Shape My City Session 2: The Lay of the Land

Last Thursday, the second session of the 2018 Shape My City programme, focused on landscape architecture, took place. During the evening, young people were encouraged to think about the spaces in between buildings and how their design can impact places for the better (or worse!), heard from inspirers Sarah Jones Morris (Landsmith Associates) and Flavia Goldsworthy, and came up with their own designs for a re-shaping of the landscape right outside the doors of the Architecture Centre.

Part one: warm up 

To start, everyone brought with them an image of their personal favourite outdoor space. From the hidden courtyards in Cambridge to the cliffs on Jamaica and everywhere in between, people talked about the places that mean something to them.

Next up was our Good Spaces, Bad Spaces activity, where groups sorted photographs of diverse public space based on how successful they deemed each design to be. Participants didn't hold back, with one secondary school exterior described as a place "taking away the humanity of children"! Common preferences were for colour, water, walkways, planting and playable activity.

Part two: inspirers

After the activities, it was time to hear from the two inspirers, Sarah and Flavia. Both women talked about the highlights of the landscape architecture profession. They noted the international travel, high employment rate after graduation, impact on the health and well-being of the public and working with nature (and people) as the best elements of the job. Then, each explained their route into their career as landscape architects.

Sarah began by admitting that, whilst at school, she "probably spent more time partying than revising". After a (very brief) foray into racehorse training, some failed (and re-taken) A-Levels, a year of travelling and a lot of uncertainty about whether to go to university, she was encouraged by a family member to consider a degree in landscape architecture. Through clearing, she found a place at Manchester Metropolitan University, and fell in love with the discipline, going on to achieved her postgraduate diploma in landscape architecture from Leeds Beckett University. Both degrees gave her the chance to study abroad, and she spent time in both Netherlands and France. After becoming fully accredited, Sarah worked at various firms before setting up her own company, Landsmith Associates. Her clients here include universities, local councils and property developers. She is also the regional chair of the Landscape Institute for the South West.

Next, Flavia talked about her path into the profession. Having studied fine art and sculpture at the University of Brighton, she had a wide variety of work, from riding horses to upholstery, which encompassed her passions for nature and designing. Having a career re-think, Flavia then used a career generator, which advised she become a landscape architect. After doing some research - until then, she didn't know what the profession was - Flavia signed up for a conversion course at The University of Greenwich. Specialising in plants, she has since worked in firms throughout the UK and beyond, and has now settled in Bristol where she has started her eponymous company, Flavia Goldsworthy.

Typical workdays, they said, are extremely varied. Using computer programmes like AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign and Photoshop to create models and plans; making site visits; meeting clients and preparing bids were all mentioned.

The advice of both women reflected their non-linear careers. Sarah explained that, in this day and age, there is no such thing as a one-path career, or a job for life. This, she said, means that there is always a chance to change your trajectory: she advised that the participants trust their instincts and be honest with themselves about what they do and don't enjoy. Similarly, Flavia advised against trying to fit square pegs in round holes, assuring the young people that there is no shame in trying new things until you find the right fit. 

Part Three: architectural activity

The final part of the session was a hands-on design activity, where young people were asked to consider how they might improve the Harbourside area. Facilitator Amy Harrison (Head of Learning, Architecture Centre) noted the "untapped potential" of some of the spaces in the area, and suggested the groups think about interventions which enhanced and improved these spaces.

The first group concentrated on the waterside areas of the Lloyd's Amphiteatre, suggesting a redevelopment that would respond to the water beside it, including new sheltered nooks for docking boats and a floating stage.

The next suggested tree planting in the bringing water into the Amphitheatre through constructing a waterway. With stepping stones and the clever use of glass, this scheme was commended by Sarah, who noted the possibilities of using these trees to filter the water from the harbour.

The final group chose the Redcliffe Wharf area. Currently used as a car park, they re-imagined the space as a plaza with trees, a play space for young people, disabled access, solar lighting and a multi-level market. Flavia was particularly impressed with an elevated platform for market stalls which afford enticing glimpses of activity to passersby on the adjacent pavements. 

Amy then wrapped up the session, thanking Sarah and Flavia and saying goodbye to the participants until next month. Participants walked back onto Narrow Quay with a new perspective on landscape design - both of the area itself, and as a career option.

Useful links:
Landscape Institute careers: Be A Landscape Architect
University of Gloucestershire Landscape Architecture