CTLA Spring 2016

The Connecticut SPRING 2016
Landscape Architect

Parks

2 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

10 The Connecticut
Landscape Architect

SPRING 2016

15 Editor’s Message

18 4
23
From the Trustee
26
5

Letter to the Editor

7
9Maybe Design Professionals, Not Governor Malloy, Are To Blame for GE’s Move?

Salt Meadow Park — Designing a New Town Park

10

The Transformation of New Britain’s Central Park

15

McKeithen Park and Kenya — A Story About Community

18

Dog Parks

23

A Walk in the Park

26

Pioneers of Connecticut Landscape Architecture: Jeffrey Gebrian

30

Iconic Connecticut Landscapes: New Britain’s Central Park

32

Unstable Skyscrapers, Communication, and Construction Administration

34

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 3

From the Editor

On a summer afternoon last year, When I visit and enjoy a park, I feel like I
I stopped with my son and dog at experience it not as a landscape architect
the newly opened Salt Meadow but as a person who appreciates good
Park in Madison, a park that is fea- design and the magic of interaction with
tured in this edition. The park is nature and the man-made environment.
the former site of the Madison air- The parks in this issue of The Connecticut
port, which for decades provided Landscape Architect are a testimony to
small aircraft the option of landing the good, worthwhile work being done by
along the Connecticut shoreline. our members.
I had been anxiously awaiting the completion of
the park since 2010 when the town requested propos- Working with Jeff Gebrian on his profile, we had
als from landscape architecture firms. As my firm was many discussions on the state of the profession and
submitting qualifications, I walked the site and found where it is heading. In the midst of our conversations an
it mesmerizing, even with the dilapidated, remnant article appeared on ASLA’s blog, The Dirt, entitled “Has
remains of the airport. The town ultimately chose Anne Landscape Architecture Failed.” The article describes
Penniman Landscape Architects to design the site, and how in 1966, Ian McHarg and other leading landscape
kudos to that firm for a job well done. The design is architects composed the seminal Declaration of Concern,
restrained, engaging, and effective. which decried the burgeoning environmental crisis and
At first glance the park appears to be a sports facility heralded landscape architecture as critical to help solve
with several soccer fields at the entrance. But anyone it. You will have to read the article yourself to get the
that walks further into the site discovers the magic: full impact but suffice it to say, it is thought-provoking!
expansive views into the salt marsh as well as a short Happy spring!
trail through a preserved coastal forest. Walking a rig-
idly straight path in another section of the park, I real- W. Phillips Barlow, pla, asla, aicp, leed ap
ized that it must be the location and alignment of a
former runway, which seemed appropriate.
When I visit and enjoy a park, I feel like I experience
it not as a landscape architect but as a person who appreci-
ates good design and the magic of interaction with nature
and the man-made environment. The parks in this issue of
The Connecticut Landscape Architect are a testimony to the
good, worthwhile work being done by our members.

The Connecticut Landscape Architect is published by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

EDITOR TO CONTACT CTASLA
W. Phillips Barlow MAIL 370 James Street, Ste. 402, New Haven, CT 06513
TO Design, LLC, 114 West Main Street, Ste. 202, New Britain, CT 06051 VMAIL (800) 878-1474
TEL (860) 612-1700 EMAIL [email protected]
FAX (860) 612-1757 WEB www.ctasla.org
EMAIL [email protected] ADDRESS CHANGES & ADVERTISING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR [email protected] or (860) 454-8922
Jeffrey H. Mills ON THE COVER
J.M. Communications, 35-31 Talcottville Road, Ste. 318, Vernon, CT 06066 Salt Meadow Park, Madison, CT, an award-winning project by Anne Penniman
TEL (860) 454-8922 Associates, LLC, of Essex, CT.
FAX (800) 878-1474
EMAIL [email protected]

4 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

From the Trustee

It is indeed an honor to start my term as chapter line with our own perceptions. Currently $100,000 is
trustee and I thank you for the opportunity. It is not budgeted for 2017 but hopefully that budget will be
something that I take lightly and I will do my best expanded.
to honorably represent the chapter. CTASLA has been 3) Emerging professionals — enrollments at our
important to me throughout my career and I am excited accredited schools are down at the same time that
to serve in this new capacity. I remember when I first demand for landscape architectural services is going
joined the chapter almost 30 years ago and guys like up. Those that are entering the profession are generally
Dickson DeMarche, Channing Harris, and Rob Clap- not engaged with ASLA. It’s our goal to reverse both of
per urged me to get involved. I’m glad that I did. these trends.
A big thank you to Bob Golde, who has served As you might imagine I have strong opinions about
CTASLA as trustee for the past six years. Bob has set all of these issues but it is your opinion that is most
the bar high and set a great precedent. important. I look forward to hearing from each of you
My tenure got off to a great start at the Trustee over the next few years. Let’s make the most of this
meeting in Chicago last November, where Bob intro- opportunity to influence the direction of ASLA.
duced me to many of the group. At the meeting I was
exposed to many issues, but I came away with a short W. Phillips Barlow, pla, asla, aicp, leed ap
list of three that I feel will greatly impact the chapter in
the coming years. As you might imagine I have strong
1) Renovation of ASLA’s headquarters building — a opinions about all of these issues but it is
$6 million renovation that will achieve LEED Platinum your opinion that is most important. I look
status and help to bring our image into the 21st century. forward to hearing from each of you over
As part of the renovation a Center for Landscape Archi- the next few years.
tecture is being established. This will be a programmed
space open to the public where the profession can be
highlighted. Learn more: cla.asla.org.
2) Rebranding — Momentum is gaining for a rebrand-
ing effort that started with a logo redesign but is rapidly
expanding to be a reboot of our public image. This is
an exciting opportunity to bring public perception in

nReasttivoerilnagndthsecape

ernstseed.com

[email protected]
800-873-3321

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 5

6 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Letter to the Editor

I am the current President of the problems; leaf matter dropping on roof On the other hand, we design
Tree Wardens Association of Connecti- membranes can shorten the life expec- in-house to address safety concerns and
cut. I spoke last June at CTASLA’s tancy of the structure; vegetation plant- budgetary restrictions, but we lack the
“Trees and Design” program about man- ed in right of ways can cause sightline added value to the public that profes-
aging trees in the built environment. issues for both pedestrians and drivers, sional landscape architects provide. It
I would like to applaud your editor’s not to mention power outages from is the classic tension between form and
letter from the Fall 2015 issue. I was entanglement with overheard utilities. function. We simply cannot create the
especially struck by your statement “flow” that is found in architectural
“nowhere is the need for simplicity designs.
more important than in urban design,” I believe that as we move forward
in relation to maintenance budgets and in our state with the Complete Streets
safety concerns. Initiative and others in the urban envi-
As an employee of the Town of ronment, there should be more open
Windsor, I have come across many communication between the Connecti-
conflicts in the urban landscape, and cut Chapter of the American Society
it is becoming paramount to me that of Landscape Architects and the Tree
there is a need for collaboration! When Warden’s Association of Connecticut to
implementing landscapers’ designs, I provide high quality design by having a
often find that they cannot be reason- knowledge of what each other’s parame-
ably maintained, or that they interfere ters and guidelines entail.
with my responsibility to minimize lia- Right tree, right place.
bility, while maximizing urban canopy. Best Regards,
For example, the size of the tree when Jim Govoni
it grows into maturity can cause myriad

Arborist Lic. #S-5338 • DEEP Reg. #2383 For You. For Your Trees.

