CTASLA Annual 2016

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43
2016 ANNUAL

World War One The Memorial Experience
Memorial Visitors are drawn in by five large block walls,
which display plaques with names and details of
Hartford, CT each of the servicemen. There is one wall for each
year of the war (1914-1918), and the wall itself is an
by Michael Hunton, ASLA abstraction of trench warfare. Tall elm trees tower
over the wall as if sentries standing watch over the
T his project will restore a previously memorial, similar to the original memorial erected
in 1926 in nearby Colt Park. The ground beyond the
installed memorial in Hartford’s Colt wall is designed to represent “no man’s land” that
Park. Neighborhood groups, including was the danger zone between trenches continu-
Hartford History TODAY and the Sheldon/Charter ously shelled until the land formed into hillocks.
Oak NRZ, teaming with Associated Builders and The memorial plaza is “protected” from “no man’s
Contractors (ABC), The Butler Company, and land” by the tall block walls, built solid on the lives
Langan, have volunteered efforts to create a of servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice.
new memorial after the previous one was taken Stepping back, you can read inscriptions and
down in the 1960s due to vandalism. The project, letters to loved ones in the pavement — quotes
which received full backing by Hartford planners, from the battlefront, poetically depicting the real-
is currently in the final stages of review at the ities of life on the front lines.
city for design and location.
The objective of the memorial is to honor the
211 servicemen from Hartford who selflessly gave
their lives for our country in WWI, and to inspire
the visitor to interact with the experience of war
in both battlegrounds — the homefront and the
front lines — an experience that transcends gen-
erations and is still valid in today’s wars.

Concept Plan

ELM TREES

GRANITE WALL
WITH PLAQUES

“NO MAN’S LAND”

BATTLEFRONT INSCRIPTIONS/
QUOTES

WWI HOMEFRONT INSCRIPTIONS/ BOLLARDS
SCULPTURE QUOTES
Hartford WWI Memorial
FLAG NATURAL STONE SEAT
WALL CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
44

Strolling to sit down on the western side of to France, where manyHofathrestefseorvricedmeWn dWiedI Memoria
the plaza leads visitors to a familiar natural-stone
wall, typical of the New England landscape. You in battle. A small inscription of “Hartford” at the
are now on the homefront side of the memorial. tip of the arrow follows a line in the pavement
As you gaze across the plaza towards the large to the opposite side of the plaza where there is
walls, you lower your eyes and realize there are another inscription “France” for geographical
inscriptions in the pavement in front of you — orientation. A large gathering space exists at
quotes from the homefront about the war. The the corner for potential memorial ceremonies or
other events.
Vinpeaowtinutrs3alt-ostwoanredsleaargt ewsatlol,nsehabploecdklilkeettaenrsaWrroWwI ,and At daybreak, the sun rises in the east, shining
through the narrow spaces between the walls.

2016 ANNUAL Hartford WWI Memorial 45

The objective of the For most of the morning, the great elms will
memorial is to inspire
the visitor to interact with shade the waHll, aunrttil flaoteradfterWnoWonI wMheenmthoersiuanl
the experience of war in
both battlegrounds — the begins to shine on the face of the wall. To retire
homefront and the front the day, the setting sun paints magnificent colors
lines — an experience that across the plaza. In the evening, lights installed
transcends generations and in the pavement will accent the face of the walls,
is still valid in today’s wars. and light the flag at the center of the plaza.
The memorial will wrap the visitor in the
timeless experience of war, the experience of
struggle, and longing for loved ones miles away,
and most importantly, it will honor those who
gave their lives for their God, their country, and
their home: Hartford.

— Michael Hunton is LA+P studio manager at
LANGAN, New Haven, and a U.S. Marine Corps
veteran.

46 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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2016 ANNUAL

Memorial
Rehabilitations

New Britain, CT

by Phil Barlow, ASLA

F or the City of New Britain, TO Design LLC,

working with art conservator Francis
Miller of ConservArt Inc., produced plans
and specifications for the rehabilitation of four
veterans memorials, including the iconic World
War I Memorial in Walnut Hill Park, designed by
Architect Martin Van Buren Magonigle in 1929.
Other memorials included New Britain’s Spanish
American War obelisk and two monuments to
neighborhood residents who served in World
War II. Repairs included bronze plaque replace-
ments, stone repair, repointing, and cleaning.
The most extensive work occurred at the WWI
memorial. Magonigle’s design is stunning, with a
memorial wall surrounding the 90-foot obelisk.
Mounted on the low wall are bronze plaques
with the rank, date, and place of death and
name of every New Britain son killed in the war.
Unimaginably, thieves had stolen six of the
memorial plaques. This was the most jarring
of the needed repairs but the monument also
exhibited the normal wear and tear, requiring
cleaning, repointing, and crack repair. In order

48 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

to replicate the plaques, Magonigle’s original
design plans had to be consulted at the location
of his archives in Avery Library, Columbia
University. Evidently the architect created a
custom font for the lettering as a matching
modern one could not be found, requiring the
contractor to recreate it.
New Britain’s Spanish American War memorial
was designed by New Britain architects Perry
and Bishop in 1927. The work at this monument
included cleaning and repair of the limestone
shaft and small surrounding plaza.
The brick and bronze monument at Campbell
Square had been almost completely destroyed
when struck by a car. The task of the design
team was to recreate this memorial, using pho-
tographs, as no original plans could be located.
Fortunately, the large bronze plaque honor roll
of neighborhood residents who had served in
WWII had been salvaged and could be reinstalled.
Kulper Square is not much more than a traffic
island, but it is the home to a monument to
fourth ward residents who served in WWII. Here
too, bronze plaques had been stolen. Recreating
the plaques was only made possible by the dis-
covery of photographs in park department files.
The $200,000 project restored the luster to
four of New Britain’s Veteran Memorials.

— Phil Barlow is principal of TO Design LLC,
Landscape Architects, in New Britain.

