Introducing Melbourne Correspondent Sulochi Walisinghe!
In January 2022 we launched the Global Walkability Correspondents Network, as a way to build solidarity among walkability advocates around the world and continue to create media on sustainable mobility and urbanism.
We are grateful to welcome Sulochi as a Melbourne Correspondent to our growing network of individuals who are passionate walkability advocates.
I see walkability as one main conduit in creating positive change to our current systems and city-making, to encourage deep connection to place and for the healing of country.
–Sulochi Walisinghe
WHO
Sulochi is a registered Landscape Architect with over 14 years of experience in both private and public sector. Currently working as Urban Designer Coordinator and experienced in Tutoring at Melbourne University, Working with a Design team as a Principal Landscape Architect. She is the Secretary of Play Australia Vic branch, and is the Precedent of KINN ( Kids in Nature Network), she is also a Member of AILA, Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture Environmental committee and MECLA, Material Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance.
She has extensive experience in strategic planning, scoping designing and delivering urban/landscape space as well as major infrastructure projects. She is passionate in creating positive change, through innovative and collaborative design solutions in creating spaces for the community with focus on addressing climate and biodiversity crisis we face.
As a creative designer Sulochi deeply values and respects both the community and the environment and will always work diligently in developing and improving the quality of life for both the community and the environment.
I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to support positive change and support and influence change to make the future more pleasant for all. As a Landscape Architect with deep love and connection to nature I will always promote and support opportunity for this connection through my work and day to day life.
-Sulochi Walisinghe
It is time to put Nature first in all our future city making and place making projects to help heal our planet and the people. I hope to continue to work to encourage positive change in construction by collaborating and learning and testing innovative design solutions while aiming to reduce the impact we have on the Planet.
WHERE
I live in Wurundjeri and Bunurong land of the Kulin Nation Melbourne, Australia and I currently work at Maroondah City Council around 23km away from Melbourne City itself. I was lucky to have developed deep connection to country at a very young age and developed my love for a few countries as I was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka among the hills and spent my teenage years in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand and the past 21+ years at the Wurundjeri and Bunurong land of the Kulin Nation, Australia. Love of nature, place, flora, fauna and people guide my design as I try my best to respect all throughout my design decision-making.
WHY WALKABILITY
I see walkability as one main conduit in creating positive change to our current systems and city-making, to encourage deep connection to place and for the healing of country. Walking makes us see more and feel more and connect deeply. There are also many health benefits to encouraging people to move and be active. By joining like-minded people who are passionate about making a positive change would definitely support fast change in our systems to build a better for all.
I feel It is vital to support kids’ connection to nature through city-making. We have to look at ways to protect and support our local flora and fauna through City Design projects. Supporting our kids’ connection to nature will determine the value we put on nature.
// Photo: Sulochi Walisinghe
Sulochi is a Landscape Architect who reflects that she was lucky enough to have had a childhood that nurtured her connection to the land. She is passionate about supporting connection to nature while taking action to protect nature by working with people who are trying to create positive change to make the world a better place for all.
Read Sulochi’s content here
Learn more about the Global Walkability Correspondents Network here