Landscape Architecture in Brisbane
The term landscape architect was established after Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Beatrix Jones (later Farrand) with others founded the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1899.
“During the latter 19th century, the term landscape architect began to be used by professional landscapes designers, and was firmly established after Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. and Beatrix Jones (later Farrand) with others founded the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 1899.“
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_architecture
While the profession had it’s roots in America in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until 1966 did Brisbane landscape architects join with others across Australia to form the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Brisbane History of Landscape Architecture
There is not a lot of published evidence of a history of Queensland gardens or landscape architecture in Brisbane.
However, from when the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects was formed in 1966, Brisbane has seen a steady growth in the profession with significant contribution through a number of large, medium and small scale projects.
“The Institute had its beginnings at a meeting held during a national conference of the Royal Australian Planning Institute in August 1963 whereby a group of professionals held an informal meeting to discuss the need for a new professional body to represent Australia’s Landscape Architects.”
Source: https://www.aila.org.au/about?
A number of the original subscribers were practicing landscape architects in Brisbane. Today there are many landscape architects in Brisbane providing a variety of landscape architectural services.
Citicene are landscape architects located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. We are qualified and registered landscape architects and members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
We have delivered many projects throughout the Brisbane Shire. Our team have an excellent understanding of Brisbane City Council’s requirements for landscape.
Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect?
Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers can both produce excellent quality landscapes. The difference is in the type of training and sometimes the scale of project delivered.
For example, Landscape Architects undertake University training and typically work on larger masterplanned type projects, infrastructure or commercial works.
Landscape designers have usually completed a Diploma of Landscape Design can also produce excellent quality work. They often focus on residential scale projects. Either way, if you are looking to engage a professional, ensure you choose your landscape architect or landscape designer based on the type and scale of project you are wanting to deliver.
If you are looking for a landscape designer in Brisbane then this is likely to be different to engaging a landscape architect.
Brisbane City Council Landscape Code
Brisbane City Council have specific landscape requirements for any development in their Shire. The Brisbane City Plan has specific applicable landscape codes depending on the land use.
Landscape work code purpose
“The purpose of the Landscape work code is to assess the suitability of the landscape work aspect of development.”
Source: http://eplan.brisbane.qld.gov.au/CP/LandscapeWorkCode
Performance outcomes and acceptable outcomes
Depending on your project type, there are numerous requirements regarding landscape that must be met to achieve Development Approval.
These are known as ‘Performance outcomes and acceptable outcomes’. From the protection of trees through to the connection of drainage for podium planters, landscape requirements are detailed.
The intention is to ensure quality landscapes across the Brisbane region. Landscapes need to meet specific standards of design and construction.
Citicene Experience in the Brisbane Region
Our personnel have delivered many commercial projects in the Brisbane City Council Shire. Our experience includes a large range of project types. From multi-story high rise through to industrial sheds and master-planned communities.
We offer professional advice from landscape concept plans through to on-site contract administration. This includes supervision of landscape contractors and quality control. We also work with a network of consultants and landscape contractors to deliver to your requirements.
Landscape Architectural Services
Our services and deliverables include;
Preliminary Design Services
- Landscape Masterplans & Masterplanning
- Concept Plans and Schematic Design
- Character Analysis and Investigation
- 3D Modelling & Rendering
- Urban Design & Urban Design Guidelines
- Comprehensive Planning
- Landscape Construction Cost Analysis
Specialist Services
- Visual Impact Assessments
- Authority Approvals
Detailed Planning Services
- Landscape Documentation and Specifications
- Vegetation Management Plans
- Natural Assets Local Law Applications (NALL)
- Arborist Assessment
- Fauna Management Plans
Tender and Construction Services
- Tender and Construction Drawings and Bill of Quantities Deliverables
- Contract Administration
- Site Supervision and Inspections
Value Management
- Certification
- Conflict Resolution
Regardless of your type and scale of project, Citicene can tailor our services to your requirements. Contact us to learn more about what we can provide for your next project.
Brisbane Project Experience
Apartments, shopping centres, corporate landscapes, bio-filtration basins and residential communities are just some of the projects we have delivered in Brisbane. A small snap shot of some of these projects include:
- Centenary Square, Fortitude Valley
- Green Square Close, Fortitude Valley
- Vue Apartments, Milton
- Soho Apartments, Westend
Landscape Architecture Firms in Brisbane
There are many landscape architects to choose from in Brisbane. Depending on if you require a large firm or a small sole practitioner, there are plenty of quality landscape architects to choose from.
