Introduction to Landscape Architecture + Urbanism

Introduction Dr Ed Wall

Landscape Architecture + Urbanism

LAND POLICY

Landscape Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Greenwich focuses on "how" we design more than "what" we produce—investigating and inventing ways of working with landscape and cities. Design and research projects range from experimental studio practices to traditional maintenance approaches and from planning for urban growth to engaging with the climate crisis through direct action. Recognising the significance of written agendas and legislation, we focused this year on Land Policy. Each studio identified a policy that they explored, critiqued, and dismantled through student projects. The projects that follow demonstrate imaginative and ambitious approaches to working with policy.

This year we held a series of roundtables—Collective Landscape Futures—to reflect on "how" we learn, teach, and research in Landscape Architecture and Urbanism. Bringing together students, alumni, tutors, and guests we explored questions of ecological thinking, urban development, and landscape justice. We were honoured to be joined by Julia Watson (author of Lo-TEK. Design by Radical Indigenism), Ben Campkin (Co-Director of the Urban Laboratory, UCL), Ross Exo-Adams (Co-director of Bard Architecture), and Martí Franch Batllori (Greenwich alumni and founder of EMF).

Over recent years we have embraced a broad range of design approaches, led by a diverse team of teachers and practitioners. I would like to thank all the students and the teaching team for embracing this approach—a way of experimenting and learning that enables us to embrace complex challenges of the climate crisis and social inequity while resisting common styles or solutions. The design and research practices of our team have been recognised this year, as three tutors have been appointed to the UK's Design Council as specialist experts and two others have been included in the Architecture Foundation's series on new practices. "How" we have approached our work has also been different this year. While starting in September on campus, we have become more accustomed to remote working and distance learning. However, situated practices like landscape architecture and urban design are challenged by detachment from the landscapes and lives that we design with. Being able to embed ourselves in places, spending time in public spaces, and speaking with people are core landscape and urban practices. As we plan for next year, we look forward to again working on campus, visiting project sites, and travelling further afield.

Despite our focus on "how" we work, there are moments in all projects that are marked by "what". Drawings, models, and full-size prototypes that contribute to student portfolios are featured in the end-of-year exhibition. The following pages of this catalogue—and the end-of-year exhibition—reveal the excellence and success of our students. From first year BA to final year Masters, the students have inventively explored land policies and rigorously designed projects that are likely to have a significant impact on many future landscapes and cities.