ASPECT Studios

As we reflect on 2024, we not only celebrate this year’s achievements but also take pride in how far we’ve come since our journey began in 1993. What started as a single studio has grown into a truly global design practice, spanning both the northern and southern hemispheres. We want to thank everyone who has been part of the ASPECT story—our clients, collaborators, and the incredible team, past and present. Together, we celebrate the impact we’ve made in designing places that enrich communities, transform cities, advance sustainability and contribute positively to the environment. Here’s to another year of creating spaces that inspire and thrive! ____________ Images: - Bradfield Central Park - Kalgoorlie City Centre | Photography: Peter Bennetts - Chengdu Urban District Design Competition - Celebrating 25 Years of ASPECT Studios Sydney | Photography: Alice Boshell - Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 - Casuarina Park | Photography: Fiteni - The Greenline Project with City of Melbourne and Taylor Cullity Lethlean - ASPECT Studios London – Studio Warming | Photography: Dan Weill - The Ribbon Playground | Photography: Sara Vita - Adelaide Proposition: Looking West

The 11th Shanghai Landscape Forum took place earlier in December, bringing together thought leaders from across the globe to explore the transformative role of landscape architecture in promoting well-being. As one of the few free assets available to the public, spaces designed by landscape architects and urban designers can reshape urban biodiversity, serve as havens for relaxation and creativity, create space for community connection, and connect us with nature. ASPECT Studios’ Associate, Xiwei Wu, hosted a compelling roundtable discussion that highlighted strategies for integrating landscape design with public art, emphasising inclusive and sustainable practices to meet society’s evolving needs. As landscape architects, we’ve observed the growing demand for functional and engaging public spaces, both in China and globally. It’s inspiring to collaborate with others who share a commitment to creative solutions that enhance both communities and the natural environment.

Where Shade Hits the Pavement is a conference bringing thought leaders and practitioners together to align innovation, best practices, and policy for greener, cooler, more liveable cities. Discover fresh perspectives on navigating project, policy, and budget challenges to create impactful green spaces, explore canopy cover progress and solutions to get back on track, and gain insights into stormwater management and the cost-saving potential of trees. The event includes an interactive design session focused on healthier community outcomes and provides access to practical resources to support green infrastructure projects. Senior Associate and Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Vic Board Director, Warwick Savvas will be speaking alongside a panel of experts who will challenge how we perceive and implement green infrastructure, offering inspiration and actionable insights for a more sustainable urban future. This is a unique opportunity to connect with professionals across ecology, design, science, liveability, and more, as we work together to redefine the future of our cities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gC8PB-iM Event Details When: Wednesday, 19 February 2025 Where: Terrace Tower, Mercure Melbourne Doncaster, Doncaster Cost: Early Bird Pricing - $192 - register before Saturday, 21 December 2024, Full Price Tickets - $320 6 CPD Points Hosted by Citygreen International

Professional symposiums are more than just gatherings—they are vital forums for critical dialogue, knowledge sharing, and shaping the future of the profession. The ISUP Symposium highlighted the importance of these events in fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful discourse in landscape architecture. Global Design Director Kirsten Bauer shared insights into ASPECT Studios’ work on the Caulfield to Dandenong Railway & Linear Park—a transformative project where linear train infrastructure was reimagined to create public spaces that address climate adaptation and enhance community connection. Kirsten also presented ASPECT’s contribution to the exhibition Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 currently at the National Gallery of Victoria. The exhibition invited eight landscape architects to present a not-so-distant future for the Birrarung/Yarra River. ASPECT’s proposal imagines a regenerated river landscape at the heart of the city where big trees and swimmable waterways are at the core of the community. Zas Brezar of Landezine shares insights about the symposium here: https://lnkd.in/gVufYSTc

Our ASPECT Sydney studio recently welcomed 20 students from the University of Sydney as part of the annual Designers Raffle held by Sydney University Designers' Association (SUDA). This student-led society connects students with professionals across design, construction, and property, helping them build valuable industry connections to support their future careers.   The 'behind the scenes' tour, led by Associates Scott Badham and Georgia Brennan, introduced the students to the studio environment and showcased some of our recent projects including Dixon Street, Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway, Fish Markets and the Greenway. Discussions delved into the intricacies of landscape architecture and urban design, with particular emphasis on the thought processes and creativity behind each of these city shaping projects.   Thanks to University of Sydney and Helena Ji from SUDA for getting in touch!

