Student event goes back to basics

The European Landscape Architecture Student Association (ELASA) mini-meeting took place in Edinburgh this year - the first time the event has been hosted in the UK since 1995.

During the meeting on 15-19 April, students participated in a programme around the theme "Back to Basics", which challenged them to return to the core skills, processes and tools of the landscape architecture profession. For example, students were encouraged to use the traditional pencil and sketchbook to record their experiences of open spaces.

The programme was split between Edinburgh and the rural highlands around Aberfeldy. A series of workshops, lectures and discussions aimed to challenge the students to explore new and old ways of working.

ELASA's Edinburgh organiser Rowan Longhurst told HW that the programme included collaboration with North Edinburgh Arts.

As part of the programme, ELASA members gave the lead on designing and installing a series of green spaces. In addition, an area of a local shopping centre was grassed using Lindum Turf, to be used to form a stage for events.