Network Research
Details
Map of bureau visits end of 2023 and 2024.
Bureau visits
As a follow-up to research via our regular bureau surveys, NVTL has been visiting bureau members for in-depth interviews. We believe it is important to exchange views with offices that differ from each other in working methods, size, composition and geographical location. We talk about how things are going, what the expectations of membership are, where problems and opportunities lie in the field and what people would like to see on an annual NVTL programme. We also look at the role of (young) architects, designers and new techniques in the near future.
Following a call among members, in autumn 2023 we visited H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten, Strootman Landschapsarchitecten, Wing, Le Far West and CB5. In 2024 we spoke with Stijlgroep, Faunus Nature Creations, LOS, MTD, OD205, Veenenbosenbosch, wUrck, Oudshoorn Tuin- en Landschapsontwerpen (by telephone), Thomas Jansen (by telephone) and LOLA Landscape Architects. Noordpeil, Landscape Collected, Peetersendaan and Dijkstra Tuin, Park en Landschap DTPL were visited during a two-day tour in the North.
The interviews with the design offices reveal useful information. The members give us insight into their current state of functioning, the value they attach to NVTL membership and the need for support on office issues such as (government) tenders, collective agreements, pensions and personnel policy. We discuss the topics of commissioning, staff inflow, cooperation between agencies and bottlenecks in daily practice. Topical themes such as climate, energy, agriculture and the role of the designer in a symbiotic landscape are discussed. There is also a focus on knowledge sharing through courses, events, and the ‘Dag van de Ontwerpkracht’. Finally, the importance of joint lobbying towards the government in The Hague and the role of design research within the profession is discussed.
We can conclude from the interviews that the agencies are generally doing well. The landscaper is cut out for these times. However, the tight labour market, tender culture and commissioning culture remain bottlenecks. Central lobbying to various stakeholders is desirable and decision-making from the government is needed with high urgency. In addition, NVTL can provide more practical support and connection. A detailed report on these topics and conclusions has been shared with our members.
Interdisciplinary network
The conclusions from the bureau visits have shaped NVTL’s 2025 policy, elaborated further in the NVTL strategy meeting at the end of 2024. In discussions with prominent professionals (quality team members, city architects, PARK and, State Advisors) and organisations working with landscape architects (VNG, RVB, CRa), NVTL explores the role of the landscape architect within wider networks. This discussion series continues, organised by Werkgroep Netwerk (Arjan Nienhuis, Daphne van der Wal, Stijn van de Ven, Willemijn ter Hart and Krista Jongsma).
Discussions include the development of the profession, the relationship between strategy and implementation, and the role of design within social assignments. Subjects such as tendering, commissioning, area-specific cooperation, governance, and the use of design as a connecting force between policy and practice are also addressed. We consider the functioning of design networks, the role of local and regional initiatives, and the importance of cooperation between different disciplines. We explore the position the NVTL can assume as a connecting platform for sharing knowledge, boosting networks and raising the agenda for relevant themes within and outside the profession. The research results will of course be shared with our members during the process!
