Next Generation Park Systems - Living Landscapes for Future Cities

Next Generation Park Systems - Living Landscapes for Future Cities

Come join us at the National Wine Centre of Australia for an exciting event focused on creating innovative park systems for our future cities. Discover how we can design living landscapes that benefit both people and the environment. Network with experts in the field and gain insights into the latest trends in sustainable urban planning. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of shaping the cities of tomorrow!

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Participant Biographies

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Dr. Matthew Skjonsberg

Dr. Matthew Skjonsberg is a leading landscape architect and author of the forthcoming book “Living Cities: Three Centuries of Park Systems” which is based on his archival research on Park Systems around the world. He directs Praxis Institute, a transdisciplinary initiative aimed at bringing the benefits of current research and practice to public parks. He is also a lecturer at the Habitat Research Center at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), where he initiated the ongoing Hidden Rivers research program in 2014. His research focuses on rural and urban ecology, green infrastructure, civic design, and the history of landscape architecture. Dr. Skjonsberg is committed to advancing the field of landscape architecture through transdisciplinary research and public engagement, creating environments and habitats that advance both ecological and civic values.

Dr. Alison Collins

Dr. Alison Collins is an urban planner with over 20 years of experience. She is Green Adelaide’s Team Leader of Planning and led the development of the draft Urban Greening Strategy. Her work focuses on creating more liveable, greener, and water-sensitive neighborhoods. Dr. Collins is dedicated to enhancing urban environments through strategic planning and sustainable design practices. She collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private developers, to implement initiatives that promote urban greening and resilience. Her expertise in urban planning and environmental sustainability has made her a key figure in shaping the future of Adelaide’s urban landscape. Dr. Collins' efforts aim to improve the quality of life for residents by increasing green spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable water management practices. Her leadership in developing the Urban Greening Strategy reflects her commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable urban environments.

Prof. Mark Tyrrell

Prof. Mark Tyrrell is the founder and director of the Australian design firm Tyrrell Studio and an adjunct professor at the UTS School of Design, Architecture, and Building. With degrees in architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture, he works on a broad range of public projects at the junction of these disciplines. Prof. Tyrrell's work focuses on creating innovative and sustainable design solutions that enhance the quality of urban environments. He collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private developers, to implement projects that promote urban resilience and sustainability. His expertise in architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture allows him to approach design challenges from multiple perspectives, resulting in holistic and integrated solutions. Prof. Tyrrell is dedicated to landscape research through design, aiming to create innovative urban environments that are at the forefront of landscape practice.

Dr. Louise Bird

Dr. Louise Bird is a historian with over 25 years of experience researching South Australian history, focusing on open space planning, architecture, the built environment, and designed landscapes. Her doctoral thesis explored the historic provision of open space in South Australia during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, especially the postwar period. Dr. Bird demonstrated that the perceived benefits of open space—such as social, health, amenity, marketing, and environmental advantages—laid the foundations for Adelaide’s approach to open space planning. This led to the creation of local open space systems in post-war planned residential developments, initiated by both public and private sectors. Dr. Bird’s expertise in South Australian history informs her role as the Principal Heritage Assessment Officer at Heritage South Australia. In this position, she leads the Assessment Team in supporting the South Australian Heritage Council in assessing and listing State Heritage Places. Additionally, Dr. Bird is an adjunct research fellow at UniSA Creative, University of South Australia, where she contributes to research in heritage and historical studies.

Ben Willsmore

Ben Willsmore is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Director of the AILA Board, with over 20 years of experience in public and private practices. He has undertaken numerous advisory roles, championing the profession of Landscape Architecture and advocating for quality design outcomes. Mr. Willsmore's work focuses on promoting the value of landscape architecture in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. He collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private developers, to implement projects that enhance the quality of urban spaces. His expertise in landscape architecture and urban design has made him a key figure in the field, both locally and nationally.

Prof. Maria Ignatieva

Prof. Maria Ignatieva is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the School of Design, University of Western Australia. Her research and teaching focus on urban biodiversity, design, and landscape architecture. Prof. Ignatieva's work emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological principles into urban planning and design to create sustainable and resilient cities. She collaborates with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions for contemporary urban challenges. Her role at the University of Western Australia involves leading research projects that explore the intersections of urban design, ecology, and technology. Prof. Ignatieva is committed to furthering the field of landscape architecture through research and engagement, aiming to create urban environments that are nature postive. She is also Chair of the international URBIO network, which focuses on urban biodiversity and ecological design.

Stephanie Johnston

Stephanie is the principal consultant at Stephanie Johnston & Associates, a consultancy specialising in urban and regional planning, heritage and placemaking. As a member of the State Planning Commission she is currently overseeing the drafting of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, and as a member of the Adelaide Park Lands Authority, she is also reviewing the Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy.

Stephanie has an undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies and a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning. As an expert member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes (ISCCL) Stephanie also brings Burra Charter adaptive management and regenerative planning perspectives to the table.

Dr. Scott Hawken

Dr. Scott Hawken is a Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, and Landscape Archaeologist and director of the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Adelaide. Dr. Hawken is a national leader in biodiversity and landscape architecture, working with government and professional agencies. He chairs the National Working Group on Biodiversity Positive Design and works to energetically and strategically integrate ecological principles into urban planning and design to create sustainable and resilient urban environments. Dr Hawkwen is committed to advancing the field through innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary research, aiming to equip the next generation of landscape architects with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex environmental challenges and to build intellectual connections with a range of disciplines.

Host or Publisher School of Architecture and Built Environment