2016 ANNUAL 49

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2016 ANNUAL 51

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CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The Personal Professional Design Talk

T he concept that “having a passion

outside of the workplace can benefit
your career” is not new. However, in
our current state of work/life blur with tech-
nology and emails following us home, this
seems more relevant than ever, as there is
now an atmosphere — like it or not — for
work and personal life to overlap.
I hope I speak for most designers when I
say that there is a distinct level of individu-
ality to all of us. There exists a certain level of
affection for a social lifestyle; but the same, if
not more, degree of introvert at our core. For
us to even want to engage in a creative design
environment, one often filled with harsh crit-
icism in the face of attempting innovative
solutions, there must be some passion within
us that we can draw from — and maybe it’s
not related to our respective fields. Maybe that
passion has nothing at all to do with archi-
tecture, planning, landscape architecture,
engineering, or construction. And maybe
that’s a good thing!
Perhaps more than in most other industries
and markets, the design professional requires
personal character for any chance at success,
however measured. It would be a shame if
our entire personal lives were kept completely
separate from the workplace, as the amount
of benefits from an overlapping approach has
so much more potential. Passion descriptors
such as character, soul, feeling, and emotion
are often items that remain unseen on a CAD
line drawing. They are somewhat present in
a rendering or hand sketch. They are most
present when you hear someone draw from
their own personal experience, and it is here
where the combination thrives.
The following segment proudly presents
a peek at the personal passions of a few of
our CTASLA chapter members including brief
write-ups on how these passions can translate
and have a positive effect in the design studio.
May we all learn from each other. We hope
you enjoy.

— Michael Hunton, ASLA

2016 ANNUAL 53

Commitment to Beauty

Pulling imagery from my personal, land-
scape photography collection serves me
well, a bottomless reservoir for design
inspiration. My camera is another tool
for drawing. Many ideas come from
journeys to ancient places like the step-
wells and Mogul gardens of India, the
terraced mountain-side farms of the Inca
civilization in Peru, and being influenced
by abstract compositions observed. With
a trained eye, composing a photograph
is energizing — another way of seeing
scale, light, shadows, tones, rhythm, and
texture in the landscape, which in turn are
transposed into the design process for a
landscape architect.

— Richard Bergmann, ASLA, FAIA
Richard Bergmann Architects,
New Canaan

Wine-making

One of my interests has always been wine-making. For
the past four years, I’ve explored the process of making
quality Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc at
home. Perhaps it is just my Italian heritage, but viticulture
has always fascinated me. When compared to landscape
architecture, they are very similar — natural processes
influencing ingredients (or materials) to produce a rich
and complex product. I long for the days when I can
simply grow grapes and make wine all day — but for
now, this little hobby will have to do.

— Chris Tuccio, ASLA
Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury

54 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Of Body and Mind 55

Yoga (as defined by Merriam-Webster): a Hindu philosophy
that teaches a person to experience inner peace by con-
trolling the body and mind. Can we then achieve inner peace
also, in a sense, by controlling our surroundings and creating
spaces that offer solitude to invoke peace and calm as well as
spaces that inspire movement that will strengthen one’s mind
and body? For me, yoga is centering, inspiring, strengthening,
and creates a sense of calm and focus I have not found in
any other pursuit. I love how this practice shapes me and my
practice of landscape architecture.

— Abigail Adams, ASLA
A2 Land Consulting, LLC, Brookfield

2016 ANNUAL

Golf Got Me Here

My passion for golf has now officially spanned two decades and is the sole reason that I ever found
this profession. My dream of becoming a golf course designer led me directly to the wonderful
world of landscape architecture. Years later, designing parks instead of golf courses, the game
still serves as an inspiration to me. Much like landscape architecture, sometimes playing the
game is all about problem-solving, rewarding creativity and imagination. Furthermore,
many of the best courses are examples of great design, artfully incorporating the
natural environment, preservation, and sustainability with human-made elements
to create recreation destinations that bring people together. St. Andrews in
Scotland is a public park!

— Brian Westermeyer, ASLA / Stantec, New Haven

Land Lessons

I enjoy a hands-on approach to land man-
agement. For a few years I have been main-
taining 2.5 acres of red maple wetland. This
wetland is home to many invasive plants
— multiflora rose, buckthorn, honeysuckle,
and bittersweet — that are choking out the
ferns and pulling down mature trees. While
manually removing the invasives I find myself
inspired by the organic forms and amused
by my attempts to bring order to the chaos.
Additionally, this work put me in contact with
the town’s conservation commission and I am
now a member of this board.
 
— Eileen L. McHugh, ASLA
Landscape Architect, University Tree
Warden, University of Connecticut, Storrs

56 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Genevieve Rug designed
by Jane McGown Flynn

Rug Hooking

The influence of nature and design are intertwined throughout my life: in my chosen profession, in my
own garden and hobbies, or traveling to see more. My design work reflects my love of plants and predom-
inantly uses flowers for color, texture, and pattern. I have been doing different types of needlework since
childhood and as I experimented with different techniques, materials, and styles, the theme has always
incorporated flowers. The time I spend rug hooking reflects the seasons when longer nights force me to
be indoors. So when I cannot be outside gardening, I am inside creating more flowers to enjoy.

— Stephanie Gash, ASLA / Verdant Land Design LLC, Redding

Building 57

I have to thank my dad for helping me find my path. He was
a packaging design engineer. While he wasn’t an architect,
urban designer, or landscape architect, he exposed me
to hand tools, sparked my curiosity about how machines
and other things work, model building and especially
model railroading. “Building” towns and cities with
model cars, rail yards and buildings sparked my interest
in building real communities. I’d get lost for hours in the
act of “designing,” building and rebuilding these places
a hundred times over, shaping places for the miniature
imaginary populace on my parents’ living room floor.

