Landscape architects at the heart of infrastructure delivery

In January 2020, West Midlands Combined Authority launched its Design Charter. Louise Wyman, Design and Inclusive Growth Lead, explains its significance.

Q: Why are we seeing Landscape Architects lead on design and regional devolution?

Landscape architects are trained in the art of reading the land, gathering geographic data, testing environmental research and producing analysis and design ideas that help clients evaluate site opportunities. Our skill is to help others see the big picture and engage in the wonderful complexity of designing for the future. Creativity is at the heart of our practice.

Reflecting on a career as a landscape architect and chartered surveyor I’ve realised that what motivates me is collaborating with people in places that want progressive change. It’s energising to work with people who want to design a better future for their communities. Spending time understanding local economics, ecologies and environmental challenges, while preparing plans that redesign places for future generations is a real privilege.

Landscape architects across the globe are responding actively to the climate emergency and the regional devolution context. Sir David Attenborough’s call to action at the Landscape Institute Awards 2019 was a great inspiration. From a Midlands perspective I’m delighted to collaborate with Jane Findlay founder of Birmingham based Fira Landscape as she prepares to be the LI’s President later this year.

Q: How are designers shaping the future environment in England?

In April 2019 I was seconded from Homes England, where I’d been Director of Strategy & Engagement, to the West Midlands Combined Authority, chaired by Mayor Andy Street. Mayor Street declared his ambition for a regional Design Charter and my job for the past year has been to make this ambition a reality.

On 23 January 2020 a group of designers, developers and cultural organisations launched West Midlands Design Charter in Birmingham (hyperlink to WMDC) The same day WMCA published a consultation paper titled: #WM2041 setting out West Midlands’ ambitions for a decarbonised future.

Launch of the West Midlands Design Charter

In Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has appointed Paul Monaghan Founding Director of AHMM Architects as his design champion. Working with Paul we plan to grow a network of design leads across the eight regional Mayors, to share thinking on how to embed strategic design practice and environmental responsibility at the heart of regional devolution deals.

Q: What role have landscape architects played on the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Group?

In parallel with design work across city regions and Combined Authorities in May 2019 the National Infrastructure Commission appointed a Design Group, Chaired by the architect Sadie Morgan. This group of 10 built environment professionals with different professional backgrounds has been a rich source of new ideas for design in the context of infrastructure delivery. Andrew Grant founder of Grant Associates and I are the landscape architects in this group.

On 5 February 2020 the National Infrastructure Commission published Design Principles for National Infrastructure. Watch this space for more news from the Design Group during 2020.

Q: What next for Mayor Andy Street’s WM Design Charter and WM2041?

West Midlands Design Charter

Having launched WM Design Charter and WM2041 the big challenge now is implementation and making progressive change visible and engaging across a region. Here are a few initiatives we’ll champion in the 2020s:

1. West Midlands National Park. WMCA are collaborating with Kathryn Moore, Birmingham City University, Landscape Institute, Design Council, NHS England, Sport England, Natural England and regional partners to develop an initiative for a new National Park. This is a big ambition which may begin as a series of green and blue infrastructure projects. We’re even talking about a Digbeth High Line design competition.

Alongside providing new spaces for wildlife, sport and recreation, we see new urban parks, footpaths and bike trails as central to the wellbeing of our diverse communities. We’re proud to be hosting the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and want to show a global audience all the wonderful open spaces West Midlands offers.

2. Modular landscape and excellence in modular construction. The West Midlands has the fastest growing GDP outside London. Birmingham has more start-up businesses than any other UK city. Construction and regeneration are core industries, However, as we build our future we plan to do so in a responsible way, using modular construction, renewable materials, zero carbon energy sources while minimising construction waste.

We welcome businesses and creative industries that share this ambition and want sustainable modular construction to thrive in our geography. We’ve been exploring ideas around modular landscapes – all responses welcome!

3. Providing excellent public transport to minimise car traffic. Transport West Midlands is central to WMCA’s activity and is providing our region with new rail stations, fuel efficient trains, trams, clean buses, cycle paths and canal trails. New world class public transport systems as an efficient and enjoyable alternative to car use.

We invite all practitioners who share our mission of responsible inclusive growth to bring your ideas and businesses to the West Midlands, we’d love to hear from you.