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12 September 2008
GHD landscape architect Jennie Curtis has been recognised for
her work in designing sustainable gardens in the National Landscape
Architecture Awards. Jennie was awarded the Edna Walling National
Award by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. The
award recognises excellence by landscape architects in residential
work.
Jennie began researching the use of more sustainable landscape
materials and construction techniques about three years ago, when
it became apparent that ongoing drought and water shortages were
going to affect the survival of plant material in Canberra,
particularly irrigated lawns and water hungry trees and shrubs.
Most clients with larger projects insisted on maintaining
conventional design solutions and methods. Fortunately Jennie was
able to work on a series of residential landscape designs with
clients who were prepared to be flexible and consider alternative
design options. Together they explored use of recycled and local
materials, ways of structuring landscapes without lawn,
incorporation of water sensitive design elements close to the water
source and at a small scale, and use of a diverse range of drought
tolerant plant species including those indigenous to native
grasslands around Canberra.
Jennie’s holistic view of building and landscape as one system
resulted in the implementation of low energy systems for water
management, heating, cooling and food production as part of the
landscape designs.
“Having clients who were prepared to try new ideas in
sustainable landscape design was crucial to being able to develop
innovative techniques suited to the Canberra region”, Jennie
said.
"Sustainability needs to be about finding local solutions,
although the principles can be applied anywhere in the world. I
have always tried to be upfront in telling clients when I am
proposing that they try something that I haven’t done before and
have been lucky enough to find people willing to take a chance.
The award honours Jennie’s work on residential projects between
2004 and 2007. Jennie joined GHD in early 2008.
"I'm excited to be able to apply the lessons I learned on these
projects to the larger projects GHD is involved with, and to be
able to do it with confidence," Jennie said.
Canberra Operating Centre Manager Rob Knott said: “GHD is
committed to incorporating sustainable solutions into all its
projects and we are delighted to have the work of Jennie Curtis
recognised at a national level by her fellow landscape
architects”.
"At GHD she is able to team up with other like-minded
professionals in our Sustainable Planning and Urban Development
Group to offer creative and sustainable designs locally, nationally
and internationally."
The National Landscape Architecture Awards will be presented in
Canberra on Friday, 12 September, between noon and 1.30pm. The
awards will be held at the Canberra Business and Event Centre,
Regatta Point, Canberra. Further information about the awards is
available at www.aila.org.au/awards/2008. Contact Paul Costigan at
AILA on 02 6248 9970 for more information about the awards
ceremony.
Jennie Curtis is available for interviews and photographs on
0410 539 150 or 02 6112 8309.
For further information, contact:
Mandi Zonneveldt