How our landscape can shape learning, living and the design of our buildings
What if the spaces between and around our buildings matter just as much as the buildings themselves?
In the second episode of the Value of Design podcast, designers, architects, landscape architects and a headteacher explore why the spaces between our buildings matter just as much as the buildings themselves. Together, they discuss how landscapes influence learning, wellbeing, community life and the design of Scotland’s future places.
Titled “How our landscape can shape learning, living and the design of our buildings,” the episode highlights the role of landscape architects, the importance of outdoor spaces in the learning estate, and how housing, health and climate challenges can be addressed through collaborative, cross-disciplinary design.
Hosted by Architecture and Design Scotland’s Urban Designer Alex Laurenson and Principal Designer Lesley Riddell Robertson, the episode features:
- Jenny Jones, Senior Landscape Architect (CMLI), rankinfraser landscape architecture
- Fiona Smyth, Headteacher, Montgomerie Park Primary School
- Karen Anderson, President, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
- Danny McKendry, Principal Landscape Architect, Architecture and Design Scotland
At Learning Places Scotland 2025: designing for learning through landscape
Recorded amidst the energy of the Learning Places Scotland Conference 2025, Alex sat down with Fiona Smyth and Jenny Jones to explore the landscape-led design of Montgomerie Park Primary School.
They discuss:
- how carefully designed outdoor areas enhance learning and play
- what a landscape architect brings to the design of a school estate
- the impact of the completed spaces on pupils, teachers and the wider community
Their conversation reveals how thoughtful choices, from planting schemes to play zones, shape daily experiences and support a more climate-ready learning environment.
At the Landscape Institute Conference: landscape for Scotland’s future places
Later in the episode, the discussion shifts to the Landscape Institute’s National Housing and Regeneration Conference in January 2026, where Karen Anderson and Danny McKendry offer a broader perspective on the profession.
They reflect on:
- why landscape architects are essential in addressing Scotland’s housing, health and climate priorities
- how the built environment sector can work across disciplines to deliver resilient, people centred places
- the future role of landscape in shaping sustainable communities
Their insights highlight a growing recognition that landscape is not an add-on, but a foundation for good placemaking.
Episode 2 of the Value of Design podcast
Featuring
- Co-hosts: Alex Laurenson (Urban Designer) and Lesley Riddell Robertson (Principal Designer), Architecture and Design Scotland
- Fiona Smyth, Headteacher, Montgomerie Park Primary School
- Jenny Jones, Senior Landscape Architect (CMLI), rankinfraser landscape architecture
- Karen Anderson, President, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
- Danny McKendry, Principal Landscape Architect, Architecture and Design Scotland
Resources
- Learn more about climate-ready school grounds
- Explore the Montgomerie Park Primary School landscape design by rankinfraser landscape architecture
- Explore the Montgomorie Park Primary School design by jm architects
- Learn about the Shared Learning Events (Learning Estate Investment Programme)
- Learn more about the Landscape Institute
- Learn more about The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
Value of Design is an original Architecture and Design Scotland podcast, where our in-house architects and designers speak with influential voices from design, architecture and the public sector. Listen using the player above or on your preferred podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and SoundCloud.