Istanbul, the site of one of the LILA winning projects
September 2, 2024

Celebrating the Work of 2023 Landezine International Landscape Award Winners

LEAVE COMMENT 0
7 min read

Summary

The 2023 Landezine International Landscape Awards (LILA) honored innovative landscape architecture projects that blend aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality. As we anticipate the 2024 announcements, this article reflects on the exceptional work of last year’s winners, who have set a high standard in transforming urban spaces, creating vibrant public areas, and integrating nature with design.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the 2023 LILA-winning projects demonstrate the balance between ecological sensitivity and modern design?
  2. What can we learn from these award-winning landscape architects about the role of public spaces in enhancing community well-being?
  3. How might the principles showcased in the 2023 LILA projects inspire future urban and landscape design initiatives in your own community?

Journal Prompt

Reflect on a public space or landscape that has made a significant impact on you. How does its design influence your experience of the space, and what elements make it stand out? Consider how the principles demonstrated by the 2023 LILA winners could be applied to improve or inspire similar spaces in your area.

Write Journal

In 2023, the Landezine International Landscape Awards (LILA) celebrated some of the most innovative and inspiring projects in landscape architecture. As we prepare to explore the exciting announcements from July 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on last year’s winners. These exceptional projects and firms pushed the boundaries of design, blending aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality to create spaces that resonate deeply with their environments and communities. From transforming urban spaces to creating dynamic playgrounds, the 2023 LILA winners have set a high bar for landscape architecture!

What Are the Landezine International Landscape Awards?

The Landezine International Landscape Awards, or LILA, are prestigious honors in landscape architecture that celebrate some of the most innovative and impactful projects worldwide. Established in 2016, these awards highlight outstanding public spaces, residential landscapes, infrastructure projects, and more—all by incredible landscape architects and landscape designers who create alongside nature instead of in competition with it.

What sets LILA apart is its focus on projects that blend functionality, ecological sensitivity, and aesthetic beauty, making them visually impressive, sustainable, and meaningful for their communities. Each landscape architect honored by LILA has achieved excellence in their field while capturing the essence of the organization’s mission.

Whether it’s transforming an urban park or designing a residential garden, the LILA awards recognize work pushing landscape architecture’s boundaries. Last year, the jurors who selected award-winning landscape design projects for LILA were Hannah Schubert, Luigi Latini, Marti Franch, Ana Kučan, and Zaš Brezar.

Honoring Last Year’s LILA Winners

LILA 2023 Honour Award Winner Prof. Dr. Lisa Diedrich

Prof. Dr. Lisa Diedrich is a prominent landscape architect and academic known for her extensive work in landscape urbanism and design research. She has held various academic positions and is currently a professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Alnarp, where she leads the Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Management.

Her research focuses on the intersection of landscape architecture, urbanism, and design theory, particularly addressing contemporary environmental and societal challenges through innovative landscape strategies. Diedrich is also recognized for her contributions to the editorial field. She has served as the editor-in-chief of the journal ‘scape and has been involved in various international research projects and publications.

Her work bridges theory and practice, making significant contributions to landscape architecture’s academic and professional realms.

Learn more about her work here.

LILA 2023 Office of the Year Winner Batlleiroig Arquitectura

Batlleiroig Arquitectura is a respected Spanish architecture and urban planning firm based in Barcelona. It is known for its innovative approach to integrating architecture, landscape, and urbanism. Founded in 1981 by Enric Batlle and Joan Roig, the firm has built a reputation for creating sustainable and contextually sensitive projects that seamlessly blend built environments with natural landscapes. Their work spans various scales, from large urban parks and infrastructure projects to residential and commercial buildings.

One of their most notable projects is the restoration of the Garraf Controlled Waste Landfill in Barcelona, which transformed a vast landfill into a green space, highlighting their commitment to environmental regeneration. Batlleiroig is celebrated for its ability to create spaces prioritizing human experience and ecological balance, making it a leading force in contemporary landscape architecture and urban design.

The firm’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of multifunctional spaces that serve social and environmental purposes, and they have received numerous awards for their work, including several Landezine International Landscape Awards (LILA)​.

Learn more about the project here.

LILA 2023 Project of the Year Winners mICHELE&mIQUEL and dA VISION DESIGN

Winning Project: The Dark Line

Michele & Miquel and Da Vision Design are two design studios that collaborated on their 2023 LILA submission. This project is a landscape architecture and urbanism intervention located in northeast Taiwan, designed to transform a historical railway site into a cycling route that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.

The project has been recognized for its thoughtful integration of local ecology, history, and design. It has received accolades such as the 2023 WLA Awards – Merit Award in the Built Large Landscape Design category. Michele & Miquel, led by Michele Orliac and Miquel Batlle, are known for their expertise in landscape and urban design, while Da Vision Design contributes a similar focus on creating innovative, context-sensitive spaces​.

Michele & Miquel

Michele & Miquel is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Barcelona, Spain, co-founded by Michele Orliac and Miquel Ballbé. The firm is recognized for its innovative approach that merges architecture, landscape, and urbanism, with a strong focus on creating spaces that are deeply connected to their cultural and environmental contexts.