Last week, our Perth Studio Director, Tom Griffiths, presented at Design Speaks’ The Architecture Symposium: An Other City in Sydney. The event explored how shifting dynamics in Australia's metropolitan and regional landscapes are redefining architectural and infrastructural opportunities.   As landscape architects and urban designers, we see the public realm as playing a crucial role in regenerating and re-energising regional centres.   Tom presented ASPECT’s Kalgoorlie City Centre a project that addresses the many challenges facing regional centres across Australia. The renewed city centre has been designed to celebrate the character of Kalgoorlie, the people, the place, the past and the present. He highlighted that the key to transforming places like Kalgoorlie lies in listening: listening to the land and to the voices of the community. When designing for regional centres, the solution isn’t to replicate nearby cities but to embrace the distinctive qualities that make these places unique. Special thanks to curators Andrew Burges and Maryam Gusheh for the opportunity to share this project. Event photography: Anna Kucera Project photography: ASPECT Studios and Peter Bennetts

ASPECT Studios has been appointed as the Principal Design Consultant for the new memorial park development at Harkness in Melbourne’s west. Our team will work in partnership with The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, to shape the park's first stage of development, building on the master plan and extensive community, stakeholder and Traditional Owner feedback already gathered. " The opportunity to be part of the Harkness story — to help imagine and deliver the transformation of a farm paddock into one of Australia’s leading cemeteries —is extremely exciting.” shares Global Design Director, Kirsten Bauer, "It is a real privilege to be…creating a place that meets the needs of the cemetery, Indigenous Australians, and the broader community in nearby Melton." With Traditional Owner engagement at the forefront, led by Anne-Marie Pisani, ASPECT Studio’s First Nations Design and Partnerships Lead, this project embraces principles of Designing with Country and Caring for Country, while exploring sustainable practices like using local materials and suppliers. Construction is expected to begin by mid-2025. Project Team: Architectus, WSP in Australia Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g2-cwMu8 Images c/o: Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

Adelaide’s evolving road network might be good for motorists, but it could also spark the creation of something truly special for people and nature. In the third instalment in a series of propositions for rethinking the cities in which ASPECT Studios is based, Tim Conybeare and Peter Phillips explore some ambitious possibilities for Adelaide’s west.   These include reclaiming and relocating sites that hold untapped potential: former industrial spaces in the city’s west could be used to create a network of green public spaces. Repairing waterways could benefit people and nature in equal measure. Major infrastructure projects could be reconsidered, to also expand active transport links and create new parks. A more liveable Adelaide is in reach, but only if we are ambitious in our thinking. Speaking to David Simmons at InDaily, Tim said that the proposal aims to start conversations about aspirations for Adelaide that have yet to be realised.   “The proposition is very much about quality,” he said. “The (Greater Adelaide Regional Plan) talks about the missing middle a lot and that’s been a point of discussion for the planning scheme over the last 10-15 years. How do we get that medium-density development happening across our city?” Read the full proposition here: https://lnkd.in/gcXEQBcd

The Victorian Heart Hospital represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Monash Health, Monash University, and the Victorian Government, set within the University Clayton Campus in Melbourne. Last week, our Senior Associates, Erwin Taal and Warwick Savvas, visited the Victorian Heart Hospital with Luciana Acquisto, seeing firsthand the impact of its innovative design approach. The landscape vision embraces the site’s existing wild and formal qualities, preserving existing native Eucalyptus trees and introducing native grasses. The design seamlessly integrates the hospital with the campus, connecting outdoor spaces, walking paths, parks, and playing fields while creating new connections that enhance the public realm. At the core of the hospital lies a verdant green heart, with green spaces circulating horizontally and vertically through the building. Healing gardens and reflective spaces foster a close connection to nature, offering meaningful places for congregation, respite, and collaboration. This holistic approach to landscape and wellbeing enhances the hospital’s broader functions, ensuring patients, families, visitors, and staff feel supported by a thoughtfully designed environment.

We are so pleased to share that Tim Conybeare, Director of our Adelaide Studio, has been awarded a Fellowship by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). This prestigious honor recognises Tim's outstanding contributions to the profession and his dedication to advancing the field of landscape architecture. Tim’s contributions to the profession include multiple award-winning strategic master planning and built projects that focus on creating meaningful, sustainable places for people and communities. He has also actively participated in AILA activities, including awards juries, mentoring programs, and various events over the years. In response to this Fellowship, Tim shared: "It’s given me a moment to reflect on what really matters, and people are a key part of that. Thanks to all those I’ve had the pleasure to work with, who’ve supported me and guided me over the years. You’ve helped in spades to keep my passion for good design and the environment alive." Congratulations, Tim, on this well-deserved recognition! _________________________ Project images Bowden Main Park | Photography: Sweet Lime Photography Brownhill Creek Restoration | Photography: Dan Schultz Ovingham Level Crossing Removal | Photography: Sweet Lime Photography 1 William Street | Photography: SB Photography