The next speaker in the ‘Thinkers and Doers’ series is Emily Wade (Sweden) presenting “ Integrated Landscape Character Assessment: a toolkit for long term spatial planning”.

This lecture is scheduled to happen on Wednesday 19  August 2020 at 8am NZ time (or 18 August  – 1pm Los Angeles, 4pm New York, 9pm London).

Register for the lecture on Zoom 👉

https://vuw.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElc-qrrDIiHtQCVRlshMBm767rJADAziei

Abstract

This lecture will look at sustainable transport systems and the considerable impact on the landscape as a result of the building and management of roads and railways. Therefore, a holistic approach to the resources, values and change processes of the landscape has become an increasingly important issue. Understanding the landscape as an arena is an important basis and starting point for both long term strategic planning and in continuing spatial planning. Drawing from the Swedish experience over the last seven years, this lecture will discuss an interdisciplinarity methodology by providing a toolkit to obtain a holistic understanding of the dynamics of the landscape. This methodology is now used in big and costly pending infrastructure projects such as high-speed railways in Sweden. Emily will describe a method for Integrated Landscape Character Assessment that can be used in long term planning.

Bio

Emily Wade is a Landscape Architect practicing in Sweden. She is partner of the office of Landskapslaget in Stockholm, working with landscape architecture, landscape and urban planning. Since 2010, she is the co-author of several guidelines connected to planning of landscapes and public open space.  She has an international outlook through engagement in the International Federation of Landscape architects, IFLA. Emily also teaches at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. 

About

‘Thinkers and Doers’ aims at bringing together practitioners, scholars, students and the wider community of landscape architecture and affiliated built environment disciplines to share ideas and to hear the latest innovations in the field. This online series brings together nationally and internationally renowned experts through an initiative between the NZILA Wellington Branch and the Landscape Architecture Programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

NZILA members: Event Attendance – NZILA CPD 0.5 pts/hr

NZILA Category 3b Public Lecture: 0.5 pts/hr up to two hours per lecture

The next speakers in the ‘Thinkers and Doers’ series is Diana Wiesner (Colombia) presenting “From Design to Action”.

This lecture is scheduled to happen on Wednesday 05 August 2020 at 8am NZ time (or 04 August  – 1pm Los Angeles, 4pm New York, 9pm London).

Register for the lecture on Zoom 👉 https://vuw.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUsdequpj4rGNFj7XUewKoulNEUNWbllJ9p

Abstract

Beyond the natural landscape’s crucial role in shaping our territorial identity, it also makes up a big share of our cultural and ecological heritage. Within this, urban public space is what helps our city’s natural endowments shine. Urban public spaces have their own, unique spatial structures and ecosystems, and should therefore come equipped with eco-systemic provisions, regulations and public and cultural services; all of which boost civic solidarity, equality and culture; and, in turn, lead to fluent public/private relations and better human health—both physical and emotional.

This lecture looks at the effects of globalization in finding efficient, replicable and swift solutions that can be set in motion as fast as the world’s urban centres are growing; however, these tend to homogenize the urban landscape. Eco-urbanism and Green Infrastructure are two visions that endeavour to better contextualize urban ecology in a holistic and inclusive way. Climate change tests our resilience when confronting natural disasters; hence, nature-based solutions prioritize healthy ecosystems as the best means available to face the future. Eco-urbanism and Green Infrastructure-based solutions will succeed if backed by new, local, nature-based urban initiatives built on designs and approaches that aim to bring society together on the issues of how best to consume water, air, food; regulate temperature and provide rest and recreation for all of its members.

Bio

Diana Wiesner is founder and director of Fundación Cerros de Bogotá and Head of Arquitectura y Paisaje EU design office. She is passionate about enhancing landscapes and the cultural values of her native Colombia, South America. Diana believes that her approach seeks to integrate culturally based place-making and community participation to advance the health and well-being of humans and ecosystems at the local, regional, and global scales. Her outstanding 20 years career as a landscape architect has brought her many awards and invitations to international conferences to celebrate the potential of public spaces for education, cultural events, environmental and ecological enhancement, sustainability, aesthetic impact, quality landscape construction, recreation, stimulus … and joy! 

About

‘Thinkers and Doers’ aims at bringing together practitioners, scholars, students and the wider community of landscape architecture and affiliated built environment disciplines to share ideas and to hear the latest innovations in the field. This online series brings together nationally and internationally renowned experts through an initiative between the NZILA Wellington Branch and the Landscape Architecture Programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

NZILA members: Event Attendance – NZILA CPD 0.5 pts/hr

NZILA Category 3b Public Lecture: 0.5 pts/hr up to two hours per lecture