Arcadia sponsors Australia’s first Landscape Architecture scholarship for Indigenous students

16 May 2016 | News

Arcadia Landscape Architecture has funded a new scholarship to address the under representation of Indigenous practitioners in the Australian landscape architecture industry. The UNSW Built Environment Arcadia Landscape Architecture Award for Indigenous Students is the first scholarship in Australia for Indigenous Year 12 students who apply to study for a bachelor in Landscape Architecture at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Arcadia worked closely with the faculty of UNSW Built Environment to establish the scholarship, which has the intention of raising the profile of the landscape architecture industry amongst Indigenous school leavers, highlighting the career opportunities available in an industry which will benefit from their cultural perspective.

“Given the emphasis and importance that we place on the history of a site and its original use throughout the design process, I find it astounding that there are no high-profile Indigenous landscape architects in Australia,” said Alex Longley, principal of Arcadia Landscape Architecture. “With this scholarship, we hope to introduce and encourage Indigenous students, who have an interest in the landscape, art, science and design, to not only enter, but to eventually champion and shape an industry which they can make such a valuable contribution to.”

The Landscape Architecture degree is part of UNSW Built Environment, which prides itself on developing future industry leaders through a combination of world class teaching in theory, knowledge and practical learning. Graduates of the Landscape Architecture degree will have the opportunity to contribute to the future of Australia by designing world-class landscapes and creating spaces that bring people together.

The Dean of UNSW Built Environment, Professor Helen Lochhead, welcomes the UNSW Built Environment Arcadia Landscape Architecture Award for Indigenous Students, saying “In my experience working with Indigenous practitioners on design projects brings a different sensibility and perspective, increasing the integrity of a design response. Going forward, if Australian landscape architecture studios are to be engaged globally, it will be crucial for Indigenous practitioners to have a central role in the industry, as they do in other countries, such as New Zealand.”

Catherine Evans, Director of Discipline – Landscape Architecture, UNSW says of the scholarship: “The Arcadia Scholarship is a significant register of the UNSW Landscape Architecture Program’s commitment to cultural diversity, and an even more significant incentive to continue to shape our curriculum in ways that both reflect and respond to contemporary cultural priorities. The representation of Indigenous students in the landscape program, encouraged by this scholarship, will empower all students to emerge as young design professionals capable of working with diverse landscape values and settings.”

About UNSW Built Environment

UNSW Built Environment develops global leaders in architecture, planning and construction. Students are equipped for an outstanding career with the connection of world-class knowledge with leading practice. UNSW Built Environment combines top researchers and leading professionals to ensure the best knowledge guides best practice.

A multi-disciplinary approach provides students with unique opportunities to unlock their potential for leadership in the built environment professions. Students will learn the skills to analyse, challenge and rethink the 21st century city.

UNSW Built Environment develops passion for architecture and design and a passion to build a better society.