When it comes to projects, he understands the various disciplines and speaks their language of instruction: Dr. Martin Heseler-Lülff, Professor of Landscape Design and Garden Architecture at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, has experienced the profession from the ground up. His "detour" via practice - as a site manager and specialist agronomist for tree care - brings special perspectives and practical insights to his classes today. In this interview, he tells us more about this and explains which skills are particularly important for budding landscape architects today.
What originally motivated you to pursue a career in landscape architecture and urban development after your apprenticeship in garden and landscape design?
Prof. Heseler-Lülff: It was actually a longer process. After my apprenticeship, I first worked in the field for a few years and then specialized in arboriculture. During this time, student assistants often came to my construction sites. We talked and that gave me an insight into landscape architecture. I had already been interested in the topic of the 'city' as a living space and spatial structures for some time. I then decided to study landscape architecture, which was easy thanks to my thematically related training. I chose urban and regional development as my specialization.
Do you see advantages in your "detour" via teaching and further education?
Yes, I'm really glad that I've gained a good view of the bigger picture of landscape architecture. This gives me a good understanding of the different disciplines involved in complex projects. It also helps me when it comes to coordination - I'm on an equal footing with them and speak the "same language" as them.
What practical skills from your time as a site manager and in tree care do you find particularly valuable for landscape architecture students?
In practice, it's often less the hard, technical skills and more the soft skills that are crucial - such as communication, diplomacy and also developing your own authentic approach to projects. These are the things I would like to teach students. A basic understanding of construction processes is also important. They need that for every project.
What can students expect in your classes? What do you place particular emphasis on and what do you focus on?
I try to make the complex content understandable and to anchor it in the students' minds by means of catchy examples or parallels. Thinking outside the box is essential for me. I want to arouse the students' curiosity and encourage them to be prudent at all times.
In your opinion, what are the most important trends in landscape and garden architecture that students should be aware of in order to be successful in the future?
There are some big issues: Of course, global developments such as climate change and individualization play a central role. In my opinion, the topic of environmental justice will also become very important - in other words, the question of equal living conditions. And on a more practical level, digitalization will become increasingly important. CAD skills are already essential today, and with Building Information Modeling (BIM), new tools are constantly being added in this area. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are also an important tool and are increasingly in demand in offices. The impact of artificial intelligence on landscape architecture is still difficult to assess.
With all these trends, what advice would you give students?
The bottom line: keep your mind active and explore the possibilities!
Prof. Heseler-Lülff, thank you very much for the interview!
