IFLA Newsletter - October 2013

[email protected] web sitewww.iflaonline.org cultural landscape committee www.iflaclc.org

IFLA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PresidentDesiree [email protected]

Secretary General Ilya MOCHALOV [email protected]

Vice-President European RegionNigel [email protected]

Vice-President Asia/Pacific RegionDato Ismail bin Ngah [email protected]

Vice-President Americas RegionCarlos [email protected]

Editor IFLA NewsShirah [email protected] Potential contributors please contact [email protected]

Deadline for articles (500-1000 words plus illustrations) last day of the preceding month

FROM THE PRESIDENT Desiree Martínez 2

Research in the Master of LA Cecelia Paine 2

Natural Systems for Decentralized Waste Water Treatment Ridhi Kapoor Suthar 5 My Experience As The First LA Graduate in Nigeria Fadera Williams 10

Learning History The Creative Way Aarti Verma 13

ABUJA DECLARATION 15

LOJA Manifesto 16

4th IFLA APR International Cultural Landscapes Symposium 2013Cultural Landscapes – Transformations 17

Landscape Architecture in India A Reader 19

Book ReviewTree Nurseries Cultivating the Urban Jungle SonalTiwari 20

C O N T E N T S

R E S E A R C H I N L A N D S C A P E

International Federation of Landscape Architects Fédération Internationale des Architectes Paysagistes

IFLAN E W S L E T T E R NO. 107 OCTOBER 2013

A R C H I T E C T U R E

IFLA Newsletter Issue 107 October 2013

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Last month I had the pleasure and honor to attend 2 Regional events. First the African Symposium in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 15-18 and later to the Regional Conference of the Americas in Loja and Guayaquil, Ecuador, from October 29th to Novem-ber 1st.

It was incredible to meet our dear African friends again and to be present as another step forward was taken towards the consolidation of our profes-sion. Besides excellent lectures and the encourag-ing presence of many young students, who are the future of the profession in Africa, it was also a huge success to count on a Regional EXCO, lead by my friend Tunji Adejumo, our new IFLA-Africa Vice-President. Congratulations to all members of the EXCO and to all members of IFLA-Africa! The Abuja-Declaration (published later on in this issue) states their commitment to our profession.

In Ecuador we were also very successful! After a very fruitful regional council focused on the con-solidation of professional practice, education, rec-ognition of the profession and fostering a strong Americas Region, we had the 2nd Latin American Landscape Initiative (LALI) forum, which illustrated how the whole region is working for landscape in very diverse ways. The LALI is a project that is re-ally pushing the region forward through a common vision!

The Keynote Speakers were wonderful and the atmosphere of the event was of deep friendship. The Regional Council decided to release the Loja Declaration (also published later on in this issue) on the recognition of the profession, as support to all colleagues in countries where this is an issue. All attendees at the congress endorsed the document.

Now we are heading towards the end of the year. I hope you all get to close your business year in an excellent way and then have time for family!

With a big hug

Desiree Martinez

Research in the Master of Landscape Architecture ProgramUniversity of Guelph, Canada

Cecelia Paine, FCSLA, FASLA Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Professor, Landscape [email protected]

The University of Guelph is home to one of the old-est and largest schools of landscape architecture in Canada. The BLA program was established in the mid-1960s and the MLA program in 1978. Our pro-grams include 10 core faculty members, 240 BLA students and 40 MLA students. We have proposed to establish a PhD to the administration but it has yet to be approved. Our unit, the School of Envi-ronmental Design and Rural Development, is home to a cross-disciplinary PhD in Rural Studies that is open to landscape architecture graduates.

The landscape architecture programs at Guelph are in the science-based College of Agriculture. As a result, our general focus is on opportunities and issues associated with rural landscapes and small to mid-sized communities. This is unique from most other programs in Canada that are located in architecture faculties and place more emphasis on


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IFLA Newsletter Issue 107 October 2013urban landscape issues. Full-time faculty at Guelph have active research programs and the University expects that research will form a strong compo-nent of the graduate curriculum.

This paper builds on initial research presented at the CSLA/AAPC international conference held in Cuba in 2007.

THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH MLA CURRICULUM Our curriculum seeks a balance between the professional core and independent research. Our academic streams include:

1. Analysis and Planning 2. Design and Implementation3. Research and Application

WHY RESEARCH?Our view is that research is essential for the ad-vancement of the profession and practice of landscape architecture. To prepare our students to undertake research they are required to take courses that explore research methods and both quantitative and qualitative techniques to address issues in both the physical and social sciences.

FORMS OF SCHOLARSHIP We subscribe to all recognized forms of scholarship including that of discovery, integration, applica-tion and pedagogy, as proposed by Boyer (1990). Therefore, students work may range form explor-atory design-based projects, to multi-disciplinary approaches, to specific topics current to applica-tion in landscape architecture practice or to profes-sional education processes.

