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Working Group 2
Expanding Access to Landscape Architecture
Archives for Research and Practice
Mission
WG2 aims to deepen international collaboration and boost European leadership in Landscape Architecture (LA) history and design by improving access to and use of archival materials. It encourages the integration of archives into contemporary practice and interdisciplinary research – especially in restoration and redesign projects, and historical analysis.
WG2 also promotes more inclusive, critical perspectives by highlighting underrepresented voices (e.g., women in LA, postcolonial viewpoints), connecting LA with related disciplines like architecture, planning, public policy, and heritage management.
Key Activities
1. Mapping LA History Research and Gaps
Assessing the current state of LA archival research and operations across Europe.
Activities:
- Short term scientific missions (STSMs) to review European LA history research.
- Online workshops to exchange knowledge and define case study topics.
2. Case Studies on LA Archive Use in Practice
Exploring how archives are being used in landscape architecture projects, with a focus on Inclusiveness-target countries (ITCs).
Activities:
- Short term scientific missions (STSMs) to conduct regional case studies.
- Workshop to analyse and synthesize outcomes.
3. Understand Archive Users’ Needs
Identifying the expectations and challenges faced by archive users – from researchers to practitioners and the general public.
Activities:
- Short term scientific mission (STSM) to conduct stakeholder interviews.
- Workshop to compile insights into a comprehensive user needs report.
4. Co-Creating Practical Guidelines
Collaborating with key stakeholders (e.g. landscape architects, librarians, heritage experts…) to develop a practical catalogue of how archives can support LA projects.
Activities:
- Workshops to co-develop and document these strategies.
5. Joint Training School
Cross-disciplinary training school with WG1 and WG3 to build practical skills.
Activity:
- A joint training school for landscape practitioners.
Recent Activites of Working Group 2
WG3 organised a joint online seminar to synthesise findings from the four Regional Workshops held between January and March 2026. During the seminar, Regional Workshop organisers reported their specific working methods and results; participants then took part in two interactive activities on the Miro platform to summarise key findings and define what constitutes “archival materials” in the context of […]
10 May 2026
© David ClarkIn 2026, WG3 members organized four Regional Workshops. The overarching aim of these Regional Workshops is to initiate dialogue between teachers and students to identify their wishes and needs, and if possible, to start co-creating new methods and tools for using landscape architecture archives and archival materials in education. This co-creation process will continue into 2027. […]
10 May 2026
© Maria João FonsecaIn 2026, WG3 members organised four Regional Workshops with the overarching aim of initiating dialogue between teachers and students to identify their wishes and needs, and, where possible, to begin co-creating new methods and tools for using landscape architecture archives and archival materials in education. This co-creation process will continue into 2027. The Lisbon Regional […]
10 May 2026