Op-ed by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture
When writing about the Landscape Architecture Trends of 2026, it became apparent that other trends need to be highlighted and discussed within the profession. As with my other trends article, these will depend on where you are in the world and the maturity of your profession in your country (i.e., whether they are current or past trends). These trends are needed to fundamentally shift the profession forward.
Taking Action
In recent years, it has been encouraging to see the development of toolkits, policies, white papers, etc., and it has been great to see some of the thinking and ideas realised in projects. However, there is still a need to improve project outcomes, as we now have the resources, knowledge, and ability to design spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and climate change-ready. In the past, I have often heard that it is too hard and that achieving one goal is better than nothing. However, I feel that designers need to be more holistic in their approach and take action to meet broader professional ambitions.
Walking the Talk
There is a greater need to walk the talk. Often, projects are described in terms of sustainability, inclusivity, biodiversity, or resilience, but the final built outcome hinges on design elements, hard paving, oversized low seating furniture and feels as though the space was designed for a select group, and social media moments. When working on a project, each design decision should meet the design objectives and aim to create a space that aligns with best practice environmental, social, and economic ideals.
Capacity Building
There are many facets of the industry that require greater capacity building, from computational design to data analysis to the basics of finance/management. I hope that design firms and professional organisations can expand capacity through more short courses and seminars to strengthen the profession.
Beyond landscape architecture, there is an increased need for capacity within governments, NGOs, and other organisations to understand landscape- and nature-led design principles, especially in nations with no recognised landscape architecture organisation or education program. As many nations face the challenges of climate change and urbanisation, there is a greater need for education programs outside of the profession.
Better Participation, More Outcomes
Since the end of COVID, there seems to be a dramatic increase in the number of events, and I have a feeling that many people attend events merely to present, and also, attendees can only act passively (attend, listen, leave) rather than participate. In the information/digital age, we have access to knowledge (projects, policies, research) on our devices; the profession would benefit from more events that increase participation and create more outcomes and change.
More critique of project objectives and design
There is a need for greater critique of project budgets and objectives (public & private), as well as conceptual and built outcomes.
Project Budgets
There appears to be a focus on large-budget mega or city-shaping projects that produce overly designed or resource-intensive outcomes, rather than meeting broader community needs. Despite austerity in some countries, COVID and infrastructure stimulus are still making their way through the system, leading to an emphasis on large-scale projects passing through communities with limited green spaces and amenities. This lack of budget critique often leads to exaggerated highs and lows in the design and construction industry, with only a few firms benefiting. There is a greater need for rigorous assessment of budgets and project goals to better serve broader community benefits.
Design
Design critique is often a controversial issue, especially in the current world of social media tribalism, and a profession that sometimes appears to be in a state of groupthink or apathy. There is a need for more rigorous design critique, whether it relates to design objectives, conceptual design, a group art element, or a built outcome.
Critique in design schools is often (anecdotally) discouraged to protect reputation, leading to issues when students enter the profession and work with others. While harsh critiques are unwanted, some rigour is needed as students refine their skills.
Overall, the decline in critique has occurred due to national and local media eliminating their design columns, as well as threats of legal action; no one wishes to endure the stress or financial pain of defending their opinion in court. Whether critique occurs through formal channels (such as a government architect or panel) or less formally, internally within your own firm, I hope that there is an increase in critique across the industry.
Openness to localised (contextual) solutions
With increased access to knowledge and online discussions, there is a need to be open to localised solutions. In essence, moving away from one-size-fits-all or the application of toolkits to a design problem, with an openness to exploring and developing localised solutions. This builds on my previous writings on the need to move away from homogeneous landscapes and toward more locally designed solutions, whether through a master plan or a pocket park. Designing with sympathy for the local context extends not just to the design language but to every element of the design, from hydrology to soils to hardscape materials to plant palettes.
Although this article may be confronting to some and not go far enough for others, I hope you enjoyed and were challenged by it. I endeavour to stimulate conversations within your studios, schools and the broader profession.
Op-ed by Damian Holmes, Founder & Editor of World Landscape Architecture