CTLA Spring 2018

The Connecticut SPRING 2018
Landscape Architect

Green Roofs

#MadeinConnecticutstone Milford / Stamford
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The Connecticut
Landscape Architect

SPRING 2018

10

15 Editor’s Message

22 4

26 From the Trustee
30
5

From the President

7

CTASLA Presents Connecticut Olmsted Award to Bushnell Park Foundation

8

Green Roofs as Urban Amenities

10

Waterproofing, Drainage, and Structural Systems:
The Hidden Assemblies That Can Make or Break a Green Roof or Plaza

15

Edmund Robert Gregan, Landscape Architect – 1939-2018

20

What Does a Landscape Architect’s Public Service Look Like?

22

Pioneers of Connecticut Landscape Architecture: Richard Bergmann

26

Iconic Connecticut Landscapes: Bushnell Park

30

SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 3

From the Editor

Humbled by a visit to an Barbara Yeager, and Steve Wing. These Connecticut
artist friend’s studio, I landscape architects are doing yeoman’s work in the ser-
began thinking about vice of others, whether it is involvement with CTASLA,
what can often be the foolishness producing tree inventories, or working with a commu-
of false ambition, the constant nity land trust. Bob Gregan also showed us what a life of
striving for more, always looking volunteerism looked like. To get started in volunteerism
for a better something. Looking there is no better place to start then with the ACE
about, I see sole practitioners that mentor program, profiled in this issue.
have had deeply gratifying careers Our volunteer Advocacy Committee, chaired by Aris
and executives of power house design firms frustrated Stalis, merits special recognition for its tireless volun-
and unfulfilled. Don’t get me wrong, we all see the teer efforts. Members include Debra DeVries-Dalton,
opposite as well. There is no one “right” path for any Barbara Yaeger, Jeff Gebrian, Dominick Celtruda,
one person. What is the point? I suppose the point is Kevney Moses, Peter Viteretto, Jeremi Bigosinski, Daniel
that we all need to follow our unique path, the right Granniss, Jane Didona, and Bob Golde. Thank you all
one for us, without being caught up in expectations — for your efforts on behalf of Connecticut’s landscape
others, or ours. architects!
Volunteerism is a perfect way to try on a new role, with- So, volunteer…and in doing so you will be serving the
out risk, and perhaps help us find that right path. We profession, society, and yourself!
typically think of volunteering as a selfless act, but I
would argue that it can and should be the opposite, a W. Phillips Barlow, pla, asla, aicp, leed ap
deeply personal and rewarding experience that provides
the volunteer with more than she gives.
Shakespeare said it best in Hamlet, with his maxim: “To
Thine own self be true, and sure as night follows day, thou
can not then be false to any man.” We truly best serve
others when we best serve ourselves.
What does a landscape architect’s public service look
like? See within for testimonials by three of our leading
landscape architect practitioners: Richard Bergmann,

The Connecticut Landscape Architect is published by the Connecticut TO CONTACT CTASLA
Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. MAIL 370 James Street, Ste. 402, New Haven, CT 06513
VMAIL (800) 878-1474
EDITOR EMAIL [email protected]
W. Phillips Barlow WEB www.ctasla.org
TO Design, LLC, 114 West Main Street, Ste. 202, New Britain, CT 06051
TEL (860) 612-1700 ADDRESS CHANGES & ADVERTISING
FAX (860) 612-1757 [email protected] or (860) 454-8922
EMAIL [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON THE COVER
Jeffrey H. Mills Corsair, New Haven, CT, a rooftop plaza project of Eric Rains Landscape
J.M. Communications, 35-31 Talcottville Road, Ste. 318, Vernon, CT 06066 Architecture, LLC.
TEL (860) 454-8922
EMAIL [email protected]

4 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

From the Trustee

Iam pleased to report that National ASLA has been of Planning staff to discuss preliminary plans and con-
busy on our behalf, with many new and ongoing cepts for the project. New communications materials
initiatives. Perhaps most exciting is the unveiling and website updates for the project are currently in
of the new logo and mark. You will be seeing it soon development. Manager Linette Straus is working with
on national communications and later this year on our David Smith of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement
chapter’s materials. Other initiatives include: Institute (ICPI) to schedule a presentation for the proj-
• ASLA has joined with allied organizations in sending a ect team on construction and maintenance of permeable
letter of support to House Natural Resources Committee interlocking concrete pavements in urban settings and
leaders on H.R. 5133, the Federal Lands Transaction Facil- funding opportunities through the ICPI Foundation for
itation Act Reauthorization of 2018. The measure seeks to Education and Research.
facilitate Bureau of Land Management sales and federal • The 2018 Diversity Summit Call for Letters of Interest
agency conservation in an efficient and strategic manner. closed with 31 applications received, up from eight in
The measure supports local economies, resolves pri- 2017. ASLA will review the applications in the coming
vate-public land issues, and conserves high-priority lands weeks to select participants for the Diversity Summit
for recreation, wildlife habitat, and historic preservation. being held June 22-24 in Washington, D.C. CTASLA
• ASLA has also joined with its Pollinator Partnership coa- did not nominate anyone to attend this year’s summit.
lition members in sending a letter to the House Agriculture Please let us know if you are interested in attending the
Appropriations Committee leaders urging them to provide 2019 summit. ASLA pays for all expenses.
robust funding for federal pollinator-related programs, This year’s Advocacy Day was held on April 26 in Wash-
including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, ington, DC, where we met our federal legislators to lobby
National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and others. for programs of benefit to landscape architects. It was a
• Government Affairs continues to be active in coa- great honor and responsibility to represent the Chapter,
litions. Recently, staff participated in a number of along with CTASLA President Debra DeVries-Dalton
coalition meetings, including the Land and Water Con- and Bob Golde, FASLA. As always, please contact me
servation Fund weekly conference call, the National Park if there are issues that you would like me to present at
2nd Century Action Coalition, and the Partnership for future ASLA meetings.
Active Transportation meetings.
• Staff and members of the Chinatown Green Street W. Phillips Barlow, pla, asla, aicp, leed ap
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6 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