Weise Choice has provided
expert tree care and removal
services in Western Connecticut
since 2006. We offer award-
winning climbing expertise
and sophisticated, turf-friendly
equipment. We know that by
listening to you and your needs,

together we can achieve
your ideal landscape.

203•527•6487

[email protected]
visit: weisechoice.com

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 7

8 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Maybe Design Professionals, Not Governor Malloy,
Are To Blame for GE’s Move?

BY PHIL BARLOW, PLA, ASLA, AICP, LEED AP

A lthough it is easy to blame gov- Merrill (SOM) designed the cam- CIGNA. Eero Saarinen designed their
ernor Malloy’s tax policy for pus buildings and landscapes, which signature building with landscape
General Electric’s recent move from included courtyards and sculpture architecture and site design by Sasaki
Fairfield to Boston, the truth may be designed by Isamu Naguchi. The now Associates. Interestingly, John Deere
a little more nuanced. The fact is that iconic Wilde building was designed executives had been considering a
General Electric is part of a trend of in the International Style (one of the move to New York City or San
corporations moving their headquar- first in Connecticut) by SOM’s leg- Francisco.
ters from the suburbs to the city. This endary Gordon Bunshaft, with land- Now corporate America is run-
reverses a movement that began in scape architecture by Joanna Diman. ning back to the city as quickly as
the 1950s, when corporations moved Florence Knoll designed the interiors. they fled from it. General Electric
their headquarters from the city to Connecticut General’s new cam- is certainly not the only institution
the suburbs. pus was a huge success and became to make the move — Weyerhaeuser
Up until the mid-1950s most the prototype for the corporate recently relocated from their iconic
corporations were located in the heart suburban: outstanding architecture, campus in Federal Way (a town of
of the city, for the exact reasons that a pastoral Olmstedian landscape of 90,000 between Seattle and Tacoma,
General Electric’s CEO Jeff Immelt trees lawns, shrubs, and generous Washington) to Seattle, and South
articulated in explaining his compa- amounts art both inside and out. Boston is filled with companies that
ny’s move to Boston: have relocated from the Boston sub-
proximity to universi- urbs. The reasons for this reversal of
ties, a highly educated fortunes are complex, but certainly
workforce, and world- the revival of our cities has got to top
class cultural institu- the list. Our urban centers are once
tions. That all began to again dynamic, invigorating, and
change as cities expe- thrilling, especially to young college
rienced a rapid decline graduates. We are told that the mil-
(culminating in New lennials value quality of life above all
York City’s 1975 bank- else, not content to live their parent’s
ruptcy) resulting from life of a perceived soul-killing sub-
deferred maintenance urban existence. Planners are again
of infrastructure, high paying attention to multi-modal
levels of violent and transportation systems and stunning
petty crime, pollution, “The Family,” a sculpture by Isamu Noguchi on the grounds of CIGNA’s architecture and amenities. We hav-
and race riots. Con- Bloomfield, CT headquarters. The Wilde Building is in the background. en’t seen this level of Urban Park con-
necticut General (now (Photo courtesy Bob Gregson.) struction since the days of Frederick
Law Olmsted, Sr. in the late 19th
CIGNA) was one of the first to make PepsiCo followed the trend, moving century.
the leap to “the country,” abandoning from New York City to Purchase, What will happen to the aban-
its Hartford facilities in 1954 to build New York in 1970, building a cam- doned corporate campuses is anyone’s
a state-of-the-art, beautiful campus pus on the model set by Connecticut guess. Hopefully a new generation
on hundreds of bucolic acres in General. Edward Durrell Stone, Sr. of architects, landscape architects,
suburban Bloomfield, Connecticut. designed the building with his son’s and planners will be up to the task of
Corporate power was now expressed firm, EDSA, designing the site (later repurposing these iconic landscapes.
in architecture, art, and landscape. transformed by Russel Page). While — Phil Barlow is principal of TO
In Bloomfield, CIGNA engaged the the John Deere Company did not Design LLC, Landscape Architects, in
leading architects, landscape archi- move from the city they did build a New Britain.
tects, interior designers, and artists stunning new suburban campus in
of the time to develop the campus the mid ‘60s in Moline, Illinois, uti-
and buildings. Skidmore Owens and lizing the typography established by

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 9

PARKS

Salt Meadow Park — Designing a New Town Park

BY ANNE PENNIMAN, ASLA

Habitats of the Park include grassland, coastal forest and tidal wetland.

Salt Meadow Park constitutes the pavements were derelict or inside the Master Plan would be successful only if
culmination of a long battle by conservation easement and were slated it were to address the diverse interests
a determined group of citizens for removal. and priorities of the community.
to preserve a culturally unique and Our first tasks included a thorough The Master Plan created the requi-
ecologically sensitive open space. The inventory of the cultural and natural site recreation and conservation areas;
42-acre parcel was originally a small resource conditions on site. We collabo- however, our strategy and priority
regional airfield, the Griswold Airport. rated with ecologists to assess the varied included connecting people to nature,
The Town of Madison took ownership habitats and inventoried grassland, not fracturing the disparate elements
of the parcel after receiving funding tidal wetland, and forest habitats. These of active recreation and passive conser-
from the town, the state, and a col- areas were largely intact; however, areas vation. We essentially placed the play
laboration of nonprofit organizations. that featured invasive species were fields, parking, auto circulation and
A conservation easement protects 21 noted for remediation. Simultaneous- recreational lawns within the context of
acres of the property for passive pur- ly, we collaborated with an architect native habitats. We designed our parking
poses. Representatives of diverse user and engineer to assess the remaining lot as an undulating form, appearing to
groups came together as the Madison hangar building on site. We deemed be carved into a remnant coastal forest.
Park Development Committee. This it sound and recommended that it be The play fields took form with a back-
volunteer citizens group represented the repurposed as a multi-use park building drop of meadow grasses; lawns, picnic
Town throughout the master planning to be augmented by a new concessions grove and amphitheater all were placed
process. building. Additionally, the Town Engi- with sublime views of the tidal marsh.
Bordered by the Hammonasett neer, Mike Ott, provided planning con- In a reference to the cultural his-
River to the east, the site features eco- sultation and engineering expertise. tory of the site, we maintained the
logically unique habitats: a coastal for- The park committee generated a linear footprint of the runway, reduced
est, tidal wetlands, inland wetlands, and Site Program, including: three all-pur- its width and surfaced it with milled
regionally rare coastal grassland that pose play fields, concession building, asphalt recycled from the original
support rare bird and pollinator spe- kayak launch, picnic grove, amphithe- runway. This “runway path” became a
cies. Built features of the airport were ater, recreational lawn areas, parking datum that organizes the park pedes-
still intact, including the 1,200-foot- areas, nature trails, view overlooks, and trian circulation and features access
long runway, two hangars and pilots’ preservation and/or restoration of sen- to and views of the tidal wetlands and
cottages. Most of the structures and sitive habitats. The Salt Meadow Park
continued on page 12

