The thriving, regenerated wetland at the Fentons’ farm, Lanark. Photo: David Hay
The thriving, regenerated wetland at John Fentons’ farm, Lanark. Photo: David Hay

Foreground’s most-read: Top stories for June 2020

David Hay’s remembrance of a farmer who transformed his property into a wetland and regenerative landscape – John Fenton – topped out Foreground’s most read stories this month. With coverage of AILA’s awards of excellence, particularly for walkable streetscape projects, following closely behind.

1. A farewell to John Fenton, Australia’s influential “untrained environmentalist”

David Hay reflects on the legacy of regenerative farmer and forester John Fenton, who passed away last month.

2. Walking wins: The prize-winning projects helping people get back on their feet

For most of us, walking is so basic an action that it seems unremarkable, but these award-winning landscape architecture projects demonstrate that thoughtful pedestrian design can contribute far more than we realise to our enjoyment of the urban landscape.

Turf Studio's design for Central Park Public Domain introduces laneways, plazas, parks and other places to explore on foot. Image: supplied
Turf Studio’s design for Central Park Public Domain introduces laneways, plazas, parks and other places to explore on foot. Image: supplied

3. Our post-pandemic landscapes must be more equitable by design

The disproportionate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis on the poor and marginalised have helped to ignite protests exposing long-standing inequalities. Much of this injustice is manifest in the way we design and regulate our cities.

Protest in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the United States. Photo: Mitchell Luo
Protest in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the United States. Photo: Mitchell Luo