Learn what a landscape architect does, how their education is structured, their main functions, and their importance in creating harmonious and sustainable green spaces.
Submitted at Sep 30, 2025, 6:18 AM
Roberto Burle Marx Site, in Barra de Guaratiba. (Leo Martins/Agência O Globo)
Sanya Mangrove Park, em Hainan, é um dos projetos de Kongjian Yu que exemplifica o conceito de cidade-esponja, restaurando ecossistemas costeiros e protegendo a cidade contra enchentes. (Turenscape/Divulgação)
A landscape architect is the specialist who works in the conception and development of outdoor area projects, such as gardens, squares, parks, yards, and balconies.
Their goal is to integrate vegetation, furniture, circulation, and infrastructure, creating projects that communicate with the surroundings and meet user needs. They serve as a mediator between nature and society, proposing solutions that reconcile beauty, comfort, and sustainability.
Jardim do Palácio Capanema, projetado por Roberto Burle Marx, junto ao grupo liderado por Le Corbusier. (Divulgação/CASACOR)
The training of a landscape architect may vary: in Brazil, it is common for architects and urban planners to specialize in landscape architecture, but there are also technical courses and specific degrees in the area.
During their training, the professional learns about botany, ecology, technical drawing, topography, irrigation, drainage, and 3D modeling software. Additionally, they develop a critical eye to comprehend the environmental impact of each intervention and the social needs of the projects they design.
Casa Cavanellas: arquitetura de Oscar Niemeyer e paisagismo de Roberto Burle Marx ((Reprodução/Malcon Ragget))
Before starting any project, the landscape architect surveys the site, evaluates the climate, soil type, topography, and existing elements. This study is essential to ensure that the project is feasible and sustainable.
Jardim de 6 mil m² ganha paisagismo repleto de espécies da Mata Atlântica. Projeto de Flávia D'Urso, (Fávaro Jr/Divulgação)
Based on the analysis, the professional develops the creative concept, defining the style of the garden, the layout of paths, living areas, and the use of vegetation. This stage combines aesthetic sensitivity and technical knowledge.
The landscape architect selects plants suitable for the climate and light conditions, prioritizing low-maintenance species that create visual harmony. They also define floors, furniture, and complementary elements such as water mirrors and gazebos.
Instituto Inhotim é considerado o maior museu a céu aberto do mundo, com paisagismo idealizado por Pedro Nehring, (Patrick Arley/Divulgação)
Once the project is approved, the landscape architect monitors the work to ensure that everything is executed according to plan. This supervision is essential to avoid errors that compromise the final result.
The work does not end with the delivery: the landscape architect can also advise on the maintenance of plants, pruning, and fertilization. Many projects have an evolutionary character, changing over the seasons and years.
Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994). (Luiz Knud Correia de Araújo/Divulgação)
Considered one of the greatest names in world landscaping, Burle Marx is known for his use of organic shapes and native plants. His projects, such as the Copacabana sidewalk and the gardens of the Alvorada Palace, are icons of modern Brazilian architecture.
A pioneer of urban landscape architecture in Brazil, Rosa Kliass worked on significant projects for public parks, such as the Youth Park in São Paulo. Her work combines functionality, leisure, and the regeneration of degraded areas.
Projeto paisagístico por Isabel Duprat. (Fernando Guerra/CASACOR)
An internationally renowned landscape architect, Isabel Duprat developed large-scale projects such as the gardens of the Administrative City of Minas Gerais, designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Her work emphasizes the integration between architecture and nature.
A reference in contemporary landscape architecture, Benedito Abbud is recognized for projects that balance aesthetics, comfort, and sustainability. His gardens have a strong sensory appeal and value the use of water and lighting to create unique atmospheres.
Central Park, paisagismo por Frederick Law Olmsted. (Reprodução/CASACOR)
Known as the father of modern landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted was responsible for the design of Central Park in New York. His work introduced the idea of public parks as democratic spaces for leisure and coexistence.
Dr. Do Mato Soluções em Paisagismo - Jardim: Raízes do Tempo. Inspirado pela ideia de que toda criação carrega as marcas do tempo, o jardim mescla espécies nativas e ornamentais, formas orgânicas e linhas precisas, em um diálogo entre memória e inovação. Troncos, pedras e folhagens esculturais evocam a passagem dos anos, enquanto as práticas sustentáveis nele aplicadas reforçam o compromisso com o amanhã. Um projeto de paisagismo para contemplar o tempo e a natureza. (Studio 2pontoZero/CASACOR)
Landscape architecture goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a strategic tool for improving quality of life and promoting sustainability. By incorporating green areas into urban projects, the landscape architect helps to reduce heat islands, cooling the microclimate and making the projects more comfortable. It also increases soil permeability, favoring the absorption of rainwater and reducing flooding.
In parallel, it promotes biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and other pollinators, which contributes to the regeneration of the local ecosystems. In private projects, such as homes and condominiums, a good landscape project adds value to the property, creates leisure spaces for residents, and improves the experience of those using the projects daily.
Terra Verde Paisagismo - Jardim das Árvores. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)
Another important aspect is the social and emotional impact of landscape architecture. Well-planned green areas stimulate interaction, encourage leisure and sports activities, and strengthen the sense of community. Studies indicate that frequent contact with nature reduces stress, improves mood, and even increases productivity in corporate environments.
Felipe Fontes - Jardim das Taquaras. Com conceito naturalista, o jardim propõe uma atmosfera moderna e afetiva. Valorizando formações naturais, ele gera valor por seu contraste com as construções ao redor, semeando contato com a natureza. Bambus, capins, samambaias e a composição de folhagens diversas oferecem uma estética rica em texturas, formando um ambiente contemporâneo, leve e tropical. (Jomar Bragança/CASACOR)
In commercial establishments, gardens and treed facades create more pleasant experiences, attracting customers and strengthening the brand identity. Thus, landscape architecture is an investment that combines beauty, functionality, and well-being, transforming cities into healthier and more human places.
Alex Hanazaki - Praça Eliane. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2016. (Yuri Seródio/CASACOR)
To work as a landscape architect, it is necessary to gather a multidisciplinary set of knowledge that goes beyond aesthetic sensitivity. The professional needs to master botany, soils, irrigation, drainage, and understand the climatic conditions of each region to choose the appropriate species.
Elkis+ Paisagismo - Jardim Tropical. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Carolina Mossin/CASACOR)
It is also necessary to know principles of ecology and sustainability, ensuring that the project is not only beautiful but also functional and environmentally friendly. Moreover, it is essential to be proficient in technical drawing and digital modeling tools to present the project clearly and in detail to clients.
Gil Fialho Paisagismo - Jardim Funcional Peugeot. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (Carolina Mossin/CASACOR)
Another important point is the management capacity. The landscape architect often coordinates teams of gardeners, suppliers, and other professionals, monitors schedules, and controls budgets to ensure that everything is executed as planned. Having a strategic vision, good communication skills, and creativity to solve unforeseen issues is essential. Thus, the landscape architect combines technical knowledge, artistic sensitivity, and leadership skills to transform spaces into projects that unite aesthetics, comfort, and sustainability.
((Divulgação/Julio Ono)/CASACOR)
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by the technology team of CASACOR from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text has been edited by Yeska Coelho.
