INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR 2026
Gardener and landscape architect:an in-depth and essential dialogue for developing high-quality projects in the long term
Bergamo Alta
This year’s International Seminar will focus on a key theme for the future of landscape design: the relationship between those who design and those who maintain the landscape. To explore this theme in greater depth, two particularly significant case studies will be presented.
The first concerns The Field, the Mediterranean garden created by Luciano Giubbilei in Mallorca.
For the first time, the project will be discussed publicly alongside Artur Serra, the gardener responsible for its day-to-day management.
The second case study will focus on Knepp Castle in the United Kingdom, drawing on the design experience of James Hitchmough, supported by Charlie Harpur, the estate’s head gardener.
Although these two projects belong to different contexts – the Mediterranean and British landscapes – they will offer a fascinating comparison of the future prospects for landscape design and management.
PROTAGONISTS
Luciano Giubbilei
Luciano Giubbilei began his career in gardens when he moved from Siena, his birthplace, to London in 1994. Since 1997, he has gained international recognition, designing largescale landscape projects across Europe and the US, characterised by their strong architectural lines, restrained planting palettes and a commitment to creative partnerships with artists, architects and craftsmen. Most recently, Giubbilei transformed the 18th century Walled Garden at Raby Castle in the north of England.
James Hitchmough
James Hitchmough is an expert in planting design and professor emeritus at the University of Sheffield. His work explores the design of naturalistic plant compositions through the combined use of sowing and planting, with the aim of creating landscape systems of high aesthetic and ecological value. His research defines a structured method for designing and managing complex vegetation inspired by nature.
Artur Serra Costa
With a degree in Fine Arts from Barcelona University, Artur found in gardening a way to connect creativity with the living world. It was whilst working in the United Kingdom that he met Luciano Giubbilei, beginning a collaboration that eventually brought him to Mallorca. Today, Artur focuses on the care and evolution of The Field, a garden Luciano and Artur have created together. It’s a place where plants, insects, conversations and ideas are given space to flourish.
Charlie Harpur
Charlie Harpur initially trained as an architect before turning his attention to horticulture and landscape architecture. He gained experience at gardens such as the Chelsea Physic Garden and through the Kew Diploma, developing an approach that integrates design and ecology. His work focuses on the relationship between natural habitats and landscape design.