A. Dailidaitė: "the Situation of Landscape Architecture in Lithuania is improving"

– An architect can play some of the roles of a landscape architect, especially if he or she is interested in landscape design, but there are important differences between the specialisations of an architect and a landscape architect:

• Landscape architects specialise in creative and sustainable landscape design, taking into account nature, human needs and social and ecological factors. They have in-depth knowledge of plants, soils, water management and other landscape elements;
• Landscape architects are often involved in urban planning processes that require a broader approach to the organisation of public spaces and sustainable urban development. They can design parks, squares, pedestrian paths and other public spaces;
• Landscape architects are often oriented towards the principles of sustainable development and can integrate environmental solutions into projects to reduce ecological impacts and promote sustainable use of natural resources;
• Landscape architects create distinctive, aesthetic and functional landscapes that combine natural and man-made elements. They can create unique environments that are tailored to the local context and the needs of the inhabitants.

– Is the practice of Lithuanian landscape architects different compared to other countries?
 
– From my personal experience, I could compare the situations in Lithuania and Belgium. Probably the biggest difference is that in Belgium there is a very clear division between architects, landscape architects and urban planners and designers. Everybody knows the boundaries of their speciality and does not try to do the work for others; on the contrary, they are willing to cooperate with each other. I am pleased that this practice is also emerging in Lithuania, but there is still room for improvement.

At least in Belgium, a landscape architect has more responsibilities than in Lithuania. He or she is not only responsible for the landscape part of the project, but also for the whole site plan, the vertical plan and so on. Landscape architects in Belgium are also involved in urban planning processes, where they can contribute to long-term urban strategies for urban development and growth, and can carry out urban studies to understand the urban structure, quality of life and sustainable development, which is rare in Lithuania.

– What trends and challenges do you see in Lithuania related to landscape architecture?

– First of all, it should be welcomed that the situation of landscape architecture in Lithuania is really improving, especially in Vilnius. In Lithuania, as in many other countries, there are several challenges in several areas of landscape architecture:
 

• Many cities and towns in Lithuania face urban problems such as: poor quality public spaces, pedestrian vs. car traffic and insufficient green space. Landscape architects strive to create environments that are attractive, functional and sustainable;
• Landscape architects need to balance new development projects with conservation and restoration requirements when protecting and preserving Lithuania's cultural and historical heritage;
• It is important that landscape architecture projects take into account the needs and interests of all inhabitants, promoting social inclusion and community participation in the design and management of public spaces;
• Climate change can have significant impacts on the Lithuanian landscape, such as increased flood risk, increased frequency of droughts or changes in temperature. Landscape architects need to find solutions to adapt to these changing conditions and promote sustainability;
• One of the main challenges is to promote sustainable landscape development: integrating environmental principles, conserving natural resources and minimising negative impacts on nature;
• Often, when new neighbourhoods are designed, building densities increase and green spaces are cleared, but developers are reluctant to compensate for the damage or to create high quality public spaces at their own expense. 

These challenges require a continuous creative approach and cooperation between different professionals and stakeholders to create vibrant, sustainable and life-enhancing environments.

Agnė Dailidaitė is a landscape architect with extensive academic and professional experience. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Architecture at VILNIUS TECH and her Master's degree at KU Leuven in Belgium, she has worked for prestigious landscape architecture and urban design firms, including Bureau Bas Smets and Omgeving, gaining valuable international and practical experience. Since mid-2019, she is a partner at the urban and landscape architecture firm Bauland, currently teaching Landscape Architecture students at VILNIUS TECH and is a full member of Lithuanian Association of Landscape Architects and Lithuanian urban innovation network 

News photo: Ugnė Petrauskaitė.