10 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

AuTomATEd GATE
SySTEmS

dESiGn ASSociATES, inc.
60 connoLLy PArkwAy, HAmdEn cT 06514

GATES cuSTom dESiGnEd & buiLT
FormAL & GArdEn STyLES

AdvAncEd & rELiAbLE AuTomATion
on-cALL SErvicE

203-407-8913 203-838-5971
mAin oFFicE norwALk oFFicE

PLANTERS’ CHOICE, LLC

New England’s Premier Grower and Re-wholesaler of Quality Nursery Stock

Nestled in the hills of southwestern
Connecticut, Planters’ Choice has been
in the business of growing and sourcing
beautiful plant material for discerning
professionals for more than 40 years.
Since 1970 we continue to expand our
already vast operation in all directions,
exceeding the ever-growing demand for
quality nursery stock in New England.

140 Huntingtown Road 496 Bunker Hill Road www.planterschoice.com Since
Newtown, CT 06470 Watertown, CT 06795 1970
(203) 426-4037
(860) 945-6588

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 11

Salt Meadow Park cont’d the landscape architect’s hope that this — Anne Penniman is principal of Anne
multi-use park will provide rich cultur- Penniman Associates LLC, of Essex.
coastal forest trails. We reinforced the al/ecological experiences and sponta-
visual impact of the runway by rec- neous community interactions.
ommending that the edges be planted
with orange grass, a native Hypericum Top: Illustrative section at trail and overlook. Bottom: Site Master Plan. Below: Prospect overlooking expanded
that glows orange in the fall and would inland wetland, restored grassland, and play fields.
add a visual emphasis seasonally. Addi-
tionally, the Master Plan called for an
interpretive area at the north end of the
runway that would explain the history
of the property, from early archeolog-
ical records through its modern use as
an airport. Birdhouses would be placed
along the path in a layout reminiscent
of the runway lights found on site
during inventory.
An existing inland wetland on site
was enlarged and restored to allow for
rare amphibian habitat. Coastal grass-
land areas were restored for key native
grass and perennial species, attracting
ground nesting birds and important
pollinators. Permeable pavements were
used throughout the project allowing
for stormwater infiltration.
The satisfying end result is an
award-winning park (CTASLA Honor
Award) that attracts users of all ages
and interests in all seasons and for all
reasons: from playing soccer to bird
watching, from dog walking to enjoy-
ing a concert, all in harmony with a
natural habitat preserved forever. It’s

12 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Airi receptacle Organically Modern.
in Stix pattern
Airi Stix pattern trash receptacle showcases a

high-end designer look with smart ergonomics.

Rob Colonder
National Sales Manager
720.539.0997 cell
[email protected]
anovafurnishings.com

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 13

L O N G S H A D O ® M

W.CO

Hand crafted in Southern Illinois by Classic Garden Ornaments, Ltd.®

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis, Tennessee

14 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

PARKS

The Transformation of New Britain’s Central Park

BY MICHAEL A. CEGAN, ASLA A Not So Inviting Public Space Above: Central Park’s Civil War Monument with
“Winged Glory.” Below: Design Concept for Central
New Britain is a city on the rise, The existing park is old, tired, Park Square drawing inspiration from historic squares
with a multi-phase imple- and isolated. It had become a loitering and plazas of many European cities.
mentation of the Downtown haven for the homeless with disruptive
Complete Streets Master Plan under- behavior commonplace. The existing
way. Central Park is the third phase of design and conditions make the park
the City’s 10-phase streetscape project. feel unsafe for pedestrians and park
Central Park is the main organizing users and creates an isolated feel to
open space in the heart of downtown the park interior. Overgrown trees,
and is the focal point of the City’s most including the Guida Christmas Tree,
significant urban space. The transfor- block views of park monuments and
mation of Central Park was a key part sculptures such as “Winged Glory” at
of the Complete Streets Master Plan the top of the Civil War Monument.
to help return the City to the vibrant The large declining evergreen and
downtown it once was. A main goal other plantings will be removed. This
of the master plan was to create “a will open up the view of the Civil War
more pedestrian-friendly, attractive, Monument from the south, a historical
and livable environment throughout view that had been lost over the years.
the downtown area,” including the The tree will be replaced on a seasonal
enhancement of existing public spaces
with Central Park as a main player. continued next page

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 15

Central Park Square cont’d the brick paved plaza as well as address in the early 1900s will be installed in
the Civil War Monument as the domi- the park. The repetition of this light
basis for the holidays. The extensive nant focal point. With a raised perfor- fixture provides an attractive feature
linear benches and shrub plantings that mance stage as a secondary focal point, emphasizing Central Park’s unique-
isolated the interior of the park will be radiating lines of granite bands emanate ness as a focal point in the heart of the
removed. The intent is to make Central from the circular form and scale down Downtown and makes a strong con-
Park more open and connected to its the expanse of pavers. Pavement pattern nection to the past. Similar globe light
surroundings by removing barriers and and streetscape details are extended to fixtures currently exist on the Civil War
making the entire area from City Hall the surrounding streets and walkways Monument and at City Hall.
to the new police station a more cohe- to reinforce this concept. Flush curbing Streetscape details and design stan-
sive and attractive urban space. is proposed in specific areas to extend dards established for the downtown
the space beyond the existing park bor- will be utilized throughout the park,
The City Square Concept ders. This approach greatly expands the including the brick paver that defines
useable area for gatherings, including the large, open plaza. New elements
Central Park and its surrounding outdoor performances, festivals, and such as the granite seatwalls and the
urban context has many of the attri- other events without the need for main performance stage will complement the
butes of well known squares: it is at the road closures or other costly measures. materials and details of the Civil War
heart of downtown, it is a place to con- The Main Street road diet (which is a Monument. Wayfinding and historical
gregate, it has a major monument as its key part of the Complete Streets Master and interpretive signage developed as
focal point, it is defined by nicely scaled Plan) provided opportunity for Central part of the Downtown Master Plan will
buildings, some with civic and histor- Park to be extended further south past be incorporated into the park design.
ical prominence that help document Court Street and provides the opportu-
the City’s rich culture and architectural nity to add a significant feature in the Public Art and Cultural Diversity
heritage. Drawing inspiration from the new southern section of Central Park.
historic pedestrian squares and plazas of The arts, both visual and perform-
many European cities, Central Park as a Streetscape Palette and Lighting ing, play a strong role in New Britain.
City Square is designed as a more invit- Art is an integral part of the Downtown
ing, flexible space that can be used for A historic retro globe light fixture Streetscape Master Plan. Existing art-
a variety of civic events such as outdoor that matches ones used in Central Park work and monuments are highlighted,
performances, festivals, car shows, art
exhibits, and public gatherings.
The design achieves a balance
between more intimate sitting areas and
a larger civic space. Primary desire lines
are from all angles to access and cross

Above: Initial City Square Concept diagram.
Right: Preliminary design extending concept further
South.

16 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

including Central Park’s Civil War Mon- Existing conditions: trees obscure visibility into Central Park and disrupt the Historical view of the Civil War
ument with ‘Winged Glory” atop. Both Monument from the southern approach.
permanent and rotating artwork are to
be located throughout the downtown and should be completed this spring. looks to the future to accommodate
and have been incorporated into the street- The completed project will be a total more contemporary needs as well as
scape concept adjacent to Central Park. remake for Central Park, yet will return play an important role in the City’s
These art installations as part of the it to a form closer to its original open transformation.
downtown-wide effort will not only pro- design with stronger connections to — Michael Cegan is principal of Richter
vide both visual interest and a source of its surrounding urban context. While & Cegan, Inc., of Avon.
civic pride, but will also serve as an attrac- respecting the past, the new park design
tive destination for visitors downtown.
New Britain is a city with rich
cultural diversity. The design process
included a number of workshops with
a dynamic Downtown Streetscape
Working Group made up of business
and community leaders, artists, City
officials, City residents and members
of key stakeholders groups. There were
a number of public informational
meetings where input from the public
was very positive. The $4.21 million
construction project is part of a multi-
phase implementation of the Down-
town New Britain Complete Streets
Master Plan. Construction is underway

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 17

PARKS

McKeithen Park and Kenya —A Story About Community

BY ARIS W. STALIS, ASLA Women of the Maasai people. a transformation because of the support
of the City of Stamford, as well as
Having recently completed a participation, which is necessary to bring Charter Oak Communities. Timeliness
three-week excursion through- about change and help to realize the of implementation, as well, is critical.
out Kenya, I thought it pro- visions of landscape architects, plan-
vided a unique opportunity for a review ners, and community leaders. We wit- continued on page 20
of how we develop our open spaces, nessed this at McKeithen Park, realizing
influenced by my observations from
a country thousands of miles away.
Each place has its own unique needs
and challenges; however, needs seem
to align — a need for open space, a
need for respect for the environment, a
need for understanding the needs of the
public. Ultimately, if we want a healthy
population and a healthy ecology, we
need to achieve a balance. Because
we seek balance, we must constantly
contend with change. Hopefully I can
share some thoughts on how to main-
tain this balance.
From the outset, I believe one of the
greatest assets we have is community

McKeithen Park Master Plan.

18 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

100% Reclaimed Historic Products Flooding?

LARGE INVENTORY OF CULTEC Plastic Drainage Chambers
Granite Cobbles • Eliminate flooded basements and yards
• Act as drywells to contain water from sump pump, washer machine,
Street Brick Pavers pool backwash or water softener discharge
Medina Cobbles • Control rainwater from gutters and driveway
Curbing
System Benefits
Stone Sidewalk Slabs • Large storage capacity in small footprint
Stone Steps, Sills & Lintels • Lightweight
• Easily transported by pick-up truck
(716) 691–3061 • Quick and easy installation
• Minimal site disturbance
www.exbricks.com • Fully-formed unit containing no separate parts

CULTEC, Inc.
878 Federal Road • Brookfield, CT 06804
P: 203-775-4416 • Toll Free: 1(800)4-CULTEC • www.cultec.com •

Let Gault Stone exceed your expectations, so you can exceed your clients’ expectations too

No matter the project, Gault Stone is your one stop, full-service stone and masonry destination.
We offer second to none customer service and a wide range of products including:

Interior/Exterior Stones | Thinstone | Granite | Fabrication Services | Concrete Pavers & Walls
Gravel & Mulch | Building Masonry Supplies | Brick | Green Masonry | Lighting & Drainage

WESTPORT SHOWROOM 11 Ferry Lane West | Westport, CT | 203.227.5181
BETHEL SHOWROOM 1 Paul Street | Bethel, CT | 203.790.9023

GAULTSTONE.COM

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 19

McKeithen Park cont’d Maasai villagers singing. and a plan to realize a vision.
Which brings our attention back
The catalyst for change started with the and future work. The master plan is to Kenya…Is there a vision in Kenya?
reconstruction of Lawnhill Terrace by the map that allows participants to The optimist in me would answer yes.
the Charter Oak Communities. The understand where they are going, but Challenges exist, but I experienced a
award of a grant to install the new play- it is the community that brings success strong desire from residents to preserve
ground prompted city staff to recognize to the project. The value of good design the valuable landscape and culture that
the need to develop a comprehensive in this instance is the result of strong creates a strong sense of place and iden-
plan for the park. The goal: create a political will, community activity, par-
plan to implement improvements to ticipation, cooperation, collaboration,
the park with a clear understanding of
the needs of the community while max-
imizing the fullest potential for the site.
Thus started a collective effort to begin
the transformation.
The process included public meet-
ings, coordination with the manage-
ment of Lawnhill Terrace, community
leaders, city staff and residents. From
this, a playground was installed and
phase 1 elements to bring residents to
the park. With the success of Phase 1,
city leaders recognize a desire from resi-
dents to participate in their community,
and value is recognized for completed

BETTER TRAFFIC STUDIES
AT LOWER COSTS

KWH ENTERPRISE, LLC | KERMIT HUA | (203) 807-5482
20 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

tity. An example of the work by locals The greatest question is, “Can the Collectively, as a community, we
is found at Sanctuary Farm (www.sanc- residents of Kenya preserve their open can plan for success to realize open
tuaryfarmkenya.com), located adjacent spaces and lands to meet the needs of spaces and habitats that benefit both the
to Lake Navaisha. Guy and Julie Erskin the community while protecting their public and wildlife. A collective under-
have protected this open space totalling wildlife?” standing must be reached, and goals
400 acres in an effort to conserve areas It takes a village to breed success. identified and maintained. Hopefully a
of diverse flora and fauna. Lake Naiva- The village can at times operate as pri- similar success such as we experienced at
sha is one of the few freshwater lakes vate entities, as we experienced at Ol McKeithen Park in Stamford is in store
in East Africa and was designated a Pejeta Conservancy (www.olpejetacon- for the people and wildlife of Kenya.
RAMSAR site in 1995 under the Con- servancy.org), achieved through private — Aris Stalis is principal of Aris Land
vention of Wetlands of International funding. This is also part of the success Studio, of Bridgeport.
Importance. Planning and preservation at McKeithen Park, which included
may start with individuals, but you private funds to help build phase 1 of
need a community to realize a vision. the playground.