KNOWLEDGE DOMAINSIn approaching research that develops new knowl-edge relevant to landscape architecture it is useful to consider the recognized body of knowledge that forms the core of professional education. In 2004 the Landscape Architecture Body of Knowledge Study, sponsored by the Council of Landscape Ar-chitecture Registration Boards (CLARB), ASLA and CSLA, established the following nine knowledge domains as those forming the core of professional education:

1. Landscape Architecture History and Criticism2. Natural and Cultural Systems3. Design and Planning Theories and Methodologies4. Public Policy and Regulation5. Design, Planning and Management at Various Scales and Application6. Site Design Engineering: Materials, Methods, Technologies and Applications7. Construction Documentation and Administration8. Communication9. Values and Ethics in Practice

This study also identified areas of research that survey participants identified as most relevant to advance landscape architectural practice. These included:

• Historic preservation principles• Relationship between human and natural systems• Therapeutic aspects of design• Communication and education methods• Agricultural and rural landscape analysis• Water resource management• Wetland management• Floodplain management• Bio-filtration and alternative drainage methods• Determination of user values• Land & water reclamation• Treatment of toxic materials• Quality control procedures for construction

MLA STUDENT RESEARCH TOPICSUniversity of Guelph MLA thesis abstracts are pub-lished on a yearly basis and served as a source of information for summarizing the scope of gradu-ate student research presented in this paper.

Content analysis of MLA thesis abstracts from 2009-2013 revealed most research was focused in the following areas: ecological/environmental is-sues, social issues, cultural issues, perceptual/expe-riential issues, policy/economic issues and design process. Details of each of these areas of research are listed below:


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ENVIRONMENTAL/ECOLOGICAL: ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING• Landscape restoration and rehabilitation• Storm water management • Wildlife habitat improvement• Microclimatic influences• Impacts of climate change

SOCIAL FACTORS: HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING• Community health • Long-term care environments• Walkability in urban environments• Reclaimed space

CULTURAL FACTORS: HISTORY AND IDENTITY• Landscape as narrative• Cultural approaches to design• Cross-cultural design• Expressing local identity

EXPERIENTIAL FACTORS: THE EXPERIENCE OF LANDSCAPE• Preferences and perceptions • Landscape meaning

POLICY/ ECONOMIC ISSUES: ADOPTING BEST PRACTICES • Storm water management policy• Urban agriculture• Low impact development• Sustainable design practice

DESIGN PROCESS: INCLUSIVENESS• Catalyst for community development • Use of social media

MLA GRADUATE RESEARCH PROFILEFigure 2 illustrates that 40 percent of students conducted thesis research in areas focused on ecological/environmental issues. Social issues were addressed in 18 percent of the studies, with relatively equal emphasis in cultural, perceptual and policy or economic related issues (15 percent, 13 percent, and 13 percent respectively). Research investigating the design process made up less than 1 percent of the thesis projects. The broad distri-bution of topics suggests that our students have a great range of interests. It is also testimony of the expanding nature of the profession and the advan-tage of having a faculty with diverse interests.

A comparison of current data from 2009-2013 to similar data from the period 2003-2007 indicates student research focused on ecological/environ-mental issues has increased from 24 percent to 40 percent. This is not surprising considering the expertise of our faculty, both in landscape architec-ture and in other programs across the University.

Figure 1: Landscape Architecture Abstracts

Figure 2: University of Guelph MLA Research Topics (2009 - 2013)


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RESEARCH CHALLENGESA continuing educational challenge is to balance the core knowledge areas in the MLA curriculum with rapidly expanding areas of research spe-cialization to provide a good foundation for both practice and research. Lack of funding to support student research is an ongoing issue. Finally, we need to improve communication to facilitate the transfer of research findings to professionals and other disciplines.

REFERENCESBoyer, Ernest L. 1990. Scholarship Reconsidered. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teach-ing. Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. 2004. Landscape Architecture Body of Knowledge Study. Reston, Virginia.

Master of Landscape Architecture Program, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph. Landscape Architecture Ab-stracts, Recent MLA Theses, 2009-2013.

Master of Landscape Architecture Program, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph. Landscape Architecture Ab-stracts, Recent MLA Theses, 2003-2007.

Paine, Cecelia. 2007. Research in Landscape Archi-tecture. Presented at the CSLA/AAPC Conference. Havana, Cuba.

Natural Systems for Decentralized Waste Water Treatment as a Tool for Landscape Design

Ridhi Kapoor Suthar “As marvelous as the high technology of water treat-ment and distribution has become, it does not satisfy the emotional need to make contact with the local reservoirs, and to understand the cycle of water: its limits and its mystery.”- Christopher Alexander from the book ‘A Pattern Language’ (1971)

Christopher Alexander’s quote correctly summa-rizes the state of the water resource in our country today. It is fast depleting as a resource and yet the vast amount of waste water generated because of human use is increasing manifold. REUSE and RECLAIMING the resource judiciously from this waste water is the need of the hour. The article encapsulates my research on “Natural systems for decentralized waste water treatment as a tool for landscape design”. The aim of the research was to ascertain an optimum scale for waste water recla-mation and reuse, to generate a value system for the choice of appropriate alternate decentralized system for waste water collection, treatment and reuse and how that system can become the gen-erator for landscape design.

As a first step a catalogue was prepared for the various natural decentralized waste water treat-ment methods. These can be classified majorly on the basis of the media where the natural physical and chemical treatment processes take place: Ter-restrial, Aquatic and Wetland type natural treat-ment systems.

Terrestrial treatment methods depend on the physical, chemical and biological reactions on and within the soil matrix, the plant cover, soil surface, soil profile and the geological materials to remove wastewater pollutants.

