IFLA chief applauds nature in SZ's landscape architecture

Dr. Bruno Marques, president of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), during an interview with Shenzhen Daily on Nov. 9. Photos by Windy Shao 

Dr. Bruno Marques, president of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), said he appreciates Shenzhen’s efforts to integrate nature into its landscape architecture during an interview with Shenzhen Daily on Nov. 9.

Dr. Marques is attending the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture's annual meeting, which is taking place in Guangming District from Friday to Monday. The first of its kind in southern China, this conference combines a landscape architecture conference with an exhibition. It has attracted over 1,500 participants from universities, research institutions, enterprises, and related entities within the landscape architecture industry.

An exhibition on landscape architecture is held at Guangming Culture and Art Center on the sidelines of the meeting. 

This is the IFLA leader’s third visit to the city. He remarked, “I love Shenzhen. It’s very green. During my last visit, I explored downtown and visited a seaside park. The presence of birds, mangroves, and the splendid views of the harbor and sea were captivating. Shenzhen is a well-balanced and vibrant city.”

When discussing Shenzhen’s landscape architecture, Dr. Marques stated, “It’s very well incorporated with the existing green infrastructure of the mountains and valleys, especially emphasizing the accessibility to nature, walkability, and overall livability of the city.”

Addressing the challenge of balancing ecological preservation with urban development, Dr. Marques reflected, “In today’s world, where urbanization pressures are immense, we often overlook the importance of ecology and nature. During my presentation at the meeting, I emphasized the necessity of reintegrating nature into urban spaces. Human beings require contact with nature and greenery for fresh air, water access, and soil quality — all vital resources for our cities."

He continued, "We cannot afford to have cities devoid of green spaces as we did in the past. The most successful and livable cities prioritize green spaces, allocating at least 40% to 50% of urban planning for this purpose.” 

“I think Shenzhen is doing all the right things in that regard,” he said.

Guangming Culture and Art Center: the main venue of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture's annual meeting.

Regarding the IFLA's mission, Dr. Marques underlined the fundamental right of all individuals to have access to nature and green spaces within a short walking distance from their residences. He mentioned that his federation advocates for these rights at a global level to ensure that cities and governments prioritize nature in their planning.

Dr. Marques also emphasized the significance of collaboration in landscape architecture, stating, “The most successful strategies in landscape architecture are those built on collaboration. The best outcomes are achieved through collaboration, resulting in a much stronger output compared to working in isolation.”

Regarding the use of new technologies in landscape architecture, Dr. Marques said, “I don’t think we will be replaced by AI for now, but AI can be a great asset in streamlining some of our workflows.”

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, he remarked, “I believe there are critical issues we will deeply engage in, such as climate action and biodiversity. I think landscape architects will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring biodiversity preservation.”