Playground at McKeithen Park installed by the residents of Lawn Hill Terrace.

LARRY WEANER

landscape associates

Specializing in native meadow and
natural areas design and implementation.
Residential, commercial and public projects.
Consulting available for landscape architects.

www.lweanerdesign.com
215.886.9740 · [email protected]

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 21

22 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

PARKS

Dog Parks

BY ROBERT R. GROSOF, ASLA driving range. The difference is dogs Construction fence at western perimeter of newly
can be less predictable than humans cleared site.
T he year is 1966 and I am sitting — sometimes. Now place humans and
in the back of our Ford Falcon dogs together and many preconceived Surveyors and Land Planners, surveyed
station wagon. The back seat is notions of behavior might take a turn the property and submitted the first
folded down and I face rearward on the on a once straight road. That thought preliminary design to the town in
unforgiving metal surface. No seatbelts. pertains to both mammals. October 2013. That plan contained
In my lap is a squirming Dalmatian The original site is adjacent to the maximum perimeter of fencing as
female pup. Her pink belly fades into Peterson Park in Wolcott, a highly uti- allowed by the Wetland Commission.
the classic black and white fur pattern. lized site with playground equipment, The plan served as guide for my final
So begins my life with a dog. Not just basketball courts, tennis courts, walking construction document. Earlier that
any dog, but my dog! trail, and pavilions. The original dog same year, all site structures and bro-
Fast forward to early 2014. My park site contained a retail nursery and ken paving were removed by the town,
wife informs me that the Wolcott Dog a separate bottle redemption center. except for one concrete block structure,
Park Committee is searching for a land- The redemption center was quite an and a large concrete pad that the nurs-
scape designer. Did you say dogs? Did architectural eyesore, but served its pur- ery building was erected upon.
you say dog park? What’s a dog park? pose. The closing of both left the land The Dog Park Committee raised
Before you know it, I am working with available for purchase. approximately $35,000 from March
the park members drafting a site plan. The town purchased the parcel 2013 through October 2015. Roughly
Think like a dog, I tell myself. Easier with a grant from the State of Con- $9,000 remains. The town and the
said than done. I visit two other dog necticut. The town then made residents committee covered basic site prepa-
parks, search online, and reflect on my aware that they proposed a dog park for ration and purchase/installation of
experience with my past dogs, Chip, the site. Trish Mueller, one of the very construction elements. Fencing, brick
Freddy, and Chessie. first volunteers, was asked by the town paving, topsoil, hydroseeding, bollards,
As the park is developed, I try to to spearhead the project, and did so and signage are examples. Since the
formulate my design advice based on with organization, humor, and endless park is bounded by an intermittent
input from committee members, town energy. Gradually a core of volunteers brook on the north side adjacent to
officials, researched data, and past formed the ranks to assist Trish. Peterson Park, the Town wanted a
interaction with dogs. It’s not really Harry E. Cole and Son of Plainville, pedestrian bridge to join the parcels.
any different than a landscape archi- The east-southeast property line is the
tect with golf experience laying out a Mad River. In the early fall of 2015, a
private citizen built and donated the
Single entrance “bull pen,” with rules sign at left. most precise prefabricated bridge that I
have ever seen. The town installed the

continued on page 25

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 23

We’re Bartlett Tree Experts,
a 100+ year old tree and shrub
company with global reach and
local roots. Our services include:

• Tree & Shrub Pruning
• Cabling & Bracing
• Fertilization &

Soil Care
• Insect & Disease

Management

FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR TREES.

Call 877.BARTLETT (877.227.8538) or visit BARTLETT.COM

Andover 5511 Smooth & Chamfered Traditional & Permeable
Neutral Gray Custom Blend Concrete Pavers

Landscape & Retaining Walls
Steps & Elements
Natural Stone

Over 100 million square feet of pavers and countless
walls used in residential, commercial and municipal
projects throughout New England.
Ask us about our new Slate-Top
Slab™ for pedestrian applications,
featuring the look of natural slate
in a large-scale 18" x 18" concrete unit.

SINCE 1923

Ideal Concrete Block Co.
Waltham and Westford, MA
IdealConcreteBlock.com ■ 800-24-IDEAL

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE LUNCH & LEARN

24 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Dog Parks cont’d

wood-alternative recycled plastic structure. The pre-fabricated
shelter was delivered on September 29, 2015.
The “soft opening” of the dog park was held in October
2014. Fencing, brickwork, and rules sign were finished at
that time. Some areas were hydroseeded. The official opening
with the mayor and town officials was October 17, 2015.
Unlike many projects executed by members of a design
firm, I am able to revisit this site and just hang out with my
latest dog, Finn. The observations of humans, dogs, vehi-
cles, structures, and site is worth documenting for future
improved design of dog parks.
— Robert R. Grosof is a landscape architect who is returning
to the field after 20 years as a radiologic technologist and system
analyst at Danbury Hospital. He is currently enrolled in the
CCSU GIS certificate program.

Left: The only structure remaining from the original
site — a simple block structure that may one day
house restrooms. The mural of various dogs
was composed by Connecticut artist Liz Majewski,
free of charge. Finn, a hound-mix rescue dog sits
proudly in front of his rendering.

Above: Ceremoni- A few post-installation reflections, in no specific order:
al fire hydrant,
originally to be • Humans will get along in a semi-park like atmosphere. Not
used as a pre-pee always.
zone.
Left: Engraved • Dogs will get along if similar in size and breed. No.
sample paver
provided by • Dogs will run free and be exhausted after 20-30 minutes. No.
manufacturer.
• Humans will pick up after their pet. Actually very likely. (Poop
bags should be supplied — Yes!)

• Humans will read park rule signage especially as it relates to
children. No.

• If you do not purchase a cigarette butt container, humans will
not smoke, and if they do, they will not flick their butts. No.

• Humans will show pride in their park. Yes.

• Dogs and humans will enter the park and then spread out
throughout the fenced in areas. No. There are actually many
levels of dog to dog, human to dog, and human to human
interaction.

• Humans as well as male dogs enjoy close proximity to any
fence line. Yes!

• You know you have a successful dog park when there are
parked cars with their headlights on while the owners and
dogs get their last bit of exercise in as the sun sets. True!!!