Aquatic treatment methods, both the performance and final water quality depend on the algae or aquatic macrophytes present in the system. Algae are functionally beneficial, providing oxygen to support other biological responses, and the algal-carbonate reactions which are the basis for effec-tive nitrogen removal.

Wetlands provide a natural filter for contaminants and excessive nutrients hence improving water quality.

Wetland type treatment systems depend on the physical and biological processes which operate in wetland ecosystem through which the pollut-ants present in wastewater are immobilized and degraded.


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The constructed treatment systems mimic the processes found in natural wetland ecosystems for treatment.

This was followed by a comparative analysis of the various natural treatment systems based both on performance factors and economic factors.(Refer to Table 1.)

The landscape values of these natural systems influence and govern how these become a tool for landscape design. These values can be sub-divided into characters as below.

a) Treatment system as a landscape elementThe treatment system setup and process acts as an element in the landscape i.e. as a focal point or to integrate the treatment system as a component of

Table 1. Comparative analysis of performance and economical factors of natural (secondary) treatment systems, source: author

the surrounding landscape. The characters govern-ing this are

VISUAL CHARACTERDepending on the physical setup of the system it can become planting beds (if plants are used in it) or just a visual green element hence using it as a part of softscape.

ACCESSIBILITY AND USAGE OF SPACEDetermined by the character (septicity) of sew-age being treated. How much it comes in contact with the outside environment and hence how much accessibility it allows? This decides the level of contact to be allowed to the users towards the system and hence whether the system only acts as a visual element in landscape or as an accessible area within the landscape.


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AVIFAUNA AND TERRESTRIAL FAUNAThe avifauna and other terrestrial fauna the sys-tem attracts and supports which is decided by the vegetation (if used) used in the system and also the quantity and type of vegetation used allowing development of avifaunal and terrestrial faunal ecological zones within the landscape.

ODOR CONSTRAINTHow much odor does the system give out during the treatment process? Whether there are odor control mechanisms incorporated or to be incorpo-rated in the landscape design? This again decides the placement of the system within the landscape i.e. away from the usable zones, away from the contact of users.

b) Treated water as a landscape elementThe treated water is collected and used as an ele-ment in the landscape in the form of water bodies, fountains, streams, sheet flow, cascades etc. The characters governing this are:

ODOR REMOVALOlfactory character of treated effluent. It is impor-tant that the treated water to be used as an ele-ment be free from any bad odor for it to be used in water bodies, fountains, streams, sheet flow, cascades etc. within the landscape.

COLOR OF THE WATERThe treated water should be clear and clean. Any turbidity could harm and clog the mechanical parts of the water bodies and also cause sedimentation in the basins. Hence the color helps decide the kind of water bodies to be created with the treated wa-ter; mechanized or non-mechanized or any further treatment needs to be done before doing so.

EFFLUENT CHARACTER (SEPTIC NATURE)The septic character of the effluent must be checked in order to decide the level of contact to be allowed by the users of the water body and hence determines if the water body is only a visual element in the landscape or is an accessible water body within the landscape.

c) Treated Water reuse for landscape designThe treated water is reused within the landscape for irrigation, washing and other mandatory func-tions.

WATER QUANTITY AND RECOVERYThe amount of water generated and recovered is a deciding factor for the design of the landscape. To get an exclusive supply of water for landscape maintenance is a difficult task. Hence as a man-date, wastewater and rain water within the site and its immediate surroundings should be collect-ed and treated to suffice for irrigation of all plant material. Quantity of reclaimed water also decides the kind of plants to be used; xerophytic or water loving plants and hence the balanced combination to suffice with the given water. The quantity of water is also affected by evaporation losses.

EFFICIENCYThe efficiency of the system determines the qual-ity and quantity of water which further affects the plant material, both choice and maintenance.

REUSE OPTIONSThe reuse options are determined by the efficiency of the system. Higher efficiency provides for more reuse options in primary, secondary and tertiary uses.

These landscape values and characters can be overlapped with performance and economic fac-tors to understand the specific correct usage and value of each natural treatment system. (Refer to Table 2.)

From the comparative analysis of the natural treatment systems and their respective landscape values, it can be concluded

PRIMARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS• All open systems have high visual, avifaunal and faunal value but are odorous and septic and hence cannot be made accessible within the landscape but can be incorporated within the softscape as in-accessible vegetated groves/beds or water bodies - away from the user zones as visual elements.• These systems can also be buffered by other planting or camouflaged within it.


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Table 2. Comparative analysis of treatment systems in landscapes


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POST PRIMARY TREATMENT• Most systems produce effluent of medium con-centrations where the effluent is still septic and hence the water cannot be directly used in the landscape for irrigation or as an accessible water body.

• The effluent water can be used as a faraway water body, fountain etc. forming a visual element but it is highly concentrated (except in the case of soil biotechnology) to be used for plant irrigation or for washing.

• In the aquatic systems the recovery time is very high to allow for reuse of water and hence water would have to be collected over a period of time to be used for landscape features.

SECONDARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS• All open systems have high visual, avifaunal and faunal value but are odorous and also slightly septic and hence cannot be made freely acces-sible within the landscape but can be incorporated within the softscape as inaccessible vegetated groves/beds or water bodies - away from the user zones as visual elements.

