Throughout the history of landscape design, we have witnessed many examples where natural features were used as symbolic elements of manmade landscapes and gardens. This influence of landscape geology had its impact on contemporary landscape architecture, resulting in diverse and innovative applications, which are the main topic of our discussion.The article is intended to demonstrate the trend of drawing inspiration from natural landscape features in contemporary landscape architecture in a new and complex way, focusing particularly on the influence of geology, geomorphology and tectonics.A study was conducted on twelve available, published contemporary landscape projects from the last two decades analysing the imitation of nature in the designs, with photo documentation and description. The aim is to identify how ‘native geology’ can influence today’s landscape architecture, which formations are inspirative, where and how they are integrated to the contemporary artistic design.Furthermore, in order to develop a complex understanding on how these references applied to the sites enhance the experience of the space. The selected projects are compared according to pairs of contrasting qualities that are related to measurable characteristics of a space. This will finally lead to identifying some common trends of today’s landscape architecture in applying this geology-inspired design approach.

This research explores how field sketch drawing can help in understanding, and analysing urban open spaces, and their potential roles for their experiential dimension. The research begins with a theoretical interpretation of the term “Place” and an examination of the components that make up an urban open space. This is followed by an analytical study of field sketch drawing techniques, which are selected and applied to develop an inclusive approach for analysing urban open spaces via field sketching. The final product of this research includes a theoretical study of urban space components and field sketching, serving as a comprehensive guide for analysing urban spaces through field sketching. The research findings highlight the potential of field sketch drawing as a valuable method for understanding and analysing urban open spaces, and its ability to enhance the experiential dimension of these spaces. The proposed inclusive field sketching approach provides a practical tool for designers and planners to conduct on-site analysis and generate preliminary design proposals for urban open spaces. The results of this research contribute to the field landscape architecture and design by providing insights and recommendations for incorporating field sketching as a valuable approach in the analysis and design of urban open spaces.

The article introduces ethnographically relevant aspects of landscape character and historic land use patterns for a better understanding of vernacular descriptions of landscape characteristics through the case study of Kalotaszeg (Cluj County, Transylvania, Romania). Eight topics are discussed based on hand-drawn site analysis maps and historic records: geomorphology and landform types of the Kalotaszeg terrain; water tributary system with mills; a drawn aerial model of zones; description of forest types and borderlands; history, typology and aesthetic issues of the lynchet system; landscape patterns like wooded pastures, orchards and vineyards; the results of analytical land use statistics and retrogressive analyses of landscape historical events and relicts; and finally a summary of the uniformity and diversity of Kalotaszeg and its zones.

It is characteristic to landscape architecture that is requires an interdisciplinary approach. In addition to science and art, it is closely related to the social domain. In addition to the knowledge on historical and social processes in the landscape, it is therefore necessary to research the needs of the current social milieu, their way of life and their thinking and capacity to act in relation to their environment. Strengthening societal engagement is exactly the field of our dedication and engagement towards protecting the landscape, nature, our garden heritage and the green spaces of our habitat. It was only after the change of regime in the 1990s that it became possible to set up NGOs, foundations and associations, in other words, nonprofit organisations, many of which have addressed the issues of the human habitat, nature conservation and landscape protection, cultural heritage, ecology, community building and education related to it. Many landscape architects have been involved in this process, either by joining an initiative or by setting up a professional NGO on their own initiative. Being a civil means volunteering for universal and local goals, community, and professional ideals without material interest. After the change of regime, the need and the necessity to involve social actors appeared also in planning methodology, laying the foundations for collaborative, i.e. cooperative, planning. Grassroots strategies and resulting processes have replaced the centralised governing system. It became possible to ask what the landscape, the place, and the local individual and community require.Although not exhaustive, we will present initiatives that have been and are being taken with the activity and participation of landscape architects, thus broadening the public awareness and recognition of landscape architecture.Our NGOs and initiatives aim to give landscape architecture its deserved place in public thinking and public life.

This research investigates the play behaviour and activity patterns in terms of movement and the amount of time spent on various play equipment across five diverse playgrounds in Budapest in different contexts: Citypark Playground, Normafa Playground, Péter Zöld Playground, Benczúr Playground, and Gellérthegy Slide Playground. Employing observational methods, we recorded data on movement/activity types, time allocation, and equipment usage among different play equipment to evaluate how children interact with these various play structures and the average time spent on each. Across these playgrounds, we conducted an analysis of over 400 individual interactions and behaviours among children aged between 1 and 14 years old. Activities were categorised into primary movements, including climbing, sliding, swinging, and balancing, and secondary movements, encompassing actions such as jumping, sitting, bending, hanging, crawling, and others. On average, children spent between 5 and 10 min on popular equipment like ziplines and carousels, while static structures, such as wooden piles and bridge climbers, showed consistent but less dynamic usage. Key findings revealed that complex play designs and dynamic structures attracted the highest levels of engagement, encouraging a broader range of movement types. For example, ziplines and complex equipment accounted for 27% of total observed activity, emphasising their role in promoting physical activity and excitement. Time spent on different equipment types varied significantly across these playgrounds, influenced by design complexity, spatial density, and environmental factors. These insights emphasise the importance of well-considered playground design in fostering physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children. The study’s implications extend to urban planners, architects, designers, and decision-makers, offering recommendations for creating more inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate play spaces that foster a diverse range of abilities and preferences.

This research paper investigates the historical adaptation and sustainability aspects of diverse urban playgrounds and parks through a comparative analysis of ten case studies from around the world. The methodology involved selecting these playgrounds based on criteria including historical significance, diverse geographical locations, and sustainability approaches. Data for this study were predominantly gathered from pertinent websites and online databases, complemented by content from academic literature, and were organized into different categories such as scale, design approach, sustainable practices, historical links or adaptations, accessibility, community engagement and their unique features. Qualitative analysis is implemented to identify patterns and processes related to sustainability, historical adaptation or reuse over time, and user experiences within different urban contexts, while quantitative data is providing additional insights into physical features, surrounding environment, materials usage, safety, and accessibility. Findings reveal different approaches to playground design and adaptation strategies over time, highlighting the importance of community engagement, environmental responsibility, and innovative design practices in different settings.