The Role of Landscape Architecture on Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Thammasat Rooftop Farming, Puey Centenary Hall

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was established by the United Nation in 2015 as an urgent call for action by all countries. Landscape Architecture is the profession built on the philosophy of sustainability, yet mainly focus on green spaces, ecology and water management, which corresponds to only 3-4 goals from 17 of SDGs. This article aims to examine the possibility to expand the contribution of current practice in landscape architecture to cover all 17 SDGs. The study is done by reviewing related literatures and analyzing an internationally awarded project: Puey Centenary Hall, Thammasat University. The result shows that current practice of landscape architecture can strongly respond to SDGs in ‘planet’ group with emphasis on #13 Climate Action. It can also build on the social and cultural aspects to benefit the development of innovation, economy and decent works within a city, which are important part of SDGs in ‘prosperity’ group. Moreover, landscape architects may develop their skills beyond environmental designers to take parts in administration, management and coordination of projects. They can also be more integrated with outside disciplinary such as laws and politics and get involved in projects that improve the quality of life for low-income people in order to expand the work to benefit SDGs in ‘people’, ‘peace’ and ‘partnerships’ groups.Finally with all these development in the profession, landscape architecture can help the world reaching the objectives of SDGs: end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change, through a global partnership and the pledge to leave no one behind.