From the President

I just returned to Connecticut to visit their state congressional representatives? Because
with renewed spirits from it has proven to be remarkably effective in letting our
our annual ASLA Advocacy representatives understand our concerns about how their
Day in Washington, DC. I was votes on particular bills can help landscape architects
joined by Phil Barlow, Chapter benefit their communities while simultaneously pro-
Trustee, and Bob Golde, ASLA viding valuable jobs for our profession. Please read the
Licensure and Audit Commit- results of the 2018 federal spending bill below regarding
tee, as we formed a team in visit- the policies ASLA advocated for during 2017 Advocacy
ing the offices of Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Day:
Chris Murphy, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Con-
gressman Jim Himes. Our Senators and Congressmen • $1 billion increase for the Transportation Investment
are typically supportive of the issues ASLA advocates for, Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants pro-
and we were pleased that once again their staff members gram, which provides funds for multi-modal transporta-
were interested in hearing about the local projects we tion projects including Complete Streets.
discussed that related directly to one of the three issues • $425 million for the Land and Water Conservation
ASLA advocated for this year, including: Fund (LWCF), a 10 percent increase over 2017, provid-
ing landscape architects funds to plan and design out-
• The Living Shorelines Act — Would promote the door recreational facilities.
use of natural infrastructure to help restore and pro- • $2.9 billion for Clean Water and Drinking State
tect coastal shorelines from erosion, increased flooding, Revolving Funds, which provides grants to states to
and sea level rise. Using site planning and design that improve water treatment infrastructure.
incorporates natural materials and nature-based systems, • $3.2 billion to National Park Service (NPS), a $255
landscape architects play a critical role in helping coastal million increase.
communities address the impact of sea level rise and
increased storm surges. CTASLA can be equally as effective when our individ-
• The Water infrastructure Act — Would promote the ual members send a message to their legislators when
use of green infrastructure to help communities address requested by our Advocacy Alerts, or communicate
water and stormwater management systems. Landscape directly through emails, phone calls, or personal meet-
architects use green infrastructure and low-impact devel- ings. Your legislator may be unaware of your stance on
opment to provide communities cost-effective solutions an issue and your voice can provide an effective and
to address water needs, with designs that can simulta- educational influence when you respond to an issue.
neously provide social, economic, health, aesthetic, and This is true on both the federal and state level. Please
recreation benefits to the community. help CTASLA and ASLA achieve success in our goals
• The Environmental Justice Act — Would promote to increase job opportunities and to raise awareness of
legislation that addresses environmental justice and how landscape architects can help our communities in
safety for all communities. Landscape architects have the a variety of ways. Your thoughts, and your actions to
education, training, skills, and experience to assist citi- communicate with your legislators, are vitally important
zens in gaining a voice and becoming part of the process to our future success.
in the design of their communities becoming safe, resil-
ient, environmentally friendly, and healthy places to live Thank you,
and work.

Why does ASLA provide the time and funding to orga- Debra De Vries-Dalton, asla, leed ap
nize Advocacy Day each year, involving dozens of mem-
bers from around the country traveling to Washington

SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 7

CTASLA presents Connecticut Olmsted Award to
Bushnell Park Foundation

CTASLA presented the 2018 of Bushnell Park, now nearly 160 Bushnell Park Foundation President Lisa Karam
Connecticut Olmsted Award to the years old. The non-profit organization accepting the Connecticut Olmsted Award from
Bushnell Park Foundation at an event routinely funds improvements to the CTASLA Trustee Phil Barlow.
in Hartford on April 24. park, advocates for its maintenance,
Named after Connecticut native and programs events. The Foundation The Bushnell Park Foundation
Frederick Law Olmsted, who founded works collaboratively with the City of has provided exemplary stewardship
the modern landscape architecture Hartford to enhance the vitality and of Hartford’s “Central Park” for
profession in the 19th century, the sustainability of the park. over three decades. Today Bushnell
award is given annually by CTASLA to Capital projects completed by the Park continues to be a green oasis of
an organization or person from Con- Foundation include restoration of the diversity within Hartford’s central
necticut who has employed the princi- Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, Business District. (Learn more about
ple of stewardship of the environment Horace Wells Monument, and the the history of the park in our Iconic
as a guiding force in their actions. Corning Fountain, and construction Landscapes column beginning on
The Bushnell Park Foundation of the Performance Pavilion. Current page 30).
promotes Reverend Horace Bush- initiatives include:
nell’s founding vision of the park as • Working with I-Quilt Inc. to expand
“a place of life and motion that will the park
make us more completely conscious of • Renovation of the iconic play area
being one people.” The Foundation’s • Working with the City of Hartford
mission is to promote, preserve, and to renovate walkways and lighting
protect the beauty, safety, and value

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Green Roofs as Urban Amenities

BY ERIC RAINS, ASLA Above: East Lawn Yoga at Nova Place, Pittsburgh, PA. Below: One Acre Park, Stamford, CT.

R ooftop development presents
many unique challenges and
opportunities for landscape
architects. The design and engagement
of these spaces requires creativity, high
levels of coordination, and great atten-
tion to detail, all with the end goal
of improving building efficiency and
operations/management, and bettering
the lives of the building’s inhabitants.
Regardless of how active or passive the
program, rooftops provide opportuni-
ties for outdoor open space that in the
past have been largely unavailable.
Within our firm, the rooftops we
develop are typically designed as open
space for day-to-day use, as opposed to
solely vegetated green roofs. Program
elements can vary greatly, and regard-
less of the building’s principal use, these
spaces function as amenity areas for
building occupants — whether that is a
lunch/break area, or a pool, lounge, or
other social space for residents.

The residential project depicted at left provided us
with one acre of open space. Our concept focused on
developing the outdoor space to feel park-like, and less
rigid. We opted for a closed walk system and a variety
of seating options in varying scale spaces. Landforms,
berms, heavy planting, and a meandering footpath are
utilized to soften the appearance. Additionally, a gen-
erous open lawn serves as a flexible space where visitors
can play, relax, or hold an event.
For a residential tower project, we divided the
roof area into more formalized sitting areas, surround-
ing a large open lawn panel. These seating areas vary
throughout in size and furniture type, providing users
multiple options for selecting a space to relax that best
suits their needs. Raised planters (with material selected
for seasonal interest) separate the seating areas, provid-
ing a sense of privacy. Additionally, the planter walls
vary in dimension to eliminate long straight lines.
Repurposing materials and sustainability was a large
component at another roof project. The shade structure
was designed and created using steel salvaged from the
original building that had once stood on the site. We
identified three barrel trusses for reuse, cutting them in

continued on page 12

10 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

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Green Roofs cont’d

half to make the pergola. The six pieces are supported with
steel columns, also from the original building. The pergola
delineates a bar/lounge type space on the roof with movable
seating underneath. Around the pergola and throughout the
rest of the roof is a large variety of seating and tables, pro-
viding dining and/or socializing opportunities for any size
group. The edges of the rooftop are lined with galvanized
farm troughs, which are in high demand by the residents,
allowing them to
grow their own food
or garden plants.
On another proj-
ect, our clients pur-
chased 1.5M square
feet of mixed-use
space spread among
three buildings that
surround a three-acre
roof area. Beneath
the roof surface are
three separate levels
of parking. With
redevelopment of the
building complete,
the new uses of the Top: Sitting Area at North Tower, Stamford, CT. Bottom: Reclaimed Rood Truss
building are as an Pergola at Corsair, New Haven, CT.

