Landscape and Visual Assessment in practice – Introduction and refresher - ReRun

Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) is an area of increasing focus for approval authorities and communities across the nation and a growing area of professional practice for Landscape Architects. 

Through the process of landscape analysis, community engagement, design and assessment, this field brings together the unique skills of Landscape Architects. It also allows for Landscape Architects to influence the areas of early project planning, design, assessment and approval.

This course will suit those wishing to refresh and expand their knowledge of landscape and visual assessment; engage with fellow practitioners and allied professionals to share knowledge; and help shape the contribution of landscape professionals in this field.

This workshop will include an overview of landscape character and visual impact assessment approaches and techniques. The presenters will discuss trends and emerging areas of practice, using real world examples. 

Summary:

The Landscape and Visual Assessment – Introduction & Refresher course will allow participants to consolidate and update their knowledge of landscape character and visual impact assessment.

This workshop will reference the AILA Guidance Note for Landscape and Visual Assessment and aims to improve consistency of assessments amongst practitioners. It is an opportunity for engagement with senior practitioners working in this field and for discussion of the main issues and trends affecting LVA, and areas that still need to be resolved in this field.

The presentation will lead to the creation of a checklist for practitioners, as a tool to improve the reliability and consistency of LCVIAs from Landscape Architects. 

Course overview:

The course will begin with a recap of the concepts and theory base with an opportunity for questions and discussion. 
A range of concepts and theories will be discussed, supported by real world examples, including:

• Approaches to landscape character and visual impact assessment
• Key terms and methods
• Expert opinion -v- citizen science and assessment by numbers
• Technology - data accuracy, access to drones, 3D modelling, interactive on-screen/virtual reality assessment

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the main techniques and approaches to landscape character and visual impact assessment
• An update on where the field of LVA is currently 'at' - current challenges faced by the profession
• Checklist for scoping and to improve consistency across Landscape Professionals.

Audience

• Practicing Landscape Architects with an interest in / or some experience with Landscape and Visual Assessment
• Local government and regulatory agency officers and those briefing or scoping Landscape and Visual Assessments
• Students of landscape architecture and landscape planning

Course Format

The course will run online from 9:15am - 1:30pm AEST, this will include two 15 minute breaks.

Speakers

Suzie Rawlinson BBE (L’Arch) MLA AILA Director, IRIS Visual Planning + Design

Suzie is a Registered Landscape Architect who specialises in Landscape and Visual Assessment. With a career spanning more than 25 years, she has worked across Australia and internationally, including with several large international design and engineering firms. Suzie started her consultancy firm in 2013 and now works on major infrastructure projects across Australia providing expert landscape and visual assessment advice to private and government clients.

Stacey Brodbeck BLArch, MEnvPlan, AILA, Registered Planner, Director Envisage

Stacey specialises in visual and landscape impact assessment of large-scale infrastructure/facilities and urban development proposals. She is a Registered Landscape Architect and worked for both local government and multi-disciplinary firms for 15 years before starting Envisage Consulting in 2006. She is recognised as an expert in visual impact and view loss matters in the NSW Land and Environment Court and is a member on various Local Planning Panels and SEPP 65 Design Review Panels. 

Registration