This book explores the challenges facing landscape architecture in the Middle East. It supports the idea that landscape is a multifaceted idea, and examines landscapes architecture as an emerging profession in the region. The book also responds to the limitations of faulty translations of the English 'landscape' that, in turn, limit the professional potential in the region.

The authors of the book see landscape as a way of beholding the world that is informed by place and culture. And because landscape is context specific, a landscape framing contextualizes a problem, be it community development, tourism, or nature conservation, to foster place and culture responsive perspectives. The nine chapters are grouped under four broad themes that reflect the multifaceted, 'expansive' framing that embraces landscape, natural and cultural heritage, people and livelihoods, and landscape and human rights.

The authors recognize that a landscape framing is not the exclusive domain of landscape architecture, but can be applied by architects, planners, and environmentalists. The ideas advanced and issues discussed will be of interest to researchers, students, and practitioners in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, and urban design, as well as social and environmental scientists.

Autorentext

Beata Dreksler is a landscape architect and associate professor at the American University of Beirut. She holds a PhD in landscape architecture from Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Poland. Beata has over 30 years of professional and academic experience across Europe, Central America, and the Middle East. Her research explores landscape democracy and digital transformation in landscape planning and design. She is the Middle East and North Africa Trustee of the International Association for Community Development (IACD).

Jala Makhzoumi is the laureate of the 2021 International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award for her outstanding contribution to education and practice. She is the Acting President of the IFLA Middle East Region and adjunct professor of landscape architecture at the American University of Beirut. Jala is the recipient of the 2019 European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) Lifetime Achievement Award.