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Working Group 1
Archival Management
Mission
WG1 works to strengthen the management and preservation of Landscape Architecture (LA) archives across Europe.
Our goal is to promote archival standards and build strong collaborations between archivists, researchers and landscape architecture professionals.
We focus especially on regions where records are at risk and archival infrastructures are still developing. WG1 promotes post-custodial archival methods and supports professionals in gaining essential skills – including appraisal, acquisition, classification, and description – through manuals, visits, training sessions, and knowledge exchange.
Key Activities
1. Mapping Existing Archives
Identifying and documenting landscape architecture archives and collections in collaboration with COST members.
Activities:
- Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) to assess archives by age, condition, type, and accessibility.
- Workshops to analyse findings and build a cartographic database.
2. Identifying Innovative Archival Models
Exploring and sharing effective archival practices to strengthen expertise and improve access to archives.
Activities:
- Online workshops to review and compare current approaches.
- STSMs, study visits, and masterclasses to exchange knowledge and replicate successful models.
3. Creating a Manual of Best Practices
Developing a comprehensive guide for managing both analog and digital LA records – from care and storage to long-term preservation.
Activities:
- Workshops for knowledge exchange.
- STSM to compile the manual.
4. Creating a Manual for Donors
Designing a practical guide to help LA professionals and associations organise and donate their materials to archives.
Activities:
- Workshops to gather insights and experiences.
- STSM to produce the donor handbook.
5. Digital Technologies & Archival Challenges
Building capacity in managing digital records – such as CAD files, GIS data, BIM models, and 3D representations – and advancing digitisation and digital humanities standards.
Activity:
- One dedicated training school.
Recent Activites of Working Group 1
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