— Michael Szura, ASLA / LANGAN, Doylestown, PA

2016 ANNUAL

Dogs CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The year is 1966, and I am sitting in the back of our
Ford Falcon station wagon. The back seat is folded
down and I face rearward on the unforgiving
metal surface. No seatbelts. In my lap is
a squirming Dalmatian female pup. Her
pink belly fades into the classic black
and white fur pattern. So begins
my life with a dog. Not just any
dog, but my dog!
Fast forward to early
2014. My wife informs me
that the Wolcott Dog Park
Committee is searching for
a landscape designer. Did
you say dogs? Before you
know it, I am working with
the park members drafting a site
plan. Think like a dog, I tell myself.
I visit two other dog parks, search
online, and reflect on my expe-
rience with dogs Chip, Freddy,
and Chessie.
As the park is developed,
I try to formulate my design
advice based on input from
committee members, town
officials, researched data, and
past interaction with dogs. It’s
not really any different than a
landscape architect with golf expe-
rience laying out 18 holes.
Unlike many projects executed by
a design firm, I am able to revisit this
site and just hang out with my latest
dog, Finn (pictured here). The obser-
vations of humans, animals, vehicles,
and site are worth documenting for
future improved dog park designs.

— Robert R. Grosof, ASLA, Terryville

58

Biking — Barbara Yaeger, ASLA
B. Yaeger, LLC, Madison
One of my passions is bicycling. Bruce Eckerson and John Elsbree bird watching
In my teens we spent many at St. George Island State Park, Florida.
hours and miles bicycling — a
hop on our bikes to head from 59
West Hartford to Barkhamsted
for a summer swim, or up to
Vermont for a week of camping.
After college (my first degree)
I took the train across Canada,
then biked from Portland, OR
to Boulder, CO via Missoula,
MT! Some years later, after my
MBA, it was off to New Zealand
for an amazing mountain biking
trip. Now I am working to start
BikeWalk Madison, CT and
helping with Shoreline Greenway
Trails. (The photo is of me at
20 years of age, biking on Long
Island — oh such a rebel!)

Birding

Bruce and I enjoy bird watching with
my parents. We find the slow pace
and patience necessary for birding
very relaxing, yet mentally stimu-
lating. Over the years it has helped us
become better landscape architects
by training us to take careful notice
of our surrounding environment.
Birding is much more rewarding
when you know where to look.

— Alice Eckerson, ASLA
Eckerson Design Associates, Fairfield

2016 ANNUAL

Why Do I Paint?

Because I have great talent? Nope
Because it helps me understand the world? Yep
Because others enjoy my work? Yep
Because it can inform my LA work? Yep
Because it adds to my bottom line? Nope
Because I’m compelled to? Yep
Because it gives me a creative outlet? Yep
Because It gets me into the zone? Yep
Because I have training? Nope
Because I enjoy it? YES!!

— Phil Barlow, ASLA
TO Design, LLC, New Britain

Music

My father taught me how to play guitar
on his old 12-string Martin acoustic in the
Pocono Mountains somewhere around
seventh grade. Since then I’ve been
addicted. I have played in several bands
over the years, but recently have been
making my way in the singer-songwriter
world finger-picking folk-style music.
Growing up singing in church, I have
always been drawn to the most soulful
and meaningful songs. I design landscapes
similarly to the way I write music, focusing
on meaning and soul to bring character
into my designs, relying on the musical lan-
guage of rhythms and melodies to inform
layout. (www.michaelhuntonmusic.com)

— Michael Hunton, ASLA
LANGAN, New Haven

60 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Travel

Since travel is a good hobby, and seeing the sites is often part of travel, I map and
visit places of interest wherever I go. This is easily combined with design and land-
scape architecture. I’ve made a point of taking my firm on an annual pilgrimage,
spending the day touring places that benefit us. We call it ERLA Parks and Rec Day.
We’ve visited the largest Cathedral in the world, 20 roof tops, including Google NYC
and pretty much all the Brooklyn waterfront parks, the west side piers and Roosevelt
Island. Traveling in this way has proven to be highly informative and also a great
opportunity to get to know each other a bit better.

— Eric Rains, ASLA / Eric Rains Landscape Architecture, South Norwalk

2016 ANNUAL 61

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2016 ANNUAL

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Birds-eye view rendering of Oak Hall and Fairfield Way, drafted in LA @ UConn
AutoCAD then colored in Adobe Illustrator by Samantha Stewart,
part of her design for a T-shirt contest for the UConn ASLA club.

2016 ANNUAL 65

Introducing the Class of 2016 Ashleigh Bancel

Landscape Architecture at the University Home: Ridgefield, CT
of Connecticut is about to complete its Heritage: Irish-English, French, and German.
18th year as a nationally accredited under- Why landscape Architecture: I chose landscape
graduate program. As one of only four architecture because I wanted to learn physical design
accredited programs in New England and methods and solutions to helping communities and
the only one in Connecticut, UConn prides the environment we live in.
itself on providing broad-based, rigorous Why UConn: I chose UConn for its landscape
studio training for a small, high quality architecture program. I felt that a small program at a
student body. Its four tenured full-time big university would be very beneficial.
faculty — John Alexopoulos, Peter Miniutti, What’s next: I believe that it would be a wonderful
Kristin Schwab and Mark Westa, along opportunity to use all the skills that I have learned at
with regular adjunct instructors Natalie UConn and apply them to furthering my education at
Miniutti and William Weckman — are par- grad school.
ticularly proud of the accomplishments In five years: I hope that in five years I will be a
and diversity of this year’s senior class. licensed landscape architect working at firm that
creates environmentally conscious community parks
The 13 students of LA @ UConn Class of and outdoor spaces.
2016 have the following attributes: Interests: UConn Equestrian team, snowboarding,
and painting.
• Gender diversity with six women and Accomplishments: UConn Equestrian – Individual
seven men Regional Champion 2014 and 2015, Horace & Gladys
Murphey Scholarship, Fairfield County Horticultural
• Four Chinese students along with indi- Society Memorial Scholarship, Jane T. Muhlethaler
viduals from Puerto Rico and Guyuna Scholarship, Intern at the Laurel Rock Company,
Wilton, CT. 
• Four students participating on athletic
teams — two on UConn’s varsity teams “As graduation approaches,
and two on club teams more and more do I appreciate
what the landscape architecture
• Fifteen scholarships program at UConn has given me,
• A total of twelve internships and I look forward to applying
• Six students who have applied to graduate all that I have learned to my
journey ahead.”
schools in landscape architecture; to
date, two students have been accepted CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
to Cornell and one to UConn

Later this semester the seniors along with
a couple faculty members will be trav-
eling to the LaBash conference being held
at Ohio State University via a three-day
stopover in Chicago to visit Millennium
Park, the waterfront, and a couple pro-
fessional offices. Classes end April 29
with commencement occurring on May
7. After that, please keep your eyes open
for our seniors. They will make excellent
employees.

