The ground-breaking author, Alexandra Steed, talks to Jackie De Burca in a series of four podcast episodes that delve deeply into her brilliant book. She has also generously agreed to give away 10 copies of her book. Be sure to enter below.

In Part 3, host, Jackie De Burca, and guest Alexandra Stead, a landscape architect and urban designer, discuss Part Three of Stead’s book, which examines historical city locations, streetscapes, peri-urban landscapes, and case studies from England.

Stead explains the concept of landscape, highlighting its multifaceted definitions and the design principles essential for protecting and restoring the planet. She emphasises the importance of integrating nature into urban environments and using natural processes in design to create sustainable cities. Stead and Jackie also discuss the consequences of urban development that disregards natural processes, using London’s historical development as an example.

The episode explores innovative approaches like rethinking streetscapes and designing with nature in mind, citing successful projects in Vancouver and the concept of sponge cities in China. The discussion extends to peri-urban landscapes, the ecological footprint, and the necessity of shifting from exploitation to preservation and stewardship of natural resources.

In the latter part of the episode, Stead talks about the crucial roles of soil, water, and air in sustaining life and the benefits of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. She concludes by advocating for a holistic approach to design that considers the needs of the entire community of life, not just humans, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings in creating a sustainable future.

Joanne Proft, Associate Director, Community Planning | Campus + Community Planning at The University of British Columbia said: