George Seddon (academic)

George Seddon (1927-2007) was an Australian academic best known for his work in landscape architecture, environmental planning, and urban design. He made significant contributions to the fields of landscape perception, environmental philosophy, and the understanding of human relationships with the environment.

Seddon held positions at the University of Melbourne, where he founded the Centre for Environmental Studies in 1972. His interdisciplinary approach drew upon geography, philosophy, and environmental science to develop a holistic understanding of landscape. He was particularly interested in how people perceive and value landscapes, and how this understanding could inform planning and design decisions.

His influential book, Land and Landscape, published in 1970, is considered a seminal work in landscape architecture and environmental planning. It explores the aesthetic, social, and ecological dimensions of landscape, arguing for a more sensitive and sustainable approach to land management. Seddon critiqued the prevailing modernist approach to urban development, advocating for the preservation of natural landscapes and the integration of green spaces into urban environments.

Other notable works include Man and Landscape (1976), co-authored with Marten Syme, and numerous articles and essays on environmental ethics and urban planning. He was a strong advocate for public participation in planning processes and believed that communities should have a voice in shaping their environment. Seddon's work continues to influence landscape architects, planners, and environmental thinkers in Australia and internationally. His legacy lies in his contribution to developing a greater appreciation for the value of landscapes and a more holistic approach to environmental management.