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 25

PARKS Top: decorative bridge crossing one of the causeways,
providing for a different viewing height. Above:
A Walk in the Park portion of the nine-bend bridge, bent in various ways
in an effort to keep evil spirits from being able to
BY RICHARD BERGMANN, ASLA, FAIA cross. Left: Marco Polo claimed that Hangzhou was
the most beautiful city in the world. West Lake is now
“It’s so beautiful, I could live here!” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
my wife exclaimed as we strolled
late November through the ancient
parks surrounding West Lake in Hang-
zhou, 75 miles southwest of Shanghai.
Hangzhou (population 8,874,000)
is the tourist capitol for the Chinese.
West Lake is a UNESCO World Her-
itage Site, an idealized fusion between
humans and nature.
Most of the connected parks
around West Lake developed during
emperor Gaozong reign in the Song
Dynasty 1136, later expanded during
the intervening centuries by over a doz-
en autocratic dynasties. In the 13th cen-
tury, Marco Polo claimed that Hang-
zhou was the most beautiful city in the
world with its garden-like environment.
Pictured at right, West Lake cov-
ers more than three square miles with
numerous islands, bridges, and criss-
crossed with causeways, originally
built during the 7th century as a flood
control project. After designation as
the Emperor’s playground, Hangzhou
became an attraction for the Chinese
elite. Surrounding the lake is a chain
of over one hundred beautifully land-
scaped gardens, such as “Oriels Singing
in the Willows” and “Viewing Fish at
26 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Flower Pond.” These captivating places
are joined with walking trails, pavilions,
coffee and teashops, and boat rental
piers. No motorboats, only poling and
or sculling, thus creating an atmosphere
of delightful quiet.
In the middle of the lake is its
crown jewel, the “pretzel shaped”
Lesser Yingzhou Isle, serviced only by
boat. This fabricated island garden has
four lagoons, a museum, shops, and
teahouses, as well as its famous nine-
bend bridge. The inner lagoons provide
a striking composition of curves, diag-
onals, and double images. Each of the
lagoons are surrounded by causeways
and each causeway has an additional
bridge. Carefully located bridges of

continued next page

Top left: a Starbucks with one of the world’s most
spectacular coffee house views. Bottom left and far
right: a variety of meticulously arranged granite
pavers are laid throughout many miles of walkways
surrounding West Lake; all plantings, overhanging
trees, benches, light fixtures, edging, and the other
amenities are exquisite.

Customers the BestGfiover YLeosusr!

GRANITE & STONE

SWENSON GRANITE WORKS

Custom Cutting is Our Specialty!

Steps, Posts, Hearths, Mantels, Pavers,
Edging, Curbing, Cobblestone, Flagstone,
Fieldstone, Wallstone, Benches, Fountains,
Bird Baths, Pool Coping, Wall Cap, Veneers,
Flagging, Granite Signs, & Custom Fabrication

www.swensongranite.com
292 S. Main Street, Rte. 25, Newtown, CT 06470

203-270-6644

Or A Location Near You In New England

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 27

A Walk in the Park cont’d set in stone in the path below its former branches. The Chi-
nese have a strong reverence for all things old.
diversified forms play an important role in Chinese land- The inclusion of the many diverse features, plus small
scape, representing a crossing from one place to another, and museums, changing exhibit areas, music, light and sound
providing for a different viewing height. Subtle, perhaps, but shows, seating, restaurants and contemplative activities spread
it works. out throughout the various parks added to West Lake’s overall
The nine-bend bridge is typical of bridges in China, splendors.
which are often bent in various way in an effort to keep the Thousands of school-children and adults are daily stroll-
evil spirits from being able to cross. Folklore has it that evil ing the paths and walkways around the lake. The tranquility
spirits are only able to travel in straight lines. attracts a steady stream of young families on weekends. In
Just off the main street of Hangzhou’s city center, a Star- spite of the vast number of people, West Lake is so extensive
bucks tea and coffee house occupies a spectacular site on the that there are places where one can be completely alone.
lake while focusing on an over-sized gilded bronze water buf- Narrow pedestrian causeways criss-crossing the waters of
falo sculpture. The buffalo is serenely lounging in the water West Lake, originally constructed for flood control, are now
just in front of an historic stone bridge. The buffalo’s legend planted with rows of Larch and Willows while providing a
rather unique walk with still waters on both sides.
Today, West Lake still haunts the visitor with its timeless
sense of beauty. The park is like walking through a Chinese
scroll painting. West Lake’s cultural landscape has no equal.
— Richard Bergmann is principal of Richard Bergmann
Architects, of New Canaan.

is one of having risen from and inhabiting the depths of the Top left: path with pebbles arranged to mimic the shadow of an ancient tree that had
lake. died. Bottom left: pedestrian causeways criss-crossing the waters of West Lake,
The high quality of workmanship is impressive with originally constructed for flood control, are now planted with rows of Larch and
attention seemingly paid to everything observed. The metic- Willows, providing a unique walk with still waters on both sides. Right: Thousands
ulously arranged variety of granite pavers throughout many of people stroll the paths and walkways around West Lake each day, enjoying the
miles of walkways surrounding West Lake are all exactingly park’s timeless sense of beauty.
executed — the plantings, overhanging trees, benches, light
fixtures, edging, and the other amenities are indeed exquisite.
Particularly enlightening for us was a path with pebbles
arranged to mimic the shadow of an ancient tree that had
died. Prior to removing the tree, its shadow was permanently

28 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Preserve natural storm water
drainage through a classic segmental

permeable clay pavement system.

www.claypaver.com 800­334­8689

Nothing surpasses the natural beauty
and timeless durability of granite

WS Williams stone Company, inC. Pratt Field House
1158 Lee-Westfield Road P.O. Box 278 Amherst College
East Otis, MA 01029-0278 Tel: (800)832-2052 Amherst, Massachusetts
Fax: (413)269-6148 www.williamsstone.com

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 29

PIONEERS OF CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Jeffrey Gebrian: An active elder with a take on the landscape
architecture profession in Connecticut

BY PHIL BARLOW

“ Landscape architecture is the fine art concerned with the functional /aesthetic
problem of significantly relating man to his outdoor spatial environment, at
any scale, from geographic regions to intimate locations.”
— Professor Emeritus (deceased) George Earle, SUNY/College of
Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) at Syracuse New York

