Article by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture
Recent years have shown an anecdotal decline in landscape architecture enrollments, influenced by factors such as economic downturns, rising educational costs, and opportunities in the digital economy. While these trends impact the field, it’s crucial to take steps to attract more students.
Increase Awareness of the Profession
Many students are unaware of the profession that designs the landscapes they see every day in towns, cities, and beyond. There needs to be greater promotion of landscape architecture to students from an early age and through to university. This can be achieved by highlighting our work, including projects, urban frameworks, government policies, and other relevant initiatives.
Many professional institutions already promote the profession well by attending school career days, career advisor conferences, and university open days. Landscape architects should also volunteer to assist where possible. Raising awareness through social media is crucial for capturing students’ attention. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are highly visual and offer a perfect opportunity to showcase landscape architecture.
Quell the Artificial Intelligence fear
Recently, posts have appeared on Reddit, LinkedIn, and social media from individuals considering a career in landscape architecture. They are raising concerns about whether it is a viable future career given the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). Also fueling this fear is the number of AI apps promoted on social media that show instant (before-and-after) landscape designs. However, these apps are mainly visual and often lack good contextual design.
As a profession, we need to acknowledge that artificial intelligence is a tool. It does not replace our creativity, expertise, empathy, or understanding of sites. AI also cannot replace complex problem-solving or collaboration across professions. We should emphasise that landscape architecture is here to stay. AI will assist in solving climate challenges, strengthening the profession’s future.
Future employment possibilities
Landscape architecture offers many employment opportunities after earning a degree. It is often seen only as designing gardens, but there are many other options. These include working in design firms on small and large landscapes. Graduates can also work in government to develop policies and frameworks for urban centers. Other roles involve urban forestry, creating design strategies as landscape planners, managing building projects, and conducting research.
Improve visibility of landscape architecture within faculties and departments
Over the years, many landscape architecture programs have shifted towards offering it as a specialisation, chosen during a general design degree. This often results in students having to choose between architecture, design, construction, and landscape architecture. Consequently, landscape architecture departments need to promote their field and profession more actively. They should provide students with greater exposure to the various possibilities and opportunities that a career as a landscape architect can offer.
Many students are unaware of landscape architecture as an option during their studies. They often discover it after completing architecture or engineering degrees. Usually, they realise the program was available only post-graduation. There is a need for stronger collaboration between faculties. This can help introduce engineering and science students to the field of landscape architecture. It can also explore how they might pursue it as a study option.
Integrate practical work placements (internships)
All landscape architecture students should undertake a work placement, such as at a design firm, government agency, or nonprofit organisation. Practical experience shows prospective students that their studies have real-world applications. It also provides a clear pathway to employment.
Increase the connection between universities and the profession
Many universities have links with professional organisations such as AILA, ASLA, LI, and HKILA. Some also engage through groups like CELA. However, connections between universities and the profession need to be stronger beyond studio critiques and professional practice subjects. Universities should hire more practitioners as teachers across various classes. This would provide students with greater practical exposure.
Utilise the tools available
There are many tools available from professional organisations that have created initiatives, websites, brochures, toolkits and other promotional materials to allow anyone to promote the profession, including the following:
ASLA – Your Path to Landscape Architecture
AILA – Become a Landscape Architect
LI – Choose Landscape
If you know of any other programs or initiatives feel free to email them submit@worldlandscapearchitect.com or message us on Instagram or social media platforms.
Highlight Financial Assistance
Many students may be discouraged by the cost of degrees; however, many universities, professional organisations, and design firms offer financial assistance, such as scholarships and research grants, for students. These should be highlighted when promoting university programs.
Promote postgraduate pathways
There are many ways to become a landscape architect. The traditional approach is to complete school, study landscape architecture at a university, and graduate. However, there are other routes through postgraduate study. Many landscape architects were previously architects, engineers, horticulturalists, or graphic designers.
More student outreach programs
Many universities have community outreach programs that undertake community projects. These include design competitions and community days, such as tree planting and clean-ups. These activities help build local communities, provide learning opportunities for students, and enable them to connect with people.
Create Mentor programs
After students join a course, they often require guidance on career paths and opportunities. Connecting students through a mentor program allows them to meet professionals, both young and experienced. They can gain advice and insights into the profession. This helps students understand what to focus on to reach their career goals.
Celebrate Alumni
All too often, universities only contact alumni to ask for donations or to attend events. Universities should celebrate alumni beyond anniversaries and appointments. Whenever a landscape architect opens a project, wins an award, or publishes an article, university departments should promote it. This can be done on their social media platforms and newsletters. Showcasing alumni fosters pride within the department and inspires students.
Tell the stories of landscape architects
Many landscape architects have compelling stories about their careers. These include their projects, collaborations, and creations. Their work provides tangible benefits to communities and cities. Sharing these stories through articles, videos, and images on social media can spark students’ interest. Visual communication can create a desire to learn more about landscape architecture.
Article by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture
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