NEWS
By Louise Wyman
Landscape architects at the heart of infrastructure delivery In January 2020, West Midlands Combined Authority launched its Design Charter. Louise Wyman, Design and Inclusive Growth Lead, explains its significance. Q: Why are we seeing Landscape Architects lead on design and regional devolution? Landscape architects are trained in the art of reading the land, gathering geographic data, testing environmental research and producing analysis and design ideas that help clients evaluate site opportunities. Our skill is to help others see the big picture and engage in the wonderful complexity of designing for the future. Creativity is at the heart of our practice. Reflecting on a career as a landscape architect and chartered surveyor I’ve realised that what motivates me is collaborating with people in places that want progressive change. It’s energising to work with people who want to design a better future for their communities. Spending time understanding local economics, ecologies and environmental challenges, while preparing plans that redesign places for future generations is a real privilege. Landscape architects across the globe are responding actively to the climate emergency and the regional devolution context. Sir David Attenborough’s call to action at the Landscape Institute Awards 2019 was a great inspiration. From a Midlands perspective I’m delighted to collaborate with Jane Findlay founder of Birmingham based Fira Landscape as she prepares to be the LI’s President later this year. 60
1. Map of the WMCA area of responsibility. © Based on a design by WMCA
Wolverhampton
Walsall Sutton Coldfield
Dudley
West Bromwich
Birmingham
Solihull
Coventry
Strategic Centres Local Authority Boundary
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Q: How are designers shaping the future environment in England? In April 2019 I was seconded from Homes England, where I’d been Director of Strategy & Engagement, to the West Midlands Combined Authority, chaired by Mayor Andy Street. Mayor Street declared his ambition for a regional Design Charter and my job for the past year has been to make this ambition a reality. On 23 January 2020 a group of designers, developers and cultural organisations launched West Midlands Design Charter1 in Birmingham
(hyperlink to WMDC) The same day WMCA published a consultation paper titled: #WM2041 setting out West Midlands’ ambitions for a decarbonised future. In Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has appointed Paul Monaghan Founding Director of AHMM Architects as his design champion. Working with Paul we plan to grow a network of design leads across the eight regional Mayors, to share thinking on how to embed strategic design practice and environmental responsibility at the heart of regional devolution deals.
https://www.wmca. org.uk/news/charterlaunched-to-championgood-design-in-thewest-midlands/ 1