innovation hub for
technology, design,
and industry. With
this new focus for
the property, we
approached the
Pergola at Nova Place, Pittsburgh, PA. design of this site to

serve as a campus,
creating a large cen-
tral green. As a campus green, the space needed to provide
ample room and as much flexibility for programming and
events as possible. The final site design provides over 7,000
square feet of lawn and more than 6,000 square feet of per-
gola with various seating arrangements. The entry corridors
display locally inspired art.
The owner provides regularly programmed events
throughout the year, including yoga classes, outdoor perfor-
mances, and local beverage and food tastings.
As these examples illustrate, rooftop development is not
a “one size fits all” process but instead requires creativity and
solutions that match each specific building and program.
This emerging project type offers great opportunities for
landscape architects.

— Eric Rains is principal of Eric Rains Landscape Architecture,
LLC in South Norwalk, CT.

12 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 13

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Waterproofing, Drainage, and Structural Systems:
The Hidden Assemblies That Can Make or Break a
Green Roof or Plaza

BY ERIN L. KESEGI, AIA Vegetated plazas and roof terraces can be attrac-
tive amenities that boast many benefits, from
energy savings to noise reduction. However,
without sufficient attention to water protec-
tion, load capacity, and other basic properties
of the exterior envelope, a once-valuable plaza
or terrace can become a liability.

U nder roof or plaza vegeta- the anticipated costs and maintenance selection of paving assemblies must
tion, systems hidden from demands, and the longevity of selected include the anticipated traffic volume
view work tirelessly to chan- materials and assemblies. and type, the load capacity of the exist-
nel water to thirsty plants while keep- A major portion of a plaza or roof ing structure, and overall aesthetics.
ing it out of moisture-averse building terrace is the paving, fixtures, and site For landscaped elements such as
elements. Ideally, water management furnishings. In the selection of the planters and water features, the drain-
assemblies on a vegetated roof or plaza materials and assemblies that comprise age, potential irrigation needs, and
should be even more resilient than these hardscaping elements of the plaza anticipated maintenance requirements
those on a traditional roof, as they will or roof terrace one must consider the must be part of any design decisions
be buried beneath plantings, growing aesthetics, cost, ease of installation, made by the landscape architect and
media, root barriers, drainage mats, durability, and ease of maintenance of the rest of the project team. A structur-
irrigation systems, and other compo- the materials, assemblies, and fixtures. al engineer will also have to determine
nents, making it difficult and expensive Safety is another important consid- whether the load capacity of the exist-
to repair a leak. eration when selecting such items as ing structure can support the weight of
When working with the design paving materials and handrails. The the proposed features. In determining
team (the client, landscape architect, surface conditions and layout of paved the load capacity of the structure, the
structural engineer, waterproofing areas must not create slip, trip, or fall engineer will look at the potential dead
consultant) it is important to establish hazards. When sloping paved areas loads created by the soils, planter walls,
the overall goals and parameters of the for drainage it is vital to ensure that a plantings, paving assemblies, water
plaza or roof terrace project. Items to comfortable and safe walking surface is features, and site furnishings. The engi-
consider include the historic signifi- maintained. Changes in elevation, such neer will also look at the live loads cre-
cance of the property, the functional as stairs and ramps, must be designed ated by pedestrians, vehicles, and such
requirements of the plaza or terrace, to meet all accessibility codes. The
continued on page 16

SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 15

Green Roofs cont’d and heel-proof grates. Include drains in plazas and roof decks, the thermal
both planted areas and paved areas. performance of the assembly must be
environmental elements as snow For elevated plazas and roof decks, taken into consideration. If the plaza or
and ice. some form of waterproofing is a neces- terrace is over conditioned space, insu-
When designing the drainage sity especially if the plaza or terrace is lation must be incorporated into the
system for a plaza or roof terrace, the located over occupied space. During assembly. The design team will need to
landscape architect and waterproofing the design phase, the waterproofing look at options for adding the required
consultant should ask the following consultant can assist with the selection insulation values while maintaining the
questions: and detailing of the waterproofing drainage ability and desired thickness of
system. Among the items to consider the assembly.
• Is there adequate positive drainage? when selecting the appropriate system With any design project it is
Look for opportunities to increase the are the durability and longevity of the important for the design team to antic-
slope of paved areas to facilitate drainage. system components, the ease of instal- ipate future maintenance needs when
• Are there enough drains? lation, cost, and maintenance require- selecting the appropriate materials and
Understand code requirements regard- ments. The proper detailing at termi- assemblies. The design team can assist
ing the appropriate number of drains nations and penetrations are of utmost the client in developing a maintenance
per square foot of roof or plaza area. importance to prevent future leaks. A plan that includes items to be done
• What are the appropriate type and waterproofing system should be robust weekly, monthly, seasonally, and annu-
locations for drains? and durable so that it can provide a ally. A client’s maintenance staff should
Incorporate b-level drains to facilitate watertight assembly (and peace of perform periodic cleanup and repairs
surface and subsurface drainage. Specify mind) for several years. For elevated to the plaza features. Such cleanup and
surface drains to have ADA-compliant
continued on page 18

For elevated plazas and roof decks,
some form of waterproofing is a
necessity especially if the plaza or
terrace is located over occupied space.

16 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

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Green Roofs cont’d Jeffrey H. Mills

repairs include the removal of litter and
debris from planted areas and clearing
drains. When selecting fixtures and equip-
ment, the team must consider the future
servicing of fixtures and accessibility of
these elements for regular maintenance.
An attractive, well-designed, func-
tionable, and well-maintained green
roof/plaza is a valuable amenity, one
which acts as a showpiece for the build-
ing or property. Plazas and roof terraces
must respond not only to the demands
of occupants, but also to the larger
interests of the community. With the
right design approach and attention to
detail, a well-planned plaza project can
create a functional and appealing space
that provides dependable performance
well into the future.