We’re proud to introduce the LA @ UConn
Class of 2016.

— Peter Miniutti, Associate Professor
and Program Coordinator

66

James Bero Michael (“Brubru”) Bruno

Home: South Windsor, CT Home: New Haven, CT
Heritage: I identify as a white male, predominantly Heritage: I identify as a Hispanic, both parents from
Irish and Polish. Puerto Rico.
Why landscape architecture: I wanted to do Why landscape architecture: In high school I was
landscape architecture because I wanted to pursue a involved in Envirothon, a club that informs students
career with a design aspect but one that could have a on study areas of soils, aquatics, wildlife, forestry, and
greater impact than something in the fine arts. a current environmental issue. One year the current
Why UConn: I transferred to UConn after my issue was low-impact design (LID). For a competition
freshman year at North Carolina State University. we were given a site and charged with improving its
After my first semester I wanted to change my condition using LID. A group of students collaborated
major to a design-related field and found landscape on this project, drafting two different solution for the
architecture offered at UConn, so I decided to return site. We spent countless hours after school and even
to Connecticut. on weekends, and not once did I feel tired, bored or
What’s next: After graduating I’d like to go into the disinterested in the work. That was when I knew land-
residential design field, ideally in Fairfield County. scape architecture was the perfect fit for me.
In five years: In five years I’d like to have a job that Why UConn: I chose UConn for academic and
allows me to work primarily on residential sites but financial reasons. UConn was the only state school in
with the possibility on working on different types of Connecticut that offered landscape architecture.
projects, probably still in Connecticut. What’s next: After graduation I plan on going
Interests: Reading, particularly history, and painting. back to New Haven and working at a college campus,
Accomplishments: Leadership positions in Model a landscape architecture firm, or with the City to
United Nations and the Green Building Clubs, two improve and make New Haven a better place.
summer internships in the landscape architecture In five years: In five years I see myself as a licensed
field. landscape architect most likely working in a firm
or government position that also works with the
“Landscape architecture has planning field. 
already turned out to be a very Interests: Boxing, hiking, and being outdoors.
rewarding and enjoyable field. Accomplishments: Heavy weight boxer for
Although I have many other UConn’s club team, first generation college student,
academic interests, I couldn’t see first non-Yale student to work for Urban Resources
myself doing anything else.” Initiative (New Haven Promise).

“I want to keep pushing the
environmental movement and
make sure people always think
about the environment first.”

2016 ANNUAL 67

John Connolly Megan (“Meg”) Duva

Home: Clinton, CT Home: Glastonbury, CT
Heritage: Irish. Heritage: I have an Italian and English background. 
Why landscape architecture? Landscape archi- Why landscape architecture: I had originally
tecture is giving me a background for a different intended to study architecture. Upon researching
career path. I have decided I want to be a developer. landscape architecture, the idea of designing outdoor
The world should be perfectly designed, everything spaces attracted me more. I believe I can bring my
within. Being only a landscape architect or architect enthusiasm of the outdoors into my designs to
allows you to only work on one element of the whole enhance existing landscapes.
composition while working for someone else. Being Why UConn: I chose UConn because I loved the
a developer you can control every aspect of the final school’s sense of Husky pride. The campus is so
product.  diverse and it offers many choices to the students.
Why UConn? My parents chose UConn for me. After touring the landscape studio and discussing the
What’s next: After graduating I am planning to program with the professors, I felt it was a good fit for
work for a year either in a landscape architecture me. Another factor was that I was recruited to be a
firm or wherever I might be able to get a job with my part of UConn’s Division 1 Women’s Rowing team.
degree. Then I plan to attend graduate school What’s next: Upon graduation, my plan is to either
— somewhere warm — to study finance. stay at UConn to pursue my Masters in landscape
In five years: I don’t want to work for other people, architecture or to pursue a career in the professional
not because I want to be in charge but because I world.
am not as invested in projects when I am not inter- In five years: In five years, I hope to see myself
ested in them. practicing as a licensed landscape architect in the
Interests: Rowing, skiing, and traveling. northeast. My goal is to have the ability to stamp and
Accomplishments: Varsity Men’s Rowing team, sign off on projects in a successful firm.
intern at Christensen Landscape Services. Interests: Rowing, running, traveling, and kayaking.
Accomplishments: All Academic Student Athlete
“I plan to try and start my own Scholar (four times), Secretary of the Student Chapter
development business, where of ASLA, Horace and Gladys Murphey Scholarship,
design comes first. If you create internships at SLAM and Design Professionals, Inc.
something, it is nothing without
thought and meaning.” “I believe I can bring my
enthusiasm of the outdoors into
my designs to enhance existing
landscapes.”

