New York Times best-selling author and journalist Florence
Williams will be the keynote speaker at the forthcoming annual Landscape
Institute Awards 2018, being held on the 22 November at The Brewery in London.
These
awards, compered by BBC London radio presenter, Ebs Akintade, recognise the
exceptional work of landscape professionals and encourages excellence,
innovation, and creativity in shaping the natural and built environment.
Florence
Williams is a Fellow at the Center for Humans and Nature and a visiting scholar
at George Washington University. A journalist, author and public speaker,
Florence focuses her work on environmental, health and science issues. With towns and cities growing, and the development in
modern technology, the power of landscape to
connect people and places is undeniable.
With 21 different award categories attracting a total of 163
entries ranging from students to professionals, all disciplines are recognised
including landscape designers, managers, planners and researchers all
showcasing the impact that the landscape has on people’s everyday lives.
One
of the aims of the Landscape Institute, is to work with landscape professionals
to grow the profession, further ideas and celebrate shared passions. This year,
two new Award categories have been created: The Dame Sylvia Crowe Award for
Outstanding International Contribution to People, Place and Nature, is the
first Landscape Institute Award that is open to individuals and organisations
globally.
This new
award aims to recognise the global reach of the profession and celebrate major
achievements that benefit people, place and nature through landscape-led
approaches. Entries were encouraged from individuals through to
multi-disciplinary teams, and the projects focus on the contribution the design
makes to knowledge and learning in any field of landscape practice, widening
the field of entries and possibilities.
The
second new award category is Planting Design, Horticulture and Strategic
Ecology Award, broadening the reach of the awards, by showcasing established planting
schemes and horticulturally focused projects which contribute to the art and
science of landscape architecture. The judges were delighted with the number of
entries that are innovative and creative as well as functional; aesthetically
pleasing, demonstrating environmental, ecological and educational
responsibility.
Adam
White, President of the Landscape Institute said: “As the professional body
representing the landscape profession, these awards provide an opportunity for
us to really showcase the importance of creative and innovative landscape
design, planning and management. We want to inspire the profession to deliver
projects that truly benefit people and place not just for today also to inspire
future generations. We want to see projects that respond to the environmental
challenges we face and help share knowledge and ideas so that landscape
architects are seen to offer sustainable ways of living to the communities they
serve.”
“We
are extremely pleased to announce Florence Williams as keynote speaker this
year, as she has a particular interest in promoting nature as a catalyst for
health and creativity. Landscapes can promote positive mental and physical
wellbeing, and in an era of children having reduced access to outdoor space, it
is fantastic to consider how many public benefits are highlighted in the Award
entries. We are looking forward to the Awards and can’t wait to reveal the
incredible entries that have been shortlisted this year.”
The event is on Thursday 22 November 2018. For tickets,
visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2018-landscape-institute-awards-tickets-50531889241