— Erin L. Kesegi, AIA, is a Senior
Architect with Hoffmann Architects, Inc.
in Hamden, CT.

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SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 19

Edmund Robert Gregan, Landscape Architect —1939-2018

E. Robert “Bob” Gregan, Connecticut Landscape In retirement, Bob stayed active as a member of the
Architect and ASLA Fellow, was born in New Haven, steering committee for New Haven’s Long Wharf Nature
Connecticut in 1936. He and his brother Eugene attend- Center and was a recognized supporter of the City’s
ed Wilbur Cross High School, where they played football Holocaust Memorial. He was a director for the Historic
and after graduation, both attended The Rhode Island New Haven Grove Street Cemetery and the Landscape
School of Design. Bob graduated with honors in 1962 Architect for the Mary Wade Home.
and Eugene became a fine artist. Following graduation, A long-time resident of the town of North Branford,
Bob worked as a landscape planner for Morton Fine & Bob continued with his dedication to the design and
Associates in Hartford, Connecticut.
Then another RISD graduate, preservation of open spaces. He
Jim Skerrett, changed Bob’s life was a member of the North Bran-
forever by convincing him to join ford Conservation Commission,
New Haven’s Redevelopment and served as its chair. He served
Agency. This was a homecoming as Vice President and President of
for Bob. The city was an exciting the North Branford’s Conserva-
place in those days, with its vision tion Trust, and as a member of the
for a large-scale urban renewal Town Center Improvements Com-
project under the guidance of many mittee. He consulted on the design
nationally known consultants. There of many town parks, municipal
was Bob, and landscape architecture facilities, and historical properties.
right in the middle of the process. In 1999, Bob and his wife Janet
Bob’s work involved reconciling the (a RISD graduate) designed and
new designs with the city’s hopes built a magnificent home in North-
and needs, including physical design ford. Bob said of his new home that
and supervision of the construction the design “incorporates everything
of public places, residential parking I’ve learned about planning, archi-
lots, housing facilities, schools, and streetscapes. Trees tecture, and my environment.”
and streetscapes are where Bob excelled. He designed, In all his endeavors, Bob’s deep commitment to
selected, and supervised the planting of hundreds of the contribute through his art is apparent. He will be remem-
city’s trees. During the process he protected many existing bered as an artist and professional who gave all that he
trees and experimented with restoring elms to the “Elm had to our world.
City.” As part of the Redevelopment Agency, he consulted — Laurence C. Appleton ASLA, Laurence Appleton,
with neighborhood groups on design and materials. His Landscape Architect, practices in North Guilford, CT. He
dedication in preserving the City’s green canopy is part of was Bob Gregan’s longtime friend.
what earned him an ASLA Fellowship in 1986.
In the 1960s Bob was a member of the ASLA Additional Tributes:
Committee for state licensure. He was active in the 65th
Annual ASLA Convention held in Hartford, and was When ASLA made me a Fellow, it was customary for the
on the advisory board for New Haven’s World Special candidate to be walked to the podium by another Fellow of
Olympic Games. his or her choosing. Bob had been invested as a Fellow a few
Bob lectured throughout his entire career for various years before, so I chose him.
colleges and community groups. He was also a regular We met often for a go-round of his New Haven work.
speaker for the Garden Clubs of New Haven, which made He would call and say, “Hey, I need a consultation.” He
him an honorary member. His other recognitions include didn’t need my advice at all; it was an excuse to have lunch
achievement awards from HUD, ASLA, Yale’s Forestry together. He will be very much missed by many,
Group, and CTASLA’s George Yarwood service award.
In 1991 Bob officially retired as the Chief Landscape — Rudy Favretti, FASLA
Architect for the City of New Haven, but continued
working as a consultant for many years. continued next page

20 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

Bob Gregan cont’d introducing

My landscape career actively began lightecture
under Bob’s charge at the New
Haven office in 1964. He selfless- from
ly provided me with professional
opportunities that in retrospect pro- Ghisamestieri
vided what turned out to be a varied
future. the green way of light
Bob was old school. Everything was • Contemporary Design
hand drawn with a “hard nail” (4H • Modular Solutions
pencil). No computer ever crossed his • Life Cycle Thinking
fingers. His drawings were beautiful, • Recyclable Materials
precise, and complete. I’m going to • No Light Pollution
frame one. His specifications were • Energy Efficient
gospel, teaching the need for preci- • Long Life
sion. More than anything, he was
family. He and Janet shared theirs INNOVATIVE OUTDOOR LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
with my wife and me. We have been Connecticut | Massachusetts | Maine | New Hampshire | Vermont
alumni, pursuers of CEUs, garden- SPECIFICATION SALES | PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ers, and tourist companions for over PHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS | DESIGN SERVICES
50 years. Godspeed, my friend.
800.974.6031 | www.speclines.net
— Laurence Appleton
SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 21
Bob was my first landscape archi-
tect supervisor at the New Haven
Redevelopment Agency way back in
1967. He was a good mentor for
my initiation into the profession,
and I had the pleasure of bumping
into him periodically over the years
— mostly at Garden Club lecture
events. He was always a magnificent
promoter of the profession and a
happy sort. He will be missed.

— Dickson Demarche

I will miss our telephone chats and
friendship, which dates back to
1962 at the office of Morton Fine
Associates. Bob’s later work in New
Haven was his heartfelt contribu-
tion to the profession. I spent many
special times with Bob, organizing
the CTASLA offices, working on
committees, and trips with he and
Janice. He was a great friend and an
important part of my life. Bob, you
will be missed.

— Edward Cape

What Does a Landscape Architect’s Public Service Look Like?

Following are examples of public service by three of our leading landscape architect practitioners: Barbara Yeager,
Steve Wing, and Richard Bergmann. These Connecticut landscape architects are doing yeoman’s work in the service
of others, whether it is involvement with CTASLA, producing tree inventories, or working with a community land
trust. Read on, and be inspired to serve…

Volunteering Giving Back

BY BARBARA YAEGER, ASLA BY STEVE WING, ASLA

Volunteers often play an important Giving a hand and lending expertise
role in the beautification and over- has been very rewarding. My fami-
all improvement of public places in a ly has been enjoying Milford’s amenities
community. Landscape architects are since we arrived in 1979. When our
uniquely qualified to contribute. How- kids left the nest there was time to “give
ever, there is virtually no data on the back.” A group of environmentally
number of volunteer hours logged by landscape architects to concerned citizens grew alarmed that more trees were coming
improve parks and community spaces. down on our streets than were being replaced. They asked if I
My very first opportunity to volunteer was gained by would join their cause. I did.
working for a wholesale nursery helping organize several hor- Over the next few years, we created a Tree Commis-
ticultural events. The experience of mingling with industry sion and started non-profit Milford Trees, Inc. With help
leaders and nursery professionals was exhilarating, I felt for- from DEEP’s urban forestry group we trained volunteers
tunate to be working alongside seasoned professionals. They and inventoried 17,600 city trees, planted trees on streets
taught by example many amazing skills in event organizing and school grounds, won grants for a “Greening of the Post
and networking. This experience plus other interlaced oppor- Road” project, created a tree nursery, and planned an in-town
tunities has enhanced my career as a landscape architect, and arboretum using the town green and adjacent land.
encouraged a basis for continued gratis involvement. The core group included our then tree warden and a
Volunteering comes with phenomenal benefits: it feels couple of landscape contractors, but much of the brains and
good sharing one’s skills and having them appreciated, energy came from committed civilians. A couple of hurri-
informing people about what a wonderful career landscape canes and ensuing tree removal in the name of protecting
architecture is, and meeting exceptional people. In addition, power lines has eroded some of our efforts, but not the
enduring friendships and rewards of serving our town.
creating networks has pro-
vided interesting opportuni- — Steve Wing, ASLA is a landscape architect who practices and
ties both professionally and volunteers in Milford, CT.
personally. Moving through
the various leadership posi-
tions within CTASLA has
enabled me to meet and
develop friendships with
many of the state’s landscape
architects.
In addition, volunteering discretionary time to my
community of Madison, CT — including serving on the
wetlands agency, parks committees, and plan of conservation
and development — has helped to shape the future of our
town. Even more enticing, many of these motivated people
have become good friends. Sharing one’s talents and abilities
through volunteering creates a more dynamic community
and allows for expanding networks in directions one could
never foresee.

— Barbara Yaeger, ASLA is a landscape architect with Eric Volunteers from Milford Trees, Inc. greening another corner of their community.
Rains Landscape Architecture, LLC in South Norwalk, CT.

22 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

Can I Help? supplied by Chris Schipper, president of the Land Trust,
consisted of dried red cedar branches cut from old trees. By
BY RICHARD BERGMANN, ASLA, FAIA my request, most had forked branches starting at one to two
inches in diameter — the more twists and curves, the better!
I n New Canaan, CT, the Land Trust has accumulated I no sooner got started with the railing, when I heard,
nearly 400 acres of open space, but few are connected in “Can I help?!” Standing on the bridge above me was a young
a way to create lengthy internal walking trails. However, an man asking this most pleasant-to-hear question. With teeth
opportunity opened up several years ago. An estate came chattering on a 12-degree January morning, the two of us
on the market and the Land Trust seized the opportunity worked well together, he handing tools and pieces to me
to create a narrow right-of-way alongside the property to while I fitted them in place. The entire process of decorating
connect two wetland parcels already under the Land Trust’s the “Adirondack” style bridge took only two rather chilly days
control. Although it required some work and persuasion plus a bit more time for cleanup. When we were just about
(including funds for surveys), the trust persevered and the finished, a red-tailed hawk flew in and sat on the railing,
right-of-way was established. inspecting our handy-work. A new mascot? Griffin Hall, my
With the high grounds designated, the trail was con- assistant, and I had a great time working side by side, and
ceived, although it still needed to cross several wetland areas became friends in spite of our 62 years of age difference. Grif-
and a stream. A floating boardwalk, supported on red cedar fin proclaimed, “I’ve enjoyed myself, and hope to be asked to
cross logs, got us through the wetland areas. A 20-foot-long do more…I learned a lot!”
pair of telephone poles resting on large boulders created — Richard Bergmann, ASLA, FAIA is a licensed landscape
the bridge needed to cross the stream. This major work was architect and architect who practices and volunteers in New
accomplished by a contractor’s crew hired for the project. Canaan, CT.
Since I had volunteered to do the design for the walk
and bridge, I decided to build the necessary railings with
“Adirondack” style stick-work for a rustic look. The sticks,

nReasttivoerilnagndthsecape Richard Bergmann building “Adirondack” style red cedar
railings to put the finishing touches on a wetlands crossing
on Land Trust property in New Canaan. Above: A red-tailed
hawk inspects the new amenity.

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SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 23

#metoo ed physical and verbal harassment, which at times chiseled
at my confidence and most definitely shaped my career. I
BY JANE L. DIDONA, ASLA learned who I had to avoid, whom I could confront, and to
use humor as a defense. But a transforming moment was
Sadly, the New York Times recently reported that another when I learned that I was being paid substantially less than
male icon (this time from the design world), architect an equally qualified male colleague, and the reason given was
Richard Meier, was allegedly guilty of inappropriate “he is a man and you have a husband to support you.” That
behavior with women employees or colleagues. With recent was the moment I knew that I had to start my own compa-
events and the #metoo movement, I have been asked if I had ny.
encountered this kind of behavior in my professional career. Thirty years later, I can say that I have reached a point
I have to admit that I have had several #metoo moments in of reflection. Did these moments influence my career? Yes,
my life and career. These moments are part of the experiences of course they did. I learned at an early age that the world
that shaped me in my personal and professional life. was not always safe or equitable and although that was not
I am squarely in the Boomer generation, the bridge fair, the only way I knew to survive was to persist. What I
generation from a society where most women did not work never realized until recently was the toll that took. What has
outside the home, to now when most women have to work bolstered me all these years is a foundational belief in myself,
outside the home. When I was a young girl, my architect and a wonderful supportive husband who is my biggest
father always read the Sunday New York Times classified sec- cheerleader. I also am lucky to have a great business partner,
tion because he felt the number of ads for architects were a wonderful teachers, professors, and clients who all believed
good market indicator. I would help by going through all in me and supported me. I am very blessed in many ways,
the sections and finding the Help Wanted: Male section. Oh but yes, I think that if you ask any woman if they have expe-
yes, the architects were listed there, not in the other section, rienced a #metoo moment, the majority would say yes.
Help Wanted: Female. It was explained to me that certain — Jane L. Didona is a past president of CTASLA, a registered
careers were not suited for women, and architecture was one landscape architect, principal of Didona Associates Landscape
of them. That was 55 years ago. Architects in Danbury, CT, instructor at the New York
By the late 1960s, equal rights for women was at the Botanical Gardens, and a plein air landscape painter.
forefront, and many of these antiquated practices and beliefs
were supposed to disappear. However, the lingering preju- AuTomATEd GATE
dices were evident when in 1972, as a junior in high school, SySTEmS
I did have to threaten a lawsuit in order to be allowed to
take a drafting class because it was in the shop department,
and girls were not allowed to take shop. They conceded and
I took the drafting class, but they replaced the male teacher
with a female teacher. There were other issues, like a physics
teacher who would not help the girls because “teaching phys-
ics to women was a waste of time.” Conversely, I was lucky to
have had many teachers who went out of their way to help a
young girl interested in science, art, and landscape architec-
ture. Thank goodness I listened to them and persisted.
Through the years other #metoo moments have includ-