• Sub surface flow constructed wetlands are one of the exceptions providing both high visual value with no contact to septic water- and hence can be freely incorporated within the landscape in planting beds, mounds and accessible groves. They attract a lot of birds and insects and can be developed as special ecological zones for e.g. bird gardens, butterfly gardens etc.

• The depth of the system also decides its place-ment within the landscape. If it is a deep and open system it cannot be placed near user zones.

POST-SECONDARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS• Most systems produce high quality effluent of low concentrations where the effluent is not septic but only needs some polishing.

• Hence the water can be directly used in the land-scape for irrigation. This water quantity can be-come the basis of the planting where the amount of water required for irrigation can be fixed as the quantity generated from the secondary treatment systems and then the choice of plants is done.

• The water can be collected to form an accessible water body, stream etc. where no mechanical parts are used because the sediments (which need pol-ishing treatment) would clog the mechanical parts.

• Since the water still requires treatment it should be kept away from child areas where children are prone to touch it and drink it.

• The water can be reused for the washing of path-ways etc.

TERTIARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS• All are open systems and have high visual, avi-faunal and faunal value but can be slightly odor-ous (which can be countered). Most of them are vegetation-based or basin based and hence can be incorporated within the softscape as vegetated groves/beds or water bodies - away from the user zones as visual elements or safely buffered within the user zones.

• These can be made freely accessible within the landscape if the depth of the system is not very deep. If that is the case care must be taken to pro-vide a buffer so that users are not prone to falling in it and it becomes a visual element within the landscape setting.

• Surface flow and sub surface flow constructed wetlands provide both high visual value and safe systems and hence can be freely incorporated within the landscape in planting beds, mounds and accessible groves. They attract a lot of birds and insects and can be developed as special ecological zones within the design as bird gardens, butterfly gardens etc.

• Flow forms are highly efficient tertiary treatment systems which form beautiful cascades within the landscape. Storm water can be directly treated with these to form beautiful cascades and foun-tains.

POST-TERTIARY TREATMENT SYSTEMS• These systems produce high quality effluent which can be reused for varied purposes like irriga-tion, fountains, water bodies, aquifer recharge and washing.


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• Hence the water can be directly used in the land-scape for irrigation. This water quantity can be-come the basis of the planting where the amount of water required for irrigation can be fixed as the quantity generated from the secondary treatment systems and then the choice of plants is done.

• The water can be collected to form an accessible water body, stream, fountain, cascades etc.

• It can also be chlorinated and disinfected to re-charge back into potable water aquifers.

• The water can be reused for the washing of path-ways etc.

Thus natural treatment systems can be efficiently incorporated within landscape design and hence can form an important tool for water conserva-tion and reuse for a landscape architect. These treatment systems when applied at the individual and community level have immense potential to develop into designed public spaces, parks and gardens and not just remain quarantined public utility blocks occupying valuable land.

My Experience As The First Landscape Architecture Graduate in Nigeria

fadera [email protected]

I tell people that being the first landscape architec-ture graduate in my country was incidental, but a great landscape architect of our time and mentor of mine in the profession, Hitesh Mehta said to me ‘It’s not happenstance, you were hardwork-ing. Remember it is said that when preparedness

meets with opportunity then people term it hap-penstance’’. Looking back at my days in Graduate school I am tempted to agree with him. This is because I did actually work my fingers to the bone. We were a class of 7 students which became 4 be-cause 3 dropped out after the 1st year. Of these 4, I was the only one ready to present a defense of my thesis before the jurors by the 3rd year. Little did I know that I was not just first in my university (Uni-versity of Lagos) but also first in the other school which offers landscape architecture (Ahmadu Bello University). The rest is history. This is how I became the 1st Landscape architect produced by a Nige-rian university.

Life after graduation has been eventful. Having been influenced by one of my courses in grad school, my thesis was tailored around climate change, carbon sequestration and city greening. In my country, there have been several propos-als made to the government towards the country

From right to left: Lagos State Tree planting day, July 14 2012, World Environment Day, 5th July, 2013, World habitat Day, 7th Oct, 2013


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participating in a low carbon economy. However all expenditure in this direction is frowned upon by the citizenry because it is regarded as unjustifiable in the face of the poverty situation. My research thesis states that carbon sequestration is a scientif-ic justification for city greening. This was presented before the Governor of my state Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, of Lagos State and he made me an Environment Ambassador for Lagos State. I have since then worked on increasing environmental awareness in the state.

I am working on an initiative to execute certain environmental projects such as tree planting, high

The Campaign launch of the EKO GREEN DREAM INITIATIVE, Feb, 2013 at EKO HOTEL&SUITES, Lagos ,Nigeria.

school climate change education and community participatory erosion control. All these I packaged under an initiative which I called the EKO GREEN DREAM INITIATIVE. The first project is to encour-age the Lagos metropolitan community to plant at least 5,000 trees this year and this I have achieved by adding an innovative incentive which I call the ‘EKO GREEN CARD’. This green card will be distrib-uted to those who have proof of planting at least one tree and maintaining it for 8-10 months. This card will carry discounted items, bonus packages and so on, all contributed by local manufacturers as a part of their social responsibility to reduce the carbon they pump into the metropolis.

