The prize was awarded by foundation board members Jonas Maria Schul and Ellen Braae, who in their motivation especially stressed SLA’s collaborative approach:

“Originality is often associated with the solitary genius. At SLA, however, it is quite the opposite: collaboration is the driving force. Today, the studio functions as a diverse professional ecosystem. It is precisely this community – where knowledge, experience, and creativity are brought into play together – that is essential when tackling large and complex landscape projects.”

“Originality is evident not only in the organisation but also in the studio’s professional practice. For more than two decades, SLA has been at the forefront of uniting biodiversity and artistic creation. Long before the topic gained widespread recognition, SLA explored plants’ growth conditions and biological diversity – and how this ‘man-made nature’ can enrich our urban spaces. Through their projects, they have created a new language for city nature, set agendas in public debate, and influenced both public opinion and policy development.”

“The result is a series of distinctive, functional, and aesthetically stimulating public spaces that make room for nature, garden culture, and stronger communities. In this way, SLA has admirably elevated landscape architecture and clarified the discipline as a social and collaborative practice.”

Thank you to all our amazing clients and collaborators – and first and foremost to all 130 SLAers: This prize is for you!