Maria Gabriella Trovato has received the 2026 President’s Award from the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). She is recognised for leading Landscape Architects Without Borders and for her work in regions affected by conflict, disasters and displacement.
“When war or disaster devastates a community, rebuilding houses is only part of the challenge. People also need safe streets, public spaces and places where everyday life can begin again,” says Trovato.
She is an associate professor at the School of Landscape Architecture at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), where she leads the international master’s programme in Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability.
In announcing the award, IFLA highlights Trovato's commitment to communities and landscapes affected by crises, particularly in Lebanon and the wider Mediterranean region.
Research in Lebanon
Trained as both an architect and a landscape architect, Trovato has spent much of her academic career exploring how environmental and social challenges intersect, particularly in regions affected by conflict and migration.
Her research includes the experiences of displaced Syrians living in Lebanon, examining how conditions in settlements and access to assistance affect their lives.
She has examined how residents of Beirut have adapted to successive crises, including political unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating port explosion in 2020.
“Lebanon has been central to my work for many years. It is a place where communities have had to adapt to one crisis after another. To have this work recognised internationally means a great deal to me, and I hope it encourages further research and collaboration in places facing similar challenges,” says Trovato.
At NMBU, Trovato brings this international experience into her research and teaching, giving students insight into the challenges landscape architects face in different parts of the world.
“Gabriella's work demonstrates just how broad and relevant landscape architecture is as a discipline,” says Frode Degvold, Head of the School of Landscape Architecture at NMBU. “Her international experience is a real asset to our academic community and our students. This is thoroughly deserved recognition of her contribution to the profession.”
Landscape architecture and preparedness
Trovato’s work connects landscape architecture with questions of security and preparedness, both high on the agenda in Norway and internationally. These are also central themes in the research of Per Martin Norheim-Martinsen, Dean of NMBU’s Faculty of Landscape and Society.
“How we plan and develop our towns and communities can make a real difference to how they withstand crises and recover afterwards. Landscape architecture has an important role to play in this, and Gabriella's work is a powerful example. I'm delighted to see her work recognised internationally,” says Norheim-Martinsen.
About the IFLA President’s Award
- Awarding organisation: International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA).
- The award: Recognises individuals or organisations whose participation in IFLA has contributed to advancing the profession of landscape architecture.
- International reach: IFLA represents 82 national member associations and more than 100,000 landscape architects worldwide.
- 2026 recipient: Maria Gabriella Trovato, NMBU.
- Reason for recognition: Her leadership of Landscape Architects Without Borders and her academic and humanitarian work on landscapes affected by conflict, disasters and forced migration.