To mark the 20th anniversary of ALPS Landscape Atelier, the publishing house Latvijas Mediji has released a book entitled Awakening the Landscape. The publication, which includes text both in Latvian and English, is an attempt to identify the multifaceted nature of the landscape and outline the focus areas of landscape architects. The book also gives a sense of the values of the ALPS team and offers an in-depth view into the workshop’s projects. The book was designed by Una Grants.
In the nine chapters of Awakening the Landscape, the creative team and partners of ALPS Landscape Workshops share their observations and insights on social, healing, urban, cultural and artistic, future, living and working, ecological and research landscapes, as well as the role of landscape architects in shaping the environment. The publication includes essays, short interviews, and stories about projects, highlighting the broader context behind their creation. The texts are illustrated with photographs and images of examples of the studio’s practice — both completed projects and concepts.
ALPS Landscape Atelier was founded in 2005 by landscape architects, planners, and urbanists Marc Geldof, Helēna Gūtmane, and Ilze Rukšāne. «These 20 years have been spent alongside other landscape shapers in Latvia, transforming public open spaces in the cities as well as the countryside, and becoming a key player in Latvia’s community of professional landscape architects. Answering the call to make the world a better place for living, the atelier team creates environments and studies user interactions, favouring an interdisciplinary approach and prioritising the interests of society,» the publication reports.
In their foreword, the founders of the studio point out that landscape is formed by the relationship between humans and nature, and although most people associate landscape architecture with plants, gardens, and parks, the main task of the profession is to care for people. ALPS’ social focus is reflected by the studio’s initiatives, such as the activation of neighbourhood movements and cooperation with the National Mental Health Centre of Latvia. It is also evident in the values embodied in the atelier’s projects — accessibility and inclusion, sustainability, and closeness to nature as an important part of human well-being.
«This book will serve as a guide and inspiration not only for garden and plant lovers, but also for urban planners and decision-makers. Its authors offer insight into the ALPS team’s mindset and creative process, revealing the values and elements that underpin the atelier’s projects. ALPS is one of the few landscape architects in Latvia that actively participates in non-profit projects and generously shares its knowledge. This book continues that tradition,» writes Renāte Lagzdiņa, director of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden, who has created several urban culture projects in which community involvement plays a significant role.
The book was designed by Una Grants, who sought to embody the «vital energy of nature» in her design. She uses fresh colours — a pastel blue for the cover and a yellow-green tone that tints both the edges of the pages and the chapter openings, complemented by organic, hand-drawn shapes. «Just like in a meadow, where everything is constantly changing, the layout of the composition is intuitive, allowing the eye to flow freely,» says Una. The designer points out that she was inspired by Henri Matisse’s collage technique: «When Matisse was no longer able to paint at the end of his life due to health reasons, he discovered a new way to continue creating by making colourful, joyful compositions. This fact clearly demonstrates the ability of creativity to overcome limitations and transform them into new, inspiring experiences — this is also discussed in the essays of the book.»
The book Awakening the Landscape by ALPS Landscape Workshops is bilingual and can be read in both Latvian and English. Publisher — Latvijas Mediji, printing and binding by Jelgavas Tipogrāfija. The publication is available in bookshops in Latvia.
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