Nothing is as important as vitamin B—what is often said flippantly contains more than just a grain of truth. This is no different in the landscape architecture industry. Networking does not have to be primarily about building a career network. Rather, especially in the creative field, it can be beneficial for the further development of one’s own interests and projects to engage in broad-based and interdisciplinary exchange. If this ultimately leads to professional collaborations, that is a nice side effect. Julia Treichel highlights the networking opportunities available to landscape architects.

Professional associations as a strong backbone

On the one hand, there is the option of becoming an actual member of an association. The Association of German Landscape Architects (BDLA) – or its equivalent, the Association of Swiss Landscape Architects (BSLA) – are suitable for this professional group. There are sub-associations in the respective federal states. “Members can expect training courses in collaboration with renowned landscape architects, urban and landscape planners, exciting lectures, events, and competitions,” says Laura Stoib. She is studying for a master’s degree in landscape architecture at the Technical University of Munich. She is also involved in the BDLA as a junior member. She is aware of how important networking can be and that it is not equally easy for everyone: “Some people already have connections through relatives, etc., and some never get the chance because they lack the necessary contacts. I think we have made a good start with our BDLA Junior platform to bring along those who don’t really have any experience in networking yet.”

Junior members – the path to professional associations during your studies

The junior format bridges the gap between university studies and the professional world. Stoib explains: “We understand the needs, answer direct questions (regarding transitioning into the professional world or working as a student trainee), and advocate for the interests of junior members in the BDLA.” Together with other juniors, she regularly organizes so-called MEET+EATs. In a relaxed atmosphere, planning offices invite guests to their premises after work, where informal conversations develop. „This gives students the opportunity to get to know a planning office in the field of urban development, landscape architecture, or planning in a one-on-one setting and gain insight into projects. Our MEET + EATs are popular and have already enabled many students to make initial contact with future employers in the past,“ she adds proudly. Especially for young professionals, the BDLA’s offer is an opportunity to enter the industry, attract attention, and exchange ideas with like-minded people. It also promotes young talent, for example by organizing competitions for young professionals. In addition to informative events and personal exchanges, the BDLA has the advantage as a closed association of being able to strongly represent the interests of open space planners in politics and expert committees. Anyone working in a planning profession can join by paying a membership fee. Comparable, specialized professional associations include the DGGL (German Society forGarden Art and Landscape Culture), the SRL (Association for Urban, Regional, and State Planning), and internationally, the IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects).

Selection of professional associations

• BDLA (Association of German Landscape Architects)
• BSLA (Association of Swiss Landscape Architects)
• DGGL (German Society for Garden Art and Landscape Culture)
• DASL (German Academy for Urban Development and Regional Planning)
• SRL (Association for Urban, Regional, and Regional Planning)
• IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects)

Learning from experienced professionals through alumni clubs

The Alumni Club Landschaft at the Technical University of Munich is unique in Germany as an association for landscape architects. Graduates, students, friends, and supporters of landscape architecture and landscape planning courses joined forces here in 1957. Today, it has more than 500 members. In addition to conferences and excursions on specialist topics, the focus is on maintaining contacts. Planners from teaching, research, and practice can meet on equal terms and without inhibitions, stimulating lively exchange both within and outside the university. Membership is open to students and graduates of the Technical University of Munich.

Events as a Community Creator

Joining an association is not essential for networking with others. Less formal and combined with active leisure activities are multi-day, subject-specific workshops, which are often offered by universities or private organizations. Seminars of this kind are not primarily designed for establishing professional contacts. However, they often bring together a diverse, interdisciplinary group united by a common interest. Through intensive discussion in one place over a short period of time, positions and working methods are quickly exchanged. In most cases, the special situation creates bonds on a personal level and can serve as a starting point for long-lasting friendships. These friendships are characterized by social proximity, but also by a basis for professional discourse. It is not uncommon for these experiences to be of great value in the long term. There are plenty of events to be found if you search for them. The Bundesfachschaft Landschaft (Federal Student Council for Landscape Architecture) organizes the LASKO (Landscape Architecture Study Conference), which brings together students from various universities in the field of landscape architecture. At the European level, ELASA (European Landscape Architecture Student Association) organizes a similar event at different locations in the EU each year with participants from various countries. And in Italy, for example, the Landworks workshop has been held annually since 2011. This workshop focuses on concepts from art, architecture and landscape designed to offer social added value in precarious spatial situations. Interested students from various disciplines and all countries are eligible to participate.

Selection of workshops:

• LASKO
• ELASA
• Landworks
• Cologne Forest Laboratory
• Summer schools at various institutions: e.g., Bauhaus University, TU Berlin, TU Munich, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Geisenheim University, Karl Foerster Foundation

Engaging in interdisciplinary exchange on open platforms

Finally, open platforms and panels are also a good option. These initially involve little commitment and are therefore easily accessible. The motto is “see and perhaps not be seen immediately.” This makes it possible to approach other ideas and ideals, which can then develop into a more intensive exchange in the long term. Offers from architecture institutes and cultural institutions are just as helpful for this as an interdisciplinary network platform à la NXT A.

Regardless of how you seek to connect with others, it is important to realize that you can only benefit from any kind of exchange. By engaging with people who think differently and those who think similarly, you will be confronted with inspiring positions and can encourage each other. Networking should not be seen merely as a means to advance one’s career, but rather as a genuine interest in others. This can result in a win-win situation for all involved.

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