Understanding the Building Process and Team Work – Landscape Architects

With the ever-increasing awareness of greening, Landscape Architects play a more important role these days.

In a "concrete jungle" like Hong Kong, Landscape Architects’ job is to create a quality and green environment for Hong Kong people and to improve the quality of life. The responsibility of Landscape Architects is to plan and design natural, harmonious, sustainable, and green outdoor living space. At the beginning of the project, Landscape Architects analyse the site constraints and opportunities to optimise the space and to enhance the characteristics of the site. Quality is ensured by continuous supervising the works during implementation.

The popular Hong Kong Wetland Park is a perfect example of enhancing the existing site characteristics while making use of the elements of greening and ecological conservation, such as the big green roof. It provides a quality outdoor living space for the public and also an ideal place for bird-watching.

What are the essential characters and qualities required for a Landscape Architect?

For a Landscape Architect to succeed, he needs to be creative and have a good sense of aesthetics and space. He also needs to be sensitive and curious about the outdoor environment. To produce good design, a background on ecology, culture, history, and heritage preservation is also important. Landscape Architects need to be able to think from the users´ point of view, and able to illustrate ideas in drawings. Good communication skills are also necessary for better cooperation with other project team members, so as to produce natural, harmonious, and green outdoor living space.

Career Path
- obtain a recognised degree in Landscape Architecture, or equivalent;
- fulfill the professional training requirements; and
- successfully complete the professional assessment.

Reference
The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects
www.hkila.com