The Landscape Institute Awards is one of the biggest events in the landscape architecture industry.
Camillia’s nominated dissertation is ‘Zemlya: How does a connection to land in conflict-affected regions contribute to resilience and cultural identity? A case study of Ukraine’s wartime gardening traditions and land use.’
Speaking about her dissertation, Camillia said:
“My dissertation, Zemlya, explored gardening and land use during times of conflict, focusing on Ukraine as a case study. Through interviews with people living and gardening in conflict-affected areas, I sought to understand how caring for the land can become an act of resilience, hope and identity.
“The stories I heard were powerful and deeply moving and the project became a way of honouring those connections to place in the most difficult circumstances.”
The Awards showcase the very best in landscape planning, design, management and research in the UK and internationally.
The two Student Categories are open to Landscape Institute student members who are completing or have completed an undergraduate or post-graduate course accredited by the Landscape Institute.
Speaking about the nomination, Camillia said:
“It’s a huge honour and also very humbling. The nomination feels like a recognition not only of my work but of the generosity of the people in Ukraine who trusted me with their stories. I hope it shines a light on their courage and creativity in the face of conflict.
Reflecting on her time at Greenwich, and what is to come, Camillia said:
“Studying at Greenwich has been transformative. The course has given me the space to bring together my interests in psychology, storytelling and design and I’ve loved being part of a community that challenges and inspires each other. The guidance and support from my tutors has been invaluable.
“I hope to build a practice rooted in attentiveness, research and collaboration, creating landscapes that support people, communities and the land. I want to continue projects that weave together storytelling, ecology and mental health, working across both community and private spaces with a focus on long-term connection to place.
“With Zemlya, there were so many more people who wanted to share their stories, so I’d like to extend this research further. I feel these voices deserve to be heard. When the conflict ends, I hope to visit the people and places featured in the book as a next step in honouring their experiences and deepening the project’s connection to the land.
“I’d first like to thank my tutors, Anushka Athique and Roo Angell at Greenwich for their guidance and encouragement throughout this project and the friends I’ve studied alongside who have been such a supportive community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone in Ukraine who trusted me with their stories.
“This work wouldn’t have been possible without my friend Maria Savoskula, who made so many connections and conversations happen and photographer Sergii Polezhaka, whose images added a powerful visual layer to the book.
“Finally, I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support.”
