscape Architecture Awards.

Cameron Bruhn, editorial director, Landscape Architecture Australia

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