68 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Shane E. Holman Yilan (“Elena”) Jian

Home: Colchester, CT Home and heritage: Wuhan, China
Heritage: Polish. Why landscape architecture: Because I see land-
Why landscape architecture: Landscape archi- scape architecture as a combination of environment,
tecture is a career with countless paths to explore. science, and art, which provides a diverse mix of work
The opportunity to change the world in a tangible, opportunities when it comes to protecting humans’
positive manner led me to where I am today. health, safety, and welfare.
Why UConn: The nationally recognized sports pro- Why UConn: I came to UConn because I have family
grams sparked my initial interests. I was hoping to members who live in Connecticut and I know UConn is
play baseball in college and beyond. a great public university.
What’s next: I plan to get to work in the field. I am What’s next: Upon graduation, I would like to work
excited to relocate to an urban center and begin the in this country for a few years; if things go well I would
journey. want to work in NYC, Boston, or here in Connecticut.
In five years: In 5 years I hope to make significant In five years: After graduation from UConn I want to
advances in my career. I want to be an integral part of find an entry-level landscape architecture position and
the company I am working for. Rather than striving to continue working and gaining real-world experience;
be the next greatest designer, I see myself creating upon the third year of working, I will take the L.A.R.E.
graphics, marketing, and consulting. exam and get licensed as a landscape architect. Then
Interests: Skiing, snowboarding, dogs, and drawing. I will have more job opportunities in the profession
Accomplishments: Internship at Sprigs & Twig and decide if I should go back to graduate school and
Landscapes. pursue another degree related to my career. I am very
happy being part of the CTASLA family!
“The opportunity to change Interests: Drawing, photographing, playing piano,
the world in a tangible, positive traveling.
manner led me to where I am Accomplishments: Cornelius and Mary Jane York
today.” Award, Joseph M. Lent Plant Science Scholarship,
Horace & Gladys Murphey Scholarship.

“ I see landscape architecture as
a combination of environment,
science, and art, which provides
a diverse mix of work oppor-
tunities when it comes to pro-
tecting human health, safety,
and welfare.”

2016 ANNUAL 69

Yuting Liu Grant Losapio

Home and heritage: Beijing, China Home: Storrs, CT
Why landscape architecture: I like planting Heritage: My heritage is a blend of different European
design and I hope to use the knowledge of landscape backgrounds. Italian and German are the biggest com-
architecture to solve more environmental problems. ponents, and there’s a little Brazilian in there too.
Why UConn: I heard UConn’s LA program is very Why landscape architecture: I actually started
professional and I really like the campus environment. at UConn in civil engineering, but quickly realized
What’s next: I am applying to grad LA programs like that I love design and found my way to landscape
the one in Cornell and UC Berkeley. architecture. I love that landscape architecture is a
In five years: If I receive any offers from the constantly challenging puzzle with a huge array of
graduate schools that I applied to, I would go to that factors to consider. My fundamental belief in creating
program and have another two-year study. After that, beautiful and engaging environments that are unique
I am thinking to work for a small landscape archi- and memorable is what really drives me.
tecture firm either in the U.S. or China.  Why UConn: Being from Storrs, I was able to
Interests: Playing tennis, badminton, and ping pong, experience a lot of what UConn had to offer before
and I also very much enjoy skiing, ice skating and applying for college. I was able to take co-op classes
traveling. in high school and enjoy the great events and cultural
Accomplishments: Dean’s List (three times), amenities on the UConn campus. When the time
Horace & Gladys Murphey Scholarship, Joseph M. came, I realized that UConn is a great school and just
Lent Scholarship, Albert Wilkinson Scholar, Cornrlius/ the place I wanted to be.
Mary Jane York Scholarship, internships in Beijing with What’s next: I am eager to continue learning on the
Grehar and Turenscape in summer of 2015. job after graduation and making a positive impact on
the profession and on the environment we live in.
“I hope to use the knowledge of In five years: By the time five years have gone by,
landscape architecture to solve I hope to be a licensed landscape architect and knee
more environmental problems.” deep in new, exciting, and rewarding projects, shaping
the future of landscape architecture as a profession.
Interests: Football, cooking, writing.
Accomplishments: Internship with Madison Earth
Care.

“My fundamental belief in
creating beautiful and engaging
environments that are unique
and memorable is what really
drives me.”

70 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Myles Gregory Simon Samantha (“Sam”) Stewart

Home: Hartford, CT Home: Monroe, CT
Heritage: West Indian, family originally from Guyuna. Heritage: Scottish, French, and German background.
Why landscape architecture: As a child I’ve Why landscape architecture: I took an archi-
always had the desire to build, create, and explore, tectural drafting course in high school and loved the
and that mindset has stayed with me ever since. design aspect behind it. I had applied to many archi-
Originally I wanted to pursue architecture for this tecture programs, as well as UConn’s landscape archi-
reason. Upon learning the difference between land- tecture program. I later discovered that landscape
scape architects and architects — the idea of tem- architecture combined my love for design as well as
perature-controlled environments vs. exterior envi- my interest in ecology and the environment.
ronments — it became reassuring to me that I am in Why UConn: I decided to go to UConn because it
the right field.  was the only landscape architecture program I had
Why UConn: The University of Connecticut is one of applied to and felt like it was the right fit for me after
the top-ranked public schools in New England. Among visiting the open house.
the numerous colleges I was accepted to, UConn did What’s next: I’m still unsure of what I want to do
the most to help out a youth with a desire for higher after graduation. Whether I decide to work or attend
learning. Being from Hartford, I was given an oppor- graduate school, I am hoping to live in a city (New
tunity to enroll through the Student Support Services York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles). I want to
(SSS) program which helped me assimilate in the experience living in an urban environment since I have
college environment, and also helped me financially.  lived in rural Connecticut all my life.
What’s next: Upon graduating from UConn I intend In five years: In five years I want to be licensed and
to work for a landscape architecture firm in order to working at a landscape architecture firm. After grad-
pursue my goal of becoming a licensed professional uation I’m backpacking in Europe for two months. I
after two years of apprenticeship.  look forward to seeing all the great cities and land-
In five years: In five years, I see myself climbing scapes for the first time.
the ranks of a multidisciplinary firm, working on big Interests: Painting and drawing, reading, running, and
projects across the nation and world. To travel is my cycling. Member of Woman’s Club Volleyball 2012-2015.
biggest dream, and a career goal.  Accomplishments: President of UConn’s Chapter
Interests: Art for recreation and landscape architecture. of ASLA, Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship,
Accomplishments: Internship for The Yard Group. Dean’s List (three semesters), internship at BL Companies.

