The AILA
National Stewardship Awards
Australian National University
Gardens & Grounds Section
for their Landscape Maintenance Program
this photo and main page photo: Matt Kelso
The ANU is Canberra’s oldest and largest university, formerly
established in 1947. In 1993, Sydney based firm Knox and Partners prepared
a Strategic Landscape Plan for the site.
The strategy reinforces major
existing axes including Griffin’s University Avenue as well as
Sullivan’s Creek and introduces a third axial space centred on
the Acton Ridge. The plan acknowledges the powerful presence of Black
Mountain into the campus landscape character as well as the heritage
of exotic plant material and intimate green courtyards. The landscape
is currently well maintained by ANU horticultural staff.
Environmental Awareness
Whilst the Sydney based firm Knox and Partners have overseen the Master
Plan for the entire site, a number of landscape architecture practices
have provided detailed plans for specific areas.
Over the last
decade there has been an increasing use of drought hardy accent plants
in shrub beds associated with new buildings and building renovations
and major entry ways into the university. During
Stage 3 water restrictions the ANU has agreed to reduce its water use
by 40%. This has been achieved by reducing irrigation
of grassed areas to twice a week. Dryland grass is not irrigated
except if high quality trees are at risk due to water stress. Over that
period, the gardens and grounds section staff, led by George Abraham,
have become proficient at developing and maintaining these landscapes. Using
these plants has assisted the Section in achieving significant reduction
in use of water.
Grey water recycling initiative – the ANU purchases
water from ACTEWAGL to irrigate two of its ovals.
Site maintenance in the context of custodianship of the landscape:
The
site is an example of a well maintained landscape (when many public landscapes
in the ACT are poorly maintained) in keeping with the overall master
plan prepared by the Landscape Architects.
The site’s value as an ongoing integral part of the community & the
extent to which it has received local acknowledgement & acclaim since
its establishment
The site is located near the city centre and
adjacent to a number of important institutions. The grounds are accessed
by the wider community as well as by staff and students of the university.
They are an important part of the greater Canberra landscape.
In 2006 the AILA awarded the inaugural Stewardship Awards
Australian National University (click here for more on the ANU site)
Gardens & Grounds Section
for their Landscape Maintenance Program
The Centennial and Moore Park trust, Sydney
for The Park Improvement Program
>> About the Stewardship Awards
>> About AILA's listing of Significant Landscapes
Application forms to nominate an agency for an AILA stewardhip award
may be received at any time
>> download the form here <<