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2018 ANNUAL 45

UCONN’S PROGRAM OF
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE —
THE TIMES ARE CHANGING

46 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Vanessa Ayala (Class T he chronological history of
of 2019) Sketching in the Landscape Architecture
Program at UConn begins
Florence Italy. with the hiring of Rudy Favretti in
1955 into the Department of Plant
Science as a Home Gardening Spe-
cialist. The position was renamed
“Extension Landscape Architect”
in 1966 with an approval from
the CT Board of Higher Education
for an undergraduate major in
Landscape Design by 1979, and
the department affirmed their
commitment to achieving national
accreditation for a Landscape
Design Program. By 1990, the CT
Board of Higher Education autho-
rized a Bachelor of Science degree
in Landscape Architecture and
progress toward national accred-
itation ensued. Extended faculty
and new studio space were
provided prior to a pre-accredi-
tation review by CTASLA in 1997,
resulting in being awarded initial
accreditation by the LAAB in 1998.
By 2004, there were four tenured
faculty and adjunct faculty —
John Alexopoulos, Peter Miniutti,
Mark Westa, Kristin Schwab, and
Natalie Gray Miniutti — teaching
in the Program of Landscape
Architecture, with a department
name change occurring in 2008 to
the Department of Plant Science
and Landscape Architecture. By
2012, the Program of Landscape
Architecture had newly renovated
studios allowing all sophomore,

2018 ANNUAL 47

As part of a land grant university committed to serving the state, the Landscape Architecture program strives to create opportu-
nities for students to work on real-life issues in their communities. Service learning provides a compelling reason to learn, teaches
the skills of civic participation, and provides valuable assistance to communities. Here, Ian Didow (Class of 2014) presents his
design for East Lyme to town officials and faculty.

junior, and senior classes to share studios, program and is conducting a national
printing/plotting equipment, and new pre- search for a fifth, tenure-track faculty
sentation/classroom spaces. Subsequently, position. There’s been a shift at UConn as a
a model-building lab for 3-D printers and Research #1 University, for the importance
laser cutting was added. of research by hiring more PhD faculty.
With a more diverse and international
Transformation Toward an MLA body of students, our program is looking
The program has recently received to bring more exposure to international
support from the Department Head,  or global research and design to the MLA
Richard McAvoy, for the development of a Program. The PhD in Landscape Archi-
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) tecture faculty position will be respon-

48 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

sible for 40% scholarship/research and program, allowing Chinese Landscape
60% teaching duties, advising undergrad- Architecture students to attend one under-
uates and mentoring graduate students. graduate year and one graduate year in
Says Department Head Richard McAvoy: UConn’s Program of Landscape Archi-
tecture. Tao Li , a visiting scholar from
“An MLA graduate program will raise our Nanjing, enjoyed her experience at UConn
status and heighten our research in scholarship. so much that she has enrolled as a PHD
It will also be more attractive to international student within the department. Tao’s co-
students having an accredited MLA program. advisors are Associate Professor Peter
The MLA program is in its conceptual stages, Miniutti and Dr. Julia Kuzovkina in the
going in the direction of an accreditation review Department of Plant Science and Land-
by getting the needed additional faculty to meet scape Architecture. Tao Li says:
the required numbers.”
“Out of my admiration of the Landscape
In 2018, the Program of Landscape Archi- Architecture Program at UConn and having
tecture celebrates its twentieth year as an finished my Visiting Scholar visit, I applied for
LAAB-accredited program. a PhD to do cutting-edge research with Peter
Miniutti and other professors. The doctoral
Student Diversity & Exposure study is challenging and wonderful. The
Diversity took a big step forward program of studying abroad in Europe was a
beginning in 2013 with a formal agreement great experience with fruitful results, a lot of
to recruit Chinese students from Nanjing knowledge and joy.”
University to enroll at UConn in a “3+1”

Ming Yin (class of 2017) and Ruogi Yu (Class of 2018) catching up on their sleep during a train ride to Prague as part of the
2017 Study Abroad trip.

2018 ANNUAL 49

Students sketching in Venice during the 2017 Study Abroad trip. In addition to classroom learning, our
students are exposed to national and inter-
“The study abroad program was the national travel opportunities, including
conferences, ASLA Annual Meetings, and
best way to experience my first LABASH. In June 2017, the program inaugu-
trip to Europe. There were lots of rated its Study Abroad Program by bringing
different countries and cities with 14 landscape architecture students on a
my peer group for company. My month-long whirlwind trip that included 8
hand-drawing techniques improved countries, 12 cities, and countless number
greatly after Villa Lante in Italy. of significant gardens.
There were so many cool plazas
connected by streets creating lots Community Research and Design
of different spaces. Collaborative (CRDC)
To facilitate landscape architecture
— Jackie Aylward, Class of 2019 scholarship, the program launched the
UConn’s CRDC in 2007 as an umbrella orga-
50 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE nization for public outreach by Landscape
Architecture faculty to provide sustainable

“Our European trip was an

eye-opening experience.
It was a journey to both
the past and the future. 

— Ruohan Li, Class of 2018

2017 Study Abroad
trip. Above: Plaza and

Church in Florence,
Italy. Right: Students
studying Villa Lante, on
the outskirts of Rome.
Below: Group dinner

in Amsterdam.

Above: Plaza in Lisbon, Portugal.

2018 ANNUAL 51

reason to learn, teaches the skills of civic par-
ticipation and develops an ethic of service and
civic responsibility. By solving real problems
and addressing real needs, students learn
to apply classroom learning to a real world
context. At the same time, students provide
valuable services to communities.