Jeff Gebrian is a force to be reckoned with, ture firms in New England, with upwards of 25
a guy who makes his presence and opinions professionals. Jeff had found a home. He pros-
known on most subjects, but especially landscape pered here, rising through the ranks of the firm
architecture. I was anxious to learn his story. to design progressively larger projects, market
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jeff the firm and learn construction administration.
lived in many places growing up, eventually Looking back now at the landscape architects
spending his high school years on Long Island that came through this firm is incredible; Frank
in the town of Huntington. When it came time Misiorski, Bob Bristol, Dean Johnson, Dick
for college, at the suggestion of his guidance Dee, Ray Cragin, Bob Stevens, Tom Balsley,
counselor, Jeff enrolled at SUNY/College of Bruce Hiser, Mark Roming, Dennis Evans, and
Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) with Ted Randmetz, among many others. Many went
the goal of becoming a forest ranger. As SUNY/ on to form their own spin-off firms (see sidebar).
ESF shared classes with Syracuse, he was able Jeff got to work with and learn from the best and
to greatly expand his learning, taking biology, he voiced no regrets from this period of his life.
science, and liberal arts classes. Wandering the All good things must come to an end and
campus one day he stumbled into the third floor so it was with Currier Andersen and Geda. The
of Marshall Hall and a studio called “Landscape 1973-1975 recession, coupled with Charles
Architecture” (a profession previously unknown Currier’s desire to retire (he was the founding
to him). On the walls were drawings and color owner) prompted a major reorganization of
and sketches. He was hooked. He changed his the firm. What emerged was CR3, (Currier,
major and was on his way to becoming a land- Randmetz, Gebrian, Stevens and Kay). Gebrian
scape architect. describes the firm name as emerging out of the
After five years on campus, Jeff graduated trend at the time of more esoteric firm names (as
with his BS & BLA degrees and a dream of pur- opposed to the traditional list of partners) and a
suing a career. He landed back in Huntington desire to be a bit edgy. An engaging logo design
with a job in the planning department (which by Phil Lohman (a landscape architect and
had a landscape architect as assistant director) SUNY grad who worked at the Hartford Courant
reviewing site plans and designing town parks. as an illustrator) accented the name and a new
After 18 months he got bored and realized that firm was born.
he wanted to be on the other side of the counter,
presenting plans instead of reviewing them. Firms that directly or indirectly emerged from
Prospects were good in 1967 and Jeff heard Currier Andersen and Geda:
about a large firm in Connecticut that employed
several SUNY graduates. He was soon hired CR3 • Saratoga Associates (NY)
by the booming West Hartford firm of Curri- Johnson and Dee • Cragin Misiorski Associates
er Andersen and Geda (Charles Currier, Chris
Andersen, and Stan Geda). At that time the firm TMR Associates • M.R. Roming Associates
was one of, if not the, largest landscape architec- Landplus West • Thomas Balsley Associates (NY)
30 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Projects in those early CR3 years included master plans where he reviewed state property sale and lease agreements
for Western CT State University, Robert Crowne Park at the as well as architect/engineer contracts — the only landscape
Coast Guard Academy, and Holyoke Community College architect to ever be appointed. Jeff continues his legacy of
campus. Public schools projects flooded into the firm from public service to this day, serving as chairman of the West
architects Russell Gibson Von Dohlen, Jeter and Cook, Stecker Hartford Design Review Advisory Committee.
LaBau, Hartford Design Group, and Kaestle-Boos among Spending a couple of hours with Jeff, I was left with an
others. At its peak the firm employed 22 people, growing understanding of his pride in not only his own career, but
quickly under the leadership of Gebrian (the other partners also the legacy of the Connecticut landscape architect. He
had quickly retired or moved on). New partners emerged, feels that it is important that emerging professionals under-
namely Gary Hath and Henry Withers. CR3 continues to be stand the impact that our landscape architects have had state-
a busy and successful central Connecticut firm out of Simsbury. wide and nationally. When pressed for comment on what
makes a successful project Jeff grabs my pen and draws three
When pressed for comment on what overlapping circles, writing consecutively in each, “Ecolog-
makes a successful project Jeff grabs my ically Sound,” “Economically Productive,” and “Culturally
pen and draws three overlapping circles, Acceptable,” which he attributes to Walter Fiery (Man, Mind
writing consecutively in each, “Ecologically and Land). He further describes the three “crops” of the field
Sound,” “Economically Productive,” and of landscape architecture: Design, Stewardship, Horticulture,
“Culturally Acceptable.” noting that all are noble pursuits and that a successful career
can be achieved by concentrating on any or all of the three.
During his years at CR3, Jeff was active as a volunteer Any regrets? Only a wish that he paid more attention to
in our profession, serving as ASLA Trustee, a member of the his outstanding professors at SUNY and that he had thanked
chapter Executive Board, a commissioner on the State Board them. He remains grateful that he stepped into Marshall Hall
of Landscape Architects (1975-1993), and teaching site plan- on that day in the fall of 1961! And he is grateful that today’s
ning to architects taking their registration exam. His involve- middle and high school students are learning about landscape
ment in ASLA came in the early 1970s, a time when what he architecture.
describes as “a battle” was raging over the name of our pro- As in the debate of the 1970s, Jeff is still looking for a
fession, with many wanting to change it to one that might be meaningful description of our profession. Throughout his
more easily understood by the public (Land Architect being a career he has seen the architect looked upon as the Master
favorite). Some things never change! Builder, with other design professionals being subservient to
One of Gebrian legacies was his time and influence on his vision. He suggests that maybe the landscape architect
the State of Connecticut Property Review Board, (1993-1997) should be the “Master Sustainer” of the 21st century.
To the reader Jeff asks the questions: how are we doing
today, how do we fit in, and is the definition of landscape
architecture at the beginning of this profile still valid?
Jeff ’s final word to our readers is a quote from his planting
design professor, Arthur Viertel: “Keep your eyeballs rolling.”

Editor’s Note: The following awards were incorrectly
credited in the Fall 2015 article, Connecticut Landscape
Architects on the National Stage:
• The 1997 ASLA award of excellence was received by

Rolland/Towers, not Towers|Golde.
• The 1992 ASLA Honor award for the Australian

Houses of Parliament was presented to Peter G.
Rolland and Associates, not Towers|Golde.
• The 1995 AIA Honor award for the New Haven
Ninth Square was presented to Herbert S. Newman
& Partners (Architects) and Rolland/Towers, not
Towers|Golde.
We apologize for any confusion that may have been caused.

