The Landscape Institute has launched an evidence-based briefing report at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), making a compelling case for landscape-led development as being essential to the UK’s sustainable future.
The briefing titled “Maximising value from built development: A landscape-led approach is essential for people, place and nature” was presented for the first time at the UKREiiF Industry in Focus Pavilion on 21 May. This occurred during a session called Creating Happier, Healthier & Richer Places, which was chaired by LI President Carolin Göhler FLI, who introduced the report, a discussion followed with prominent built environment: Roger Madelin CBE (Canada Water – British Land), James Scott (Urban & Civic), Jan Bessell (Royal Town Planning Institute), and Richard Hollison (City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council).
The newly launched report advocates for a fundamental shift in how the built environment sector approaches development. It urges landowners, developers, planners, local authorities, and infrastructure funders to incorporate the expertise of chartered landscape architects from the earliest stages of planning. A landscape-led approach, the report argues, results in healthier communities, stronger ecosystems, and more economically resilient places.
“The places we build today must serve generations to come, socially, economically and environmentally. Landscape-led development is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The Landscape Institute’s new evidence-based report shows that by embedding landscape thinking from the outset, we can create resilient, nature-rich communities where people and places can thrive together. At UKREiiF, our message was clear: to meet today’s challenges — from climate resilience to housing delivery — landscape must move from the margins to the mainstream of development practice.”
Landscape Institute President Carolin Göhler FLI
The LI stressed that chartered landscape architects are uniquely trained to integrate natural and built environments at every scale — from strategic land use and masterplanning to on-the-ground design and long-term stewardship. Backed by the LI’s Royal Charter, they are well-positioned to help deliver on national goals for climate adaptation, nature recovery, and housing.
Read more at https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/policy/a-landscape-led-approach-to-development/