Experiencing the expanse of Norway

Sarah Jones-Morris spoke at the IFLA World Congress held in Oslo this September. Here are her top ten highlights.

Panoramic view towards Forsand

© Sarah Jones-Morris

1. Seeing 1400+ Landscape architects in one place. We are a rare breed, so it is inspiring when we temporarily migrate to one place together.

2. Same, same but different – versions of the future of landscape architecture. Seeing important international projects of note, common themes, challenges of the climate change, biodiversity crisis – past, present and future.

Sculpture created from waste during the conference outside the Congress Hall, Oslo

© Zoe Banks Gross

3. 1400 people declaring ‘We are working on Common Ground’ presentation lead by provocative speaker Zoe Banks Gross, Bristol Approach, Knowle West Media Centre on environmental and social justice.

4. Being part of the conversation about the future of the landscape profession with legendary Hal Moggridge, James Hayter, Gisle Løkken.

5. Eating, drinking and admiring Vestre After Party and its beautiful party location on the waterfront.

Vestre After-party

© Zoe Banks Gross

6. Geoffrey Jellicoe medal winner Kathryn Gustafsson – ‘slow down, work slowly’ and ‘Design in layers’.

7. Having a respite in the woods and by the lakes only a 20 minutes bus from the centre of Oslo – into the wild.

8. Seeing landscape architects trying something new, getting involved with different skills and learning in community engagement workshops led by President Adam White and others.

Traditional grass roofs and blackened timber buildings at the Preikestolen Visitor Centre, Jørpeland, Norway

© Sarah Jones-Morris

9. Warming up and having a chilled dip from the public floating sauna.

10. Experiencing the geometric designs, forms, styles of Norwegian landscape and architecture reflecting the fjords and wilderness.

By Sarah Jones-Morris Director at Landsmith Associates, Chair of Landscape Institute South West