Landscape Architecture is a unique
profession that combines a respect and understanding of the land with the
need for development and the growth of the built environment. We combine
artistic sensibilities with knowledge of construction to create places
that not only serve the needs of humankind but also add meaning to our
lives. My goal as both practitioner and educator in landscape architecture
is to promote the creation of places of value and meaning that are lasting
while looking to sustain both humankind and the land for many generations
to come.
Education:
Harvard University - Graduate School of Design 1989 - 1991
Masters of Landscape Architecture
Cornell University 1983 - 1987
Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture
Experience:
Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut 1998 - present
Cannon Design, Buffalo, New York 1997 - 1998
The Saratoga Associates, Buffalo, New York 1994 - 1997
The Saratoga Associates, Saratoga Springs, New York 1987 - 1994
Licensed Landscape Architect (NY # 1426 ) 1993
Certified Community Planner 2000
Awards:
CTASLA Merit Award Communication - Program Brochure 2000
Professional & Academic Activities:
Member American Society of Landscape Architects 1993 - present
Member American Planning Association 1999 - present
Member American Institute of Certified Planners 2000 - present
Executive Committee – Connecticut Chapter of the ASLA 2000 - present
College Faculty Secretary 2000 - present
Member of College Excellence Committee 1999 - present
Member of College Economic Viability Team 1999 - present
Refer to Teaching Vitae for Educational
Activities
Refer to Research Vitae for
Scholarly Activities
I believe that a design education should have four goals. Of primary importance is to impart, or preferably develop, a genuine passion for the built environment, the natural environment and mankind’s influence on both. Second, a design education should begin to develop a design sense and sensitivity that can be expanded throughout the years. Third, it should provide knowledge of the methods and vocabulary of Landscape Architecture. And fourth, it should develop the basic skills the job market demands at that particular time.
Courses Taught:
Intermediate Design - Site Planning
This studio course stresses the importance of understanding the physical and cultural conditions of a site prior to any intervention. Students learn to consider the relationship of a land-use to the site as well as to adjacent land-uses. They also continue to develop their ability to create form and meaning.
Design Communication
This studio course develops the students' ability to communicate the rational, intent and form of their interventions. Traditional drawing and color rendering techniques are employed. Computer applications are also introduced as a tool to develop graphics. Public speaking and the development of coherent presentations are also important elements in the course.
Computer Applications in Landscape Architecture
This lecture and lab course teaches a wide range of computer applications. These are employed to analyze the land, assist with the development of design interventions, and communicate design intent through graphics, word, and presentation.
Professional Practice in Landscape Architecture
This lecture and discussion course provides a wide range of information about the profession. Students visit offices and develop presentations to discuss a variety of forms of professional practice, they complete portfolios to prepare for employment and ethics and legal issues are discussed. In addition a complete set of construction documentation is develop for a project and construction administration is discussed.
Studio Projects (representative):
Moss Sanctuary Mansfield, CT Annual Project
Village Center Plainfield, CT Funded by Town of Plainfield and NRCS
Haddam Extension Office Haddam, CT Funded Cooperative Extension and NEMO
Corporate Headquarters Storrs, CT Annual Project
Accessible Community Garden East Hartford, CT Funded by the City of East Hartford(1)
Winton Park East Windsor, CT Funded by the Town of East Windsor(1)
(1) Project undertaken in Assistant Professor Schwab’s studio class.
Research (scholarship) Vitae:
My
scholarship is centered on three diverse aspects of the profession. One
is the use of computers as a tool to create and communicate meaningful
design. The second is assisting communities in planning and design through
outreach projects. The third is continuing to practice landscape architecture
to create meaningful places through application of design theory and knowledge.
Refereed Abstract and Presentation
Computer Technology - Teaching and Learning Alternatives CELA 2000
The Thinking Hand - An Integrated Model for Drawn and CELA 2000
Digital Graphic Language Acquisition
and Application
Other Presentations
Integrating CAD in a Design Process June 2, 2000
Integrating CAD in a Design Process
September 21, 2000
Conferences
Co-hosted "Ecology Applied" confernce held at the University of Connecticut, June 2, 2000
Assisted with the developoment of a conference entitled "Creating Partnerships for Community
Conservation"- November 6, 1999
Research (representative):
Visualization Study (on going) funded by N. E. Transportation Consortium ($75,000)
Title of project: Effective Visualization
Techniques for the Public Presentation of Transportation Projects. Co PI:
N. Garrick / P. Miniutti
Outreach Projects
Airline Trail Connection Design Workshop Willimantic, CT, December 1999 (2)
Volunteer Park East Windsor, CT, 2000-2001 ($6,000)
Park River Design Workshop Hartford, CT, May 2000 (2)
Visualization Study Westport, CT ($750)
Village Center Design Charrette Plainfield, CT. October 2000 ($5,000)
Haddam Extension Office Haddam CT ($5,000)
Winton Park East Windsor, CT ($2,500)
Accessible Garden East Hartford CT, Spring 2001 ($3,000)
(2) Assisted Associate
Professor Miniutti
Professional Projects
These projects represent the variety of projects I have completed in the past and a continued commitment to stay professionally active. Most of these projects were completed as a member of a professional firm.