Landscape Architects as Change Makers

Presented by University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and the Japanese Landscape Architecture Union.

This bi-lingual exhibition investigates the tactics and strategies used by Japanese and Australian landscape architects to implement innovative design outcomes that respond to the cultural and ecological specificity of their regions.

Showcasing eight projects by award-winning designers, the exhibition presents a deeper understanding of how landscape architects operate within their own conditions to achieve outcomes that positively contribute to environmental, economic, and cultural futures.

Working with audio-visual media, the exhibition mixes designer interviews, site footage, drawings and still images to offer an engaging and immersive understanding of design thinking. Conversations with a further twelve Australian and Japanese landscape architects explore critical issues facing practice including questions of professional and cultural identity, the design possibilities of working outside the city and the role of global connections.

Funded by the Australia-Japan Foundation this exhibition draws on the Japanese design experience to rethink the way that Australian landscape architecture is understood and presented. This extends into the panel discussions and floor talks which will bring together the Australian designers and three Japanese designers who will visit Melbourne during Melbourne Design Week.

Featured designs include work by Jane Irwin (Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture), Anton James (JMD design), Kirsten Bauer (ASPECT Studio), Nick Griffin (McGregor Coxall), Toru Mitani (studio-on-site), Tatsuya Hiraga, (Landscape plus) Hiroki Hasegawa (studio-on-site) and Michio Tase (Plantago).

Exhibition open daily, 10am to 4pm.

Exhibition curators

Jillian Walliss is an Associate Professor in landscape architecture at the University of Melbourne. Her research explores the relationship between theory, culture, and contemporary design practice. She has published widely, including The Big Asian Book of Landscape and Architecture (2020) and Landscape Architecture and Digital Technologies: Re-conceptualising Design and Making (2016).

Heike Rahmann is a Senior Lecturer in landscape architecture at RMIT University. Her research combines design practices and contemporary urbanism with a special focus on theory, technology and urban ecology. Through her practice in Europe, Asia, and Australia, she has established strong partnerships with industry, community and government bodies, especially in Japan and Korea. She has published three co-authored books including Tokyo Void: Possibilities in Absence (Jovis, 2014) with Marieluise Jonas and The Big Asian Book of Landscape Architecture (Jovis, 2020) with Jillian Walliss.

In collaboration with

Saran Kim is a recent graduate of the Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. She works at Architectus and continues to be involved with the university as a professional staff member. Her practice crosses the fields of design, technology and media. Originally from Japan, and with a strong interest in landscape architecture, Saran’s involvement in the project has encompassed interviewing and translating Japanese landscape architects, exhibition curation, graphic design, web design and multimedia production.

What's on

Join us for a busy program of talks with curators for the Landscape Architects as Change Makers exhibition, in conjunction with Melbourne Design Week.

Come meet the curators
Sat 20 May, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Dulux Gallery, Glyn Davis Building (MSD), Parkville Campus

This is a drop-in event, no bookings required.

Panel Discussions at Storey Hall 
Sun 21 May, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
RMIT University Storey Hall (Building 16), 336/348 Swanston Street 

Panel 1: Growing the Profession moderated by Claire Martin
Where are the new professional opportunities for landscape architecture emerging?
Panel 2: Diversifying the Practice moderated by Ricky Ray Ricardo
Where are our skills currently and how should they be expanded?
Panel 3: Japanese on the Move moderated by Saran Kim
What does it mean to be Japanese but work as a designer in Australia?

Register here

These events are part of Melbourne Design Week 2023, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.

Exhibition partners

Major gallery partner

Exhibition Supporter