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The Illusion of Control

One aspect of this delusion lies in the belief that we can—and should—exert control over nature to achieve our design visions. This often leads to overcomplicated designs that impose human will upon the landscape, ignoring the inherent qualities and dynamics of the environment. Such an approach can result in static spaces that resist natural evolution and fail to adapt over time.

My philosophy emphasises simplicity, productivity, and the delicate balance between foundations and no foundations. Instead of imposing rigid structures, I advocate for designs that provide just enough foundation to function while allowing for growth, change, and adaptation. This approach recognises that we are part of the natural system, not separate from it, and that our role is to facilitate rather than dominate.

Disconnect from Productivity and Practicality

Another concern is the potential disconnect from the practical needs of communities. Landscapes must be productive—they should provide food, shelter, recreational opportunities, and contribute to the well-being of those who use them. When landscape architecture focuses too heavily on aesthetics or symbolic gestures, it risks becoming an art form detached from everyday life.

This issue echoes historical tensions highlighted by movements like the Levellers, who in the 17th century fought for equitable access to land and opposed the enclosure policies that favoured the elite. If modern landscape architecture serves only a privileged few or prioritises grand visions over communal needs, it perpetuates inequalities and becomes part of the problem rather than the solution.

Clinging to Outdated Philosophies

There's also the question of whether the field is holding onto philosophies that no longer serve our current context. The romanticisation of untouched nature and the pursuit of rewilding can sometimes ignore the complexities of contemporary ecological and social systems. While well-intentioned, these approaches may attempt to revert landscapes to a past state rather than addressing present and future challenges.

In an era marked by climate change, urbanisation, and global interconnectedness, we cannot simply return to an imagined pristine past. Instead, we need to engage with landscapes as they are, working collaboratively with the environment to foster resilience and adaptability.

A Path Forward

So, is landscape architecture a delusion? It can be, if it remains disconnected from practicality, clings to outdated ideals, and fails to address the complexities of modern life. However, it doesn't have to be.

By embracing simplicity, we can strip away unnecessary complications and focus on what's essential. By prioritising productivity, we ensure that our designs serve both ecological systems and human communities. And by carefully considering the role of foundations—providing structure where needed but allowing for flexibility—we create spaces that are dynamic and capable of evolving over time.

This approach requires us to:

• Question Assumptions: Challenge the traditional narratives and practices that no longer align with current realities.
• Engage Communities: Involve those who live and work on the land in the design process to ensure that landscapes meet real needs.
• Facilitate, Don't Dominate: Shift from imposing designs to facilitating natural processes and community-driven initiatives.
• Adapt and Evolve: Recognise that landscapes are not static and that our designs must be able to adapt to changing conditions.

By aligning landscape architecture with these principles, we move away from delusion and towards a practice that is grounded, relevant, and impactful. We have the opportunity to redefine the field—not as a means of controlling nature or showcasing human dominance, but as a collaborative effort to create spaces that are meaningful, sustainable, and alive.

In doing so, landscape architecture becomes not just a profession but a thoughtful response to the world we inhabit—a way to connect people with place in a manner that is both humble and visionary.