Wanted: Talented youngster for future landscape architect role
A major new campaign to address the severe shortage of landscape architects has been launched.
The Landscape Institute (LI) is planning to promote the benefits of the profession to young people aged between 11 and 18.
At the heart of the campaign, backed by CABE Space, is the launch of a new website which points budding landscape architects in the right direction.
The website includes video clips with a range of landscape architects, including Dominic Cole, Ashley Dunseath and Paj Valley.
The site also features interviews with Jason Prior - the man behind the 2012 London Olympic masterplan - and Australian landscape architect Peter Wilder.
Target audiences for the project will range from 11-14 year olds considering GCSE-level subjects to 16-18 year olds looking at undergraduate level courses.
As well as the website, the LI will be producing a leaflet and direct email campaign, and toolkits for landscape architects visiting schools and teachers and careers advisors, downloadable from the website.
LI director of education and membership, Sue Beard, said: "The current shortage of landscape architects is a major problem considering the government’s proposals to build three million new homes and eco-towns.
"With government support, we must encourage a new generation of talented and creative young people to make landscape architecture their first career choice.”