Environment seminars given in different high schools in Lagos ,Nigeria.

From right to left: Landscape conference, organized by MLA students of University of Lagos, Nigeria, The Environment conference, orga-

nized by Faculty of Environmental sciences students of University of Benin, Nigeria.


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The initiative has led me to hold climate change seminars in privately owned high schools and an environmen-tal club has been inaugurated and has initiated a project to plant trees along their street. I have also worked closely with the students of landscape architecture in the two universities trying my best to serve as an inspi-ration to them. I am a member of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria and I was a member of the organizing committee of the just concluded IFLA Africa 2013 Symposium held at Sheraton Hotels Abuja from the 16th -18th October, 2013

In the practice of landscape architecture, I manage my landscape firm and my company has executed a num-ber of landscape design jobs for privately owned firms and also as a subcontractor for building contractors. I believe landscape architecture is a livable profession in Nigeria and Africa and I intend to take my place and lend my support to the progressive development of our profession on my continent.

IFLA Africa 2013 Symposium held at Sheraton Hotels Abuja from the 16th -18th October, 2013

1. Landscape design for country home , Ondo State, Nigeria, 2. Landscape design for Durot private school, Ade-Oyo Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria.

3. Landscape design for Ogun State government at Abeokuta, Ogun State , Nigeria.

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IFLA Newsletter Issue 107 October 2013IFLA Africa 2013 Symposium held at Sheraton Hotels Abuja from the 16th -18th October, 2013

1. Landscape design for country home , Ondo State, Nigeria, 2. Landscape design for Durot private school, Ade-Oyo Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria.

3. Landscape design for Ogun State government at Abeokuta, Ogun State , Nigeria.

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2.

3.

Learning History The Creative Way

Aarti Verma

Understanding history is imperative as it gives the learner a holistic picture of how things can mani-fest within the given conditions. It helps to act rationally based on knowledge and its analysis. It makes people better thinkers and designers. So learning history is undoubtedly essential. But a teacher’s perception and a student’s perception for the subject vary. Hence a teacher has a very sensitive responsibility of not being prejudiced or judgmental while presenting the facts.

UNDERSTANDING LANDSCAPE HISTORY THROUGH A CREATIVE PROCESSHistory of landscape design is the study of all Landscape styles. Landscape design in itself is a constantly changing process. It changes with climatological, sociological and economic factors, all imprinted on the land. It still needs to be sac-rosanct and at the same time, maintain its unique character. It is vast and complicated and may not always be chronological. It displays various over-lays created with time. With all these complexi-ties, a history teacher needs to guide students to acknowledge and appreciate the important values shaping a particular style. The added challenge is the theoretical nature of the subject and the as-sociated fear of either losing interest or misunder-standing the concepts.

With all these challenges in mind, the faculty of Dr. B. N. College of Architecture, Pune envisaged an option of making the history course an informal one. The main aim of the exercise is to help stu-dents interpret the values of any historic landscape primarily through the medium of graphics.

EXPRESSION OF A PRE-HISTORIC LANDSCAPEThe student has tried to express the pre-historic landscape using sunlight and darkness as the main factors .The emphasizing feature has been the statement suggesting that it was the beginning of civilization. It is a simple yet profound depiction (fig 1).

INTERPRETATION OF MUGHAL LANDSCAPES Through this poster for a Mughal Landscape, the

student has tried to emphasize the colorfulness and the prosperity of Mughal period. The pinks, purples and mauves are used depicting the color-fulness and prosperity of the Mughal period. The architectural forms are used in a symmetric pat-tern depicting the Char-Bagh concept. The reflec-tion emphasizes the use of water bodies. It is noteworthy that greens and blues are not used at all, although they are the primary colors in Landscape.

Poster by Abhilasha Giri, student of Dr. B. N. College of Architecture, Pune (fig 1)

Poster by Pradnya Sane, student of Dr.B.N.College of Architecture, Pune (fig 2)


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INTERPRETATION OF JAPANESE LANDSCAPESJapanese Landscapes are simple and hence easier to be interpreted. The color combination in the adjoin-ing interpretation is subtle, with an emphasis on the material. Bamboo frame has been used to view the Borrowed landscape concept through the window (fig 3). Different elements like bridges, paving, stone

Poster by Shruti Kamat, Saini Bhansali and Jui Bhalerao, students of Dr. B.N. College of Architecture, Pune (fig 3, 4,5 clockwise)


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lanterns, ripples in the sand, stepping stones and the scriptures portrayed in a simple tone of whites signify the purity of thought in those landscapes.

The Japanese style interpreted through the other two posters emphasizes the expressionism of Zen Buddhist gardens (fig 4,5).

INTERPRETATION OF FRENCH LANDSCAPESApart from the Asian landscapes, European land-scapes had a different interpretation altogether. Trying to abstract a French landscape, the student has focused completely on the scale of the garden. The axiality and vanishing points are clearly seen in this poster. Though not depicting any particular example, the basic principles of a French landscape are very clearly stated (fig 6).

The rond points, the simple parterres, intersecting axes, the collage Interpretation of French Land-scapes.

