In Memoriam: Professor Arno Sighart Schmid (IFLA President 1996-2000
In Memoriam: Professor Arno Sighart Schmid (IFLA President 1996-2000)
It is with deep sadness that the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) acknowledges the passing of former President, Professor Arno Sighart Schmid, on April 7, 2025. We received this sombre news from his eldest daughter, Claudia Harms-Schmid, and extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, children, and the entire Schmid family during this difficult time.
Professor Schmid served as IFLA President for two terms, from 1996 to 2000, a period marked by significant challenges and ultimately, profound achievement for the federation. Taking office during a time of division, Professor Schmid dedicated his presidency to the critical goal of reunifying IFLA. Following disagreements over membership dues structures, several large and influential national associations (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and later Japan) had resigned in 1992, forming the separate "Landscape Alliance."
Guided by the conviction that "strength lies in unity, and only unity would give strength," Professor Schmid tirelessly pursued reconciliation. He believed passionately that a unified global body was essential for landscape architecture to effectively address mounting global challenges like environmental preservation, globalization, and climate change. His presidency involved extensive negotiations, navigating complex disagreements, and fostering dialogue through numerous meetings across the globe – from Argentina and Bali to the pivotal 50th Anniversary celebration of IFLA in Cambridge, UK, in 1998.
Professor Schmid understood that consensus, rather than imposition, was key. His persistent efforts culminated in the "Joint Statement" agreed upon in Svendborg, Denmark, in June 1999, which paved the way for reunification. By the IFLA World Congress in San José, Costa Rica, in 2000, the associations from Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK and the USA had returned as full members of IFLA, fulfilling the primary goal Professor Schmid had set for his tenure.
Beyond this monumental achievement, Professor Schmid's presidency also focused on:
Global Growth: Promoting the profession and strengthening ties in regions where landscape architecture was less established, including efforts in Africa, reactivating South Korea, establishing ties in South America, and working towards bringing India back into the fold.
International Relations: Enhancing IFLA's standing and collaboration with key international bodies like UNESCO (achieving Status "A" relations), UIA, ICOMOS, ISOCARP, the Council of Europe, and the ILO.
Celebrating History: Overseeing the significant 50th Anniversary of IFLA in Cambridge and the publication of the historical documentation "IFLA: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE."
Professor Schmid was a long-serving member of the IFLA community, attending his first World Congress in 1968 and serving as the German delegate from 1977 onwards. He deeply valued the cultural richness within IFLA and remained convinced of the vital importance of landscape architecture in improving human existence and tackling environmental crises.
Professor Arno Schmid's leadership during a critical juncture healed divisions and restored IFLA's global strength and representation. His dedication, diplomatic skill, and unwavering belief in the power of unity leave a lasting legacy within the International Federation of Landscape Architects. He will be greatly missed.