Back in 1969 Aotearoa New Zealand’s first programme in landscape architecture began in the Horticulture Department of the then Lincoln College. The first few decades were based around a two year postgraduate diploma, with cohorts of around 15 students, initially housed in a prefab building. Now, half a century later, the School of Landscape Architecture (SoLA) is a flourishing department, teaching over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world. We are housed in the purpose-built Landscape Architecture Building, which opened 10 years ago at the time of our 40th anniversary.

We welcome all graduates, past staff members and friends of SoLA to join us in celebrating our 50th birthday! Please register for a day of re-connecting with the Lincoln campus, with classmates, and with the teaching staff past and present. There will be opportunities for class photos, to reflect on each of the five decades, and to look forward to the future. We will be sharing some valuable resources that Lincoln University has developed, and which are available to you. Walking tours explore the campus and its surroundings, and there will be nostalgic moments of landscape architecture teaching from the past!

The day will be spent at the Lincoln campus, with bus transport to and from the city. At the end of the day, the SoLA 50th celebrations will connect with the opening of the NZILA Firth Conference in Christchurch, on the theme of disruption / whakahīoi. https://nzila.co.nz/conference/2019-nzila-firth-conference

For any queries regarding arrangements for the day, including advising dietary requirements for catering, please contact the SoLA administrator, Shona Mardle, shona.mardle@lincoln.ac.nz

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

We intend running a bus from the Town Hall to Lincoln via Riccarton if there is a need. If you want to take advantage of the bus, please let Shona Mardle know shona.mardle@lincoln.ac.nz

What's the refund policy?

We cannot refund ticket costs, however if you can't make it please contact Shona Mardle and discuss transferring your ticket to someone else.

What can I expect on the day?

Here is the draft programme for you to look at.

Currently this is the programme we have for the day. Subject to change.

Free bus available to and from the Town Hall to Lincoln University via Riccarton if required.

Goody bags with quality useful items supplied

Registration, catchup, mingle, tea and coffee available

Ceremonial opening by Vice Chancellor and the Dean

Unveiling ceremony of the SoLA 50th installation

Photos on sunken lawn with ceremonial cutting of cake, and complementary champagne, tea and coffee

Morning tea and lunch provided, complementary glass of wine, tea and coffee available

Walking tours includes a competition to name SoLA's historical artefacts– 3 tours of interest, choose one of;

1. Art tour

2. Campus tour, down memory lane and looking at current

3. Heritage Archive explained

Mini Lecture series by current and ex staff

Past and Future speeches by decade representatives

Closing – bus departs at 5:00pm

*Please let Shona Mardle know of any dietary requirements, and if you require bus transport from the Town Hall enroute to Lincoln via Riccarton. Shona.Mardle@lincoln.ac.nz