IN A NUTSHELLInterpreting history in such a creative way seems to have taken the burden of theory from their minds. These honest expressions are seen to be better conveyed through creative media. The re-sponse towards a seemingly mundane subject like history thus got transformed into an interesting exercise. Apart from these, audio-visual presenta-tions and inter-group debates further strengthen

their understanding. These interpretations are seen to be influencing their landscape designs too, which makes such an exercise gratifying.

ABOUT THE AUTHORAr. Aarti Verma works as an assistant professor at MKSSS’s Dr. B. N. College of Architecture, Univer-sity of Pune. She is a post graduate in landscape architecture from CEPT, Ahmedabad. She has presented her poster on Landscape Pedagogy at the 49th IFLA Conference held at Cape Town, South Africa. She has been working on developing creative learning processes in landscape peda-gogy. Her focus has been introducing significance of landscape to the students at an under-graduate level in architectural education.

ABUJA DECLARATION

IFLA Africa RegionOctober 18, 2013

We, the landscape architects of the International Federation of Landscape Architects of Africa, com-mit to the following statements:

1. Acknowledging the potential of the profession of Landscape Architecture to contribute to the enhancement of the environment, the quality of life for people, the fostering of culture and tradi-tional values; we will strive to develop our capacity throughout the Continent.

Poster by Kalyani Joshi, student of Dr.B.N.College of Architecture, Pune (fig 6)


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2. The IFLA member countries of Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Morocco, commit to become the centers for the development of the profession in Africa through:

- advising countries that do not have organizations and including independent members from those countries in our regional activities;

- supporting education program development; and

- organizing events to interchange experiences and knowledge at least every two years.

3. Work towards the goal of sustainable develop-ment and responsible use of resources.

4. Support the proposed UNESCO International Landscape Convention Initiative and commit to de-velop national and/or regional Landscape Charters as part of the African Landscape Initiatives.

5. Engage decision-makers and civil society to sup-port our vision.

6. Support and evolve the renewed IFLA Africa Region organization.

LOJA Manifesto

by IFLA News Brief

We, the Americas Regional Council of the Interna-tional Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), meeting in Loja, supported by the attendees to IFLA Regional Conference in Guayaquil, Ecuador, we state that Landscape Architecture is a profes-sion recognized worldwide, as independent from other professions, on account of its own, unique and different characteristics which is practiced by Landscape Architects, who are the qualified experts, specialized, educated and trained for the analysis, conservation, planning, design and pro-duction of the landscape.

BACKGROUNDWe make this statement as representatives of IFLA an organization created in 1948 with the objective of ensuring, through education, communication and international promotion: the highest levels of performance in Landscape Architecture.

Sixty-five years later, IFLA is globally recognized and distinguished as the technical forum with broader participation and greater global leadership regarding this discipline.

IFLA is a democratic, apolitical and non-gov-ernmental, not -for-profit organization and has worked, since its creation in the promotion and recognition of Landscape Architecture as a profes-sion.

Most members of this organization have success-fully established this profession in the nations to which they belong or have contributed to its expansion, its recognition and appreciation. How-ever, in some countries the recognition of Land-scape Architecture as a profession and Landscape Architects as the suitable professionals to carry it out, lacks official recognition.

It is precisely to support and encourage the search for such recognition in those countries where this has not happened yet that for the last six decades IFLA has been working on attaining important achievements in conjunction with other inter-national organizations. Such is the case of IFLA collaboration with UNESCO in the development of the appreciation and preservation of the historic urban landscape ( HUL ); the constant work of ICO-MOS- IFLA International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes and IFLA ‘s participation as a member of the Habitat Professionals Forum (HPF) which is a set of international NGOs who advise and work together with UN - Habitat.

IFLA has signed memoranda of understanding with several global organizations, such as those mentioned above and others, like the International Union of Architects ( UIA ) and the International Society for the planning of the City and Region (ISOCARP). Through these agreements the distinc-


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tiveness and independence, as well as the author-ity and reputation of this unique profession that is Landscape Architecture was recognized. The latter, without disregard and working together with all the other professions related to space and the environment.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has classified and defined the profession of landscape architecture in its list of professions through the Resolution: ISCO-08 2162 - Title : Landscape Archi-tect.

MANIFESTOGiven this background and referendums cited and in order to articulate the actions of the vari-ous international organizations, we demand full compliance with the respective legislation in each country as well as to give effect to the documents signed and thus honor the work of Landscape Ar-chitects from around the world as to acknowledge the uniqueness and independence of Landscape Architecture and its complementary role to other professions related to the management of space, nature, environment and culture.

ACCESSIONThe IFLA Landscape Latin American Initiative (LALI) seeks to promote the recognition, protec-tion, planning and sustainable management of the landscape, leading to the awareness of its diversity and related values in our countries. This, as a result of the synergy arising from civil society, academia, unions, and institutions, who claim the need to expand the concept of landscape. The latter, as a metaphor of inclusiveness multiplicity and plural-ism in landscape design, biology and planning. For the foregoing reasons LALI, requires and supports the most clear and comprehensive recognition of Landscape Architecture and the Landscape Architects as the professionals responsible for its implementation, under which, adheres signing this manifesto.