“Choosing to pursue landscape “I discovered that landscape
architecture was the best architecture combined my
decision I have made in my love for design as well as my
college career.” interest in ecology and the
environment.”

2016 ANNUAL 71

Xura Yuan Guang Zhou

Home and heritage: Wuhu, China Home and heritage: Shenyang, China
Why landscape architecture: I like design and Why landscape architecture: The area of my
I like the way landscape architecture functions. It is home used to be nothing but a river. It was eventually
about creating beautiful visual arts to better organize developed into a residential area, but there were no
spaces. It is about building transition nodes between parks or community green spaces. Years later, a park
various environments. It is about making an improved, was designed and built, and it created a good green
avant-garde world.  place for people, while the water and trees brought
Why UConn: It is a top-20 public college with beau- back the birds and wildlife. As a resident in the area,
tiful campus and great sport spirit. I like its location seeing these changes really impressed me. As my
and study atmosphere.  country has developed, it has lost natural areas. We
What’s next: I plan to apply for graduate program need our green spaces back. That’s the reason for me
first. If I do not get any offers, I will hunting for jobs to choose landscape architecture.
and go to graduate school later.  Why UConn: UConn has a really good program for
In five years: I’d like to have a good job in a big city, landscape architecture; 13-15 people for each class is
improving my experience as a landscape architect.  very good and also the courses are interesting. The
Interests: Traveling, photographing, reading, campus is not like the big city. Students can easily
cooking, playing the piano.  enjoy nature and green spaces every day, there aren’t
Accomplishments: Dean’s Lists (four times), tall buildings or much noise, it’s a quiet and peaceful
Horace & Gladys Murphey Scholarship, Smyrski Farm place. I like it so much.
Scholarship, Jane T. Muhlethaler Scholarship, Donald What’s next: After years of study in UConn, I have
N. Maynard Fund Scholarship. really fallen in love with it. After graduation I’d like to
stay here for grad school in landscape architecture for
“I like the way landscape a masters degree.
architecture functions. It is about In five years: As a student right now I think I
creating beautiful visual arts need to learn more. After five years I think I will still
to better organize spaces. It is be learning, but maybe at a company working and
about building transition nodes learning, perhaps with more focus on ecological.
between various environments. Interests: Basketball, swimming, and photography.
It is about making an improved, Accomplishments: Coming to the USA for my
avant-garde world.” schooling.

“As my country has developed, it
has lost natural areas. We need
our green spaces back. That’s
the reason for me to choose
landscape architecture.”

72 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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76 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Karen, with Greg Fox, at CTASLA’s 2006 Golf Outing. The Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship

T he Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial again to the following raffle prize donors:
Scholarship is given annually by Susan Cohen, Jane Didona, Barbara Yaeger,
CTASLA to encourage awareness and Aqua-Lawn, Inc., Coastal Source, East Haven
education in the field of landscape archi- Landscape Supply, Illuminate|Vanguard,
tecture. To be eligible, an applicant must be Planters Choice, Summer Hill Nursery,
a Connecticut resident and enrolled in an Stoneyard, Unilock, Victor Stanley, Walpole
accredited landscape architecture program Outdoors, and CTASLA.
at the college level. Our 2015 recipients are Those who attended the holiday party got
featured on the following pages. to hear 2015 scholarship recipients Karina
Since the genesis of our scholarship Ramos (a Manchester resident who attends
in 2003, CTASLA has given away $57,000 UMass/Amherst) and Samantha Stewart
to two dozen worthy students, seeding (a Monroe resident attending UConn) talk
careers in landscape architecture and about the meaning of the scholarship to
strengthening affiliations with ASLA. In their families and to their education. Several
2011, the scholarship was renamed in majors from the UConn landscape archi-
memory of Karen Ann Shopis-Fox, a tal- tecture program were also in attendance. An
ented landscape architect who served in end-of-year plea also raised another $900
our chapter leadership and was a founding toward the scholarship. Thank you to all our
member of our golf outing and our student generous donors!
scholarship. You can help us grow our annual giving
Through the generosity of those who by including the Karen Ann Shopis-Fox
bought raffle tickets — and those who Memorial Scholarship as a bequest in your
donated prizes — we were able to raise will or trust, or by making a donation at
over $1,100 toward the scholarship at any time. Learn more at www.ctasla.org/
our holiday party in December. Thanks scholarships.htm.

2016 ANNUAL 77

A project from “Studio 2,” this Karina Ramos Avila, a “Landscape architecture is the
hillside model integrates all four perfect balance between art and
design elements — water, land form, resident of Manchester, is pur- science,” Karina says. “I’m fasci-
structure, and plants — to create a suing a Bachelor of Landscape nated with creating plans that in
design that responds to its context. Architecture degree at the the abstract protect people from
University of Massachusetts. the natural elements while incor-
“When I was young,” she says, porating those same elements into
“I used to go outside and pick up the project.”
flowers and leaves to clear my Designers, she says, strive to
mind. I realized that the beauty make cutting edge infrastructure
that Mother Nature has to offer is while still allowing for human
overlooked by many.” activities. “I’m fascinated by what
Her chosen career path a landscape architect can do to
wasn’t always obvious, however. help people, communities, and the
She came to the Department environment.”
of Landscape Architecture and Noting the challenges of
Regional Planning as a work-study diversity in the field, Professor
student, a freshmen on a pre- McGirr says, “I am pleased that a
medical track. Latina has found her way into our
“Like many freshmen,” major, and has been able to be
says Patricia McGirr, Associate successful.” She adds, “Karina’s
Professor of the UMass Landscape success and enthusiasm proves
Architecture program, “Karina did that landscape architecture was
not know that the field of land- the right choice for her, and I look
scape architecture existed.” But forward to her future contributions
after working in the office, seeing to the profession.”
the projects that the students Adds Karina: “I feel I can make
were producing in their studios, an impact in the landscape archi-
and attending the departmental tecture field by taking advantage
lectures, she realized that the of my creative mind and love for
landscape architecture major was nature.”
where she belonged.

