Beyond Boundaries
Many governments realise they cannot successfully achieve their climate change initiatives without collaborating with other governments. Whether at a local, state/provincial or national level, it is becoming apparent that governments need to look beyond their geopolitical borders and reach agreements with multiple governments to have a greater impact on climate change. Agreements such as the recent agreement between the water authorities on the Colorado River Basin to fund non-functional turf replacement with a more water-efficient landscape will become more common in 2023.

Post COVID focus on cities cores and open spaces
COVID and Flexible working have seen a decline in the visitation and vitality of central cores of cities. Business groups (Real Estate developers & operators) are pressuring city governments to attract people back to central areas with short-term initiatives such as events, free parking, cash incentives, making temporary dining permanent and pedestrianising streets.

City governments need to plan to attract people and businesses back to city cores; this has started to occur with cities creating master plans or action plans to look to solve the issues they now face. The New York City & New York State governments recently released the Making New York Work for Everyone action plan. Their action plan seeks to reduce commute times, increase mixed-use, change planning regulations to free up underutilized buildings, and increase major public realm interventions (pedestrianisation, greens spaces). More cities will create action plans to attract people and reduce the pressure they feel from commercial realtors. There is an ongoing discussion of converting office buildings to residential; however, this can be costly and requires market demand for more apartment/condo living.

People over the past two years have increasingly used open spaces as they realised the value of outdoor living during COVID. They seek to be outdoors during warmer months and look to parks, waterways, bike paths and team sports to enjoy life and meet up with friends and family. This increased usage will have several impacts on landscape architects as cities need to balance creating more inviting spaces whilst maintaining existing and creating new spaces.

Energy – systems and charging
As the prices of grid-based energy increase, schools, resort operators, and shopping centre managers will shift to seek out alternative energy systems (solar/wind) for their sites as they seek to reduce costs and seek out alternative energy solutions as prices for solar have declined over recent years. This is dependent on site location (sunshine hours, wind). However, landscape architects may see that they are required to determine the best locations for solar arrays or wind on project sites.

Due to increasing electric car sales there will be increased need for charging networks on streets, highways, shopping/dining precincts and transport hubs (airports/train stations). In some cities the demand will be greater due to the introduction of Traffic Zones (Congestion, Low & Zero), bans on fossil fuel cars (by 2035), and manufacturers increasing the electric models available. For landscape architects, it will require learning more about the various regulations and requirements (setbacks, cabling, etc) for charging networks (posts, stations, transformers, etc) and also working with cities (and private companies) on the sensitive placement of charging infrastructure.

Residential – more entertaining, less lawn and more on-site energy
Various factors, including less risk around COVID, inflation and a possible recession, may see more people wishing to entertain at home during 2023. Thus increasing the current trend of outdoor seating areas, kitchens, BBQs, and lighting to allow people to entertain family and friends.

As local governments seek to manage water (irrigation and catchment), we will see a reduction in lawn areas due to government initiatives. In turn, this will create more xeriscaping and requests for more efficient irrigation. In some areas, governments will increase the requirements for residences to store or detain rainwater on their site rather than allowing it to instantly flow to city stormwater systems. These requirements will increase the use of rain gardens, water tanks and other temporary storage in residential landscapes.

Some people will look to reduce their energy costs due to rising prices. This may include rooftop or on-ground solar or mini wind turbines in conjunction with battery arrays located in the landscape. Also, as more people purchase electric cars, they may wish to have a charging port or station in their yard.

Education
Most universities are back teaching in-person classes, and international students move freely due to reduced border controls. This is beneficial for students as learning in an in-person environment is more conducive to teaching and learning. Also, it allows students to collaborate in person with their future colleagues and allied professionals in other departments.

During COVID, many universities changed their lectures and seminars to virtual events (for free); however, as they have returned to the classrooms and lecture theatres there have been fewer virtual events. I hope this trend can be reversed.

Flexibility in working
During COVID, many employers moved to remote working and employed people in other cities and countries to work remotely. Many employers have found this beneficial for their companies during the skills shortage; however, some firms have found it difficult to collaborate or retain remote workers as the fear of COVID dissipates, and the idea of permanent remote working is not as expected.

Employers and employees in design firms have come to realise that collaboration in person is undervalued and that working together in the same space is often more dynamic and conducive to collaboration and ideation. Also, many remote working employees (in cities differing from the office) have looked for local work to feel that human connection and part of a team. Although remote working is not dead, workplaces have determined that they can be more flexible to achieve a more balanced work-life through flexible hours and regular or occasional working from home. This change is also to retain employees during the current tight employment market (which may change in the coming year).

Landscape Architects Shortage
The shortage of landscape architects has continued for the past 3-5 years as they are in greater demand for landscape firms to lead projects, and governments are spending more money on city-changing projects. However, various economic indicators show a possible recession and increased financing costs for public and private projects. In turn, a recession means fewer new projects, projects put on slowdown or hold as clients seek to wait until the economic outlook is more stable. Therefore, the shortage may be reduced in 2023 due to economic changes.

Moving through 2023
As we move into 2023, there is a sense of expectation and positive energy that we have moved beyond COVID; we can move forward to address the various issues facing our industry and the world. At the same time, there is some apprehension about the possibility of a financial recession in 2023. However, we have learnt over the past three years that we are resilient, that anything we face is surmountable, and that we can come together in bad times to work through problems and achieve great things. I hope you have enjoyed reading this year’s trends article and that you are inspired to explore these ideas and trends in 2023.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only. The content is intended only to provide a summary and general overview of matters of interest. It’s not intended to be comprehensive nor to constitute advice. You should always obtain professional advice appropriate to your circumstances, before acting or relying on any of that content. This advice is general in nature.