Regionalism and its significance in contemporary landscape architecture in New Zealand

Abstract

In the past there have been a number of commentaries on the potential of regionalism in landscape architecture. In the context of New Zealand there is indication to suggest it is re-emerging as a method of approaching contemporary landscape architecture. This thesis seeks to investigate the attitudes of landscape architects towards regionalism, with the aim of enhancing its understanding in the context of landscape architecture. As a concept which applies to a variety of disciplines, regionalism has many definitions, all of which have a bearing on how it is understood in landscape architecture. A number of related disciplines; geography, planning, bioregionalism, arts and architecture, are explored for their references to regionalism. Using a main case study of the New Zealand landscape architecture profession, and an indicative case study of the Scottish profession as a comparison, landscape architects' attitudes and understandings towards regionalism are investigated. Using the results from the literature review and case study interviews, various categories of regionalism are identified which clarifies the range of landscape architects' perspectives upon regionalism. These categories are related back to the interview responses to ascertain the predominant understandings present in New Zealand and Scotland, with the results being discussed in regard to the political, cultural and ecological context of the respective countries. The results are also discussed in relation to the theory of Critical Regionalism and some implications of the research on landscape theory, practice and education are outlined.