In order to translate “Paisagismo”

Abstract

Difficulties have been observed in translating terms related to Landscape Architecture into English, which mobilize concepts of “Paisagem” (Landscape), “Jardim” (Garden) and “Projeto” (Design). Such difficulties are, in part, due to the fact that the situation of Landscape Architecture, as a field of knowledge and professional practice, is still uncertain in Brazil. There is no professional regulation on the part of the government, there is no higher education in the area, with the exception of the “Paisagismo” undergraduate course at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), created in 1973 and which, until recently, adopted the name of “Composição Paisagística” (Landscape Composition). In addition, the main professional associations differ on the prerequisites for their members and on the very nature of the profession.

On the other hand, the complexity of the English terms does not help the task of the translator, where “Landscape Architect”, “Landscape Designer”, “Garden Designer”, “Landscaper”, “Landscape Gardener” and “Landscape Contractor” coexist and may, eventually, mean the professional responsible for designing and/or coordinating the implementation of green areas and gardens. In one side, these professions perform some overlapping services but, in other side, the activities may be quite different. In common, it can be said that all these activities are covered within the field of knowledge “Landscape Architecture”.