The power of landscape to connect people and places is undeniable. But with the growing pressure on our towns and cities, how do we place a value on that for the wider benefit of society - and why is it important that we do?
An international conference taking place in London this September, Valuing Landscape will be tackling some of the big questions and themes around this important issue, as well as well as looking at emerging trends that need to be consider as part of the bigger picture.
Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from a range or speakers on the topic, as well as contribute to the debate by connecting and networking with people from across the landscape profession in its widest context
Dan Cook, CEO of the Landscape Institute said: "The greatest value of landscape is the way in which it connects people, place and nature. That is why the Landscape Institute, in partnership with IFLA Europe and the University of Greenwich Department of Landscape, is holding its 2018 conference on this crucial theme.
"This landmark conference is going to help us identify how landscape interventions can deliver the greatest possible good for people, place and nature. It will also help us voice the demands we must make of governments and policymakers worldwide, asking the questions – and delivering the answers – that put landscape at the forefront of positive global change and informing environmental and planning policy across the world."
The Valuing Landscape Conference takes place on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th September 2018, at the University of Greenwich, London. Those attending will benefit from the insights of a range of speakers, including many key players and influencers in the sphere of landscape drawn from practices, NGOs, planning and wider organisations.
They include - Ursula Hartenberger, Global Head of Sustainability, RICS Brussels, Mark Kristmanson, National Capital Commission, Ottawa, Canada; Howard Davies, CEO of The National Association for AONBs; Ursula Forzcek-Bratanies, Secretary General, IFLA Europe; Sarah Weir OBE, CEO of the Design Council; Laura Gatti, Director, Laura Gatti Consultants, Italy & Co-designer of the ‘Boscs Verticale’; Dr Deb Upadhyaya, Specialist Planning, Director, Homes for England; Professor David McGuire, Vice-Chancellor, University of Greenwich; Sue Biggs, Director General, RHS; Miriam Weber, Healthy Urban Living, Utrecht, Netherlands; John Acres, RTPI President and Professor Antonella Radicchi, Hush City Mobile Lab, Berlin.
The conference is broken down into two specific days: day one is a day of high-level debate for leaders and practitioners in the fields of landscape architecture, digital, design, future trends and the topic of ‘valuing landscape’, looking at the impact on people, urban design and place making; and day two focuses on policy, planning and management, explored through a packed itinerary of workshops and site visits.
It is ideal for landscape managers, planners and those working in the public sector who will:
hear about the latest in UK and EU environmental policy
explore opportunities and implications for the profession following Brexit
examine how the combined skills of science and management can unlock the value of protected natural spaces
visit major regeneration sites in Greenwich and at Thamesmead, where host Peabody Trust is delivering a multi-billion pound, landscape-led development of 20,000 homes
The conference is open to members and non-members of the Landscape Institute. Adam White, newly appointed President of the Landscape Institute and award-winning landscape architect and garden designer said:"Landscape is at the interface between natural systems, people and place, it is what makes us different from many other professions.
"I would urge anyone interested in how we really, truly value landscape to join us this September. Come and be part of the debate and help us shape the conversation with two days of discussion, bold thinking and creative ideas led by a world-class roster of UK and international speakers."