Some of the large firms include Lat 27, Place Design Group, Form, TRACT, CUSP and Vee Design. Others include Dunn and Moran, Saunders Havill Group, Wolter Consulting and JFP Urban Consultants. Finally, there is Fred St, Jeremy Ferrier, Arcadia, O2LA and Citicene.
The Detail of Landscape
Landscapes consist of many elements. From plants to view corridors, there are many things to consider in any landscape.
Plant Species in the Brisbane Region
The geography of Brisbane is characterised by its coastal location in the south eastern corner of the Queensland state of Australia.
The greater Brisbane area of Queensland Australia, has many species of indigenous flora.
Brisbane City Council requires the use of native plants throughout the region. This is to enhance the natural environment, reduce the use of weeds and protect our natural landscapes.
As landscape architects we are seeing more and more exotic species replicated across developments throughout the region. Even professionals are repeating their plant palettes for many projects and this is causing concern for native species in the Shire.
‘Most (66%) environmental weeds have been introduced as garden ornamentals.’
Source: https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/
Therefore, species that were once popular have become weeds for many different reasons and should be avoided. The Brisbane City Council provides advice on what are declared weeds. This weed identification tool can be accessed here.
Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool
It is important that species are carefully considered for all projects to add to the city’s urban forest and support the unique wildlife in the region.
Supply from commercial nurseries can also be an issue. Typically commercial nurseries will grow only what is popular and only what sells. There are native nurseries around and it is important for landscape architects to look deeper into using more suitable species. Species that are indigenous to the specific area their project is in.
Also encouraging local nurseries to grow suitable alternatives will assist in ensuring we are protecting the natural habitats of the region.
Best plants for Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate
There are plenty of plants to choose from that are hardy and will live a long life. Often species come onto the market as hybrids, however they often don’t last long and die out after one season. If you like replacing your plants on a regular basis – then this is ok. However if you want a garden that lasts then using the proven performers is what you should be aiming for.
Shrubs such as Coastal Rosemary Westringia fruticosa and Syzygium ‘Aussie Boomer’ are proven performers that do well in this climate and if treated well will last for years with little maintenance.
Medium evergreen trees such as Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioides and Golden Penda Xanthostemon chrysanthus are also proven performers and used regularly across Brisbane.
Larger trees such as Flame Tree Brachychiton acerifolius and Weeping Lillypilly Waterhousea floribunda also perform extremely well in the Brisbane region.
Commercial Landscape Architecture vs Residential Landscape Architecture
A lot of the larger landscape architectural firms focus on commercial and government projects as well as urban planning and design, visual assessment or major infrastructure projects. It may be difficult to get them to interested in a project of a residential scale unless the project is totally unique.
Often the fees for a landscape architect can be a substantial amount which for the everyday urban home would likely be better spent on the actual construction.
Pavement and Finishes Landscape Works
Obviously landscape is not just about the plants. Pavements, finishes, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting, irrigation, play equipment, rocks and pebble, edging, seats, fencing, retaining walls, entry features signage, way finding signage, stairs, handrails, grates, artwork and service pit covers are just a range of items that can be included in any landscape.
Depending on the project scope, location and client, all of these things contribute to a landscapes. Landscape construction costs can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars in significant city parks.
Landscape from a Visual Perspective
Landscape visual assessment involves investigating the visual impacts of development on the landscape. Broadly, natural environments have a high visual amenity and built form a low visual amenity.
This area of landscape architecture is detailed and extensive and an important part of city planning which is not recognized enough.
Significant projects or projects where existing amenity has a high value should always include a visual analysis and impact assessment study.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Landscape Architecture start?
The first person to write of making a landscape was Joseph Addison in 1712. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) was founded in 1899.
When was the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects formed?
August 1963 at a meeting held during a national conference of the Royal Australian Planning Institute.
What are some famous gardens in Brisbane, Queensland?
The City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland and the soon to be built Victoria Park Gardens.
How many landscape architecture firms are there in Brisbane?
There are approximately 30 landscape architecture firms in Brisbane and over 100 practicing landscape architects.