S3, E9: Portrait To Landscape-A Landscape Strategy To Reframe Our Future, Alexandra Steed on Her Ground-Breaking Book, Part 3

Alexandra Steed Podcast: Part 3

The ground-breaking author, Alexandra Steed, talks to Jackie De Burca in a series of four podcast episodes that delve deeply into her brilliant book. She has also generously agreed to give away 10 copies of her book. Be sure to enter above.

Listen to Part 1 on this page and Part 2 here.

In Part 3, host, Jackie De Burca, and guest Alexandra Stead, a landscape architect and urban designer, discuss Part Three of Stead’s book, which examines historical city locations, streetscapes, peri-urban landscapes, and case studies from England.

Stead explains the concept of landscape, highlighting its multifaceted definitions and the design principles essential for protecting and restoring the planet. She emphasises the importance of integrating nature into urban environments and using natural processes in design to create sustainable cities. Stead and Jackie also discuss the consequences of urban development that disregards natural processes, using London’s historical development as an example.

The episode explores innovative approaches like rethinking streetscapes and designing with nature in mind, citing successful projects in Vancouver and the concept of sponge cities in China. The discussion extends to peri-urban landscapes, the ecological footprint, and the necessity of shifting from exploitation to preservation and stewardship of natural resources.

In the latter part of the episode, Stead talks about the crucial roles of soil, water, and air in sustaining life and the benefits of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. She concludes by advocating for a holistic approach to design that considers the needs of the entire community of life, not just humans, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings in creating a sustainable future.

Joanne Proft, Associate Director, Community Planning | Campus + Community Planning at The University of British Columbia said:

“Alexandra Steed offers a compelling, well-researched and passionate argument for securing a future for life on earth – by making a fundamental shift in our relationship to nature, from a selfie-oriented portrait perspective to a more all-encompassing landscape perspective.”

About Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future:

Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future is a ground-breaking work authored by a renowned landscape architect. It challenges us to fundamentally alter our relationship with the natural world, presenting a holistic approach to healing the earth by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes of environmental degradation.

Using the metaphor of a narrow, self-focused portrait versus a wide-angle landscape view, the book sheds light on the profound impact of our limited perspective. It offers practical strategies for policymakers, activists, and individuals to protect and restore landscapes, emphasising collaboration and long-term stewardship.

This thought-provoking book inspires readers to re-evaluate their connection with nature and engage in the movement towards a more sustainable future, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our place in the world and how we can inhabit it with integrity.

Click through to buy the book on Amazon.

About Alexandra Steed

Alexandra Steed, a passionate landscape architect and Fellow of the Landscape Institute (FLI) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), has a profound commitment to art, sustainability, and the transformative power of landscapes.

In 2013, she founded the London-based studio URBAN with the goal of bringing joy to people’s daily lives through landscape design that enhances beauty and fosters well-being. Steed actively advises and serves on expert panels for organisations such as the Design Council UK and the UK Government’s Office for Place.

As a lecturer at The Bartlett, UCL, she shares her knowledge and volunteers her time to support community place-making visions. Steed’s exceptional contributions to landscape architecture have garnered prestigious awards, including the WAFX Award for innovative global solutions and the LI Award for Excellence in Tackling Climate Change.

Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Sir David Attenborough Award, highlighting her dedication to preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems. She is the author of the ground-breaking book “Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future.”

S3, E9: Portrait To Landscape-A Landscape Strategy To Reframe Our Future, Alexandra Steed on Her Ground-Breaking Book, Part 3