Exploring the Impact of Digital Technology on Landscape Practice (Panel Discussion)
Join Giuliana, the digital lead from WSP as she unveils their Landscape Team’s firsthand experience on the prospects and challenges brought about by emerging technologies. Invited Guests representing the landscape profession and education with a variety of experience will then contribute their perspectives for an insightful debate.
Time: 10:05 – 10:50
BIM: The Significant Contract Legal Implications of the Latest Implementation
Landscape practitioners and business owners share their journeys navigating the complexities of adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) in landscape projects and the progress they’ve made. They will discuss the benefits and challenges encountered during the implementation process, particularly from the legal and contractor perspectives. Attendees will gain insights into Appointment Agreements and Data Security when integrating BIM into their Practice.
Time: 10:05 – 10:50
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): It’s all about the Data & Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
Join this session to see how creative use of combining information with a critical approach can achieve improved, meaningful outcomes. Gain a greater understanding of the interplay between landscapes and people using digital data and GIS mapping.
We examine how open-source GIS applications can assist with the process of a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessment and how landscapes are both presented and interpreted from digital representations. We will uncover common issues when integrating CAD data to GIS for a BNG assessment.
Time: 10:05 – 10:50
Join our expert and software specialist to discuss the implementation of carbon calculation in landscape practice. Attendees will gain insight into strategies, successes, challenges, and collaborative opportunities, echoing the “Landscape and Carbon” report’s call to action for carbon reduction towards net zero by 2050.
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
Hear a client’s perspective on BIM. Guests will discuss its importance in project work, with shared insights into the pros and cons encountered. Attendees will gain insights into the guests’ views on BIM’s applicability and the benefits in a landscape project, enriching their understanding of BIM’s role across diverse project scopes.
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
How Tree Surveys Benefit from Digital Aided Technology
In this fascinating session we will hear from two professionals with many years experience in Arboriculture about the development of digital aided technology for surveying and managing trees.
Luke Fay Managing Director of award-winning Treework Environmental Practice, and Callum Throw, Managing Director and Principal Arboricultural Consultant at Arb Innovators will take you on a journey from where it all started to the future, demonstrating how there has never been a better time to use technology to leverage our understanding of trees and promote the arboriculture industry. Their enthusiasm for sharing how digital practice enables the assessment, 3D and 4D visualisation, and management of trees will guide and inspire.
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
AI Deep Learning and Landscape Practice: Navigating the Future and its Challenges
We explore the experience Landscape Practitioners and recent Graduates have discovered in their application of AI Deep Learning. Speakers will share insights on AI’s current status and potential shifts in training and education for landscape architecture. They will discuss available AI tools and models that could be useful for task efficiency and project management. Participants will share firsthand knowledge in this discussion on AI’s potential and concerns, fostering dialogue on leveraging AI for landscape, innovation and sustainability.
Time: 13:30 – 14:15
An overview of 3D technological applications in arboriculture, including case study
How 3D information has been incorporated in the latest practice; technology and benefits at different stage.
Time: 13:30 – 14:15
Dark Skies mapping & Night/Dusk visuals in Assessment work – the balance between light and dark
In this session Diana will talk about the creation of a national dark skies and light pollution map of Wales using satellite data. We will learn more about the ways in which this data has been made into a public resource through Storymaps and dashboards and hear about the ways in which this evidence is being used in strategic landscape planning.
We will then move on to Heather for a fascinating talk on the ways in which dark skies are considered in landscape and visual assessment work and the evolving approaches to night/dusk visuals including technical photography.
Time: 13:30 – 14:15
Living Infrastructure Framework: A Digital Approach to Resilient Urban Ecosystems
In this session we will explore the development of data-driven methodologies to inform design-oriented decision-making processes.
Learn how a Living Infrastructure framework, supported by advanced data-centric tools like city dashboards and performance indicators, aids a design team and integrates diverse stakeholder inputs.
This holistic approach allows designers to efficiently explore a wide range of models, considering multiple design, regulatory, and brief objectives simultaneously, thereby generating innovative solutions that traditional methods might overlook.
McGregor Coxall will speak about their Biourbanism Lab, where design insights and data driven technology harmonize urban and natural realms. Discover how these methodologies promote biodiversity, reinforce blue-green infrastructure, and embed sustainability into urban and natural environments. Gain insights into climate-adaptive design where they envision a future of cities that flourish sustainably within the rhythms of nature.
Time: 14:25 – 15:10
Smart design: Leveraging digital innovations to balance aesthetics and functionality in mixed-use developments.
In this session Tobermore explores the integration of smart design principles in mixed-use developments, emphasising the balance between aesthetics and functionality. We will examine case studies such as the Royal Highland Centre and AT&T Discovery District, showcasing innovative solutions and the role of advanced materials. Additionally, the presentation highlights Tobermore’s digital tools, including the Paving & Walling Creator and Live Design Studio, which enhance project visualisation and collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable practices, water management solutions, and future trends in urban landscaping, equipping them with strategies to create adaptable, resilient, and aesthetically pleasing mixed-use spaces.
Time: 14:25 – 15:10
LI Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) Database – the future
The Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) Database for the UK and Ireland offers a single resource for the landscape profession and all others who use landscape character assessments.
- We start with an overview of how and why the database was first collated. You will discover the decision-making process and what crucial considerations there are when creating a large resource such as this. Learn also how you and others can contribute to keeping the Database up to date. Importantly, hear AECOM speak about their experience of using the Database as a practitioner.
- Our second Speaker will set the scene on how the Database links to the wider context of Landscape Character Assessment. We will also hear about the exciting plans for the future and how this resource will move into its next generation, taking the Database to the another level.
- Our third Speaker will take you on a journey, learning how Natural England’s Environmental Benefits from Nature Tool (EBNT) was developed and how the LCA Database has been incorporated into this popular and evolving resource.
Time: 14:25 – 15:10
Here we explore an innovative approach to analysing, modelling and assessing the microclimate to inform the design of our streets, parks and public spaces.
Using project examples including the Barbican podium in central London, Neil and Avgousta from Atkinsrealis will provide an overview of how the microclimate tool has been used to inform designs.
Neil will talk through some of the specific project requirements and design considerations, whilst Avgousta will provide technical insight into the method adopted, challenges they faced and the future opportunities for using microclimate analysis tools.
They will delve deeper providing insight into how microclimate analysis can:
- consider outdoor pedestrian comfort levels and optimal planting strategies, to better understand human experiences in the public realm and reduce negative microclimate effects which pose serious risks in health and wellbeing including the Heat Island effect.
- be applied to retrofit projects, with ongoing on-site sensor environmental monitoring to evaluate the impact of the interventions and green infrastructure provision in public spaces, gaining knowledge in aspects of pedestrian comfort.
- provide thoughtful, evidence-based and data-driven solutions for designing spaces that consider wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Time: 15:40 – 16:25
Golden Rules for Landscape BIM Modelling
This enlightening session will outline the essential principles for creating successful site BIM models. Nehama, a landscape architect and product expert for Environment for Revit, draws from years of client support experience to explain how you can achieve high-quality results. We follow her presentation with Abhinav and Alejandro, BIM leads at Gillespies, who will share core lessons and insights from their unique experiences in landscape BIM modelling. Join us for a comprehensive perspective on effectively utilising BIM in landscape architecture.
Time: 15:40 – 16:25
