Landscape Architecture

Join Associate Professor in Landscape Architecture, Dr Joshua Zeunert, as he shares insights into the design process and key takeaways from this transformative project as part of CPD Project Spotlight series.

Motivated by deep care for the more-than-human world, Josh's practice and research explores dynamics between human activities and landscape change over time. (see https://joshuazeunert.com)

When: Monday 16 February, 1pm-1:45pm AEDT (Melb, Syd time zone) link to register here and in bio. Free for AILA students and graduate members.

(https://www.aila.org.au/Web/Web/Education/Events-and-CPD/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=SPOT160226)

AILA National Award citation:
"This is a dedicated research endeavour – almost superhuman in scale and scope – that demonstrates the potential for landscape architects to examine a topic that deeply impacts everyone. The designer used mixed methods to travel to disparate remote and largely-out-of-sight corners of Australia. The project harnesses the power of drone imagery, brought together and made visual and accessible in an interactive website that maps geographical, ethical, environmental and philosophical positions. The result is engaging, thought-provoking and ground-breaking, and leaves us with the question: What will we do with this new-found knowledge, as practitioners (and arguably stewards) of landscape in this country?"

Last month, former and Bachelor of (Honours) student—and now proud alum—Julia Shreeve returned to share her graduating project with our final-year students.

Julia was awarded the Harry Howard Undergraduate Prize, a $5,000 cash award for the best graduation studio project or thesis exploring environmental, social, or aesthetic aspects of Australian landscapes. She used the prize to deepen her passion for biodiversity conservation and the Australian landscape.

We were thrilled to welcome philanthropic donor Barbara Buchanan, who spoke about Harry Howard’s lasting impact on Australian landscape architecture. Next week we judge the 2025 projects for both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs!

🎥 Learn more about Howard’s work in this short video: [YouTube link]
👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ITTJl4WNY

26 and 15 (Planning) post-graduate Masters students immersed themselves in Batemans Bay for three transformative days in October, as part of their Regional (landscape) and Capstone (planning) design studios.

🏛️ Their base for the week? The local Salvation Army Hall—students turned it into a buzzing hub for workshops, community meetings, and deep dives into the town’s identity.

✨ A standout moment was walking on unceded Walbunja Country in Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve with three Walbunja Rangers from the Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council. Stories, connection, and Country came alive.

🚌 Students then toured the region by bus, absorbing the town’s stunning forested and coastal landscapes—an essential backdrop to understanding place-based planning.

📍 Dr Hamish Sinclair from Eurobodalla Shire Council shared the proposed master plan and joined a dynamic Q&A session led by the students.

🤝 Huge thanks to community champions Deb & Brett Stevenson, and architect-artist Stuart Whitelaw, for generously sharing their insights and perspectives.

🏛️ Students also visited the Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, meeting with its president and vice-president to explore the town’s rich history.

💬 The rest of the time was spent walking the streets, listening to locals, and reflecting on the town’s future—through the lens of landscape, planning, and community aspirations. Working in a regional setting offers students a rare chance to engage deeply with place—its people, landscapes, and stories. It fosters empathy, grounded design thinking, and real-world impact. Peer-to-peer and cross-disciplinary collaboration enriches the student experience, allows students to learn from each other’s perspectives, and challenges assumptions so more holistic and inclusive solutions can be sought!

Course Convenors: Dr Joshua Zeunert (Landscape Architecture) and Ben Driver (Planning). Tutor: Dr Melissa Cate

This term our first year Bachelor of students in Studio 2 are focusing on Lake Parramatta. The reserve is a significant ecological and cultural landscape, which is under increasing pressure from a rapidly growing population. Students spent the day walking the trails, sketching and observing the sites natural systems and character. The studio will explore the ways in which a growing population will challenge the management and preservation of biodiversity in the reserve. Students will explore strategies for ecological repair and preservation of the lake’s unique character whilst considering the needs of future generations. Studio conveners: Tom Atkins and Patrick Franklyn .

Thank you LGLDF, program staff and students 🙌👏🫶

3/3
Program were honoured to host 50 members from the Local Government Landscape Design Forum (LGLDF) for a vibrant, end-of-term design review day. Every studio—from first-year undergraduate to final-year Masters—showcased their work, and our guests were truly impressed by the creativity, rigour, and design thinking on display, especially the beautifully constructed physical models.

They also praised our students’ confident and thoughtful verbal presentations, and their openness to feedback and discussion. The afternoon featured a rich 2-hour session led by Program staff, sharing insights into our pedagogical approaches and research directions. We were also privileged to hear from Emeritus Professor Linda Corkery, who presented the inspiring work of the Landscape Foundation Australia.

A heartfelt thank you to all Program staff and LGLDF participants for your generous engagement and support. To our industry review panels guests for their feedback and insights to the students. Special thanks to Meredith Paterson from the LGLDF and our own Josh Zeunert for co-delivering the day, alongside LGLDF valued partners and for providing lunch for all attendees.

Finally, to our incredible students—thank you for your dedication, generosity, and for uplifting one another. It was wonderful to witness your engagement across all six studios and the spirit of collaboration that defines our program.

Bachelor Studio 1: Convenor - Simon Lloyd, Tutor - Abbey Davies
Bachelor Studio 4: Convenor - Ben Michel, Tutor - Tom Atkins
Bachelor Studio 6: Convenor - Christina Silk
Bachelor Studio 9: Convenor - Associate Professor Dr Catherine Evans
Masters Studio 4: Convenor - Dr Andrew Mackenzie, Tutor - Patrick Franklyn
Masters Capstone Studio: Convenor - Dr Melissa Cate Christ, Tutor- Simon Lloyd

2/3
Program were honoured to host 50 members from the Local Government Landscape Design Forum (LGLDF) for a vibrant, end-of-term design review day. Every studio—from first-year undergraduate to final-year Masters—showcased their work, and our guests were truly impressed by the creativity, rigour, and design thinking on display, especially the beautifully constructed physical models.