Their projects often highlight the interplay between built environments and natural landscapes, aiming to enhance both ecological and social values. Michele & Miquel are particularly known for their work in transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant community areas, reflecting their commitment to sustainable and thoughtful design.

Da Vision Design

Da Vision Design is a design firm that specializes in creating immersive brand experiences and interior architecture. Based in Miami, the firm is driven by a team of creative professionals who focus on crafting spaces that resonate with the identity and vision of their clients. Their portfolio includes high-end residential projects, commercial spaces, and hospitality design, all characterized by a blend of innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence. Da Vision Design is noted for integrating advanced technology and materials into their work, ensuring that their environments are both cutting-edge and user-centric.

Learn more about the project here.

LILA 2023 Public Landscapes Winner DFLA

Winning Project: Bridgefoot Street Park

DFLA, or Dermot Foley Landscape Architects, is a Dublin-based landscape architecture firm recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach to urban design and public spaces. Established in 2001, the firm has made significant contributions to Ireland’s landscape architecture scene by integrating environmental science with artistic expression.

DFLA’s projects often explore themes such as ecology, craft, and the reimagining of urban spaces, with a strong focus on community engagement and ecological restoration. Notable projects include the award-winning Bridgefoot Street Park in Dublin, which transformed a neglected urban area into a vibrant public space. DFLA is known for its ability to create landscapes that are not only functional and sustainable but also deeply resonant with the communities they serve

This year, DLFA was the LILA 2024 Winner in Public Landscapes for Airlie Park.

Learn more about the project here.

LILA 2023 Residential Landscapes Winner rajek barosch landschaftsarchitektur

Winning Project: Atelierhaus C21

rajek barosch landschaftsarchitektur is a Vienna-based architecture and design firm known for its innovative and contemporary approach to creating unique, functional spaces. The firm specializes in both residential and commercial projects, with a particular emphasis on integrating modern design elements with the surrounding environment.

rajek barosch is respected for its meticulous attention to detail, blending aesthetics with practicality to craft visually striking and highly livable spaces. Their projects often incorporate sustainable practices, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and cutting-edge design. The firm’s work is characterized by clean lines, thoughtful use of materials, and a deep understanding of how architecture can enhance the human experience.

Learn more about the project here.

Fuel your creative fire & be a part of a supportive community that values how you love to live.

subscribe to our newsletter

*please check your Spam folder for the latest DesignDash Magazine issue immediately after subscription

LILA 2023 Campuses and Corporate Landscapes Winner MASS Design Group

Winning Project: Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture

MASS Design Group is a globally recognized architecture and design collective known for its commitment to social impact and community-driven design. Founded in 2008, the firm believes that architecture can be a tool for healing and positive change. MASS, which stands for Model of Architecture Serving Society, focuses on projects prioritizing communities’ well-being, particularly in underserved areas.

Their work spans healthcare facilities, schools, and memorials, all designed with a deep respect for local culture, sustainability, and the environment. Notable projects include the Butaro District Hospital in Rwanda and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in the United States, both of which exemplify the firm’s dedication to creating spaces that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful.

Learn more about the project here.

LILA 2023 Schools and Playgrounds Winner Carve

Winning Project: Tophane Park Playground

Carve, an Amsterdam-based design studio specializing in public spaces for play and interaction, was honored as the LILA 2023 Schools and Playgrounds Winner for their exceptional project, the Tophane Park Playground. Located in a historic park in Istanbul, Turkey, this playground reimagines traditional play spaces by blending contemporary design with the site’s rich cultural context.

The playground features a striking sculptural structure that offers a variety of play experiences, encouraging children to engage in climbing, sliding, and imaginative exploration. Carve’s design is lauded for its innovative use of local materials and craftsmanship, creating a space that serves as a playground and a piece of urban art that resonates with its surroundings. The project exemplifies Carve’s commitment to creating dynamic and inclusive public spaces that inspire and delight users of all ages.

Learn more about the project here.

LILA 2023 Revisted Projects Winner Batlleiroig Arquitectura

Winning Project: Landscape restoration of the Garraf Controlled Waste Landfill site in Barcelona

Batlleiroig Arquitectura also received the LILA 2023 Revisited Projects Award for their remarkable work on the landscape restoration of the Barcelona Garraf Controlled Waste Landfill site. This ambitious project transformed a massive landfill, once a symbol of environmental degradation, into a thriving green space that now serves as a model for sustainable urban regeneration.

Batlleiroig’s design approach focused on ecological restoration, creating a diverse landscape that supports local wildlife and provides recreational opportunities for the community. The project seamlessly integrates the site’s history with its new purpose, preserving the memory of the landfill while reimagining it as a valuable public resource.

Learn more about the project here.

Explore the LILA 2024 Winning Projects

If you’re inspired by the innovative and impactful projects highlighted in the 2023 LILA awards, please explore the 2024 winners. Each year, the Landezine International Landscape Awards showcase the best in landscape architecture, revealing how thoughtful design can transform spaces and communities.

The 2024 winners continue this tradition, offering fresh perspectives and groundbreaking solutions that address both environmental challenges and the needs of those who inhabit these spaces. Whether you’re a design professional, a student, or simply passionate about beautiful and sustainable spaces, the 2024.