Samantha Stewart (Class of 2016) presenting her design for the Essex Therefore, we exist not only to educate
Steam Train property to town officials. the students who enter our campus, but
also meet the needs of residents of our
planning and design services. UConn is a state. Cross-disciplinary research is a signif-
land grant university committed to serving icant opportunity provided by the Collabo-
the state. The land grant mission is a living, rative in areas including sustainable towns/
working reality that impacts communities cities, shoreline and community resiliency,
at all points along the socio-economic stormwater management, landscape
spectrum. Outreach is an essential com- ecology, multi-modal transportation, green
ponent of a land-grant university. UConn infrastructure, digital visualization/GIS, and
recognizes, supports, and encourages out- spatial analysis. 
reach through a wide variety of activities To learn more about UConn’s CRDC visit
and programs, including service learning as https://crdcuconn.wordpress.com.
an educational model. Service learning is:
S o, big changes are in progress and we
…A method of teaching through which students are looking for help. We are looking for
apply their academic skills and knowledge to PhD’s in landscape architecture to apply
address real-life needs in their own commu- for our tenure-track opening. If you are one
nities. Service learning provides a compelling or know one please have them contact us.
We are also looking for energetic adjunct
instructors (do not have to have a PhD) to
teach classes in all realms of the discipline.
Lastly, we are looking for some donors to
help bring our program to the next level.
Our donor campaign will be launched later
this year.
If you are interested in helping in any
of these areas, or just want to learn more
about the Landscape Architecture program,
please contact Associate Professor Peter
Miniutti at [email protected].

“We exist not only to educate

the students who enter our
campus, but also meet the
needs of residents of our
state.

52 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

2018 ANNUAL 53

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THE KAREN ANN SHOPIS-FOX
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

T he Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship is Karen Ann
given annually by CTASLA to encourage awareness and Shopis-Fox was a
education in the field of landscape architecture. To be talented designer
eligible, an applicant must be a Connecticut resident and and a dedicated
enrolled in an accredited landscape architecture program at advocate for the
the college level. Since the genesis of our scholarship in 2003, profession of land-
CTASLA has given away $67,000 to nearly 30 worthy students, scape architecture.
helping to seed careers in landscape architecture and She served on the
strengthen ties with ASLA. Our 2017 recipients — Alexandra CTASLA executive
DiStefano, of Greenwich, and Lia Rodriguez, of Bethel — are committee in the
profiled on the following pages. 1990s, and was a driving force in the formation
of our golf outing and scholarship. Karen was
We are grateful for the many generous donors — those who a passionate supporter of the then-fledgling
make cash donations, contribute prizes, or buy raffle tickets Landscape Architecture program at the
— who enable CTASLA to maintain our annual giving. You University of Connecticut, her alma mater. She
can help us expand our student support by including the received the chapter’s prestigious George A.
Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship as a bequest in Yarwood Award in 2002, given in recognition of
your will or trust, or by making a donation at any time, in any members who have given unselfishly of their
amount. Learn more at www.ctasla.org/scholarships.htm. time and talent to further the profession of
landscape architecture. The scholarship was
renamed in Karen’s memory in 2011.

2018 ANNUAL 57

2017 RECIPIENTS

Alexandra DiStefano of Greenwich, CT, protesters I could
is pursuing a master’s degree in landscape tell a story that was
architecture at Harvard University Graduate more politically
School of Design. During her undergrad legible than arrest
career at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, numbers,” she
she studied architecture and political says. “My goal was
science. HWS provided Alexandra with a to push a positive
strong foundation in design, emphasizing environmental agenda forward rather than
hand drawing and an iterative process. reacting to negative environmental policies.”
It was not until her senior year that the Alexandra hopes to continue this type of
intersection of her two disciplines solidified. cross-disciplinary research in her graduate
In Fall of 2015, Alexandra mapped the agency studies at Harvard. “I believe that land-
of a local grassroots movement as an inde- scape architecture encourages a unique
pendent study. Her research used a rigorous approach which creates opportunities for
design process to analyze the movement. design solutions that cut across disciplinary
She first compiled a complete set of indi- boundaries,” she says. “Exploring political
vidual protesters, then developed a set of geography is what excites me most about
research questions to guide her assessment attending graduate school.”
of the movement. Finally, she developed a Alexandra spent her summer before
unique visual representation of the coali- graduate school exploring design through an
tion’s work. internship with Conte & Conte Landscape
“I hoped that by diagramming the geo- Architects in Greenwich, and in a work-study
graphical and cultural landscape of the at Concordia Eco Resort in St. John USVI.
Kirin Makker, Associate Professor of
Alexandra’s study of a local grassroots movement identified the Architectural Studies at Hobart and William
origin of each protester and used those locations to trace the Smith Colleges, says Alexandra is “easily one
scope of solidarity for each protest, aligning the individual within of the most committed, motivated, intellec-
each protest and each protest within the movement. She then tually engaged, articulate, and thoughtful
situated this visual information along a timeline with the site of the students I have seen. She is game for every
protest at its core. County lines disappeared and a new geographic challenge thrown at her, and is often her
agency formed around the people who traveled from their homes own toughest critic. She invests a myriad of
and gathered to protest. capacities in her work, and knows how to
make thoughtful arguments with design.”

