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Over the years, my work and thinking in landscape architecture have taken a turn I never quite expected. What once seemed like a field grounded in control and predictability has, for me, evolved into an ongoing exploration of something far more elusive: the unknown. This shift didn’t come easily, but it was sparked by the writings of philosophers like Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, who challenge us to view the world as a constantly evolving, interconnected network of forces—what they refer to as “The Machine.”

Coming to Terms with Complexity
The more I design, the more I realize that our work as landscape architects often feels like an attempt to tame or organize the unpredictable. We celebrate our innovative green infrastructure, climate-adaptive designs, and urban green spaces as groundbreaking achievements, yet, when you take a step back, these efforts often seem to fit neatly within controlled frameworks. We rarely acknowledge the fact that the world—and nature, in particular—rarely behaves in ways we can fully anticipate.

There’s an inherent humility in accepting that there are always things we don’t know, and that the natural world will always retain some element of mystery. Whether it’s an ecosystem that responds in unexpected ways, a sudden cultural shift, our understanding will always be incomplete. And that’s where things get interesting.

Designing for the Unknown
So, how do we respond to this? I’ve come to believe that the future of meaningful landscape architecture lies in designing with an openness to the unknown. Instead of forcing order, our work should make space for change, growth, and adaptability. Landscapes should have the flexibility to evolve, to respond to forces we can’t predict, and to invite interactions that we didn’t see coming.

This means leaning into experimentation and taking creative risks. It means designing spaces that don’t just react to our current knowledge but are prepared to grow into something more. It’s about being willing to learn from nature, even when nature doesn’t follow our plans, and accepting that true innovation lies not in controlling the environment but in engaging with it, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Embracing the Mystery
At the end of the day, this approach requires us to shift our mindset. We’re not just creators shaping the land; we’re participants in a vast, evolving conversation with the world around us. The unknown isn’t a barrier—it’s an invitation. It’s a reminder that there is always more to discover, more to explore, and more to embrace as we continue to design in ways that are resilient, meaningful, and alive with possibility.

By acknowledging the unknown and welcoming it into our work, we open the door to a richer, more dynamic approach to landscape architecture. One that prepares us not only for today but for whatever comes next, even if we can’t see it coming. And in a world full of change, that feels more important than ever.