78 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

I am very interested in campus Samantha Stewart is a Land- its own client, program, and site.
planning. I enjoy analyzing and I view every project as a mystery
designing spaces that thousands scape Architecture major at the to be solved. By using the design
of people travel through on a University of Connecticut. A res- process, a solution can be found.”
daily basis. Oak Lawn is a very ident of Monroe, CT, Samantha “I also appreciate how land-
special location at UConn due says she always wanted to follow scape architects can fix problems
to its proximity to Mirror Lake. I in her father’s footsteps. “As a that most people don’t even realize
wanted to celebrate it as well as civil engineer, he has always had they have,” she adds.
give students an inspiring space a passion for sustainability, the John Alexopoulos, Associate
to hang out between classes. A environment, and the community,” Professor of Landscape Architecture
new entrance was added with the she says. at UConn, says Samantha is an out-
extension of Whitney Road. This After taking an architectural standing student. “I believe she will
prominent, tree-lined street will design course in high school, make significant contributions to
be a memorable experience for Samantha found that her passions the profession. She is very serious
visitors traveling onto campus.  led to landscape architecture. in her work, and steps up ahead of
“What attracts me to the field of others to apply herself in any project
2016 ANNUAL landscape architecture is its flex- in which she is involved.”
ibility. Each project comes with Noting her leadership role as
president of the student chapter
at UConn, Alexopoulos adds, “She
has also been recommended to
be a College ambassador, rep-
resenting UConn in a number of
events involving prospective stu-
dents, as well as meeting with and
assisting alumni.”
What’s ahead for this moti-
vated self-starter? “My hope is to
attend graduate school in order to
broaden my education and become
a stronger designer. After gradu-
ation, I want to work at a large firm
that prides itself on urban and envi-
ronmentally conscious projects.”

79

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Commercial | Institutional | Public Spaces

82

2016 Professional Awards

2016 ANNUAL Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.
83

Award of Excellence

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL

Towers|Golde, LLC

The Phoenix Plaza

Hartford, CT

C onstructed in 1963, this iconic mid-century more closely reflect today’s sensibilities and con-
modern structure was the world’s first cerns for the environment. Furthermore, today’s
elliptical lenticular cylinder building and played use of the space was very different than when
a pivotal role in Hartford’s urban renewal it was constructed; originally the plaza was iso-
movement. Designed by Harrison & Abramovitz, lated from its surroundings. Today, the plaza is
the building construction was headline news at situated at the intersection of pedestrian traffic
the time and since has become one of the city’s and is a primary access point to the Connecticut
most recognized buildings as well as being listed River. As such, the plaza is now more focused
on the National Register of Historic Places. on movement through the space than when first
Comprised of 79,000 square feet of mortared constructed.
brick, the surrounding plaza displayed the mon- While respecting this historic building and its
umentality of many mid-century urban spaces mid-century aesthetic, the main charge for the
and remained relatively unchanged for almost designers was to reduce paving, facilitate circu-
50 years. Recently, however, the required lation, integrate with the scale of the building,
replacement of the roof membrane provided an while at the same time humanizing the scale at
opportunity for the plaza to be reimagined to the level of the pedestrian.

84 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: The Phoenix Companies, Inc. Landscape
Architect: Towers|Golde, LLC Architect: Hoffman
Architects Construction Manager: Standard Builders
Electrical Engineer: Van Zelm Engineers Lighting
Designer: Vanguard Lighting Landscape Contractor:
All Seasons Landscaping, Inc. Irrigation: Northern
Designs Masonry Contractor: Civitillo Masonry, Inc.

In the new design the primary circulation through the plaza was 85
maintained and pedestrian boulevards created. The remainder of
the site was planted with a mix of plants that thrive in exposed, dry
conditions. Half of the plaza paving was turned into planted areas
which resulted in reduced installation costs.

2016 ANNUAL

Honor Award

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – RESIDENTIAL

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Environmentally Sustainable
Post-Sandy Beachfront

Fairfield, CT

T his property is located at the end of a point determining extent of dunes, comprehending
in an area heavily impacted by Hurricane critical elevations, environmental conditions/
Sandy. While the house remained intact, micro-climates, and local codes and restrictions.
the storm devastated the landscape, dunes, The many considerations helped to locate
driveway, fencing, lighting, and all vegetation, a series of outdoor rooms, including a new
with the exception of a lone Catalpa tree. A deck pool and spa at an upper level deck, with an
and pool also sustained considerable damage. adjoining terrace acting as a “bulkhead.” Below,
The homeowner decided to re-imagine the custom stainless bars, designed to emulate dune
property, raising the house above newly estab- fencing, enclose the pool at beach level while
lished FEMA flood elevations. The client wanted maintaining views.
a design that would weather storms, be low On the west side, custom raised planters
maintenance, and reconnect the elevated home meet the client’s gardening requirement. A
with a variety of spaces maximizing use of the shadier creek side garden includes a “Nestrest,”
property. screening an elevated generator platform.
Establishing a boundary from the public A sandy path, which skirts the edge of the
jetty was a priority, while maintaining sweeping property where the Catalpa tree lives on, leads
views from within. Establishing protection and to a secluded firepit and ipe-clapped stone wall,
sustainability for the property was the primary with beach access provided through the new
force guiding the design. Critical factors included dunes planted with native plants and grasses.

86 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: Private Residence Landscape Architect: Artemis
Landscape Architects, Inc. Architect: PBS Architects
Structural Engineer: RACE General Contractor: Brindisi
& Yaroscak Custom Builders Landscape Contractor
& Masonry: Freddy’s Landscape Company Lighting
Designer: FLC Outdoor Lighting Irrigation: Summer
Rain Stone Supplier: O&G Gate System: Grand Entrance
Gates, Ltd. Pool Tile Supplier: Bisazza Pool Contractor:
Drakeley Pool Company Custom Planters/Storage Box:

Deep Stream Designs

Left: Firepit area with
curved stone retaining wall.
Beyond, new beach dunes
were designed to protect the
property from future storms;
constructed in layers with
carefully specified grades of
sand, the dunes were planted
with native beach grasses,
native juniper, beach plum,
bayberry, beach pea, and
seaside goldenrod.

