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15th Feb 2015

Landscape Architecture Australia Interviews Mike Wood

Mike Wood, Senior Associate for Grant Associates in Singapore, recently talked to Landscape Architecture Australia about his personal passions, practice approach and the future for landscape architecture:

“Why did you become a landscape architect?

“I have always had a passion for the natural world and an interest in wildlife.  I remember large collections of books and hundreds of sketches of all types of animals when I was young.  At some point there was a fusion between the enjoyment of sketching and all things natural.  Landscape architecture seemed to be the right direction.

“What’s your understanding of sense of place?

“It is that unique spirit, story or feeling that makes a place itself.  We strive for ways to re-enforce a place’s identity and ‘placemaking’ is deeply embedded in design briefs and the minds of our clients as key to project success.  Sometimes it requires the simplest of interventions.  We need to ensure that the design process includes a thorough understanding of place in order to appreciate and absorb its qualities.

“What do you see when you look out at the world from where you sit?

“There is an exciting future for landscape architecture.  As a profession we are coming to the forefront of people’s minds in the design process, as a necessary early ingredient, which is very positive for shaping its strategic direction.  Even in my short experience there has been a dramatic change in the way that our collaborators value landscape architecture.  People see that landscape architects can play a fundamental role in the success of a wide variety of projects.”

For the full article, check out the February Issue of Landscape Architecture Australia