Call for Submissions
AJLA Issue 0
10
titled
Reframing the African Landscape
is now open for submissions.
This May 2025 issue brings a diverse mix of reflections, events, and calls to action that speak to the evolving landscape of our profession in Africa and beyond. From the streets of Dar es Salaam to the coastal farms of Tunisia, we are reminded that the future of landscape architecture is not just about design, it’s about deeply understanding place, people, and purpose.
Josje Hoeslfoot writes in the Not for presidents column this May talking about her everyday experiences in Dar es Salaam and how that has become a lens for thinking about cities as spaces of belonging. As we prepare for the 2025 IFLA Africa Symposium, this reflection challenges us to prioritise inclusive, community-rooted approaches that move beyond infrastructure and into the realm of lived experience.
Looking ahead, the upcoming ILASA/IFLA Africa Conference in Pretoria promises to be a cornerstone event. With a rich lineup of speakers, networking sessions, and site tours, it's a unique opportunity to connect with peers shaping the African landscape agenda. We’re especially excited about the launch of the Student Design Competition, this year calling for bold, innovative responses to Africa’s urgent environmental and socio-cultural realities.
On the global front, the IFLA World Congress in Nantes offers an international stage to discuss how landscape architects are guiding climate and urban resilience. It’s a chance to engage with transformative practices from around the world and bring those insights back home.
Finally, our report from the MED_net Spring Meeting in Rome highlights valuable knowledge-sharing across the Mediterranean. From historic farming techniques to landscape-led coastal regeneration, the exchange of ideas reaffirmed the power of local traditions in crafting sustainable futures.
As we move into the second half of the year, let’s continue to draw strength from collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the shared belief that landscape architecture can, and must, lead the way in shaping a just, resilient, and rooted African future.
Till next month,
Mark your calendars for the upcoming ILASA/IFLA Africa Conference, scheduled for 25–26 September 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, South Africa. This event promises two days filled with insightful talks, expert speakers, and valuable networking opportunities.
Attendees can look forward to:
• A dynamic programme featuring industry leaders from across Africa
• A networking cocktail event on 25 September
• A guided tour of two key locations in Pretoria
Registration Fees:
• ILASA Members & IFLA Affiliates: Early Bird ZAR 3,850 / USD 214; After 31 May ZAR 4,300 / USD 239; Virtual Attendance ZAR 3,000 / USD 167
• Non-Members: Early Bird ZAR 4,700 / USD 261; After 31 May ZAR 5,200 / USD 289; Virtual Attendance ZAR 3,500 / USD 195
• Students: Early Bird ZAR 600 / USD 34; After 31 May ZAR 700 / USD 39; Virtual Attendance ZAR 200 / USD 11
For more details and to register, please visit the official conference page: ILASA Conference 2025
Do not miss this opportunity to engage with professionals shaping the future of landscape architecture in Africa!
IFLA Africa joins the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), in mourning the passing of Richard Weller on May 15 after a battle with cancer. A bold thinker and pioneering voice in landscape architecture, Richard's influence spanned continents, shaping both practice and pedagogy.
From co-founding Room 4.1.3 and creating the iconic "Garden of Australian Dreams" to leading transformative design research globally, Richard’s work challenged norms and championed landscape architecture as a tool for addressing complex societal and ecological issues. His academic legacy, from the University of Western Australia to the University of Pennsylvania continues to inspire a new generation of designers and thinkers.
A passionate educator and global advocate, Richard helped steer landmark initiatives like the LA+ Journal and the Green New Deal Superstudio, always pushing the profession to engage with climate, equity, and biodiversity at scale.
His loss is deeply felt across the global landscape architecture community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner, Tatum Hands, and to his family, students, and colleagues worldwide.