2016 ANNUAL 87

Merit Award

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – MUNICIPAL/PUBLIC SPACES

Wesley Stout Associates, LLC

Port Chester Beer Garden

Port Chester, NY

Beginning with a historic train station domi- and security, and design details to connect site
nated by a blighted parking lot, this complex improvements to the railway heritage.
undertaking gave birth to a quaint, hip beer Solution: Craft a unique site plan incorporating
garden. Sited at the Port Chester MTA station three condition-specific enclosures. Types: 1)
in Port Chester, NY, this hugely successful Green — with iron trestles, planters, and vertical
destination has become an ideal meeting and screens to buffer the parking lot. 2) Vented —
gathering place, promoting the use of mass curvilinear vertical “tracks” to filter yet open
transit and fostering socialization and sense of street views and create a non-climbable security
community. edge. 3) Solid Wood — envisioned as reclaimed
The depth of opportunity for meaningful railroad tracks and planks to secure the
placemaking soon became apparent to the perimeter, buffer the raised rail platform, and
designers, and the breadth of challenges lagged attenuate the roar from the tracks. Each of these
not far behind. enclosures solved design issues while animating
the outdoor beer garden.
Challenge: Create solutions to juxtapose an Other Features: Two fireplaces added for
enjoyable outdoor social venue between a warmth and gathering, communal tables and
parking lot and an endless cadence of train benches for flexibility, festive string lights in the
tracks. tree canopy, painted murals, antique artifacts,
Approach: Develop thoughtful barriers and and a salvaged gateway all enrich this con-
enclosures — physical, visual, and audible — version of parking space to social space. This is
finding the delicate balance between invitation successful placemaking.

88 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: Heartland Brewery Landscape Architect:
Wesley Stout Associates, LLC Architect: Whidden
Silver, Inc Civil and Structural Engineer: Prime
Engineering, PC General Contractor: Trinity

Building & Construction Management Corp.
Irrigation: Aqua-Lawn, Inc. Stone Supplier:

Olde New England Granite

Left: Custom trestle corner boxes anchor wood and metal
strapped planters with green screen panels covered in
Common Hop (Humulos lupulus) and Kiwi vines. Above:
Fencing formed by powder coated steel plate set on end with
open joints; the vertical undulation and curvilinear alignment
of the fencing enhance visual movement and allow open
views toward street while buffering the train tracks.

2016 ANNUAL 89

Merit Award

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – CORPORATE/INSTITUTIONAL

Devore Associates, LLC

Marriott Plaza and benches frame the plaza, both in and out of
the sun. Knowing that the landscape should be
Hyde Park, NY designed to introduce students and visitors to
the culinary uses of plants, and that the standard
T he Culinary Institute of America, located in edible gardens had been covered in the master
Hyde Park, New York, was founded in 1946 plan, the landscape architects suggested that
and is considered to be the world’s premier the plaza be reworked as a beverage garden.
cooking college. A few weeks after presenting a With hedges and pleached lindens outlining
master plan for the campus, Devore Associates and defining the overall space, the design creates
was asked to redesign an existing plaza which five distinct gardens around the perimeter: a dis-
forms a link between two of the most significant tilled beverage garden, an undistilled fermented
buildings on campus: Roth Hall (where most beverage and juice garden, a tisane (or herbal
classes and two restaurants are located) and tea) garden, a soda beverage garden, and a beer
the new Marriott Pavilion, home to a new con- garden. Signage identifies the plants in each
ference center and auditorium. garden, and describes how they are processed
It was important to create a large gathering and used to create particular beverages.
space that could be used for graduations, but Beautiful and educational, the garden is
within this area the school also requested used daily by the students and is a highlight for
intimate areas for sitting and eating. To engage visitors.
the public and students, numerous types of seats

90 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Client: Culinary Institute of America
Landscape Architect: Devore Associates, LLC
Architect: Noelker and Hull Associates Inc.
General Contractor: Kirchhoff-Consigli
Construction Management Landscape
Contractor: LCS Landscapes Lighting
Designer: Patdo Light Studio

Above: The tisane garden with permeable gravel paths. Right: black metal 91
obelisks are designed to hold hops and to screen a service entrance. The

fermented beverage and juice garden is planted in front of these structures
with strawberries, an apple tree and grapes. Beyond, an arbor designed to

support grapes provides shade and creates a lovely outdoor eating area.

2016 ANNUAL

Merit Award

LANDSCAPE PLANNING & ANALYSIS

The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Providence College Landscape &
Land Use Master Plan

Providence, RI

The Landscape and Land Use Master Plan inherent in the unique character of the campus
was developed to continue Providence landscape, while a collaborative dialogue with
College’s (PC) Campus Transformation goals in staff, faculty, and students provided insight into
preparation for the upcoming 2017 Centennial. functionality and philosophy of the campus.
The resulting vision plan establishes a compre- The resulting strategy blends the new with
hensive framework for future land use decisions the existing, establishes opportunities for new
and enhancement of the campus landscape via a memorable and iconic places, organizes existing
multi-phased approach to unite a geographically and new circulation patterns that support
divided campus. and enhance the educational experience and
An in-depth evaluation of the existing land- park-like qualities of the urban sanctuary of the
scape and culture of the college community was PC campus.
conducted including the acquisition of a busy The plan, when fully realized, will unify the
city street that bisected the campus, resulting in campus with improved circulation for pedes-
a once-in-a-generation opportunity to merge the trians and vehicles, enhance the open space
campus into a cohesive whole while enhancing network, and align new facilities with PC’s
overall function and beauty throughout. exceptional academics and unique culture.
Extensive technical and subjective eval- Landscape architecture has played a pivotal
uations were facilitated by the project team role in the vision for the future of the Providence
highlighting opportunities and constraints College campus.

92 CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE