Society of Landscape Architects of Mexico

We celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Society of Landscape Architects of Mexico, through an interesting interview with the presidents of this important and vital Civil Association.

In this 25th edition of Landuum Landscape Magazine, we celebrate 50 years of the Society of Landscape Architects of Mexico, through an interesting interview with former presidents of this important and vital Civil Association constituted by a group of architects interested in implementing and regulating Landscape Architecture in Mexico. Since its inception, they have actively participated in international organizations and represented the interests of Mexico. We take this opportunity to thank them for the effort and work they have made on behalf of our profession.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS OF MEXICO?

Francisco Javier Luna Ugarte: The Society’s objective is to disseminate and promote the activity of landscape architecture in the country, as well as defend landscape values at any scale or circumstance in the face of human development and abuse in the creation of their habitat.

Laura Alonso Lutteroth: Recognize and disseminate landscape architecture. Represent its associates nationally and internationally. Support the promotion of the studies of the career.

Mario Schjetnan Garduño: Promote landscape architecture. Bring together landscape architects in Mexico. Participate in the public agenda to include landscape architecture projects and works in Mexico. Disseminate the best works of landscape architecture carried out in our country. Collaborate with educational institutions for the study and training of landscape architects.

National Congress Landscape Architecture, 2015
Photography: SAPmx

Presentation of the book of Alfonso Murray
Photography: SAPmx

WHAT INITIATIVES HAS THE SOCIETY IMPLEMENTED TO INFLUENCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN MEXICO?

Alejandro Cabeza Pérez: The proposal for the creation of a degree in Landscape Architecture in Mexico, at UNAM, as well as events to disseminate the profession through international and national congresses; initiatives related to the Mexican Landscape Charter and constant participation with IFLA in areas of dissemination and teaching of the discipline.

Alfonso Murray Kobory: Establish links between its members, as well as with other professional groups.

Francisco Javier Luna Ugarte: Contacting young people and expanding its frontiers beyond Mexico City. Not always with much success, but still trying, showing a united front and trying to participate in public opinion events.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS TO BE PART OF THE SAPmx?

Alejandro Cabeza Pérez: In order to have a greater and significant influence on the environmental improvement and the quality of life of the inhabitants related to the habitable open space in any of its scales, in the public and private spheres, in any part of the country or abroad, in pro of the conservation of natural and cultural heritage resources.

Laura Alonso Lutteroth: Because that way they can exchange ideas and concerns. Support to improve the conditions of the profession and its scope of work.

Pedro Camarena Berruecos: In order to furtherpromote our work, it isnecessary given the current conditions of environmental – urban – regional deterioration.

Ordinary Assembly
Photography: SAPmx

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS TO BE PART OF THE SAPmx?

Laura Alonso Lutteroth: Because that way they can exchange ideas and concerns. Support to improve the conditions of the profession and its scope of work.

Pedro Camarena Berruecos: In order to further promote our work, it is necessary given the current conditions of environmental – urban – regional deterioration.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS TODAY?

Alfonso Murray Kobory: Being able to join various public and private sectors, given the lack of knowledge, even of the profession, since being a multidisciplinary career, the landscape architect can venture into various positions of interest.

Kathrin Grimm Wiedemann: In Mexico, they have the challenge of being heard. To begin to have positions where important decisions are made for cities, rural areas, in general, decisions that have to do with well-being and the environment.

Mario Schjetnan Garduño: It is to make known the added value and the need for the knowledge and services that landscape architecture can offer to society and the environment. The challenge is to prove and demonstrate that through our works and interventions we can achieve fairer, more sustainable, more beautiful and more human cities and environments.

Bienal / Biennial
Fotografía / Photography: SAPmx

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS?

Amaya Larrucea Garritz: That they make their profession a way of life, that they work with enthusiasm and support each other. That they firmly believe that they have the best profession in the world.

Kathrin Grimm Wiedemann: That they do their work with passion, that they understand that our profession is key today to the challenges facing the world.

Pedro Camarena Berruecos: That they strive to study, train, understand where we stand and what are the needs of society and the other inhabitants of the planet, including animals and plants, with the aim of reversing current environmental problems, with an intelligent, resilient and sustainable design, taking into account our roots and our history.