In memoriam Harlind Libbrecht
On the 8th of January, 2025, we had to say goodbye to Harlind Libbrecht, a very special person in our field. His sharp and steadfast vision, dedication to the profession and inspiring teaching style left an impression. He lived to be 65 years old.
A life dedicated to nature and education
Born on 26 October 1959 in Oudenaarde, Harlind grew up in picturesque Zulzeke, in the middle of the Flemish Ardennes. His love for nature and landscape found its origins early on in the youth work “Wielewaal Jongeren”, now known as JNM. This passion set him on the path of Landscape and Garden Architecture, in which he graduated in Melle (HILT) in 1981. He continued to develop constantly, earning another master’s degree in Monument and Landscape Care from the University of Antwerp in 2015.
For almost three decades (1989-2018), Harlind taught at the Hogeschool Gent. He inspired generations of students with his broad knowledge and enthusiasm. As an inspired teacher, he not only taught his students how gardens and landscapes are designed, but above all inspired them to learn to read the landscape and to understand the many layers in it.
A pioneer and connector
In addition to his teaching activities, Harlind was a pioneer within Flanders in applied research in landscape and garden architecture. Among others, he brought together historical landscapes and contemporary design practices as a promoter in projects such as “De Ieperboog, van herinnering naar visie” and “De Ieperboog, van wederopbouw naar herinneringslandschap”.
His active involvement in the international LE:NOTRE Institute and ECLAS (European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools) made him a more widely known and appreciated figure within European education of landscape and garden architecture. In 2021, he was also awarded ECLAS’s Lifetime Achievement Award for this, in recognition of his long-standing contribution.
A moustache, a ponytail and a mandolin
A passionate musician, Harlind showed that harmony can be captured not only in design, but also in chords. Together with his friends and brothers, he founded the folk-rock group Kadril. His mandolin sounds, lyrics and unique stage appearance – moustache and ponytail – made him an indispensable part of Flemish folk culture.
A difficult final phase
After a severe brain haemorrhage in 2018, Harlind’s life changed abruptly. His physical and communication abilities became extremely limited, but his spirit remained unbroken. Harlind found a peaceful place and new home in Spain in 2022, surrounded by loved ones and the Galician countryside. His health, however, remained fragile.
Rest in peace Harlind
Ruben Joye, Blikveld