Claire Martin - Mobile Urban Generalists: A Case for Curiosity and Optimism

The second theme of the 2024 NZILA Wānanga was Ahutia - Develop. The session started with the proverb "Werohea te rua kia puta mai ai te tuna" which translates to "Reach into uncertainty so that opportunities may emerge." It signifies the movement from darkness and nothingness into the world of light, symbolising a journey towards understanding and embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This theme invites us to explore wisdom and knowledge through shared experiences, highlighting the gradual and dramatic changes in our landscapes.

Claire Martin from Oculus, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), embodies this theme. With a wealth of experience in education, health, and cultural projects, Claire has been a fervent advocate for knowledge sharing and climate-positive design. Her work with AILA and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) underscores her commitment to mentorship, design advocacy, and landscape communication.

Her talk, entitled "Mobile Urban Generalists: A Case for Curiosity and Optimism," champions the idea of being a generalist in the urban environment. The term, often associated with species thriving in cities, highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness required to navigate urban landscapes. By studying these urban generalists (Claire shows a slide of a New Holland Honeyeater), we can better predict environmental changes and their impact on ecological processes.

Australia faces numerous unprecedented challenges, particularly now in the Anthropocene epoch when human activity has significantly impacted the planet. Claire emphasised that relying on outdated thinking will only exacerbate current issues. Instead, collective action, aligned with the likes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is crucial. She made special mention that IFLA has committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, reflecting the urgency of this collective effort.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are slow-onset disasters, gradually unfolding due to environmental degradation. The latest IPCC report highlights the vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of our region, including the rising risk of heat-related health issues for both people and wildlife. The Victorian government notes that investing in green infrastructure can save society significant future costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated these challenges. While it initially drove people into isolation, it also spurred a collective use of public parks and gardens, demonstrating the potential for global collective action. This moment offers a chance to rebuild better, although economic uncertainties often hinder progress.

Claire underscores the importance of truth-telling in the design of the built environment, particularly in the context of treaty negotiations in Australia. Truth-telling involves acknowledging and integrating the stories and cultures of Indigenous peoples into our designs. This approach can foster a sense of belonging and respect for cultural heritage.

Claire presenting at the Wānanga.

Curiosity is vital in unlocking the potential of living infrastructure. Landscape architects should not just solve problems but ask forward-looking questions. Urbanisation presents significant challenges, but it also necessitates a shift away from anthropocentric design towards more holistic, regenerative approaches. By embracing an ecological perspective, we can create designs that consider the interconnectedness of all life forms. Legal systems often prioritise development over ecosystem protection and enhancement, but movements like the Rights of Nature empower nature to defend itself. In Australia, the Wilip-Gin Birrarung Murron legislation recognizes the Birirang Yarra River as a living entity, highlighting the intrinsic connection of traditional owners to the river and the land.

The One World One Health concept links biodiversity conservation with public health, reinforcing the idea that ecosystem health directly impacts human health. This approach encourages a move towards universe-referent health, where well-being is achieved through balance with healthy ecosystems.

The concept of ecosystem health has long been understood in terms of species conservation and ecological processes. Claire recalls the ELA Festival, where non-Indigenous landscape architects were urged to reflect on their values and purpose in relation to First Nations cultures. Australia's rich cultural heritage teaches us that there is no separation between humans and the natural world.

Claire discussing the treaty referendum in Australia.

Starting from a place of reciprocity and respect for country, landscape architects can design in ways unique to each community. If cultural elements are absent in public spaces, it is difficult for people to feel a sense of belonging. Claire believes that landscape architects can reconcile natural, social, and cultural values with economic development through living infrastructure.

Living infrastructure systems can integrate these values, making people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Often, the true value lies in what is not done, such as preventing habitat destruction. Multi-species design, which focuses on creating environments that benefit various life forms, is an emerging approach in landscape architecture.

Designing for soils, plants, and ecosystems requires a decentered approach, considering the needs of all species involved. Claire mentions a pilot project with Monash University focused on movable pollinator pads, which cater to the needs of bees and other pollinators, demonstrating the potential of designing with and for ecosystems.

Governance is crucial in maintaining living infrastructure. It ensures that users and owners uphold their responsibilities. In Australia, partnerships between government and Indigenous communities can enhance cultural land management and biodiversity outcomes.

The use of technology and tools like carbon calculators and biodiversity net gain metrics can help landscape architects measure the impact of their designs. These tools provide data to support climate-positive actions and demonstrate the benefits of green infrastructure.

Claire highlights the importance of research and learning from design projects. The development of the Global Landscape Architecture Knowledge Hub aims to support and inform policy and practice, fostering collaboration and continuous learning among landscape architects worldwide.

Collaborations with First Nations artists and designers, like the Harbour Park project, integrate cultural visions and resilience into urban spaces. Similarly, the Nuru National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct showcases the significance of Indigenous perspectives in national projects.

Claire concludes with a call to embrace intuition and lived experience in design. The ACT Gender-Sensitive Urban Design Framework and Toolkit exemplifies how inclusive public spaces can be created through community engagement and thoughtful design.

Ultimately, Claire believes that landscape architects must focus on their strengths and capabilities, advocating for the environment and fostering a collective awakening. By immersing themselves in the lives of plants, animals, and fungi, they can create designs that inspire and include everyone in the journey towards a sustainable future.