Reflecting on 90 years of transformation through landscape, the LI will return to the place it was founded in 1929 to support the evolving profession of landscape architecture
The Landscape Institute (LI) formed in 1929 at what is now the RHS Chelsea flower show. For nine decades, the organisation has adapted to and supported its members through often seismic environmental, social and economic changes.
Fittingly, LI will be returning to RHS Chelsea on Friday 24 May to mark this important milestone. Landscape leaders past and present will join with partners and collaborators from across the built and natural environment. The LI will also welcome senior members from the Norwegian Landscape Association, who share the LI’s landmark 90th anniversary.
The event will take place on Main Avenue in the RHS Back to Nature Garden. Co-designed by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge with landscape architects Andrèe Davies and Adam White PLI, garden aims to connect communities with nature and promote the health benefits of spending time outdoors.
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‘During its lifetime the LI has seen many changes in the world,’ Adam said. ‘Each decade has seen great social change, from the aftermath of the First World War, the creation of the first council housing and the growth of the suburbs to the creation of the welfare state, new towns, the impact of major planning legislation and the growing awareness of climate change.
‘That’s why it’s important we look back at the previous nine decades. Many of these changes have affected not only how we live our lives, how we work, where we go to school and how we stay healthy, but also on the way we design, plan and manage our landscapes.
‘But while it’s important for us to look back and celebrate the great strides we have made, we need to remember that we live in challenging times. We’re facing rapid change to our natural environment, increased urbanisation and the mounting pressures of living in the heart of a modern city. That’s why LI90 will also be about looking to the future, and examining how in particular our profession can help meet the needs of our changing world.’
LI Chief Executive Dan Cook said: ‘This is one of a series of #LI90 events being held in locations including Bristol, Edinburgh, Oslo and Leicester.
‘Our next event will be a Landscape Festival of Ideas at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Olympic Park is a destination that has been designed, planned, delivered and managed through the work of our profession, and is set to be transformed even further.
‘We have invited leaders from inside and outside the profession to explore today’s issues and look at new efforts to reconnect with nature. We will be inviting debate and new ideas for this profession, our Institute and our partners to take forward. We have taken a deliberate step to hold this special event over a weekend to better encourage young people and families to participate.’