MAPPING SOLIDARITYMAPPING SOLIDARITY
Data Visualization
Data Visualization
PROTEST TIMELINE
ARRESTS PER PROTEST
MAP OUTILNE
PROTEST TIMELINE
TOTAL ARRESTEES
ARRESTS PER PROTESTPROTESTERS PER BLOCKADE

MAP OUTILNE

TOTAL ARRESTEES

PROTESTERS PER BLOCKADE

111111111111111111222220////////////1112231112427198//760/2//9///22///22/22222200202010100010010111104411141444444444
1111222///////1121946169/8/////2/222222000010010111115555555
4/22/2015
555556//////1112271/23/6///22/2220201100001115515555
76//73/02/0210515
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58 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Lia Rodriguez, of Bethel, CT, is studying landscape archi- In this quick, four-week project,
tecture at Pennsylvania State University. She first discovered Penn State students were
the field of landscape architecture watching a video about asked to “revitalize” the existing
the “Gardens by the Bay” project in Singapore, designed by Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte,
Grant Associates. PA. “We had to do everything in
“I was utterly amazed, not knowing that something like black and white with the choice
that could ever be created in the first place, especially with of including one accent color (I
the purpose of sustainability.” decided to keep it all black and
While landscape architecture doesn’t always entail grand, extravagant white). Also, for this project I
projects such as Gardens by the Bay, she says, the end goal is hopefully wanted to challenge myself by
always the same, achieving a balance between the built and natural envi- hand-drawing everything.”
ronments through means of sustainability.
“I am excited about how diverse the practice of landscape architecture 2018 ANNUAL 59
is. There are so many things that fall under the umbrella of landscape
architecture — the possibilities are endless.”
Lia has gained inspiration from her birth country, Honduras, where
landscape architecture is not necessarily well known. “There are many

places within my country created by land-
scape architects that are absolutely stunning,
but not necessarily accessible to all members
of the community, especially those afflicted
by poverty.”

“I would like to devote much of my
practice to making sure that all members of
a community are able to enjoy these spaces,
so that there is no exclusion,” says Lia. “This
balance is incredibly important to produce
and maintain in a world where it seems that
the natural is being drowned out by the built.”
Michelle DeBenedetto, School Counselor at Bethel High School,
describes Lia as a “young woman who radiates enthusiasm for life and
learning.” While noting her academic achievements and extracurricular
activities — as a member of the marching and symphonic bands, Social
Justice Club, World Language Honor Society, school newspaper, student
ambassador in the People to People program, and volunteer at the
Maritime Aquarium — her finest qualities come through when you meet
her, she says.
“Lia has a sincere warmth and compassion for humanity that is
evident through her tireless support of several community
service activities for the town of Bethel and the surrounding
area,” says Michelle.
“My intentions within the field of landscape architecture
are not just to one day create pretty places, but rather to
genuinely help all members of a community become better
connected to the earth,” says Lia. “I am thrilled to have
the opportunity to be someone who will help change our
landscapes for the better of this planet.”

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2018 ANNUAL 61

Adventure Park, Bridgeport
62 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

EMERGING
PROFESSIONALS

T he Connecticut Chapter’s
Emerging Professionals
section was busy in 2017
creating opportunities for edu-
cation, networking, and camara-
derie for our members who have
recently entered the profession.
Highlights follow:

January: Attendance at
Connecticut Green Building
Council Emerging Professionals
workshop in North Haven.

February: Bowling night with
AIA/CT in Wallingford, attended
by both emerging professionals
and ExComm members.

March: On March 18th, the EP
section held a review session in
New Haven for the first section
of the LARE. Gwen Heerschap,
Grant Losapio, Megan Duva, and
Matthew Verry spent several
hours reviewing construction
administration topics and ques-
tions with the help of presenter
Oliver Gaffney.

April: Portfolio review event with
UConn Program of Landscape
Architecture. Five EPs paired up
with five experienced profes-
sionals to jointly review student
work portfolios and offer con-
structive criticism.

2018 ANNUAL 63

June: The EP section convened at On April 24, 2017, the Emerging Professional section paid a visit to the University of
Brewport on June 6 to celebrate Connecticut Program of Landscape Architecture to help review student portfolios. In
some exciting LARE results and attendance were Gwen Heerschap, Matthew Verry, Rachel Salch, Myles Simon, Oliver
network with Fairfield County Gaffney, and Mike Rettenmeier.
peers. In attendance was Thomas
Cross, Oliver Gaffney, Katie Haas, We are planning continuing offer meaningful programming
Phil Schweiger, Brandon Kennedy, LARE section reviews (beginning approximately once a month to
and Matthew Verry. with Section 4 in March) as engage emerging professionals in
well as the UConn portfolio growing their career and partici-
July: LARE Section 2 Review review night and future social pating in our Chapter.
Session in New Haven. events. Our objective is to

September: Volunteer outing
with Save the Sound to pick up
coastal trash in New Haven’s
Criscuolo Park; attendance
at Construction Institute’s
Emerging Professionals
workshop in Southington.

October: Social outing to The
Adventure Park in Bridgeport;
EPs worked singly and as a
team to navigate aerial obstacle
courses requiring agility,
strength, and strategy; followed
by celebration of LARE results at
Two Roads Brewing in Stratford.

December: LARE Section 3
Review Session in New Haven.

On October 21, 2017, Katie Haas, Gwen
Heerschap, Grant Losapio, Oliver Gaffney,
and Phil Schweiger (left to right) paid a
visit to the Adventure Park in Bridgeport
to test their strength, balance, and agility
against a sequence of elevated obstacle
courses at heights of up to 40 feet in the
air. Each stage in the sequence could
only be attempted by one individual at
a time, and there was no way to turn
back or quit the course early. However,
the gauntlet of ropes, logs, swings, zip
lines, and nets proved to be no match
for the team of Emerging Professionals,
who rallied around one another — and
occasionally provided a helping hand
to pull their fellow EPs to the safety of
the intermediate platforms. To celebrate
not adversely affecting CTASLA’s liability
insurance, the group convened at Two
Roads Brewing Company afterwards for a
pint of pumpkin beer and to congratulate
some of the group on their new jobs.

