International Federation of Landscape Architects definition (based on the existing definition by ISCO/08) about the profession of LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Landscape Architects plan, design and manage natural and built environments, applying aesthetic and scientific principles to address ecological sustainability, quality and health of landscapes, collective memory, heritage and culture, and territorial justice. By leading and coordinating other disciplines, landscape architects deal with the interactions between natural and cultural ecosystems, such as adaptation and mitigation related to climate change and the stability of ecosystems, socio-economic improvements, and community health and welfare to create places that anticipate social and economic well-being.
The tasks of Landscape Architects include:
(a) Developing and managing the landscape by carrying out actions and preparing and implementing projects for heritage protection, preservation of natural and cultural landscapes, rehabilitation of degraded landscapes, and new development through a process of design, planning, management and maintenance.
(b) Conducting research and analysis to develop sustainable landscape design, planning and management practices, theories, methods and development strategies to promote green infrastructure, the sustainable management of natural, agricultural, rural and urban landscapes and the sustainable use and management of global environmental resources.
(c) Carrying out feasibility studies and impact assessments to gauge the effect of development on the ecology, environmental character, cultural values and community health and welfare of landscapes.
(d) Collecting and documenting data through site analysis, including an appreciation of indigenous practices, land form, soils, vegetation, hydrology, visual characteristics and human-made and managed features.
(e) Preparing landscape documentation, including drawings, specifications, schedules and contract documents, and calling tenders on behalf of clients.
(f) Managing digital technologies and representation of spatial systems, and client and/or community presentations related to the environment and landscape.
(g) Engaging local communities, authorities and stakeholders by public participation in decision-making relating to projects that impact landscape.
(h) Providing expert advice and advocacy on landscape matters in conflict resolution, judicial courts and com-missions, competitions, media and public relations.
Examples of the occupations classified here:
- Landscape Architect
The profession of Landscape Architect may be adopted under different titles by non-English speaking countries.
Some related occupations classified elsewhere in ISCO 08:
· Building Architect – Number 2161
· Urban Planner – Number 2164
This document was voted by IFLA World Council in September 2020 and IFLA Europe General Assembly in October 2020. It was sent to International Labour Organisation for approval. We will inform our members when it is approved officially.
To download IFLA Definition of Landscape Architect_EN
Worked out by IFLA Working group comprising: Fritz AUWECK – Chair | Carlos JANKILEVICH (IFLA Americas) | James HAYTER (IFLA Asia-Pacific - IFLA President) Carlo BRUSCHI (IFLA Europe – IFLA Europe Statutory Advisor)| Jala MAKHZOUMI (IFLA Middle East) Carey DUNCAN (IFLA Africa President) | Karin HELMS (IFLA Europe President) | Marina CERVERA (IFLA PPP Committee Chair)
IFLA Definition of Landscape Architect - certified French version
IFLA Definition of Landscape Architect - certified Spanish version
About Landscape Architect profession
Landscape architecture combines environment and design, art and science. It is about everything outside the front door, both urban and rural, at the interface between people and natural systems. The range of ways in which landscape architects work is staggering. From master-planning Olympic sites to planning and managing landscapes like national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty to designing the public squares and parks that we all use, landscape architecture nurtures communities and makes their environment human and livable.
Landscape architecture is not just the profession of the future — but the profession for a better future.
Landscape architects are broad thinkers who thrive on the big picture. They are playing an increasingly important role in addressing the great issues of our day: climate change, sustainable communities, water, housing and the prevention of hunger.
Landscape architects are often natural leaders, able to communicate with many professions and leading multidisciplinary projects. Landscape architecture is not just the profession of the future — but the profession for a better future.
In addition, landscape architects are also active in other fields related to the design of open spaces and landscapes: for example, in village redevelopment as well as in urban planning and inner-city regeneration projects. Here landscape architects have to co-operate with architects, town planners, civil engineers, biologists and social
planners.
Landscape architects work for planning consultancies, for companies in the gardening and landscape industry, for government agencies and for local governments in public works and parks departments, water authorities or nature conservation bodies. The following overview indicates how diverse their work can be:
Landscape tasks in urban land use; planning and sectoral planning
Infrastructure studies, development planning and landscape programmes
and cross-country skiing
arenas for winter sports, motor sports, water sports, riding, cycling
Urban planning and village redevelopment planning
Urban planning and village redevelopment planning
Landscape architects are often natural leaders, able to communicate
with many professions and leading multidisciplinary projects.
Project planning and design
Maintenance of parks and historic gardens
Project control, monitoring and implementation
Expert consultancy services, presentations and mediation
(source: BDLA, Germany)
