What role does landscape architect play in the design of cities?

The current environmental crisis is affecting millions of people all over the globe. Unchecked Urban sprawl has led to severe environmental hazards, including frequent flooding, water pollution, exhaustion, and overconsumption. Amidst mindless concretization of the world post-industrialization, a disconnection between nature and the city began which continues till today. The loss of biodiversity and green spaces within cities has been a result of urbanization and densification, especially in Asia. These environmental hazards have prompted a need for more sustainable urban environments and healthier designs. Get involved as a Landscape architect. "Landscape architecture is the design, planning, management, and nurturing of natural and built environments. Landscape architects are skilled professionals who work to improve the health of all people and the environment. Landscape architects plan and design parks, streets, streetscapes, trails, and plazas that enhance communities.

What is a Landscape architect?

Landscape architects take a holistic approach when designing and work closely with other professionals such as Surveyors, Civil engineers, Surveyors, and Architects to create a proposal. Landscape architects also work closely with ecologists, hydrologists, and other professionals to determine the best way of conserving or restoring natural resources. Landscape architects design detailed plans that include new topography, vegetation, and walkways. They also incorporate art and cultural elements to improve stormwater drainage. The natural elements of the site are then analyzed by landscape architects. This includes the soil, climate, slope, drainage, vegetation, and vegetation. They evaluate the impact of the project on the local ecosystem at all stages. The ground has changed significantly for landscape architects over the past few decades. In the past decade, landscape architects have seen their role expand beyond designing gardens and beautifying roads. Landscape architects have expanded their professional horizons and taken on more than just the landscape. This profession is now able to address the entire city, communities, ecology, and the wider environment. Landscape professionals can be involved in many types of work, including residential areas, urban planning, public spaces, parks, and street design.

1. City Planning and Policy Making are made possible by landscape architects

Landscape planning is an acknowledged subset of Landscape architecture. Landscape planners evaluate and solve environmental, economic, and social opportunities. They also advise on policy-making and prepare Green Infrastructure plans and implementation strategies.

2. Landscape architects manage stormwater and water management

Landscape architects are able to instill the foundational practice of water conservation at all scales. They employ green infrastructure methods like bioswales and retention and detention pools, green roofs, and rain gardens to reduce flooding and preserve water during times of water shortage.

3. Landscape architects design Transportation solutions

Multi-use transportation corridors are often designed by landscape architects. A complete street is designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclist motorists, people with disabilities, and those who use public transport. The streets are protected from fragmentation by including wildlife corridors. (Over under Wildlife Bridge) The street's vegetation can reduce noise, light pollution, soil erosion, shelter, shade, and the urban heat island effects. The potential for invasive species can be reduced by planting native species. They also provide habitat and shelter for insects and pollinators. Landscape architects can also make use of old materials to improve stormwater quality by creating vegetated swales, which filter pollutants and recharge groundwater.

4. Landscape architects promote active lifestyles through the creation of open and community-based parks.

Public parks and city spaces are an indicator of the quality of life within a community. They are an important indicator of the quality and identity of a community. Parks, Protected Public Lands enhance water quality, prevent flooding, increase the quality of our air, provide vegetative buffers for development, produce habitats for wildlife, support mental well-being, and allow families and children to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors together.

5. Landscape architects are vital to achieving sustainability goals and energy savings

Landscape design is all about sustainability. Landscape architects strive to achieve sustainability in many ways.

A). Planning to improve energy efficiency:

Landscape interventions can be used to control extreme climate conditions, such as precipitation and temperature. This will help reduce energy consumption. To reduce the household's heating and cooling load, you can incorporate a green roof or vertical garden. You can also use trees and shrubs for shade and protection of windows, doors and walls.

b). Improving Water Management:

Landscape structures can be installed on-site to manage water. They help landscapes resist flooding and drought while conserving and recycling existing water. Landscape architects use bioswales and bioretention ponds to design rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.

c). Incorporating Healthy ecological designs:

Native landscapes are a great way to support pollinators and link ecosystems across different areas. Landscape design should support and strengthen local native ecosystems. Because native plants are well-adapted to their local environment, this reduces the amount of water, energy, and pesticides that can damage natural ecosystems.

d). Use of low-impact materials

Local materials are more cost-effective and reflect the local tradition. Pervious materials have low impact and allow water to penetrate aquifers instead of going to stormwater or sewer systems. Reflective materials can reduce the impact on air temperature and home cooling.

6. Landscape architects work towards climate resilience \ post-disaster mitigation\redesigning of cities

If we want to adapt our environment to changing climates and mitigate future changes, sustainable landscape design, management and planning are crucial. Landscape architects have a background in systems thinking, ecological planning, and cultural literacy. They provide a holistic approach to protecting, conserving, and enhancing urban and rural landscapes that take into account economic, social, and environmental conditions.

As cities become increasingly crowded, green and public spaces, big and small, become more important. This makes managing urban spaces more complex. The infamous pandemic brought about the recognition that parks, recreation areas, and other outdoor urban infrastructure are no longer considered obsolete. The pandemic has restored our connection to nature. People are adding more greenery to their lives, whether it's in the form of balcony greens, kitchen gardens, or regular visits to nearby community park gardens. Landscape architects are excited about this shift in perception and approach. It has opened up new opportunities for the profession. Landscape Architect Ballarat and other professionals are looking forward to a bright future.