EFLA's 2005 Seminar

[i]Theme: [b]Landscape Architecture Professional Recognition in the E.U.[/b][/i] 28 october 2005 Bruxelles Belgium A discussion of the new EU Qualifications directive and the General System Professions and the position of landscape architects and parallel professions Europe-wide. EFLA's 2005 Seminar is devoted to the theme of the status and recognition of the European Landscape Architecture profession as part of the FFP/EFLA Protéger la Planète process. In the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands and Austria the profession and title of landscape architecture is state registered with landscape architecture sections of Architects’ Chambers. In other countries, e.g. Scandinavia, Portugal and the United Kingdom the profession is fully recognised by the state, but there is no state register or protection of title. In Spain the title Arquitecto Paisajista including “architect” cannot even be used and the profession is marginal. In Italy most of the profession do not have Masters degrees and so may not register as landscape architects with the state register, the Consiglio Nazionale Architetti, Architetti del Paesaggio, Pianificatori, i Conservatori. In much of southern and eastern Europe the profession is marginal, but this marginality is not unique to landscape architecture: other professions such as town planners, urban designer and interior designers are often in a similar position. The seminar is prompted by the opportunity for recognition in the new EU directive on the professions, which includes the proposal for “Common Education Platforms” for the General System professions (including landscape architecture). One ambition of the day is to discuss the prospects of such a Platform for landscape architects. The three themes of the EFLA Seminar are: • The new Professions Directive • The question of recognition in Italy and Spain and in the new EU countries • The question of European School recognition and the “Common Education Platform” Short note on the Professions Directive. “Under the general system for the recognition of qualifications, the Commission's proposal will introduce a more flexible and automatic procedure based on common platforms established by professional associations at European level, stemming from increased cooperation between the public and private sectors. The proposal for a Directive also involves a simplification of the management and updating of the rules, particularly as regards adapting them to scientific and technological progress. In addition, the proposal provides for developing cooperation amongst national administrations and between them and the Commission, with a view to informing citizens of their rights and resolving any difficulties they might encounter with regard to recognition of their professional qualifications.” from the EU Commission press release. This seminar will be of interest to: • landscape architects in much of Europe, • to those advising landscape architects and also to fellow profe • ssionals in similar circumstances such as town planners, urban designers and interior designers. Fot further information: http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/qualifications/index_en.htm