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PIONEERS OF CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Richard Bergmann: A Master of Many Creative Disciplines

BY W. PHILLIPS BARLOW, ASLA, LEED AP disciplines. Over an almost 60-year the Depression, Dick’s father lost his
career, he has focused on preservation engineering position, and seeing only
For anyone that may feel the need and contextual design (he calls it classic bleak prospects in the U.S. returned
for a dose of humility, a visit to contemporary), operating out of the with his family to his German home-
the office/studio/home/sculpture modernist mecca that is New Canaan land. This was an auspicious time
garden of landscape architect/architect/ (the Glass House and Grace Farms are (1930s) and things soon took a turn
artist Dick Bergmann may be in order. both in town). His home studio/office for the worst. In the fall of 1939, Dick
Practicing out of his Greek Revival has functioned as an elementary school distinctly remembers looking up from
compound in New Canaan, Dick is as well as the home from 1924-1947 of a playground one warm morning and
a master of many creative disciplines. Maxwell Perkins, the legendary editor seeing a literal army of German soldiers
He and his wife Sandra have filled the of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Heming- goose-stepping down the street. Follow-
contemporary interior of his office way, Marjorie Rawlings, and Thomas ing close behind were tanks, artillery,
with wonderful artwork — their own Wolfe. Today Dick is concentrating on and other military vehicles (headed for
and the work of others. Cases of award garden design projects (he is tired of the invasion of Poland). Soon the war
certificates sit below framed accolades battling bureaucrats for building per- had begun and Americans were given
and testimonials to Dick’s career, span- mits and zoning approvals) as he and one week to leave Germany or stay for
ning the gamut from the Connecticut Sandra prepare for a move to Venice, the duration. The Bergmann family
Trust for Historic Preservation to the Florida. Dick was gracious enough to returned to Wisconsin.
American Society of Architectural Per- meet with me recently and recount his Back in the United States, Dick’s
spectivists. Venturing into the garden most successful career. mother encouraged him to enroll in art
on a cold winter day reveals sculptures Growing up for the most part in classes at Milwaukee’s prestigious Layton
both large and small in addition to the rural Wisconsin, helping his father School of Art, while his engineer father
verdant plantings and architectural plant trees and working in his grand- advocated for an electrical engineering
structure of the space. mother’s gardens, Dick inherited the career. The senior Bergmann poo-pooed
Dick Bergmann is known for mid-westerner’s respect and love of a creative career, pointing out that it
his combined practice of landscape the land. At the age of five, during could be difficult to earn a living and
architecture and architecture, the rare declared that he would only pay for
professional that is licensed in both Dick’s Greek Revival home in New Canaan (which college if an engineering degree were
houses his office) has been an elementary school as well the goal. Dick reluctantly complied but
as the home of legendary editor Maxwell Perkins. His as is often the case when one’s heart is
sculpture garden, a quiet masterpiece, is included in the not into an endeavor, the pursuit of an
Smithsonian Institution Archives of American Gardens. engineering degree was not successful.
As Dick tells it, he hated it and was
“thrown out of the University of

26 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

Wisconsin for poor grades and other The contemporary interior of Dick’s office is filled with artwork — his own as well as the work of others. Cases of
nonsense.” award certificates sit below framed accolades and testimonials to Dick’s career.
Lacking options, and like many
young men seeking independence, Not to be denied, he beefed up his cre- in New York City for his uncle, the
Dick joined the Army. Today he feels dentials and applied again the next year, celebrated architect Max Urbahn. One
that the decision was one of the best of this time successfully. of his first projects was the Vertical
his life. Stationed in Germany during After completing the architecture Assembly Building for the Saturn V
the reconstruction, he saw first-hand program (and meeting his future wife moon-shot rockets at Cape Canaveral.
the craftsmanship involved with the Sandra) in 1961, Richard went to work
restoration of many historic buildings continued on page 29
that had been badly damaged in the
war. It was here that Dick developed
a passion for architecture, particularly
historic buildings.
After fulfilling his military obliga-
tion, Dick returned to civilian life and
again set his sights on college with the
G.I. Bill, this time for an architecture
degree. His lukewarm college past
caught up with him, however, and he
was not accepted to his first choice
of schools, the University of Illinois,
Champaign-Urbana. Although other
schools accepted him, he figured that
if the Univ. of Illinois rejected him, it
must be a better school than the others!