Loja, October 29, 2013

IFLA AMERICAS REGIONAL COUNCILDesiree Martinez Maria Uriarte, President IFLA Inter-nationalCarlos Jankilevich Vice President IFLA AmericasDiana Ceballos Wiesner, Treasurer IFLA Americas (also acting as Secretary due to Paulo Pellegrino’s absence) Ana Luisa Artesi, Delegate from ArgentinaSaide Kathouni Delegate from BrazilMaria Teresa Espinosa of Cellis, Delegate from Bo-liviaMoncayo Alexandra Vega, Delegate from EcuadorRossana Somaruga, Delegate from Uruguay Virginia Laboranti, Observer from ArgentinaLily Mamani Poma, Observer from BoliviaGloria Aponte, Observer from Colombia

LATIN AMERICAN LANDSCAPE INITIATIVEMartha Cecilia Fajardo LALI Coordinator

GUAYAQUIL 2013 IFLA REGIONAL CONFERENCEOrganizers, Key Note speakers and attendeesby acclamation-

4th IFLA APR International Cultural Landscapes Symposium 2013Cultural Landscapes – Transformations

ABOUT INCULSThe International Symposium on Cultural and Historical Landscapes (INCULS) is an annual event that was started in 2009 in response to the IFLA Cultural Landscape Committee’s (IFLA CLC) deci-sion to highlight the importance of cultural and historical landscapes through teaching, research and consultancy in the Asia Pacific Region (APR). Subsequently, the first INCULS was held in that year in Seoul, Korea. From then on, the seminar has been held annually with increasing participa-tion from a minimum of 16 Asia Pacific Countries. Even though INCULS focuses on cultural and historical landscape planning and design of the living environment, it has received very encourag-ing participation from people of other disciplines. This is due to the fact that cultural and historical


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landscapes are interdisciplinary in nature and need participation from other disciplines such as legal, planning, economics, biology, botany, agriculture, art, etc. INCULS aimed at providing a platform for interdisciplinary discussions towards a com-mon aim - providing a better and more sustain-able living environment for people and other living creatures sharing this planet through the lenses of cultural, arid, historical landscape. In addition IN-CULS also provides a link between policy makers, researchers and practitioners.

LOCATIONIndia’s cultural heritage is well known. Gujarat plays an important role as the southernmost portion of the famous Sindhu-Saraswati culture. Gujarat region has a continuous cultural landscape since 8000 BC, including a large part of the Indus Valley Civilization, and has been a trading center since the Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization (circa 4000 BC at Lothal).

The symposium is proposed to be held at Ahmed-abad, the sixth largest city in India, which has a rich culture of trade and art since time immemo-rial. Ahmedabad was at the heart of the Indian Independence movement, from where Mahatma Gandhi led the independence struggle. Supported by an affluent trading community, Ahmedabad is home to a wide variety of built heritage rang-ing from traditional architecture to modern mas-ters, and is being considered for nomination as a UNESCO world heritage site.

SYMPOSIUM THEME: CULTURAL LANDSCAPES TRANSFORMATIONSLandscapes are inherently dynamic and transform through the ages due to their surroundings and the environment, which many a time consists of flora and fauna. Cultural landscapes, within their inherent definition, include any sustained relation-ship between man and nature. As understand-ing of natural resources and their relationship to man has evolved, many fields of study of cultural landscapes have arisen. The study of cultural landscapes has established its roots in the fields of geography, landscape, geology, hydrology,

climatology, botany, archaeology, etc. While their expertise varies, they ultimately converge at the point of man-nature relationships. This symposium aspires to document living and established cultural landscapes and their evolution, so that this topic does not remain in the domain of research only, and transforms into a professional field of practice.

Cultural landscapes need not be ancient or histori-cal, they can also be contemporary. Colonization and unprecedented migration from rural to urban areas in the Asia-Pacific Region has immensely transformed cultural landscapes. Examples of this include the impact of the Trans-Siberian railway as well as cultural changes due to Indigo farming and Tea cultivation in India, or the historical sea route from Egypt and Mesopotamia to India. Many such changes have resulted in cultural turmoil, where traditional cultural knowledge shares space with new cultures being created as well as transformed traditional cultures. The symposium will document transformations in cultural landscapes through three themes:

a. Conservation of traditional cultural landscapesb. Transformed cultural landscapes based on con-temporary viewsc. New cultural landscapes being generated in and around urban areas

Contact InformationPostal Address:4th INCULS Organizing Committee, c/o M/s Prabha-kar B. Bhagwat, 901, Panchatirth Apartments, Jodhpur Cross Roads, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 380015Email address: [email protected]


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Landscape Architecture in IndiaA ReaderThe first ever comprehensive book of Landscape Architecture in India

Editors Mohammad Shaheer, Geeta Wahi Dua and Adit PalPublisher LA, Journal of Landscape Architecture, New Delhi, India

The book brings together knowledge about the meaning and scope of landscape architecture in the Indian subcontinent. It seeks to introduce land-scape architecture to students and future profes-sionals in spatial design disciplines and to dissemi-nate knowledge about the subject in a regionally specific manner and at the same time intends to demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the subject where many interests and disciplines of environmental science, art, anthropology, history, engineering and design – all have an important role to play.

