IFLA SCO WG - Student Competition Working Group

The IFLA Student Landscape Architecture Design Competition has long been a cornerstone of the IFLA World Congress, providing a vital platform for emerging talent in the field.

A key role of the competition is to advance the profession of landscape architecture through educational opportunities. Students benefit from having their work evaluated alongside peers globally, gaining valuable feedback and exposure. The rigorous process of preparing a competition entry serves as excellent preparation for the demands of professional practice.

Each year, students are challenged to address a topic closely aligned with the Congress theme. This approach encourages them to engage with local issues while meeting the academic expectations of their studio classes or thesis work. These submissions offer valuable insights into students’ perspectives: their concerns, their views on the role of landscape architecture, and their evolving sense of identity within the field.

Across competitions, students consistently demonstrate an awareness of both natural and cultural landscapes. The most outstanding projects showcase a deep understanding of context, rigorous analysis, and strong design principles. Issues such as ecological crises, the destruction of heritage landscapes, social inequities, and the human-environment relationship frequently dominate submissions. Projects range from practical, site-specific interventions to conceptual, experimental work, reflecting the profession's diversity—including urban and rural contexts and various scales. Project graphics have evolved rapidly, highlighting universities’ leadership in this area, while many students continue to refine their hand-drawing skills (Dr. Beverly A. Sandalack, former IFLA SCO WG Chair).