Behind-the-scenes organisation of ILASA’s 2010 conference is in progress. The event, themed “Landscape architecture,,, adding value” is planned for 6 - 7 May 2010 in Sandton, Johannesburg. The conference will focus on various sub-themes to illustrate the value that landscape architecture can add to the development of South Africa’s built environment.
Day one will focus on private sector property development, specifically looking at green buildings within the context of green cities as well as at regenerative landscapes (“brownfields” developments as well as projects that involve reclamation and rehabilitation).
Day two will focus on public sector projects and initiatives with half the day dedicated to discussion on the role of public precincts, squares and parks to facilitate densification and social cohesion within our cities. The second session will look at urban greening and ecological systems within the built environment and unpack the crucial functions of rivers, wetlands, ridges and nature areas within cities.
2012 Congress also being planned
In Cape Town an extensive committee chaired by Bruce Eitzen is busy planning the International Federation of Landscape Architecture (IFLA) congress that will take place in Cape Town during September 2012. The organising committee is hoping to issue the terms of reference for the appointment of a conference organiser shortly.
ILASA expands in KZN
ILASA boasts two active branches currently – the Gauteng Society for Landscape Architecture (GSLA) and ILASA-Cape, but with growing membership the institute hopes to launch a fully-fledged branch in KwaZulu-Natal in the near future. Herman de Lange of Uys & White Landscape Architects is spearheading the process to establish such a branch.
ILASA members stay informed
Members of ILASA are kept informed on the latest projects, issues and trends affecting the field of landscape architecture, urban planning and the South African built environment through the institute’s information package. This package involves a subscription to the alternate-monthly Urban Green File magazine as well as its fortnightly e-mail bulletin. This is the first year in which ILASA members are receiving both the print magazine and the e-mail bulletin. The institute has been able to offer this expanded information package to its members at the same time as halving the annual individual membership fees for ILASA!
Please ensure that ILASA has your latest postal address and e-mail address for the delivery of subscriptions and other institute correspondence. Please be in contact with Cynthia Badenhorst at Van der Walt & Company – ILASA’s administrators – if you do not currently receive Urban Green File or its e-mail bulletin, or to update any of your contact details with ILASA.
E-mail updates to ilasa@ilasa.co.za
Medical scheme for built environment professionals considers merger
The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has instructed BEPMEDS to merge with a suitable partner, effective 1 January 2010. BEPMEDS is a medical aid scheme, established eight years ago to meet the specific needs of the founding professional associations - the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). As BEPMEDS has marketed its services to ILASA members, it is possible that some of our members could be affected by this development. BEPMEDS has apparently approached Profmed about a possible merger and the boards of both organisations have already approved such a merger. However the CMS still has to give its approval.
The Council for the Built Environment is undertaking research to gain in-depth understanding of the size, competitiveness and structure of the six professions that make up the built environment. The study also aims to identify the main challenges and opportunities confronted by these industries.
CBE needs the opinion of landscape architects
The CBE has requested that ILASA members provide input to the following questions:
- What are the sources of data on the built environment in South Africa? How reliable, appropriate and complete are these data sources?
- What are the main internal strengths and weaknesses of the built environment professions industry?
- What are the priority external opportunities and threats that confront the built environment professions industry?
- What more should the profession and the CBE do to meet government’s infrastructure investment programme?
Please e-mail answers to these questions to ILASA President Stuart Glen - stuart@greeninc.co.za
Cape Town discusses stormwater
The Catchment Stormwater & River Management Branch of the City of Cape Town’s Roads & Stormwater Department is hosting a presentation on its new catchment, stormwater and river management policies on 26 November 2009.
The city has recently adopted two policies to regulate stormwater management and the workshop will unpack the details of these. The event is planned for the Goodwood Fire Station building. Seating is limited and needs to be booked in advance with Liezyl Simons.
She can be contacted via e-mail on liezyl.simons@capetown.gov.za or phone on (021) 400 2657
