Hasta La Ideas

Landscape architect Lynn Kinnear, founder of Kinnear Landscape Architects who collaborated on projects including the Stirling Prize-winning Burntwood School, has died aged 64.

Described by Observer architecture critic Rowan Moore as “one of the outstanding landscape architects of her generation”, Kinnear passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer.

Born in Edinburgh in 1960, Kinnear studied at Heriot-Watt University before going on to work at architecture studios including SOM and Gillespies, before establishing her own studio in 1991.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 but continued to run her practice until 2023.

In a thirty-year career, Kinnear designed numerous playgrounds including Drapers Fields and Normand Park as well as parks, public squares and playspaces for schools including Chobham Academy in Newham and Daubeney School in Hackney.

She collaborated with leading architecture studios on high-profile projects including Caruso St John at the Walsall Art Gallery, RSHP at Mossbourne Academy and AHMM at Burntwood School.

Burntwood School received the Stirling Prize in 2015 – one of many awards won by Kinnear, who also received the Landscape Institute President’s Award for her Brentford High Street project and the Landscape Institute Award for Walthamstow Wetlands.

Reflecting on her work at Burntwood School, AHMM co-founder Paul Monaghan told Dezeen that the landscape design was “a key part of the project’s success”.

“She quickly developed our idea of a school where the outdoor spaces were seen as teaching rooms and her concepts included a sculpture court, a village green and a contemplation garden which all offered special places for the girls at the school,” he said.

“She was very collaborative, but also stuck to her ideas, which were always strong.”

“Our final project with her was at Tower Hamlets Town Hall now housed at the old Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel,” Monaghan added. “It was only finished last year but it provides a new front door to the borough.”

“Lynn was unable to deliver this on site but her strong design remains a shining example of someone who kept things simple but bold and made it look easy.”

Along with her work through her studio Kinnear Landscape Architects, she also commissioned the Blue House in London by architecture studio FAT, where her then partner Sean Griffiths was co-founder.

The project is one of FAT’s most significant works and remained Kinnear’s home until she died.

“Lynn was an amazing person who touched many lives and places in all of her capacities as a mother, a friend and as a brilliant landscape architect – one of the most important of her generation,” said Griffiths.

“She leaves behind a tremendous legacy of wonderful places including natural environments, school playgrounds, parks, public square and streets apes that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

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