It began with a group of ambitious professionals in the European Foundation for Landscape Architecture (EFLA). Their desire was for landscape architecture to be recognised as an autonomous profession apart from other disciplines – with its own view of the world, its own methodology, its own concepts and expertise – and possessing a distinctively European culture.

This aspiration was given shape by some kindred spirits around the Dutch landscape architect Michael van Gessel. Their aim was to broadcast this message to the world by publishing a book every three years. Their model was the Dutch Yearbook for landscape architecture and town planning, which has been a success for more than ten years.

The Landscape Architecture Europe Foundation (LAE) was established by a team of European professionals in 2003 and published its first book in February 2006: Fieldwork. Landscape Architecture Europe. Following an open call for entries, the projects featured in the book were selected by an independent jury of practising landscape architects of different European nationalities. The book was edited by a team of experienced European experts. It reflects the European ethos, displays European know-how and explores topical issues.

The book is recommended by the European Foundation for Landscape Architecture (EFLA). The Foundation supports its continued publication as an increasingly representative showcase for the European profession.

Fruitful discussions with the Fieldwork team encouraged the editors to press on with their idea for a more frequent forum for critical thinking parallel to the book. With the editorial team of the Dutch magazine Blauwe Kamer they established the internationally oriented ’scape magazine for landscape architecture and urbanism. Focusing less on factual information, the magazine provides a vivid and evolving international platform for opinions and comment.