Landscape Conversations

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Landscape Conversations' is a podcast series by Anton James and Matthew Kneale (independent landscape architect) to explore the diverse ways in which landscape is worked in, thought of and defined. Four conversations have been recorded with Australian and international guests for public release throughout 2017: Kathryn Gustafson (Gustafson Guthrie Nichol in Seattle and Gustafson Porter in London; Philip Coxall (McGregor Coxall); Idris Murphy (contemporary Australian landscape painter); and Sue Barnsley (Sue Barnsley Design). RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Through the use of the interview as the form, and the podcast as the medium, the project investigates the design methodology and conceptualisation of the landscape as formulated by esteemed practitioners including landscape architects, scientists, artists, filmmakers and others. The podcast series contextualises the results of the research within James' design methodology. In doing so it continues to extend and challenge his conception of the field, profession and creative practice of landscape architecture. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This project builds a valuable record of the diverse ways in which individuals working in the landscape value, judge and conceptualise the landscape. It will be a resource for students and the wider discipline of landscape architecture as it continues to reflect upon its position within the context of competing understandings of the landscape. The podcasts are available via iTunes. The transcripts are published on www.landscapeconversations.com and 'Foreground': a niche, online platform by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in partnership with Uro Publications and industry supporters.