IDC004 — Designing with Country

Cultural Landscapes & Regenerative Placemaking

Thursday, 24 September 2026

8:30 pm ACST (Adelaide)

100-minute global online conversation

ABSTRACT

What can landscape architecture learn from the world’s oldest living cultures while responding to today’s ecological and social challenges?

IDC004 explores how landscape architecture can strengthen relationships between people, place and Country through regenerative design, Indigenous knowledge, ecological restoration and culturally responsive practice. Bringing together internationally recognised practitioners from Australia, Portugal, Brazil and Georgia, the conversation examines how diverse cultural traditions shape landscapes that restore biodiversity, celebrate identity and foster community resilience.

From Australian First Nations perspectives on Caring for Country, cultural burning and regenerative stewardship, to contemporary landscape architecture, urban ecology, heritage and public space across Europe and South America, IDC004 offers a comparative exploration of how culture and ecology can work together to create meaningful, resilient and life-rich places for future generations.

Confirmed Contributing Voices

Register:

www.worthdesign.com.au/idc004

Jade Kake

Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism

Whangārei, Aotearoa New Zealand

Jade Kake is a registered architect, urban designer, writer and housing advocate whose work explores Indigenous approaches to architecture, housing and urbanism. Her practice demonstrates how kaupapa Māori design can strengthen connections between whānau, community, culture and whenua, creating culturally responsive places and more equitable, resilient models for contemporary living.

https://www.matakohe.co.nz/

Ashley Halliday

Ashley Halliday Architects

Adelaide, Australia

Architect whose work explores landscape, materiality and regional architecture, creating buildings that respond deeply to climate, ecology and the Australian landscape.

https://ashleyhalliday.com

Phil Harris

Troppo Architects

Australia

Co-founder of Troppo Architects and a leading advocate for climate-responsive architecture, regional design and creating places deeply connected to landscape and culture.

https://troppo.com.au

Paul Herzich

Mantirri Design

Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia

Landscape architect recognised for integrating ecological systems, landscape design and community-focused public realm projects, exploring how landscapes can respond to culture, climate and place.

https://www.mantirridesign.com.au

Luís Paulo Faria Ribeiro

TOPIARIS Landscape Architecture

Lisbon, Portugal

Landscape architect whose work connects ecology, public space, heritage and contemporary landscape practice across Portugal through resilient, place-responsive design.

https://topiaris.pt

Rasmus Frisk

arki_lab — Designing Cities With People

Copenhagen, Denmark / Sydney, Australia

Rasmus Frisk is a Danish architect, urban designer and educator whose work explores democratic and participatory approaches to architecture and urbanism. Through arki_lab’s philosophy of “Designing Cities With People,” he places communities, culture and lived experience at the centre of design, creating inclusive places that strengthen connection, belonging and long-term social value.

https://www.arkilab.dk/

Pisith Hun

Paragon International University

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Pisith Hun is an architect, urban planner and educator whose work explores the relationship between Cambodian culture, community, landscape and contemporary design. His teaching and research demonstrate how architecture and urbanism can respond to cultural identity, tropical climate and changing ways of living while creating inclusive, resilient places grounded in local context.

https://www.paragoniu.edu.kh/

Dr Anna Legidze

University of Georgia / A.C. Studio

Tbilisi, Georgia

Architect, academic and founder of A.C. Studio, investigating landscape, culture, architecture and heritage through research, education and contemporary design practice.

https://ug.edu.ge/en/persons/full/9312