BOOK RELEASELandscape Architecture in India, A Reader was released by eminent architect Raj Rewal along with

landscape architect Ram Sharma and renowned architect Romi Khosla at Alliance Francaise, New Delhi on October 1st 2013. While introducing the book, Geeta Wahi Dua informed that the structure and format of the Reader addresses the very basic idea about the definition of landscape architecture, as a diverse field based on the scientific knowl-edge of natural science, knowledge about cultural history and the relationship between the two. She further said that the Reader clearly underlines the idea of “India” as a mosaic of different geographi-cal regions with distinctive cultures and histories, each with an identity of its own. One of the main intents of the book, has been to explore an “In-dian” context in all its narratives.

A panel discussion was organized on the occasion in which various issues and topics pertaining to the subject of landscape architecture were discussed. Raj Rewal heartily welcomed the idea of having such a publication, observing it to be the first ever comprehensive book on the subject taking into account various aspects of the field in the context of India. He recalled his association of working with landscape professionals on many prestigious proj-ects during his professional career of now more than forty years. Romi Khosla stressed the need to involve landscape professionals at the inception stage of projects, especially those of site planning for coming up with more real, functional and cohe-sive designs for such works.

Mohammad Shaheer called on the professionals to understand the meaning of landscape architecture as a multidisciplinary subject rather than perceiv-ing it only as a design exercise. He underlined that it should be practiced in association with experts from the fields of natural science, art and culture, the idea which the book very clearly underlines. He also emphasized the idea of making landscape architecture more visible in the public realm. The thought was supported by Ram Sharma who called on the professional bodies and educational insti-tutes to take the lead in this task. Another issue of exploring the idea of “Indian landscape design” in the contemporary design typologies of landscape architecture in India was raised by Priyaleen Singh,


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landscape architect with specialization in historic conservation. She cited the examples of Indian historic cities so as to learn about the positive rela-tionship that is being shared between nature and culture.

The Editors hope that the Reader paves the way for many more, detailed books on the fascinating subject of landscape architecture in the future.

Landscape Architecture in India, A Reader is be-ing published by LA, Journal of Landscape Archi-tecture in India. It is a quarterly publication that provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and showcases a breadth and variety of works and research in the field of landscape architecture in India.

Landscape Architecture in India, A ReaderHardbound: 280 pagesLanguage: EnglishISBN : 978-81-926254-0-9Dimensions: 244mmx 237mmx 25mmFor booking orders, write [email protected]

“…an unusual, abstract and creative way of doing a book on nature and its various manifestations. On every page there is something to discover, learn and apply. I was exhilarated while going through the book…”Balkrishna Doshi

“…makes a significant contribution towards explor-ing the man-nature relationship, which leads to the understanding of overall environment, where man can live happily as an integral part of the whole system…”Ravindra Bhan

“…no other publication in the fields of architecture and landscape design has so clearly focused on the Indian context without losing its universal value…”Neelkanth Chhaya

“…the book encourages to question the perception of landscape design, and also to address it in a holistic manner from the micro to the macro level. Certainly a useful reference book for every student of architec-ture and landscape…”Sanjay Mohe

B O O K R E V I E W Tree nurseries cultivating the urban jungle, ed-ited by Dominique Ghiggi, Chair of Gunther Vogt Department of Architecture ETH Zurich 2010, Lars Muller Publishers(240 pages)ISBN 978-3-03778-218-7, €35, reviewed by SonalTiwari

Are trees a reflection of immobility and longevity? ‘No’, says editor Dominique Ghiggi in his selec-tion of essays as he evaluates the phenomenon of migration in trees.

The book is an articulate compilation of the re-search and processes on and about plant mate-


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rial cultivation. The travelogues and essays from twenty three authors reveal various aspects related to the floristic kingdom.

The book sheds light on tree production and its scientific, technological, historical and cultural background from different perspectives. The role of the nursery is re-evaluated as a fully developed industry.

The book examines the phenomena of desertifi-cation and urbanization and covers a wide span of time since early primeval forests were utilized for agrarian purposes, to the conquest of plant produce for industrial production. There are equal numbers of photo essays on greening environ-ments and their implication in urban areas.The book focuses on plant production centers which exist in significant numbers and are special-ized to meet the demands of a particular sector. Many questions are raised at the end of each essay on what could be the way ahead.

The book raises questions on various issues related to the developed world, such as the new possi-bilities generated by technology in greening, as related to endemism and specific production. The people of the globalized, urbanized world crave for roots and identification points, individuality amidst international shopping chains with their unitary corporate design and the standardized greenery of road side plantings (p 107)

Organized in chapters that are divided by geo-graphic regions, the book touches upon desertifi-cation in the Sahel, greening projects in Shanghai, rain forests in Zurich, and even a seed bank on the arctic island of Spitsbergen, to name a few. The chapters share insights from different profession-als who have travelled across the world seeking to understand the role played by a range of economic and historical factors in the significant influence that tree nurseries have come to exercise on urban planning and landscape architecture.

However the meticulous compilation of the well illustrated essays is broadly limited to the context

of Europe, while mostly ignoring the context of the Eastern countries. There is reference to the devel-opment of script in China from ancient planting. Nurseries do not play a significant role in planning in this part of the world, but the sacred groves in this region deserve attention.

The work is perfect for those connected with the environment as it examines tree nurseries scat-tered across the world and their social, economic and contextual significance.

It evaluates the role of plantation from various lev-els and spans the distance between urban planning and landscape detail.

SonalTiwari is an assistant professor at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal

Documents

IFLA Newsletter - October 2013