Michael Hough / Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Visiting Critic Lecture

The introduction of ‘landscape’ was part and parcel of Western, colonial modernization of traditional cities in the Arab World. Since then, the word has come to be associated with the reproduction of landscape imagery drawn from European cities – imagery that is readily produced regardless of environmental constraints and traditional social values. The association has limited the role of landscape architecture, an emerging profession in the region, reducing it to urban beautification, namely through tree-lined boulevards and city parks. It has taken Dr. Makhzoumi a lifetime to overcome these associations – what she refers to as landscape’s colonial legacy. Through her practice, research and teaching, Dr. Makhzoumi has sought to ground landscape architecture in the regional ecology and the needs and aspirations of local communities. In this talk, she will share milestones of this journey.

Dr. Jala Makhzoumi is the 2021 laureate of the International Federation of Landscape Architects’ Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award for her outstanding contribution to education and practice. She is adjunct professor of landscape architecture, American University of Beirut, and acting president of IFLA Middle East Region. In her practice, teaching and research, Jala pioneers an ecological design approach that promotes grounded and community inclusive landscapes. Her expertise includes landscape heritage conservation, postwar recovery and sustainable urban greening. Her most recent publication is a volume she co-authors, entitled, Landscape Architecture in the Arab Middle East (Routledge, 2025).