A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S ROLE IN SHAPING A POST PANDEMIC WORLD
The elevator doors open and an empty hallway greets me on our office floor. It seems that there are lesser tenants in our building these days. Ours is one of the fortunate companies that are surviving the economic effects of COVID-19 as the latest lockdown in the Philippines’ capital has plunged the economy into a recession forcing many businesses to close down. Deep in the stillness I make my way to my place of work as I silently say my prayers for everyone affected by this treacherous pandemic.
The construction industry is presenting favorable circumstances as projects continue to surge despite the restrictions imposed on movement by the continuous existence of the corona virus. The government is banking on the revival of a struggling economy through its “Build, Build, Build” initiative and our clients bravely press on despite the uncertainties. Even as I wonder what a post pandemic world will look like I throw in my full support to the industry’s efforts to keep the nation moving forward.
In the middle of these challenges I realized the unique position that landscape architects are in as a part of the design and build community that is hugely instrumental in creating a future that ensure humanity’s survival and growth long after this crisis is over. Developers, local governments and designers must work together and come up with projects that would benefit both the hurting economy and the healing planet. It is clear that we need better cities that apply a system approach that is based on resilience. According to a World Health Organization Manifesto, green and healthy cities are part of a recovery strategy against COVID-19, and when sustained these can lead to more resilient urban centers that can withstand pandemics and other natural and man made disasters.
It is estimated that by the year 2050, 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities. It is important therefore to start designing cities to adapt to this soon to be future. We have to take a look at how we design elements such as streets, bikeways, walkways, and open spaces that will contribute to cities that can sustain quality urban life.
The pandemic has taught me that we who live in cities are most vulnerable to disasters and calamities. One way that we can thrive despite these unforeseen events is if we weave nature into the fabric of our developments. Landscapes are not mere amenities but have become basic necessities for life in the future to combat disease and the effects of climate change. Our wellbeing is defined and dependent on the quality of the environment we live in. And if our cities and communities are designed in a way that harmonizes with nature we will have a bright future ahead of us.
I take a deep breath as I enter the AJM Planning and Design office. It takes courage to press on in times of fear and uncertainty. And as I face the tasks at hand my mind wanders into an abundant field of hopeful possibilities that can arise from this crisis that has permanently changed the world. As I begin to hold my favorite pen and start to sketch I find peace and comfort, humbly understanding that through the work that I do as a landscape architect, I can contribute to the quality of life and the patterns of healthy living of my fellow Filipinos by helping shape communities that give them the best opportunity to thrive in the new normal.
AJ MOLDEZ 2020