African Landscape Architectures: Alternative Futures for the Field

After the just concluded The African Landscape Architectures - Alternative Futures for The Field Conference held at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design from 06-07 March 2025.
We have a few colleagues sharing their reflections from the event, first of is Dr Finzi Saidi:

The African Landscape Architectures - Alternative Futures for The Field Conference held at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design from 06-07 March 2025 marked a critical point for landscape architecture as a discipline, culture, practice, and education in Africa. Presentations made by various speakers from across regions of Africa raised fundamental questions about how landscape architecture in Africa could be understood, defined, interpreted, practised, and taught in the future. At least five points emerged from the discussions at the conference, from which a comprehensive strategy to transform landscape architecture in Africa could be suggested.

Firstly, it was clear from practitioners' presentations over the last fifty years that landscape architects have played a significant and influential role in provision of public space infrastructure in African cities, with varying degrees of success, as many grappled with complexities of interpreting ‘borrowed’ or ‘imported’ landscape design principles onto sites within the African cities. Projects presented by landscape architects indicated the struggles of landscape architects not only in the interpretation of designs in various cultural and climatic conditions but also in developing design processes that would render the designs relevant for local communities.

Secondly, it is also informative to note that there were important contemporary landscape projects that were produced not by landscape architects but by environmental designers, architects, and local communities with the aid of volunteer institutions, which demonstrated that landscape architecture is a multi/ transdisciplinary endeavour on the African continent. These projects were characterised by deeper engagement between local communities and experts, resulting in the co-production of landscape that suggests that the community of landscape architecture field in Africa is broader than the narrow traditional definitions of landscape architecture as a profession. This manner of production of the crucial landscape works/projects that practitioners do with qualifications other than landscape architecture make imperative the redefinition of the landscape architecture profession in Africa.

Thirdly, there is a need to conduct relevant research rooted in understanding the historical African landscape be it cultural, rural or modernist in expression, in order to discover and invent new landscape architecture approaches that will be relevant to contemporary and future cities and settlements in Africa.

Fourthly, African landscape architecture is underpinned by deep spiritual, ancestral, and cosmic values that have not been part of the traditional discipline of landscape architecture. This landscape includes Indigenous landscape practices and production as exemplified by the presentation by Princess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi, High Priestess of the Osun Sacred Grove, in Osogbo, Nigeria, that shows centuries-old cultural practices that produce sustainable customary landscapes, suggest new approaches and roles that landscape architects will have to learn from in order to reproduce culturally relevant landscape architecture.

Finally, my fifth takeaway from this conference is how to transform the education of landscape architects so that they are prepared for the challenges of the future. The positive reception to the case studies presented of experimental landscape teaching approaches of 15X at the Graduate School of Architecture at UJ and WITS suggests an urgent need to re-examine curriculum content and modes of delivery of landscape architecture programs at all schools in Africa. These teaching experiments propose that landscape architecture programmes should critically engage with the contemporary challenges of cities and methods of producing landscape professionals who will be in tune with the communities they will be working for in the production of new landscape architecture.

Lastly, many thanks to Professor Gareth Doherty – Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, for organising the African Landscape Architectures - Alternative Futures for The Field Conference not only in a visionary manner that broadened the scope of landscape architecture but also begins to make clear African contribution to the global body of landscape architecture knowledge in an egalitarian manner. Professor Doherty has helped to set up a platform from which a new African landscape architecture discipline and profession can emerge.

Next we have Arthur Adeya’s reflections:

I sketch to see.
What is landscape? And when confronted with African Landscape(s) Architectures, that question becomes even more profound. The most diverse of continents, the most diverse of peoples, engaging with one of the most diverse professions—this is the suitable forum to explore the limits of landscape architecture.

The clarity for me is this: we must be authentic. Authentic in studying our currencies (read: present, read: present continuous, read: our present continuum). Authentic in studying our past. Authentic in defining our histories. Only then can we be truly authentic in shaping our futures—the futures of African Landscape Architectures, and indeed, the global future of the profession.

It was an honour to speak alongside such a diversity of voices, to learn, to listen, to engage with the provocations, and to imbibe the spirit of the moment. The conversations started long ago. This time, at Harvard GSD’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Harvard's Department of African and African American Studies, we gathered to share. The conversations continue—championed by IFLA Africa and, as Adewale O. Owoseni reminds us, toward decolonising conceptual colonisation.

Carey Duncan shares her thoughts on the conference:

The recent conference at Harvard Graduate School of Design was a really stimulating event. While the event was organised by Gareth Doherty and the team at GSD, I was struck at just how rich and deep IFLA’s knowledge base is through its participating members.

I was marked by Prof. Tunji Adejumo’s value-based approach to the landscape, comparing and contrasting Spiritscape and its biocentric philosophy, with Resourcescape and its anthropocentric philosophy, the former giving rise to high biodiversity ecosystem landscape and the latter to a landscape of hunger through overuse of resources. Princess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi provided a perfect vision of how Spiritscape can produce successful public open space because of the profound respect for the earth. This led me to question what a landscape architect really is and confirmed my conviction that there are several pathways to attaining that title.

All the presentations were of a very high quality but two stand out for me in particular: hearing about the unique and African centered studios and teaching methods that Dr Finzi Saidi and Dr Sechaba Maape use at the University of Johannesburg and Wits respectively was inspiring. However, I couldn’t help regretting that they are teaching what they do to Architects and not to Landscape Architects!

