Het landschap als meester: 15 toonaangevende projecten uit de landschapsarchitectuur

Why a publication like this? Because landscape architecture occupies a unique position. We work on almost everything people experience daily in their living environments: from parks and squares to water landscapes, gardens, heritage sites, and public spaces. Our discipline is omnipresent yet often receives little attention in public discourse. And yet, it is precisely within the landscape that the major issues of our time converge.

Climate adaptation, biodiversity, water management, heritage, health, social justice, and spatial quality cannot be viewed in isolation. These challenges demand an integrated approach—and that is precisely where the strength of landscape architecture lies.

The projects and essays in this publication showcase a field that is constantly seeking connections. It is a discipline that does not operate within the confines of a single area of ​​expertise but builds bridges across sectors, scales, and interests. From systems thinking regarding water and soil to innovative models of commissioning and design, the contributions in this book demonstrate the breadth of the field today. At the same time, this publication invites self-reflection. After all, one fact remains clear: smaller, private gardens are still underrepresented. Yet, collectively, these gardens constitute a significant portion of our open space and play a crucial role in biodiversity, water infiltration, and quality of life.

Major spatial transitions will not occur solely through prestigious landscape projects, but just as much through the thousands of small-scale interventions taking place daily in private gardens and residential environments. This publication is, therefore, more than just a collection of inspiring projects. It also offers a moment to reflect on the position of our discipline today and in the future. How do we make the societal value of landscape architecture visible? How do we continue to foster knowledge sharing, debate, and high-quality design practices? And what role do we, as a discipline, wish to play in addressing the spatial challenges that lie ahead in the coming decades?

Blikveld plays an important role in this regard. Associations like ours create a space for interaction, the exchange of knowledge, and critical reflection. They bring together designers, researchers, clients, students, and policymakers around a shared ambition: improving our living environment. While this may seem self-evident, it is not. At a time when support for civil society and environmental organizations is increasingly being called into question, it is important to emphasize that such networks are not a luxury. They represent a necessary investment in knowledge, expertise, and civic engagement. IN DUTCH!