LANDSCAPE INNOVATORS COMPETITION 2024

Invitations are open to landscape architects and inter-disciplinary collaborators to propose innovations that transform landscape architecture practice. 
 
The competition is part of the 2024 AILA Innovation Symposium, ‘Embracing Change.’  The mission of the event is to create a robust dialogue about what it means to innovate in the Australian landscape architecture profession. 
 
The competition contributes to the dialogue by engaging the wide spectrum of practitioners that shape landscapes. Inspired by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) ‘Game Changers’, the competition challenges practitioners to articulate an existing, prospective or speculative innovation.
 
Innovation can be interpreted, critiqued and creatively expressed. This can be done within or go beyond the conventional definition of innovation as ‘the implementation of a product or process that is new to a social system with the aim of advancing performance.’ Explore applications in landscape architecture, such as the economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions of practice and discourse. 

THE BRIEF

Create a 2-minute video proposing an innovation that will transform landscape architecture.

Outline the following:

  • What is the innovation - a product or process? 
    Give it a name and a compelling by-line
  • What challenge or opportunity does the innovation address?  
    Spell out the drivers of the innovation, e.g. industry forces, social or environmental- ecological factors. 
  • Why is this important in landscape architecture and built environments? 
    Be specific about the context or scale, e.g. organisational, professional or industry wide level.
  • How do you propose to implement from one step to the next? 
    Plot out the time horizon, resources, skills and the possible barriers and facilitators.
  • How will you gauge progress and performance? 
    Account for the qualitative and /or metrics for tracking the changes.
  • What are the desired or expected outcomes?  
    Speculate on the benefits or advantages for landscape architecture and built environments practice and / or discourse.

Consider the following as you prepare the presentation: 

  • Present as a narrative
  • Compliment with slides that are legible, clear and concise
  • Enhance impact of pitch with a metaphor or other creative techniques, such as use of graphics, editing, animation, dramatic or comedic performance, etc. 
  • Check audio of recorded voice to capture vocal range and rhythm - don't be afraid to use pauses, soundscapes or other auditory devices.
  • Test with a neutral audience for feedback and to fine tune clarity and impact


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Eligible entrants
The competition may be submitted by an individual entrant or as a group of up to three (3) entrants.
All Entrants must be either:

  • Tertiary students or recent graduates (up to 2 years) of disciplines related to the built and natural environment, or design and creative industries studying at an Australian university during 2024.
  • Members and registered practitioners with AILA and allied professional associations

 

What to submit 

  • Strictly no more than 2-minute video (from opening title to credit screen). 
  • Video format must be recorded in landscape form with a minimum resolution of 720p (1080p recommended).
  • Include the following:
    • Credit screen identifies all contributors, acknowledging sources for images, audio, and funding
    • English subtitles, if required to improve accessibility 
    • File name details – title/ key contact person surname or group name 


How to submit - timeline and process

  • Entry is free
  • Submissions:
    •  Close at 11:00pm AEST, Tuesday 15 October 2024 
               Entrants agree to the competition terms and conditions upon submitting.
               Please refer to the Eligible Entrants requirements
  • Selection for presentation at symposium:
    • An expert panel will select the top 20 entries for presentation at the Innovation Symposium.  All entries will be judged on the following criteria:
      • Imagination, originality and ambition of the innovation proposal
      • Strength of argument
      • Coherence of innovation process 
      • Overall clarity and creative graphic representation (text, illustrative and audio).
      • Meet the competition brief and engagement with the themes of innovation in the symposium – market, leadership, technology and design in landscape architecture.

 

Awards announced at the symposium:

‘Innovationist of the Year’ Award - General Category
An expert panel selects the most significant contribution to the profession. 
Prize: $10,000 'Studio subscription’ from Place Intelligence
Includes: $5,000 of computing credits, access to knowledge courses, and 1:1 training for up to 5 staff. Available only for ‘Members and registered practitioners with AILA and allied professional associations’.

‘Innovationist of the Year’ Award - Student Category
An expert panel selects the most significant contribution to the profession by a student entrant.
Prize: Two-week summer internship opportunity with Place Intelligence

People’s Choice Award 
Symposium attendants vote for their favourite entry.
Prize: A $750 AILA CPD Voucher, provided by AILA for use in a range of AILA CPD opportunities including Latitude or a 2025 AILA National CPD event. 
 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By entering the competition, you agree that you either own the copyright or obtain permission (a license) from the copyright owners to allow AILA to use, reproduce or adapt the materials as needed. By entering the competition, you give AILA permission to reproduce, exhibit, publish and/or communicate the materials and information you provide and use or adapt the materials, or a portion of the materials. The entrant is responsible for ensuring copyright and moral rights are met before submitting your entry.
 
CONTACT
Direct any competition or Symposium questions to [email protected].

 

AILA's Landscape Innovators Competition is proudly supported by Place Intelligence. 

         

Enter today - the competition is now open and closes 4 October 2024 

Invitations are open to landscape architects, students and inter-disciplinary collaborators to propose innovations that transform landscape architecture practice. 

VIEW THE COMPETITION FORM

AILA's and AILA Victoria's Strengthening Relationships with Traditional Owners, Innovation Symposium and associated events, will take place in Naarm / Melbourne from the 23-25 October. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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