The other point for meditation that made me sit up and think, was the importance of language in the way we describe things, and the idea that perhaps we should be talking about “land architecture” and not limiting ourselves to “landscape architecture” implying that it’s architecture of what we see. Up until now, this discussion has, in my experience, been limited to the problem of translating the name of our profession into Arabic. Thanks to Jala Makhzoumi for her eloquent expansion of this idea in the concluding session.

Carey Duncan during her lecture. mage by Graham Young

My only regret was that the event had to take place in North America when the subject was about our own continent. However, I chose to savour instead the opportunity to see the Tanner Fountain (which looks so much smaller in real life) and to enjoy a chilly walk around the Mount Auburn Cemetery, the first garden cemetery in the US.

Cambridge at night. Image by Graham Young

On a final note, we will wrap up these with reflections from our president Graham Young:

The conference's concluding session featured a panel presentation and discussion on Futurities, exploring the future of landscape architecture in the Global South. Dr. Bruno Carvalho, Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and African American Studies at Harvard University, moderated the panel.

Panelists were (See image from left to right ):Jala Makhzoumi, Acting President, IFLA Middle East, Immediate Past Vice President, IFLA; Graham Young, President, IFLA Africa, Past Vice President, IFLA; Tosin Oshinowo Loeb Fellow 2025 and Founder, Oshinowo Studio, Lagos, Nigeria; Jungyoon Kim (MLA), Harvard GSD and Parkkim, and Adewale O. Owoseni, Postdoctoral Fellow (philosophy), Mahindra Humanities Centre.The panel explored diverse landscape practices across Africa and the Global South, addressing the profession's future in this region.Key Issues Discussed

1. Post-Colonial Practice and Education:
   • What is the significance of post-colonial practice and education for African landscape architects?
   • How should professionals educate students and practice within this context?
2. Learning from Indigenous Knowledge Systems:
   • What lessons can the Global North learn from African Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and spirituality?
3. Trajectories in Climate, Social, and Environmental Justice:
   • How can the African experience shape sustainable and equitable solutions?
4. The Role of Informal Practice:
   • Should informal landscape architecture practices be recognised alongside formal, regulated approaches?
   • Notably, Gareth Doherty highlighted that only 8 of Africa's 54 countries have national associations for landscape architecture.

‍Gareth Doherty during his speech. Image by Graham Young‍Challenges to the Profession

• Shaping African Cities:
  • With 17 of the fastest-growing cities globally located in Africa, landscape architects have a critical role in urban design.
• Visibility of African Landscape Architecture:
  • The profession remains relatively unknown across the continent and internationally. Increasing Africa’s visibility in the field is essential.
• Diversity as Strength:
  • What is African? Africa’s ecological and cultural diversity is unparalleled and should be leveraged as a source of strength. Jungyoon Kim also asked, ‘What is Asian?’ Local solutions must be considered.
• Redefining Nature and Public Space:
  • How should the profession redefine relationships with nature and public spaces? Respect what is there and keep learning—it requires patience and listening.
• Loss of Sensitivity and Spirituality:
  • Has the profession lost touch with spiritual and humanistic values?
• Limited Local Discussions:
  • Why are these critical conversations not taking place within Africa itself?

The concept of "landscape", unfamiliar in many cultures, sparked animated debate. Should the term be reframed as "land architecture" to remove associations with the picturesque?Personal ReflectionsIn my presentation, I suggested that the future of landscape architecture in Africa lies at the intersection of two forces:

1. The Sublime: Vast, awe-inspiring landscapes shaped by deep cultural narratives and ecological heritage.
2. The Pragmatic: Practical approaches that address urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and social equity.

This dynamic tension between the poetic and the practical will define the evolution of African landscapes.Growth Potential and TrendsThe field of landscape architecture in Africa has strong growth potential despite challenges. Key factors supporting this include:

1. Urbanisation:
   • Demand for urban parks, green corridors, and climate-resilient landscapes is rising.
2. Climate Adaptation:
   • There is an urgent need for climate-adaptive and nature-based solutions.
3. Green and Smart Cities:
   • Governments and developers are increasingly embedding landscape architecture into urban planning.
4. Education:
   • The strengthening of educational programs will mature the profession.
5. Tourism and Conservation:
   • Landscape architecture can play a vital role in Africa's growing eco-tourism industry.
6. Cultural Heritage Projects:
   • These projects preserve history, foster national identity, and promote healing. They embody collective memory and resilience while integrating Indigenous knowledge systems.

Resonating Ideas from the Panel

• Africans can teach the world.
• Diversity is strength.
• Breaking definitions is crucial.
• Work with respect and patience, embracing a learning and listening mindset.
• Africa has an unimaginable cultural reserve.

Moving Forward
The future of landscape architecture in Africa is promising. The convergence of urban expansion, climate adaptation needs, and Indigenous practices creates fertile ground for the profession’s growth. However, this potential will only be realised with efforts to address financial, policy, and capacity-related challenges.
The most compelling African landscape architecture will balance these two forces – the sublime and the pragmatic.   As the field grows, the future will belong to designers who can merge poetic landscapes with solutions that address Africa’s urgent environmental and social challenges. The sublime will inspire, while the pragmatic will sustain.

‍From left to right, are: Graham A Young, President IFLA Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, Arthur Adeya, KDI, Nairobi, Kenya, Chelina Odbert, KDI, Nairobi, Kenya, Carey Duncan, Carey Duncan Design, Rabat, Morocco, Gareth Doherty, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, GSD, Boston, USA, Olatunji Adejumo, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.