Archive for the ‘environment’ Category
Friday, September 19th, 2008
ELECTRONIC REFERENCE MATERIAL IN PLACE OF BOOKS TO AID WITH PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND FOR DETAILS ON LIKELY GROWTH HABIT, ETC. FOR LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
Hi!
We are investigating if there are any software books or reference material on DVD or CD or in dedicated pay for or free password accessible web sites out there which can be placed on the network for staff to access on this subject.
The product should show the botanical genus, species, subsp, var. cv, and common names etc. with coloured images of the plants generally and with if availabele bark, trunk, leaves, flowers, etc.
We are aware of “PlantFile” and of CSIRO’s “Eucalid” software so we are seeking any others out there for use in a networked office environment with a number of potential users.
Source and contact details and cost if any would also be useful.
Lets hear from you all soon.
David Bungey
Posted by Administrator in Plants, environment, software | No Comments »
Sunday, August 31st, 2008
A debate quietly surfaced last week in the Australian media following a media release from the Australian Institute of Architects (now AIA not RAIA as before in case you had not noticed).
Their comment seemed to be based on a re-badging of their previous Urban Design policy and a public announcement of its presence along with a statement attacking everyone about urban sprawl.
Unfortunately, given the tone of the statements, the AIA became the subject of the debate rather than the important topic they were attempting to raise (about urban sprawl that is, not their recycled policy).
There were two reports of the AIA comments, one in the Australian and another online.
The AILA has offered comment at times to various governments on the topic of the continual urban sprawl and the desire to seek improved design solutions for our urban environments.
The AILA is working for the longer term to have some National Landscape Principles taken up by all local governments within their urban design strategies and protocols.
This project on landscape principles will be the subject of consultations later this year and into next year as part of AILA’s Commonwealth funded Climate Change project.
Meanwhile we welcome comments from members on the topic of urban sprawl - or on any topic relating to urban design and landscape architects. also check the AILA news pages for other news
Posted by Administrator in AILA, climate change, environment, urban design | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
A recent call to landscape architects to give input to a journal about urban agriculture heightened the opportunity and responsibility we have to help feed a future low consumerism, highly urban world. Is there any one out there interested to being part of this.
I have a touch of permaculture in my veins and am keen to see the Victorian State Government’s program of “Food for all” be successful.
Ros
Posted by Administrator in AILA, General, environment | 3 Comments »
Saturday, May 31st, 2008
A discussion chaired by Paul Thompson AILA, part of AILA Victoria’s ‘Cultivate’ series of talks. (This AILA forum Thursday 15 May 2008 at RMIT)
Registrants were invited to contribute beforehand by sending emails with questions, ideas, concerns and statements.
The evening began with an introduction from Paul Thompson.
This was followed by discussions using the emails to stimulate discussion between the 102 participants composed of landscape architects, students and allied professionals. The evening finished with broad spirited contributions from the floor.
It is suggested that you view the notes on the talk which have been uploaded to the AILA web site.
Please visit the site first (click here) and then return to view the emailed notes in the comments below.
The art of Landscape Architecture has influenced the culture significantly in the past 40 years. It is now time to work closer with science to create site responsive landscapes for people and nature.
This is the beginning of a continuing conversation.
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Also reference: Paul’s online article published in LAonline Autumn 2008.
The Australian Garden. Selecting plants for a botanic garden.
Click here for the link to the full magazine issue or here to download the pdf article.
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Please add to this on-going conversation - upload a comment
Posted by Administrator in AILA, climate change, education, environment | 6 Comments »