University News Last updated 12 December 2023
Already recognised by the Government’s latest Research Excellence Framework for its originality, significance and rigour, the West Midlands National Park (WMNP) was given an Honourable Mention by judges of the prestigious Rosa Barba Casanovas International Landscape Architecture Prize.
Professor of Landscape Architecture Kathryn Moore and leader of the WMNP Lab, an international think-tank for integrated landscape-led visioning and development, said: “Our approach is gathering momentum around the world.
“Disrupting the traditional view of landscape, this integrated approach is delivering impact where it matters – at scale and across sectors, providing answers, identity and hope for the future.
“I want to thank the Rosa Barba for their recognition and for the significant shift this win represents.”
The WMNP describes itself as “a vehicle to help drive social, economic and environmental change” in the region and has already influenced thinking within the West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City Council and the Environment Agency.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: “The West Midlands National Park Lab is a core part of the University’s Research Strategy and its work is widely recognised and adopted not only across the region, but nationally and internationally.
“This latest recognition is yet further evidence of the quality, impact and importance of the work and we are extremely proud of Professor Moore and the whole team in driving forward this cutting-edge research and practice that the region, and the world, so desperately needs.”
Chair of the West Midlands National Park Foundation Dame Fiona Reynolds DBA said: “It is heartening that, faced with all the challenges we see in the world, a project like the West Midlands National Park is recognised as making a real contribution to addressing them.
“Coming during COP28 – the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates – this fantastic news could not be timelier, nor more relevant. Many congratulations to Kathryn and the team – and to Birmingham City University for its ongoing support of an excellent and impactful project.”
Pictured: Professor Kathryn Moore (centre) receives recognition from the judges on behalf of the WMNP project.