Makers of Landscapes

Landscape architects are constantly shaping our surroundings. They create places and environments for everyday use in cities, parks, squares, streets and residential areas. In recent years, the work of a landscape architect has evolved from designing mainly greenspaces into designing large urban and rural entities. Landscape architects take part in the development of rural areas and in land use decisions. They take care of the environment as a whole.

Landscape is everywhere so it has an impact on us all. Still, the work of a landscape architect goes easily unnoticed. At times, however, you might intuitively spot the intention of the architect. You might find yourself before a wonderful scenery or in a resting spot that nicely shuts out all traffic noise. Or maybe you’ll notice how the sun shines perfectly on a lawn area.

There are different kinds of social, political and ecological factors and motivations that influence the work of a landscape architect. Public spaces symbolize freedom and equality; our squares, streets and parks act as platforms for gatherings and even demonstrations. As climate change progresses and our cities become more densely populated, the importance of lush greeneries become more crucial. Amidst our ecological challenges every decision — even the composition of the smallest of park areas —become part of a larger system. Our environments are in constant change, and thus landscape architects should be seen as makers of the future.

Landscape architects have a strong work ethic and lots of responsibilities. A pluralistic, sustainably oriented set of values drives our profession, and this means that we need to find a balance between the needs of people and the needs of nature. Our surroundings are supposed to be functional, beautiful and sustainable. A responsible landscape architect is a defender of nature — in its absolute value — as well as those who do not yet have a voice in society. 

What will our landscapes be like in the future? 

The training of landscape architects began in Finland in 1989. The Degree Programme in Landscape Architecture at Aalto University celebrated its anniversary by publishing a book Maiseman tekijät (Makers of Landscapes), together with Finnish Association of Landscape Architects and Garden Arts Society Finland. You can find it at Aalto ARTS Books. Link to shop.

Text: Jyrki Sinkkilä, Aapo Pihkala, Emilia Weckman / Preface of the book Maiseman tekijät (Makers of Landscapes)