64 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: Social at Brewport, June 6. Below: The Emerging
Professionals hosted a Section 3 LARE Review session on
December 2, 2017. Meeting space was graciously provided
by TPA Design Group. In attendance were Gwen Heerschap,
Grant Losapio, and Matthew Verry along with Oliver Gaffney
facilitating the session. A post-review social gathering at
Archie Moore’s included the usual wings and libations in
addition to discussions about EP programming for 2018.

THANK YOU TO OUR
EMERGING PROFESSIONALS

SECTION SPONSORS!

Below: On February 20, 2018, the Emerging Professionals For more information, contact:
participated in AIA’s annual bowling tournament. Grant Oliver Gaffney, ASLA • Chair, CTASLA EP Committee
Losapio, Katie Haas, Phil Schweiger, and Oliver Gaffney were
also joined by ExComm members Debra DeVries-Dalton [email protected]
and Barbara Yaeger. While the CTASLA teams did not garner
any trophies, the EPs enjoyed the opportunity to meet their
emerging architects counterparts and discuss possibilities for
future collaboration.

2018 ANNUAL 65

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2018 ANNUAL 69

The CTASLA Connecticut
Professional Awards recognize
outstanding works of landscape
architectural design, planning
and analysis, communications,
and research. Entrants must
be a member of the American
Society of Landscape Architects;
additionally, either the subject
project or the submitting firm
must be located in Connecticut.
This year’s competition was
juried by professionals from the
Alaska Chapter of ASLA.

Doyle Herman Design Associates
70 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

2018 PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

2018 ANNUAL 71

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE | Landscape Architectural Design — Corporate /Institutional

Towers|Golde, LLC

University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital

Lexington, KY

W hen planning for a major expansion landscape…” is how UK Healthcare describes
and reorganization of its Lexington their Patient Pavilion. This theme is quite lit-
medical campus, UK Healthcare sought to erally captured in the landscape plan, which
reinvent itself as a destination for the finest embraces elements of the native, regional
in medical care. As is common with complex landscape to set the local visitor at ease,
academic medical centers, the campus had while expressing distinctive characteristics
evolved over time into a confusing array of of Lexington to national and international
institutional-looking patient entries lacking visitors. Inner courtyards further the medical
a singular welcoming front door. One of the center’s goals by offering therapeutic land-
major site planning goals of this project was scape settings and upper-level green roofs
to provide welcoming arrival space — gener- that visually unify the complex while pro-
ously scaled, easily understood, and simple viding sustainable benefits. They provide
to use for visitors. Following a six-year a healing setting that is more calming to
effort, the new hospital complex is a dra- patients, visitors, and staff.
matic expansion of the existing facility and Working with a team of architects, engi-
includes twin bed towers for 500 patients, neers, and the owner’s facilities group, the
new surgical, emergency and materials landscape architect’s key roles included
handling departments, a 1600-car garage, master planning a multi-block medical
extensive streetscape and utility relocations center district, and site planning and design
and a heliport. It is all embraced by a uni- services throughout the programming,
fying landscape and an iconic arrival space schematic design, design development, con-
that is buffered from busy city traffic by a struction documentation, and construction
verdant urban park. administration phases of multiple stages of
“A world-class hospital, a place where site construction.
people feel welcomed — at home with
the way we’ve incorporated the Kentucky Photos: Scott Pease Photography

72 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: The newly-completed green roof, right, features
planted trays of grasses, sedges and sedums and a
dry-stream of river rocks which doubles for access to
equipment. Left: The central “front yard” abstractly
expresses the regional cultural aesthetic of rolling terrain,
native tall grasses and trees, and curving limestone walls
evoking the county’s horse farms. Viewed from the pedes-
trian bridge, it anchors visitors’ orientation.

CLIENT: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPE
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ELLERBE BECKET (AECOM), AND A.M. KINNEY CIVIL ENGINEER: QUEST
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PROJECT), GILBANE CONSTRUCTION (GARAGE) MECHANICAL ENGINEER:
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SITE CONTRACTOR: E.C. MATTHEWS CO. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR:
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STONE SUPPLIER: E.C. MATTHEWS CO. WATER FEATURE: DIAMOND
PONDS SCULPTOR: MAURICE BLIK CONCRETE PAVERS: HANOVER
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2018 ANNUAL 73

HONOR AWARD | Landscape Planning & Analysis

Anne Penniman Associates, LLC

Elizabeth Park Master Plan

Hartford/West Hartford, CT

T he 2017 Elizabeth Park Master Plan coin- the park and the influences that affect it
cides with the 120-year anniversary of beyond its borders. A clear and unified vision
the park, which opened in 1897. For over is the result of an iterative design process
a century, Elizabeth Park has attracted an involving the design team, the Elizabeth Park
enthusiastic and dedicated community Conservancy, members the City of Hartford’s
of users. However, more than a century of Public Works, interest groups, and com-
unplanned changes and budgetary chal- munity members. The resulting documents
lenges have eroded the quality of the park. will serve as planning tools for Elizabeth
The Master Plan serves as a commitment by Park stakeholders and help guide decisions
the Conservancy Board to meet the needs regarding the future development, use, and
and expectations of park visitors while programming for the park as it adapts to
ensuring that Elizabeth Park evolves as a fit the ever-changing needs of the Hartford
vibrant and relevant public green space for community.
the 21st century. Equally, as these documents can help
The Inventory and Analysis (Phase 1) and guide future efforts to enhance and improve
the Master Plan (Phase 2) processes took a Elizabeth Park, the Master Plan can also be
multi-faceted approach to understanding the used to help preserve the rich history con-
unique challenges and opportunities within tained within the park for future generations.

Careful study
of the 1900 park
plan, historic photos, city
archives, and Hartford Park
Commissioners reports provided insight
to park elements, programming, and the
park’s role in the lives of Hartford residents.

