Interview with Xenia Mastoraki
What is Your Hope for the Future of the Company?
“Our future vision at LandmArch. is to lead in landscape architecture by integrating sustainability, innovation, design on human scale and artistry across both public and private projects. We are committed to designing environments that foster social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and cultural expression. For private projects, we focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as AI-driven design and BIM solutions, to deliver precise, innovative, and aesthetically engaging environments. By introducing the extensive use of Art, we seek to create spaces that not only meet functional needs, but also evoke inspiration and connection both between people (social interaction) and between them and their environment (human-environment interaction).”
What Are Your Expectations for the Future of Landscape Design in Greece?
“At LandmArch, we envision a transformative future for landscape architecture in Greece, where politics and practices converge to create resilient, inclusive, and innovative urban environments.” Here’s Xenia’s perspective on how these changes could happen:
1. Enabling Inclusive and Socially Sustainable Design
– Legislative Frameworks: “We hope for robust policies mandating inclusivity in public space design, ensuring that every urban, peri-urban, agricultural and rural area is accessible and welcoming to all demographics, including people of all abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.”
– Empowering Communities: “We envision policies that actively involve community members in the design process, ensuring that spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of local populations.“
– Holistic Design Approaches: “Landscape architects will integrate universal design principles, creating spaces that accommodate diverse needs and foster social interaction. Projects will be guided by community input gathered through participatory design processes Bottom-Up.”
2. Advancing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
– Green Infrastructure Incentives: “We advocate for government support and financial incentives for implementing Nature-Based Solutions, such as urban green spaces, green roofs, and rain gardens, to bolster environmental resilience and sustainability.”
– Mandatory Green Integration: “We seek policies that mandate the inclusion of green infrastructure in new developments, addressing urban challenges like heat islands effects, wildfires and stormwater management.”
– Innovative Green Designs: “Landscape architects will champion the integration of NBS, creating multifunctional spaces that enhance both ecological health and urban livability. Projects will focus on incorporating features like vast permeable pavements, green urban corridors and urban forests.”