They also praised our students’ confident and thoughtful verbal presentations, and their openness to feedback and discussion. The afternoon featured a rich 2-hour session led by Program staff, sharing insights into our pedagogical approaches and research directions. We were also privileged to hear from Emeritus Professor Linda Corkery, who presented the inspiring work of the Landscape Foundation Australia.

A heartfelt thank you to all Program staff and LGLDF participants for your generous engagement and support. To our industry review panels guests for their feedback and insights to the students. Special thanks to Meredith Paterson from the LGLDF and our own Josh Zeunert for co-delivering the day, alongside LGLDF valued partners and for providing lunch for all attendees.

Finally, to our incredible students—thank you for your dedication, generosity, and for uplifting one another. It was wonderful to witness your engagement across all six studios and the spirit of collaboration that defines our program.

Bachelor Studio 1: Convenor - Simon Lloyd, Tutor - Abbey Davies
Bachelor Studio 4: Convenor - Ben Michel, Tutor - Tom Atkins
Bachelor Studio 6: Convenor - Christina Silk
Bachelor Studio 9: Convenor - Associate Professor Dr Catherine Evans
Masters Studio 4: Convenor - Dr Andrew Mackenzie, Tutor - Patrick Franklyn
Masters Capstone Studio: Convenor - Dr Melissa Cate Christ, Tutor- Simon Lloyd

Program were honoured to host 50 members from the Local Government Landscape Design Forum (LGLDF) for a vibrant, end-of-term design review day. Every studio—from first-year undergraduate to final-year Masters—showcased their work, and our guests were truly impressed by the creativity, rigour, and design thinking on display, especially the beautifully constructed physical models.

They also praised our students’ confident and thoughtful verbal presentations, and their openness to feedback and discussion. The afternoon featured a rich 2-hour session led by Program staff, sharing insights into our pedagogical approaches and research directions. We were also privileged to hear from Emeritus Professor Linda Corkery, who presented the inspiring work of the Landscape Foundation Australia.

A heartfelt thank you to all Program staff and LGLDF participants for your generous engagement and support. To our industry review panels guests for their feedback and insights to the students. Special thanks to Meredith Paterson from the LGLDF and our own Josh Zeunert for co-delivering the day, alongside LGLDF valued partners and for providing lunch for all attendees.

Finally, to our incredible students—thank you for your dedication, generosity, and for uplifting one another. It was wonderful to witness your engagement across all six studios and the spirit of collaboration that defines our program.

Bachelor Studio 1: Convenor - Simon Lloyd, Tutor - Abbey Davies
Bachelor Studio 4: Convenor - Ben Michel, Tutor - Tom Atkins
Bachelor Studio 6: Convenor - Christina Silk
Bachelor Studio 9: Convenor - Associate Professor Dr Catherine Evans
Masters Studio 4: Convenor - Dr Andrew Mackenzie, Tutor - Patrick Franklyn
Masters Capstone Studio: Convenor - Dr Melissa Cate Christ, Tutor- Simon Lloyd

1/3

The inclusion of Sydney Harbour's 'Green Necklace' to the NSW State Heritage Register is a significant win for landscapes that demonstrate cultural, environmental, and industrial significance. The 'green necklace' links a series of iconic landscapes around Sydney Harbor, connecting northern and southern shores, and protecting beautiful headlands and water planes. We congratulate Heritage Committee for their work in making this possible. Hear Christine Hay discuss the 'Green Necklace' on 5 August with ABC Radio Sydney afternoons. Link here and in bio👉 https://vimeo.com/1108952550?fl=pl&fe=sh

Master of students undertaking the course LAND7272: Landscape Technology, led by Dr. Elisa Palazzo, participated in a unique "hunt" on the UNSW campus. Equipped with specialized tools that simulate various degrees of disabilities, they explored the campus to identify architectural barriers and accessibility issues. They documented and measured several problems that present challenges for individuals with disabilities.

As the students diligently documented their findings, they not only refined their critical thinking abilities but also developed a profound understanding of Universal Design or Design for All concepts. Their undertaking transcend a mere academic pursuit; it is a significant endeavor to reveal the often overlooked challenges within the spaces of our public domain.

This years NAIDOC week theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", recognising excellence of past achievements and the bright future ahead. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Program is fortunate to share in the generosity of knowledge, experience, vision, and voice of Gamilaraay & Dharug woman and Associate Professor B Hardy . B's contribution to the Program - its students and staff - has been transformative. We thank you for asking us to walk Country together and showing us the power and potential of deep listening, respect, reflection and gratitude for all living beings. We acknowledge the significant 50-year milestone of NAIDOC week, and the contribution that Indigenous Peoples have made, and continue to make to the built environment professions. As a Program we commit to making space for self-determination, and walking forward with strength to build a shared legacy.

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Master of students have their Term 1, 'Public Realm' studio on display for a month-long exhibition at Chatswood Library. Students reimagined the car and retail focused Chatswood, as an urban exploration that combined ecological systems with increased density and climate change resilience. Exhibiting work, builds a belief in the value of sharing ideas and possibilities. Special thanks to Wil Robertson, Urban Design Specialist, for his expertise throughout the term (and for his support and pin-up skills)!
Course Convenor: Patrick Franklyn, Tutor: Christina Silk
images 3-5: Zhening Liu and Jieyu Guo 'Public Realm Plan'
images 6-8: Golrokh Dastmalchi and Eshan Namvar 'Walking through Chattie's Wood'