74 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

CLIENT: ELIZABETH PARK CONSERVANCY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Top: The 2017 Master Plan
ANNE PENNIMAN ASSOCIATES, LLC ECOLOGIST: KENNETH METZLER celebrates the rich history of
SURVEYOR: BASCOM & BENJAMIN Elizabeth Park while responding
to contemporary community,
economic, ecological, and
safety concerns. Above:
Boardwalks in ecologically
sensitive areas allow access
for visitors. Left: Condensing
parking to the perimeter of
the park allows for the closure
of the Rose Loop Road to just
emergency vehicles, returning
the horticultural core to a
pedestrian-only greenspace.

2018 ANNUAL 75

HONOR AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Residential

Doyle Herman Design Associates

Engaging the Native Landscape

Rye, NY

With a home perched above one of the In the outdoor spaces around the house,
largest privately owned freshwater the front was updated with a bluestone path
wetlands in Rye, NY, the goal of the land- and planted with a mix of linear hedges and
scape design was to engage the wetland as softer ferns, flowering shrubs, and native
an asset, while at the same time provide trees. Along the side, the walkway leads to
living outdoor spaces around the house that the new rear terraces. A fire feature, com-
reflect the naturalistic feel of the property. plete with a custom bench, was located on
On the 3.2-acre property, with over one- the edge of the ridge that overlooks the wet-
third of the land wetland, it was essential to lands and forested hillside. Constructed of
embrace this natural feature in the design. reclaimed granite, the fireplace extends the
A boardwalk was designed to create outdoor season. Wrapping the edge between
access through the wetlands in an eco- the hillside and the terrace, native perennials
logically sensitive manner so the owners and ferns were planted in the transitional
could appreciate the diversity of animals spaces, and a sheared hedge defines the edge
and plants that live in and visit the space. between the terrace and lawn.
The boardwalk system utilizes bearing pad
footers, therefore no soil disturbance was
necessary for installation, minimizing the
impact to the wetland. To encourage greater
diversity of both plants and wildlife, invasive
species controls were implemented and
native shrubs and trees were planted.

Above: The wetlands are home to a diversity of wildlife including
wild turkeys that also enjoy the boardwalk. Right: Stepping stone
path leads from the house down to the wetlands and boardwalk.

76 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: Terrace for entertaining with a custom fire
feature. Left: Comprehensive site plan depicts the
scope of the wetland and upland site programming.

CLIENT: PRIVATE RESIDENCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: DOYLE HERMAN DESIGN
ASSOCIATES WETLAND CONSULTANT: WILLIAM KENNY ASSOCIATES CIVIL ENGINEER:
RICHTER ENGINEERING, P.C. MASONRY AND LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: SANDOVAL’S
LANDSCAPING & MASONRY, INC. IRRIGATION: SUMMER RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, INC.
LIGHTING CONTRACTOR: MANNY’S ELECTRIC AND LIGHTING, INC. BOARDWALK
MANUFACTURER: WICKCRAFT BOARDWALKS EXTERIOR SOUND SYSTEM:
INNERSPACE ELECTRONICS, INC. WOODWORK: J&J FENCE

2018 ANNUAL 77

HONOR AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Corporate/Institutional

Dinep+Schwab

Healing Gardens at the Cone Health Cancer Center

Greensboro, NC

This 1.1-acre site adjacent to the Cone it taking over the senses.” Finding the right
Health Cancer Center was derelict balance between built and unbuilt and wild
property — an invisible vinescape awash vs. managed areas was key to creating this
with each storm event. The vision was to calming, yet visually enticing place.
reunite this landscape with the hospital Connections to existing pathways were
campus for the respite and rejuvenation of made accessible and the entire hospital entry
cancer patients. expression was re-envisioned by replacing
The assembled design team for this very walls with stainless steel cabled rails that
special mission consisted of a dedicated allow views into the sunken Healing Garden
group of engineers, contractors, consultants, along the walk to the hospital main entry.
project managers, and designers — many The site functions as a stormwater sponge,
of whom were cancer survivors — and all receiving upstream stormwater from a
of whom believed in the project and con- 7-acre parking lot. Gently graded slopes, the
tributed hundreds of volunteer hours to see raised boardwalk, and the resilient native
the project through private fundraising and vegetation all work together to make this
extensive federal, state, and local permitting. otherwise extremely dynamic hydrologic
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To truly landscape a welcoming reprieve for fam-
appreciate nature, one must not only look ilies, patients, and staff, and adding another
at it and admire it, but also be able to feel dimension to the healthcare received within.

Right: Ground plane palette
of native herbaceous grasses,
forbes, rushes, sedges, ferns,
and irises are shown en masse
in this planting plan study of
existing and proposed features,
including stream-channel,
wetland floor, biocell system,
and upland meadow areas.

78 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Above: This 1.1 acre healing garden site situated between
the main hospital entry and a parking deck was a hidden
opportunity walled off from the hospital campus and
relegated to stormwater management overflow. Now it is
reconnected to the campus as an amenity. Right: New
bridge structure with seating overlooks the restored creek
and is a destination along the boardwalk loop. Vegetative
restoration in this area benefited from the extra irrigation
and established very rapidly. Plant identification signage adds
botanical interest to the circuit walk. Below: Meadow area
in its fourth season of growth.

CLIENT: CONE HEALTH CONSULTING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:
DINEP+SCHWAB LEAD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: STUDIO PAGLIAI CIVIL
ENGINEER: LANDMARK BUILDERS, INC. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:
PILOT ENVIRONMENTAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MWM CONSTRUCTION
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: NEW EARTH DESIGNS

2018 ANNUAL 79

HONOR AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Residential

Anne Penniman Associates, LLC

Island Habitat Landscape

Mason’s Island, Mystic, CT

Anew modernist house graces this Coordinating with both client and an
coastal property and takes advantage ecologist, the landscape architect developed
of expansive views of Fishers Island Sound. a restoration strategy to remove lawn areas
The clients enthusiastically prioritized a adjacent to the sensitive tidal wetland and
low-impact landscape approach and the replace them with forbs and grasses (sourced
establishment of pollinator habitat, native from local genotypes where possible) that
plantings, and no-mow areas in lieu of lawns. have high wildlife value. The client was so
Preserving, protecting, and celebrating two enthusiastic about the first phase of the
venerable and beautiful native oaks from the project that he then chose to add a second
outset of the project became a site-planning restoration area on an adjacent property.
priority. Locally quarried wall, curbing, A rain garden consisting of native
and paving stone enhance this sustainable plantings receives stormwater from roof
project. runoff. The distinctive boulder-strewn glacial
An impressive granite retaining wall, moraine landscape is left intact and cele-
crafted in the character of local cem- brated with a mowed lawn surrounding a
etery walls, retains the elevation of the magnificent specimen red oak. Stone and
garage and courtyard area and anchors the steel-edged drip strips surround the house,
northwest corner of the property. The entry and a rustic fieldstone path leads to the
courtyard, defined by granite curbing and dock. With the native habitat restored on
flush granite banding, relates to the geom- site, the landscape is resilient and animated
etries of the pavilions that comprise the throughout the year with seasonal color,
house. Limitations posed by underground birds, pollinators, and the ever-present
utility infrastructure also informed the coastal breeze.
splayed angles of the courtyard.
Coursed granite pavers
define the footpaths
linking the pavilions.
The grassland and
wildflower planting at
the house entrance
provides a “front
yard” with a coastal
feeling, along with
the red cedar grove
that simultaneously
offers privacy to the
interior spaces.

80 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Photos: © Heather Conley Photography, LLC Top: The staggered granite pathway
accentuates view to front door through
CLIENT: PRIVATE RESIDENCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: ANNE PENNIMAN native plantings. Left: View to Fishers
ASSOCIATES LLC ARCHITECT: ESTES/TWOMBLY LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: Island Sound enhanced with layers of
LANDSCAPE CREATIONS OF RHODE ISLAND MASONRY: MOYER’S LANDSCAPING plantings and framed by the venerable
SERVICES ECOLOGIST: JAMES COWEN red oak within the glacial moraine land-
scape. Above: Defining a threshold into
the courtyard, the flush granite banding
links curbing with retaining wall.

2018 ANNUAL 81

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Corporate/Institutional

Milone & MacBroom, Inc.

Entertainment & Media Company Campus Green

Bristol, CT

This was the design of a campus green The completed green evokes a variety
for a leader in entertainment and media of emotions, whether one walks quickly
who sought to create and improve spaces to between buildings, pauses to relax and
inspire creativity and innovation. recharge, or seeks a quiet outdoor workspace
Corporate leadership recognized that away from an interior digital atmosphere.
employees had limited options to rest, eat, or Sustainable hardscape materials, a unique
simply interact outdoors within the campus. planting design, and a diverse lighting
The existing outdoor space consisted of a scheme seamlessly creates a safe, accessible,
network of asphalt walkways linking buildings functional pedestrian environment and
and several areas of lawn. The walkways were visual experience. Enclosed by an array of
constructed on an as-needed basis with no corporate buildings of various heights and
overall planning goals or strategy, resulting architecture types, the green includes new
in a disjointed landscape of mixed pavement walkways and plazas at different elevations,
types and inaccessible grades. establishing visual foreground and back-
Working with the facility’s operational ground features and enhancing approaching
managers, the design team assisted in perspectives. The “outdoor rooms” — framed
developing and implementing a vision by illuminated granite seating walls, rolling
to transform three acres of anonymity in land forms, and a variety of plant species
the heart of the corporate campus into an — encourage collaboration as well as lim-
inviting, vibrant campus green to be enjoyed itless meeting, workshop, presentation, and
by all, day and night. broadcast opportunities.

Masonry seating walls and blue sedge
groundcover form one of the plaza
edges.

82 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

CLIENT: ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA COMPANY, BRISTOL, CT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: MILONE
& MACBROOM, INC. CIVIL ENGINEER: MILONE & MACBROOM, INC. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER:
VANZELM ENGINEERS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: THE ASSOCIATED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: MIZZY CONSTRUCTION CO. LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: E.A.
QUINN LANDSCAPING SITE CONCRETE & MASONRY: JOHN FILLORAMO CONSTRUCTION
CO., CONNECTICUT BOMANITE SYSTEMS, E.A. QUINN LANDSCAPING, MIZZY CONSTRUCTION CO.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: MASOTTI ELECTRIC, LLC, ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA COMPANY
IRRIGATION: FOURNIER IRRIGATION MATERIALS SUPPLIERS: O&G INDUSTRIES INC., UNITED
CONCRETE PRODUCTS INC., DEL CONCA USA, WILLIAMS STONE COMPANY LIGHTING DESIGN
ASSISTANCE: REFLEX LIGHTING, APEX LIGHTING DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE: PETER
KER WALKER

Top: Secret view of
the cafeteria entrance
through newly planted
landscaping. Above:
Colorized concrete with
a sandblast texture
(achieved through the use
of surface deactivator),
flush granite curbing and
porcelain pavers create
large banding patterns
in the outdoor plazas.
Left: View of the eastern
entrance to the green and
the outdoor dining space.

