Christopher Patzke

Another display of note are the fireworks/fountains at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

One charming fireworks tradition takes place in Montreal.  On Friday evenings in the summer one country will present a fireworks display as part of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition.  The streets are full of people (both tourists and locals) and there is always a friendly atmoshpere in the air.  It’s a wonderfully civilized way of…[Read more]

I thought this was a thread about alternative governments led by hippopotamuses ; )

Thomas I really feel for you.  I have encountered the same experience (from one degree to another) at every firm I have worked in since graduating graduate school 12 years ago.  With that said I commend Brett Long for his perspective and advice.  One thing I would add is to try to be aware when a comment or an unacceptable tone is not “about…[Read more]

While on a blind date with LGBT civil rights and another couple – ending the wars and improving America’s reputation on the international stage.  It’s going delightfully I hear.

They are visiting the unicorn exhibit at the petting zoo.

I don’t think it’s naivity at all really.

When Central Park was originally conceived it was designed for all social classes and FLO’s writings confirm this design intention.  The whole parks movement in the US is based on class conciousness and a desire to uplift all members of a community.
 
Design intention and end use are two different stories though as my original response to this t…[Read more]

I would seriously review precedents that incorporate all social classes.  Central Park is a good start.

Great response!  I think one of the challenges in th profession right now is the technical generation chasm.  As a broad generalization based on experience, the more experienced generation does not know how to work with AutoCAD and does not understand the challenges of using AutoCAD and the younger generation does not think/design in the same w…[Read more]

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Original pattern books can be hard to find, and few, if any, are reprinted.  When I was the Curator of Landscapes at the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities I had access to the organizations archives.  It made my job a lot easier.  If I were you, I would inquire at local historic preservation organizations.  Search for both pho…[Read more]

Here’s an image from my portfolio.  The project was the restoration of a carpenter gothic parterre garden designed using AJ Downing’s principles – Roseland Cottage Woodstock, CT.  The fence is casual for the Victorian age and may fit your application.  Downing’s treatises could be a good resource for you.  I also believe there are several patt…[Read more]

I suggest reading Holy Shit: Managing Manure To Save Mankind and I hope you never end up homeless.

Do you mean plants?
…in that respect the plaza appears totally barren.  It’s a shame because I used to be in that plaza quite often.  While the previous design seemed seperated from it’s context yet softened by plants, the current design seems cold and off-putting.

After looking at some additional images of the landscape in question, I wonder if using the fountain as a toilet was just a criticism by an end user.  The landscape is mind-numbingly uninspired.

Reminds me of a paper I did in grad school about suvbversive uses of the landscape.  One point I argued is that a designer can never know, or plan for, all the end users of a work of landscape design.  At the time I was exploring gender politics as they specifically relate to gay men.  UVA had a colloquium series on queer studies, Aaron Betsky ha…[Read more]

There is no specific license for landscape contractors in Massachusetts.  You are correct, however, accessible egress steps (for instance) must be installed by a mason who is a licensed Construction Supervisor in the Commonwealth.  In short, any construction that impacts “health, safety and welfare” must be performed by a licensed (in one form or…[Read more]

I don’t think I have ever worked in a state that does not require contractors to be licensed (DC, CA, and MA)

When I was there, the MLA program for a candidate with a BLA (a Path B candidate) was two years long.