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Pioneers cont’d Dick prospered, as a site-sensitive A rendering of the Vertical Assembly Building for the
architect with a focus on preservation, Saturn V moon-shot rockets at Cape Canaveral, one of
After several years, Dick and but he always felt that architecture and Dick’s first projects, hangs on his office wall.
Sandra decided that it was time for a landscape were one art. This stirring
honeymoon and went big, traveling in led to many years of classes at the New American Gardens and was published
a customized Land Rover throughout York Botanical Garden, a course at Dan in Private Gardens of Connecticut). The
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Kiley’s Vermont Studio, and an inten- small garden is a quiet masterpiece and
two years. Eventually needing money sive site-planning workshop at Cornell. a community resource. The Fellowship
to travel back home, he secured an After presenting his work and creden- Sunken garden in Darien illustrates
architecture job in Capetown, and after tials to the Connecticut State Board of Bergmann’s ability to unite architecture
several months the money to continue Landscape Architects, he was allowed and landscape, and his many residential
was in hand. to take the licensing exam, thus adding landscapes are a testament to his bold,
Back in the United States, Bergmann professional landscape architect to his yet quiet design style. His Children’s
was prepared to leave Connecticut for many credentials. Like many of us, A*MAZing Mathematical Puzzle Maze
a job with SOM in Oregon when fate Bergmann has found satisfaction in the in his hometown is a deceptively simple
intervened and noted local New Canaan design of the land. and unique play area, which garnered a
architect Victor Christ-Janer offered His landscapes include his own 2010 CTASLA Merit Award.
him a position. This was a heady time sculpture garden (which is included in There is yet another aspect to this
for architecture in the small town, with the Smithsonian Institution Archives of multi-faceted gentleman: a lifetime of
Phillip Johnson and the “Harvard Five” volunteerism. He freely gives his time
practicing along with local architects and expertise to many organizations
(Dick reports that there were “18 archi- including the Connecticut Agriculture
tecture offices… and 18 liquor stores” Experiment Station and The New
in town). Like many of life’s decisions, Canaan Land Trust.
the one to work for Christ-Janer was As Dick prepares to begin a new
a mixed blessing. Bergmann describes chapter in Venice, Florida — one of
working for the high-spirited architect as John Nolen’s 1920s master-planned
a “mistake,” with long-winded lectures communities, his only remaining intact
on existentialism and fighting (literally) town plan — he leaves behind a unique
among staff and associates, the norm. Connecticut legacy of professional and
Leaving Christ-Janer after six long volunteer work, and is looking forward
months, Dick went a few doors down to more of the same.
to the office of Eliot Noyes, one of the Good luck, Richard Bergmann —
“Harvard Five.” This was a successful you have left your mark on Connecticut!
relationship, but after a year Richard got — W. Phillips Barlow is editor of The
the bug to work for himself and in 1967 Connecticut Landscape Architect.
started his own office with the blessing
of (and referrals from) Noyes.

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ICONIC CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPES

Bushnell Park —“An Opening in the Heart of the City”

BY W. PHILLIPS BARLOW, ASLA, LEED AP City Park shortly after its completion in the 1860s, showing one of the connecting bridges to the city center.

It’s a cliché, but it’s true: Bushnell Park
is the heart and soul of downtown
Hartford, a central green space that
provides a counterpoint to the dense
urban fabric of the city. Like most suc-
cessful urban parks, it’s hard to imagine
the city without it, but its creation was
a very deliberate act by a community
leader who would not be denied.
Hartford’s “City Park” was the
passion of Horace Bushnell, the pastor
of Hartford’s North Congregational
Church. Bushnell was one of the lead-
ing theologians of his time and a pro-
lific writer on social issues. His vision
for a park adjacent to the Park River
was not intuitive. In the mid-nine-
teenth century, the future parkland
was a filthy, neglected, and abandoned
wasteland, which included tanneries
and soap works (two of the filthiest
processes ever imagined), tenements
whose inhabitants deposited their
excrement directly into the river, and
an abandoned train yard. According to

The Weidenmann plan, circa 1860. Bushnell, the land was “god forsaken.”
Bushnell had many reasons for
wanting to establish a city park in his
beloved city. While much of his desire
was philanthropic (he wanted workers
in Hartford’s burgeoning factories to
have access to fresh air and open space),
his vision was that the park would also
be an economic engine for the growing
city. He felt that a beautiful park would
attract additional industry, as well as
increase real estate values in the area,
thus broadening and increasing the tax
base. In making his case for the park,
Bushnell hypothesized that rail trav-
elers arriving in the city “would look
down upon the park, giving a favorable
impression of the city.”
Through a brilliant and impas-
sioned presentation to the Common
Council on September 5, 1853,
Bushnell convinced the skeptical

30 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

commissioners of the need for a park. Bushnell Park before the Park River was put underground and…as it appears today (below).
On January 5, 1854, by a margin of 3
to 1, Hartford citizens voted to spend assignment. He not only had to pro- a “park” as a formal arrangement of
$105,000 (two million in today’s dol- duce a plan that would be acceptable gardens in the European tradition. The
lars) for a park, the first city in the to all parties, but he also had to correct plan for Bushnell Park, however, was
nation to do so. Now a design was the work that had been completed, in the English garden mode of flowing,
needed. while not alienating the workers that undulating paths and informal group-
Like is often done today, in 1857 had done the work (Weidenmann was ings of both deciduous and evergreen
a competition was held to commis- to directly supervise and manage the trees. In the center of the park was a
sion a design for the park (note that workers as well as design the park). pond, and the Park River defined three
this is the same year as NYC’s Central His written orders were to make “… of the four sides. The edge not defined
Park design competition).The winner accurate surveys and plans for drainage by the river was a formal promenade
was Gervaise Wheeler, of New York and lay out the ground with a working (labeled as a “mall” on the plan), where
City, with Hartford city surveyor, Seth plan showing walks, plantings, and interaction among the diverse citizen-
Marsh receiving second prize. Wheeler’s other improvements.” The park that ry was envisioned. On the west side
plan was quickly deemed too costly, Weidenmann designed would not have of the park was the Overlook Terrace
so Marsh was engaged to produce his been familiar to the citizens of 1860 where visitors could look from the
plan. Construction began on the Marsh Hartford, who would have thought of high ground, across the park and river,
plan and grading was completed. How- to the bustling new railroad station.
ever, Bushnell Also on the west side was a drive and
and the newly concourse for carriages to traverse the
formed Board parkland. Weidenmann is said to have
of Park Com- planted over 157 types of trees and
missioners shrubs and was employed for eight
quickly realized years in the design and construction of
that the plan the park. Originally named City Park,
was not work- it was not until Bushnell’s death (from
ing. Bushnell tuberculous in 1876) that the park was
reported, “the renamed in his honor.
grading was Although Frederick Law Olmsted
all in a right did not design Bushnell Park, he did
direction, but indirectly influence today’s park through
there were too the work of his sons. The Olmsted
many lines and Brothers firm produced plans for the
too little flow.” areas of the park affected when the Park
To the credit
of the commis- continued on page 32
sioners, they
realized that a landscape architect (then
called a landscape artist) was needed.
It is here that it needs to be emphat-
ically stated that Frederick law Olmsted
DID NOT design Bushnell Park, as is
often reported. Although Olmsted, a
former neighbor and friend of Bush-
nell’s, was reportedly asked to do the
work, he declined. John Olmsted report-
ed that his father recommended Jacob
Weidenmann to the board, but the
public record of this is murky at best.
In any case, park commissioners and
Weidenmann signed a contract in 1860
to produce and implement a new design.
Weidenmann had a very difficult

SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG 31

Bushnell Park cont’d A milestone in the stewardship of Designed by:
the park occurred in 1981 when Sandy
River was put underground after the Parisky (1940-2018) and other park Jacob Weidenmann
devastating 1936 and 1938 floods. At advocates formed The Bushnell Park Olmsted Brothers
that time, the pond that we now know Foundation. The Foundation, a private Dean Johnson
was formed and the original pond non-profit organization, promotes Quennell Rothchild & Partners
removed. The Olmsted Brothers also Reverend Horace Bushnell’s founding Heritage Landscapes LLC
designed the park entrances where vision of “a place of life and motion Beta Group Inc
bridges once stood (the Fox Memorial that will make us more completely TO Design LLC
entrance, 1952, Hoadley entrance, and conscious of being one people.” Parisky,
Union Station entrance). All are elegant as the foundation’s first manager, led Today the 50-acre park is much
designs that today define the park edges. reclamation efforts in the 1980s to res- beloved by the entire region and has
Many embellishments have been cue the park from neglect and abuse. been placed on the National Registry of
added to the park over the ensuing Parisky continued to work with the Historic Places. Over one million peo-
decades, including multiple works of foundation for decades. ple a year enjoy the Reverend Horace
sculpture, the monumental Corning Capital projects completed by the Bushnell’s vision of an “opening in the
Fountain (1899), Soldiers and Sailors foundation include restoration of the heart of the city to which citizens will
Monument (1894), Carousel (1976), Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, naturally flow.”
bandshell and the play area (1990). Horace Wells Monument, and the
Perhaps the most significant change to Corning Fountain, construction of the — W. Phillips Barlow is editor of The
the park was the construction of the Performance Pavilion, tree replacement, Connecticut Landscape Architect.
adjacent Connecticut State Capital in and the design and construction of the
1878. CTASLA’s own Dean Johnson, children’s play area. Currently the foun-
FASLA, led efforts in the early 1980s dation is working with a $1.5 million
to block a DOT plan to run I-84 exit budget to renovate the play area, path-
ramps through the park. ways, and lighting in the park.

32 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

Your State Board of Landscape Architects

T he Connecticut Board of Landscape Architects is a state government board operating within the State of
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Occupational and Professional Licensing Division. The
charge of the board is to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of Connecticut residents by assuring that only qualified,
competent persons are licensed to practice landscape architecture in Connecticut.” Board members are appointed by the
governor and serve until resignation or removal by the governor for misconduct, incapacity, or neglect of duty. The board
consists of up to seven Connecticut residents. Four must be landscape architects whose residences and principal places
of business are within this state, who have been actively engaged in the practice of landscape architecture for not less
than ten years, and who are licensed to practice landscape architecture within this state. Board members serve without
compensation. The current board includes:

Mark R. Arigoni, PLA
Phil Barlow, PLA, Chair
Anne L. Penniman, PLA

Stephen Wing, PLA
Citizen Member (Vacant)
Typically the board reviews applications for Connecticut licensure and any issues which may affect the practice of
landscape architecture in Connecticut. It is important to realize that the board protects and serves the general public and
not specifically landscape architects. Currently the board is reviewing local regulations that are a barrier to practice for
landscape architects.
The board meets four times a year at the State Office Building, Hearing Room J, Department of Consumer
Protection, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford. Meetings are open to the public with meeting minutes posted on the
State of Connecticut Board of Landscape Architects web page. The board presently has an opening for a landscape
architect and citizen member. Please contact a board member if you are interested in serving.

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BOOK REVIEW

The New Landscape Declaration, a Call
to Action for the Twenty-First Century

BY W. PHILLIPS BARLOW, ASLA, LEED AP it’s easy to be frustrated by the perceived missed opportuni-
ties over the decades. Chief among these lost opportunities
Recently I read a fascinating book that had been given to may be what many see as a failure to capitalize on President
me by an associate: The New Landscape Declaration, a Lyndon Johnson’s 1966 “Special Message to Congress on
Call to Action for the Twenty-First Century.” For those of you Beauty” (THAT is worth a read) and the following summit
that have somehow missed it, 2017 was the 50th anniversary on “Conservation and Restoration of Natural Beauty.” While
of the 1966 Declaration of Concern, a manifesto of sorts, one can focus on what hasn’t changed in 50 years, I believe it
produced by six prominent landscape architects of the day. is important to explore what has:
The declaration was a “call to action” for landscape architects • Education: we have exponentially more landscape architec-
to respond to the environment crises of the time. Reading the ture degree programs today than in 1966.
declaration, it is easy to focus on the high-minded platitudes, • Recruitment: Although numbers are currently falling, the
many of which we still strive for 50 years later. Examples profession has greatly expanded since 1966.
include: “a key to solving the environmental crisis comes • Research: While not robust, research into landscape archi-
from the field of landscape architecture”; and “He (the land- tecture processes and techniques has increased.
scape architect) is essential in maintaining the connection
between man and nature.” However, it is important to keep • Communication: It’s a tough slog,
the declaration in context to its time, a time when landscape but we have made great progress in
architecture was a much smaller profession and even more communicating our value to our allied
marginalized. The declaration called for a four-pronged design professionals (the publication
approach: recruitment, education, research, and communica- you’re holding is one such tool).
tion (of the profession’s value to the public). Fifty years later,

The book itself focuses on the 2017
summit of 75 prominent landscape
architecture thinkers from around the
world, to produce a new, unified dec-
laration, as well as to write their own
declarations. Reading these 75 declara-
tions I expected to find high-minded
platitudes on how landscape architects
can save the world through good design,
how under-appreciated we are, etc. That
was not the case. Instead, I was happy
to find thoughtful essays on not only
what’s good about the profession, but
also where we fall short, as well as hon-
est appraisals of the challenges that we
face in getting our rightful “place at the
table.”

— W. Phillips Barlow is editor of The
Connecticut Landscape Architect.

34 SPRING 2018 | CTASLA.ORG

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