2018 ANNUAL 83

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Municipal/Public Spaces

BL Companies

Connecticut State Veterans’ Cemetery Expansion
and Improvements

Middletown, CT

The design team was charged with cre- by committing itself to a more demur and
ating a 3,000-niche columbarium to somber expression.
facilitate additional burial space for State of Utilizing an undeveloped parcel, as
Connecticut veterans and their significant required by the Department of Veterans
others. The design goals were guided by an Affairs, the parking court and columbarium
imperative to create a space that honors the concept is one of “cemetery as park.”
memory of Connecticut’s deceased veterans. The park layout, inspired by the “classic”
Unlike memorials which, among other evo- Connecticut landscape, is proudly draped
cations, are meant to inspire and celebrate, in patriotic symbolism. The layout affords
a cemetery must temper these expressions multiple view corridors within the space
for remembrance, nature, and reflection,
as well as smaller natural nodal areas
along the walkway networks allowing for
private opportunities for contemplation and
meditation.
Reserved but unyielding devotion and
commitment to the above-described values
helped steer the deliberations and transac-
tions of the design team toward a solution
that overcame financial and program-
matic obstacles to provide the state and its
deceased veterans a respectful, reflective,
and resolute place of honor.

The columbaria
stand proud against
the vibrant New
England backdrop.
Their pentagonal
arrangement form
several layers of
view plain beyond
the traditional fore-
ground, midground,
and background.
This layering creates
an impression of
expansiveness while
preserving intimate
niches.

84 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Top: The horizontal elements create a series of pentagons, representing the CLIENT: STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT
five branches of the Armed Forces. These pentagons also assume the form OF CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OWNER: STATE OF
of stars, emblematic of the heavens, salvation, and the flag under which the CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
deceased served. A placid ground plain of low maintenance vegetation ensure LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: BL COMPANIES, INC.
these geometries stand out. Above right: The site’s intimate proximity to CIVIL ENGINEER: BL COMPANIES, INC. GENERAL
existing burial grounds added the challenge of designing a distinct addition while CONTRACTOR: NOSAL BUILDERS, INC. LANDSCAPE
maintaining an overall cemetery cohesion. CONTRACTOR: EDI LANDSCAPING, INC. STONE
MASON: JOHN FILLORAMO CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY STONE SUPPLIER: O&G INDUSTRIES, INC.

2018 ANNUAL 85

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Residential

Gregory Lombardi Design Incorporated

Field Point Estate

Greenwich, CT

T his elegant estate on Field Point Circle tional detailing, the design creates different
features a landscape designed to com- compartments throughout the estate to
plement the character and scale of the res- fashion a pictorial scene.
idence. Following the traditional detailing Deliberately layered plantings provide
associated with the Arts and Crafts style, the a lush privacy screen while framing select
landscape holds a sense of formality close views of the Long Island Sound. Honey
to the home that merges into the natural locust, holly, and perennials offer dimension
landscape as you near its borders. Using local to soften the finite edge and separate the
materials and wood combined with tradi- public front from the private back of the
home.
A guest’s approach begins along a drive
with a dramatic turn toward the house,
unveiling a grand view of the main entrance.
Supporting the formal geometries of the
residence, the landscape utilizes pure forms
to organize each space, such as the arrival
circle articulated with Belgian block. Drifts
of purple blooms spill over boxwood hedges
while symmetrical canopy trees create an
outdoor foyer, all contributing to a grand
sense of welcome.
An extended family of custom-crafted
mahogany gates modulate the progression
of outdoor spaces that flows from intimate
garden rooms out to the manicured lawns.
Bronze strapping is scaled in keeping with
the home and handcrafted for a human
touch.

86 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

CLIENT: PRIVATE RESIDENCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: GREGORY LOMBARDI Top: Custom-designed bronze lanterns punctuate this
DESIGN ARCHITECT: SHOPE RENO WHARTON CIVIL ENGINEER: DANIEL S. passage from the manicured lawn into the motor court.
NATCHEZ & ASSOCIATES GENERAL CONTRACTOR: HOBBS, INC. LANDSCAPE Left: Working with local artisans, hand crafted bronze
CONTRACTOR: DOM’S LANDSCAPING, INC. LIGHTING DESIGNER: MICHAEL’S details were incorporated into the stone walls and
LIGHTING IRRIGATION: SUMMER RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, INC. ARBORIST: gateways. Above: The formal terrace, with bluestone
EMERALD TREE CARE MASONRY: NICK & GINO VONA, LLC GATE SYSTEM: and granite paving in a herringbone pattern, creates an
GARON FENCE COMPANY outdoor living space that feels completely connected
to the house. Across: The formal entrance features
granite steps and ample stonework, which illustrates the
unique “Arts and Crafts” style of the home. The space is
anchored with four Zelkova trees creating a symmetrical
balance upon entry.

2018 ANNUAL 87

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Corporate/Institutional

Towers|Golde, LLC with Devore Associates

Norma Pfriem Healing Garden

Bridgeport, CT

G iven the well-documented connection by stone walls and plantings, these outdoor
between nature and the healing process, rooms are designed to evoke a familiar, res-
why shouldn’t even the most ill cancer idential-scaled garden, while still providing
patient be offered the choice to receive che- a vista of the waterfalls and open space
motherapy treatments while literally sur- beyond.
rounded by nature? A major organizing feature and func-
A major objective of this design was to tional element of the garden is a naturalistic
do just that. The landscape architect worked waterfall and pool nestled into a large berm,
collaboratively with clinical staff, hospital which provides enclosure for the space and
administration, and an architectural team buffers users from external distractions.
to design a group of shaded private decks as Gently curving pathways provide a circuit
outdoor extensions of the adjacent interior to stroll the garden, terminating in a sunny
infusion suites, giving patients the ability terrace at the foot of the waterfall.
to comfortably and conveniently receive Designed as a physical and spiritual
their treatments outside within the garden. oasis at the heart of this new medical center
Subtly screened from the main garden areas campus, the garden serves the special needs
of patients, staff, and visitors in providing
Robert Benson Photography both physical and psychological comfort
as well as sensory engagement, and has
been credited as having played a role in the
Medical Center’s being rated in the top two
percent of the nation in patient satisfaction.

