A CASE FOR REWILDING

The ideas explored in this video resonate with how my own philosophy as a landscape architect has evolved over time — from seeing landscape architecture primarily as a design discipline, to understanding it as a long-term act of environmental stewardship and responsible land management.

Early in my career, I was naturally drawn to the visual and spatial aspects of landscape architecture: composition, aesthetics, planting design, public realm enhancement, and creating places people enjoyed using. Those qualities still matter deeply to me. Beautiful landscapes can uplift people emotionally, socially and culturally. But over time, my understanding of what makes a landscape truly successful has matured significantly.

To strngthen my academic background, I have become increasingly aware that landscapes are living systems, not simply designed objects.

My approach today is far more grounded in ecological understanding, sustainability, resilience and stewardship of natural resources. I now believe good landscape architecture should work with natural processes rather than impose upon them. It should protect and strengthen ecosystems, not simplify or erase them for short-term visual impact or convenience.

This means thinking carefully about:

1. Conserving existing habitats and mature vegetation

2. Reducing unnecessary site disturbance and material waste;

3. Designing with water sensitivity and stewardship approaches

4. Supporting biodiversity and ecological connectivity

5. Specifying durable, locally appropriate, lower-impact materials

6. Understanding soil and plants as living systems, not a resource to be squandered

7. Creating landscapes that regenerate

Sustainability is not simply about adding “green” features or meeting policy requirements. It is about responsibility, restraint, careful resource use and recognising that every decision carries environmental consequences.

In many ways, I now see landscape architecture less as “creating” landscapes and more as guiding, restoring, repairing and stewarding them.

Link