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 31

ICONIC CONNECTICUT LANDSCAPES

New Britain’s Central Park a story describing “the large numbers who flocked” to Central
Park to gaze at “The People’s Christmas Tree.” Community
BY PHIL BARLOW leader Elise Traut, wife of New Britain inventor Justus A.
Traut, funded the municipal celebration after she observed
New Britain’s Central Park grew out of a community’s children decorating a bush. Mrs. Traut, a woman of German
need. The tiny park was once a grassy field known as descent and lover of Christmas tree customs, believed that a
the Village Green, a typical feature of a colonial New England Christmas tree should be in all hearts and homes. In her will,
town. As New Britain developed into an industrial center, the Mrs. Traut bequeathed funds to support “The People’s Christ-
area around the Village Green became more urbanized and mas Tree.” In 2013, the annual festival, among the oldest pub-
people in the community began using the green as a gather- lic Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in the nation, celebrat-
ing place. ed its 100th anniversary.
During the 20th century, the community regarded Memorials to the veterans of WWII, the Korean War, and
Central Park as a place for relaxation and entertainment. A the Vietnam War were dedicated on November 11, 1972.
gazebo at the south end of the park was a venue for many These simple memorials (engraved slabs) paled in comparison
concerts, with bands playing familiar tunes of the day. Events
such as these, and features such as an ornamental water foun-
tain, made Central Park a place where people connected. In
1900, the city built the Civil War Monument, giving the
park the form that we know today. The 44-foot-tall mon-
ument was designed by renowned New York City architect
Ernest Flagg in the Beaux-Arts style of the day. The park now
had a real sense of place and the people of New Britain felt a
sense of collective ownership.
On Christmas Day, 1914, The Hartford Courant featured

POSSIBILITIES

32 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

to the Soldiers Monument and seemed www.ironsmith.biz
an afterthought to the park’s design,
never achieving the prominence that is
called for in a memorial.
In the mid-twentieth century Cen-
tral Park fell into disrepair for a time.
A publication from the Works Progress
Administration described Central Park
as “a small green struggling for existence.”
In 1985, New Britain began to rein-
vest and renovated Central Park with a
plan by NYC landscape architect Bruce
Kelly of the firm Bruce Kelly/David
Varnell, the designers of (NY) Central
Park’s Strawberry Fields, and other
Central Park restorations. The design
featured curvilinear rows of benches,
hexagonal pavers, and dense periphery
plantings, all appropriately deferential
to the Soldiers Monument.
The design was successful for years
but by the 2000s the park had become
a haven for the homeless and a thorn
in the side of municipal officials across
the street in City Hall. A new plan
was devised to transfer the homeless
population to social services and again
reimagine the park, this time as an
open plaza with space for public cer-
emonies and celebrations. Richter &
Cegan, Landscape Architects, produced
the new plan for the city which ties into

The new design opens up employee owned. trench grates bollards paver-gratetm
the space and highlights tree grates
the magnificent Soldiers
Monument, returning it to
its place of prominence in
the downtown cityscape.

concurrent streetscape improvements,
including vast areas of pavers, histor-
ic-styled lighting, and granite benches.
The new design opens up the space
and highlights the magnificent Soldiers
Monument, returning it to its place of
prominence in the downtown cityscape.
With these renovations New Brit-
ain’s Central park is poised to serve the
city for a third century.

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 33

Unstable Skyscrapers, Citigroup Center Building, New York City. (Photo: Andrew Moore/Flickr)
Communication, and
Construction Administration It often feels like construction administration is the
stepchild of the design process, sometimes not receiving the
BY PHIL BARLOW attention that it deserves. Even when we are paying attention
things can go wrong. I once had to pay for a set of precast
I recently heard an amazing podcast concerning the Citicorp curved stairs, because I had approved a flawed submittal. The
Center on Lexington Avenue in New York City (stop me submittal showed a concave, not a convex set of steps as had
now if you have heard this). At 915-feet tall, the building is been designed (think about it!). The firms that are successful
one of the tallest and most iconic in the city, the one whose with construction administration are the ones that put their
top is sliced at a 45 degree angle, giving it a dominant place most experienced people on the work, not the least experienced
in the mid-town cityscape. Even more dramatic is the entrance, as is often the case. And communication needs to be robust —
where the core soars to a grand height with the upper levels even, god forbid, picking up the phone from time to time.
cantilevering over the sidewalk. The second point is that even when everything is done
The architect for the building was Stubbins Associates “right,” sometimes things do go wrong. As professionals we
and the structural engineer was the world-renowned firm, should not be held to the unobtainable standard of perfection
LeMessurier. The structure, with its grand cantilevers was an in our plans and specifications. We should, however, be held
engineering marvel and a great source of pride for the engi- accountable to solve issues that arise. LeMessurier did the
neer, which made it no surprise when he received a call from right thing at the Citicorp building and brought the problem
an engineering student who was doing her thesis on the to the attention of the building owner and worked diligently
building. What was a surprise was that she was questioning to resolve the issue BEFORE a problem (catastrophe, in this
his design, specifically had he considered quartering forces. case) arose.
He replied that he had not because of the fact that the struc-
ture was welded and not bolted, (making the calculation
unnecessary). Her question bothered him so much that he
decided to investigate. Long story short, he discovered that a
change, unbeknownst to him, had occurred during construc-
tion, and that the steel structure was in fact bolted! To his
horror he realized that the building was actually in real dan-
ger of collapsing during a relatively common storm. The sto-
ry goes on to explain how the problem was corrected (Wiki-
pedia, of course, has the whole story, which is fascinating),
but the point is that construction is a tricky business and

The firms that are successful with
construction administration are the ones
that put their most experienced people on
the work, not the least experienced as is
often the case. And communication needs
to be robust — even, god forbid, picking
up the phone from time to time.

things do go wrong. If something like this can happen on a
project of this scope, with the best architects and engineers in
the world, what chance do we as landscape architects have of
delivering a small project that meets all codes, guidelines, and
safety factors? A lot depends on the vigor applied to the con-
struction administration phase of a project.

34 SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG

Family owned and operated for over 66 years

www.newenglandsilica.com

1370 John Fitch Blvd., Rt. 5, P.O. Box 185
South Windsor, CT 06074-0185

860.289.7778 phone 860.282.9885 fax

u Manufactured and Natural Stone Veneers
u Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces and Firepits
u Granite Steps and Cobblestones
u Granite Benches and Birdbaths
u Low Voltage Landscape Lighting
u Natural Fieldstone and Flagging
u Antique & Reclaimed Natural Stone
u Masonary Saws and Diamond Blades
u Interlocking Concrete Pavers &

Retaining Wall Systems
u Premium Bluestone
u Tools and Accessories
u Bulk Decorative Stone

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
SUMMER INTENSIVE

Get professional Landscape Design training
from experts at The New York Botanical Garden.
Our five-week Intensive starting July 11 will
fast-track your Certificate.
Learn more at nybg.org/adulted

SPRING 2016 | CTASLA.ORG 35

The Connecticut PRESORTED
Landscape Architect STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
370 JAMES STREET, SUITE 402
NEW HAVEN, CT 06513 PAID
HARTFORD, CT
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT # 3344

Girls’ night out since 1962.

For over 50 years, Victor Stanley has designed,
engineered, and manufactured timeless site

furnishings so you can bring communities to life.
Contact Charlene Vera

at [email protected]

Sage Receptacle: Patents pending. Freesia Bench: US Patents D710,624 S; D710,626 S;
D711,175 S; D726,473 S; D726,474 S; D727,669 S.Canada 152499; 153910; 153911.