ASPECT Studios

Recently, ASPECT Studios took part in a special foreshore walk in Sydney led by Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW President David Moir. The tour, hosted by Street Furniture Australia and Spruce & Gander, Inc. explored the evolving relationship between landscape, public space, and nature along Sydney’s waterfront from Darling Square to Barangaroo.    Louise Pearson, Studio Director at ASPECT Studios in Sydney, shared the vision that drove the transformation of Darling Square into a pedestrian-friendly, green, and inclusive public space. Louise explained how the planting design acknowledges both the built and geographic history of the site, weaving layers of meaning through species selection and spatial design to reconnect people with place.    The tour showcased the powerful role of landscape architecture in storytelling, ecological restoration, and cultural recognition within some of Sydney’s most significant public spaces for an international audience of landscape architects.

We strongly believe that regional cities are deserving of the same successful place outcomes as their capital city counterpart, so it’s pleasing that Geelong Laneway: Malop Arcade has been shortlisted for two awards in the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards. Part of a long-term project by the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong to develop new pedestrian networks by repurposing existing laneways and acquiring and refurbishing buildings, Malop Arcade and Denny’s Place were created by thoughtfully renovating a historic retail building.    ASPECT Studios worked collaboratively with NMBW Architecture Studio on the project, which is nominated for both the Regional Prize and in the small projects category in the awards.

One of our greatest pleasures lies in seeing our projects coming to life as pieces of social infrastructure. Recently Sacha Coles attended the StickyBeak Festival, held at the Goods Line in Sydney, and his photographs show the humming atmosphere that took hold of the space. Built atop a disused freight line, the Goods Line connects Sydney Harbour, Central and various cultural and educational institutions. When it was designed, it was imagined as a natural home for public entertainment, recreation, festivals and study. It is extremely satisfying to see that this is true, years after its completion.

Kirsten Bauer, our Global Design Director, has been selected as a juror for the 2025 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize awarded by The Cultural Landscape Foundation. With over 30 years of experience in urban design, landscape architecture, and public realm strategy, Kristen’s expertise will help the jury recognize groundbreaking work in the field. She joins Claire Agre, PLA ASLA (United States), Arthur Adeya (Kenya), Ellen Braae (Denmark), Margarita Jover (Spain, United States), Sameep Padora (India), and Dorothy Tang (Singapore) on the jury. First created in 2019, the Oberlander Prize is one of the most prestigious honours in landscape architecture. We're proud to see Kristen's leadership recognized among such an exceptional group of professionals advocating for connecting people to places. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/e3--BuG9

In her keynote at the 2025 International Landscape Design Forum, Vivi Xie, Business Director of ASPECT Studios in Shanghai, shared ASPECT’s commitment to placemaking principles, ecological regenerative design, and our exploration of new global markets and the application of innovative design tools.     The forum, which took place on March 31, was well-attended and featured an engaging atmosphere. It brought together leading landscape design experts, representatives from cultural and tourism enterprises, and major real estate development groups from both China and international markets.     This year’s forum revolved around the theme "Boundary Breaking and Innovation," and Vivi contributed by sharing insights from several recent boundary-breaking projects from ASPECT Studios, including Ant A Space in Hangzhou, 80 Ann Street in Brisbane, Westpac Place in Sydney, and The Summit in Shanghai. 

Our leaders have been in Melbourne this week for our annual Strategy Workshop. As designers, landscape architects, and urbanists, we're united by our purpose: to create projects that challenge, delight, and enhance lives and natural systems for the long term. Our annual workshop brings our global leadership together to maintain our focus upon delivering our Purpose and to shape the future of ASPECT Studios.    We are delighted to leave our workshop with renewed energy, direction, and enthusiasm to continue evolving our practice.

The Guildford Grammar School Master Plan is a bold step forward — honouring the school's heritage while shaping a future of innovation, sustainability, and connection.   Developed through deep consultation with students, staff, and the wider community, the plan introduces three key concepts to enhance learning and strengthen campus life. The Third Classroom revitalizes the school’s wetlands and riverfront, transforming them into immersive, hands-on learning spaces that deepen students’ connection to nature. Connected Campus improves accessibility and movement between the Senior and Preparatory Schools, whilst enhancing the public realm and fostering stronger links between students of all ages. Campus Life integrates green infrastructure, native landscaping, and rewilding initiatives, enhancing biodiversity and creating environments that support student wellbeing, collaboration, and discovery.   By embedding landscape at the heart of the campus experience, the master plan ensures that outdoor spaces become a valuable extension of the classroom—supporting curiosity, exploration, and a deeper connection to place. Thanks to our collaborators With_Architecture Studio (Architecture) and TPM (Project Management)

The development of Bradfield Central Park will now move ahead following SSDA approval. Designed by an ASPECT Studios-led team, the two-hectare park will highlight the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plain. Key features include the reflective “sky ring” and immersive “interwoven heart,” a space for community, creativity, and connection. As the new city develops, this park will serve as its green heart, offering a place of respite and a deep connection to Country. We’re excited to be working with the NSW Government’s Bradfield Development Authority Development Authority to bring this project to life. Thanks to our team Collins and Turner Architects, cultural consultant and Baramadagal woman of Dharug Country Jayne Christian, curatorial collaborator Emily McDaniel from the Wiradjuri Nation, artist janet laurence, structural engineers Eckersley O'Callaghan and lighting designer Steensen Varming. Visualisations: Doug and Wolf

ASPECT Studios projects have been recognised in shortlist for the 2025 Australian Urban Design Awards, which celebrate the most impactful projects in Australian urban design. Shortlisted for the Research and Advocacy Award, Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 was a major collaboration between the National Gallery of Victoria and eight Victorian landscape architecture firms that presented a series of design provocations for the lands and waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Melbourne. ASPECT Studios, Realm Studios, Openwork, OFFICE, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Bush Projects Landscape Architecture, SBLA Studio, McGregor Coxall and baracco+wright contributed to the exhibition and the surrounding program of events and publications.   Elsewhere, Devonport Living City, by Lyons with Maddison Architects and Birelli, has been shortlisted in the Built Outcomes category. The Living City project has begun a process of economic and ecological rejuvenation for the Tasmanian city of Devonport. The recently opened Sydney Metro Stations have been recognised in the same category. The Sydney Metro project has, in the few months since it opened, already become a vital part of life for thousands of Sydneysiders. ASPECT Studios is proud to be helping to deliver the precincts surrounding Waterloo and Victoria Cross stations. We’re excited for the announcement of the winners in Sydney in April.

The new Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp will be fun, safe, and accessible for riders of all ages and abilities, while respecting the heritage and stature of the Harbour Bridge and Bradfield Park. It’s great to see this significant project taking shape. Jason Packenham, Integrated Transport Lead for ASPECT Studios in Sydney, said the NSW Government is “showing fantastic vision and tenacity in delivering high-quality cycling infrastructure for a Sydney icon. This project will connect the city to North Sydney in an equitable, accessible way.” We congratulate Transport for NSW, the NSW Government, and Anna Bradley, Executive Director Cities & Active Transport at Transport for NSW in particular for her advocacy on behalf of this project. ASPECT Studios, Arenco, Collins and Turner Architects, Design 5, Eckersley O'Callaghan, Yerrabingin Pty Ltd, Stantec, Electrolight, Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs Read more about the project in the Guardian Australia here: https://lnkd.in/gKGRVqMF