A group of private decks, shaded by pergolas, extend the interior
infusion suites and offer the prospect for patients to receive their
treatments in the garden.

88 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Anthony Crisafulli Photography Anthony Crisafulli Photography
Anthony Crisafulli Photography
Left: The centerpiece of the design is a series of sparkling
waterfalls, which cascade over rocky outcrops into a wide pond

with aquatic plants.
Above: The garden
provides a sunny
and sheltered oasis
where patients,
families, and staff
can find a moment
of peace in this busy
medical center.

CLIENT: YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH SYSTEM, PARK AVENUE MEDICAL
CENTER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: TOWERS|GOLDE, LLC WITH DEVORE
ASSOCIATES, LLC ARCHITECT: SHEPLEY BULFINCH CIVIL ENGINEER:
TIGHE & BOND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: GILBANE, INC. SITE
CONTRACTOR/PAVING: MATHER CORPORATION LANDSCAPE
CONTRACTOR: ARTISTIC DESIGNS LIGHTING DESIGNER: ILLUMINATE
IRRIGATION: THREE T’S, LLC WATER FEATURE: DIETTER’S WATER
GARDENS NURSERY: TLC NURSERY MASONRY: SUNRISE MASONRY
WOOD DECK: KEY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Robert Benson Photography

2018 ANNUAL 89

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Architectural Design — Residential

Reed Hilderbrand LLC

Forest Cucoloris

New Haven, CT

Could an intimate, secluded garden and increase biodiversity, the designers com-
be created in a parking lot behind a bined environmental goals with the desire
19th-century carriage house? Invited to to create a nuanced urban retreat. Light fil-
reimagine this tiny plot, the landscape tering through a scrim of leaves, birds, and
architect sought to intensify the program- branches into new windows on the south
matic and habitat potential of the site. and east facades of the building enchant
The broad canopies of two oak trees sil- and captivate, signaling success in the work.
houetted against the sky, above their asphalt Because the residents love art, film, and
surroundings, framed the understanding music, each experience — whether opening
of the space. The design team set about the back door or stepping out of the car —
bounding the perimeter to amplify the power needed to be arresting. Movement through
of an urban canopy. With the multiple stories the garden was choreographed to expand or
of a New England forest in mind, they intro- contract a sense of space, with views from
duced sub-canopy trees, shrubs, perennials, the windows imagined as film stills.
groundcovers, ephemerals, and vines. Building off traditions of the walled
Seeking to mitigate urban heat island garden, where ordered plantings and align-
effects, increase groundwater infiltration, ments create a sense of wonder and shelter,
the landscape architects made a home for
extraordinary interactions and quiet recovery
— where plants and animals, people and
machines, ambience and structure interplay
throughout the day and evening.

View from second story landing: oak tree towering in background
and Kentucky coffee trees in foreground.

90 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

View from the living room, past the family piano and Top: View from carport. Above: The fence frames the garden and
into the garden. provides a plane onto which dynamic light and patterns are projected;
oak and coffee tree branches comingle with wisteria vine, drawing eyes
upward and enclosing the garden.

CLIENT: PRIVATE RESIDENCE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: REED HILDERBRAND LLC
ARCHITECTS: FRED CLARKE, FAIA, TED WHITTEN, TWAW CIVIL ENGINEER: GODFREY
HOFFMAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL CONTRACTOR: BRIAN MARESCA IRRIGATION:
AQUA-LAWN CARPENTER: TOM HARBERG LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR,
ARBORIST, AND MASONRY: CHRISTENSEN LANDSCAPE SERVICES LIGHTING
DESIGNER: CLINE BETTRIDGE BERNSTEIN LIGHTING DESIGN STONE SUPPLIER:
CONNECTICUT STONE GATE SYSTEM: RENLITA

2018 ANNUAL 91

MERIT AWARD | Landscape Planning & Analysis

The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Sacred Heart University Campus Master Plan

Fairfield, CT

T he rapid pace of expansion at Sacred end of its life cycle, so adaptive reuse of the
Heart University in Fairfield and site was a sensible approach. A second and
Bridgeport is attributed to a plan rooted in larger 15-or-so-acre parcel of land became
strong analysis, needs assessment, smart available for a new Residential Quad on an
growth planning, and strategic investment in adaptive reuse 15.58-acre, currently under
the future. The Campus Master Plan delivers construction. A full build-out of the resi-
a visionary future in support of the school’s dential quad that will reduce commuter
mission and strategic goals, while compelling vehicular circulation, and therefore CO2
them to be environmental stewards through emissions by 357,238 gallons of fuel per year,
smart growth that will serve the community is under construction. The plan has subse-
and, in the long-term, will reward our planet. quently expanded to include the repurpose
All phases of planning and design were of the GE Headquarters, which is expected to
guided by the goal to build new facilities and recapture an estimated 906 billion Btu/sf of
upgrade/maintain existing infrastructure embodied energy.
for the university to be competitive. The Adaptive reuse includes strategies to
recent completion of the Center for Health increase energy efficiency and a sustainable
Education was built on an 8.68-acre adaptive approach to site improvements. The plan will
reuse site in nearby Bridgeport. The site was deliver an adaptive reuse of 91 acres of land
occupied by an abandoned building near the and 672,962 sf of building floor area.

92 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE