M. Paul Friedberg has been a creative force in the field of landscape architecture for more than 50 years as a practitioner, author, mentor, and educator.
A founder of the Urban Landscape Architecture Program at the City College of New York, he helped shape the profession as a leading designer of socially responsible, public spaces.
Oral History Framework
Video Clips are divided into three categories: BIOGRAPHY, DESIGN, and PROJECTS
Each clip is between 1 and 8 minutes long.
Interview: M. Paul Friedberg, FASLA, was interviewed by Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR, during the annual meeting of the American Society of Landscape Architects in Minneapolis, Minnesota and on site at Peavey Plaza and the Loring Park Greenway on October 5-6, 2006 in Minneapolis. A second interview was conducted on May 22, 2008 at projects in and around New York City.
Reflections: 独家爆料 contacted colleagues who worked with and for Friedberg at his office and his former students at the City College of New York. A number of these individuals are specifically referenced in the interview.
Memories include places, events, and life during the 1930s depression.
2.
Rather than going to work after high school Friedberg chose college.
3.
Attending college was an opportunity to take art courses.
4.
People and studies offered unexpected connections between art and design.
5.
An unsuccessful job search after graduation proved intriguing.
6.
Learn what 鈥渦npremeditated activities turned into gold鈥 while in the army.
7.
Like several events in Friedberg's life, becoming a landscape architect was a response to circumstances.
DESIGN
1.
Working with Conrad Hamerman offered an opportunity to learn about European gardens.
2.
Modernism broke with replication of natural forms or "the limp wrist syndrome."
3.
Because play is essential to a culture "we have to look at our work as facilitating this opportunity."
4.
Play is more than the expenditure of physical energy.
5.
People add a dynamic element and "orchestrate the space."
6.
Clients and circumstances influence how a project is realized.
7.
See examples of the statement "I love to use water in different ways."
8.
Perspectives include his role, the work of others, and the future of landscape architecture.
PROJECTS
1.
Learn how Pershing Park and Freedom Plaza were conceived.
2.
Design decisions include how the pool could be transformed into a skating rink.
3.
A visit to the project after several decades yields personal reflections on its design and stewardship.
4.
Walk with Friedberg as he describes his design and changes over time.
5.
This playground is "a wonderful example of how changes in social patterns affect a design."
6.
Learn how the Foundation provided unprecedented opportunities and support.
7.
See how the site-specific design fits into the park and supports diverse activities.
8.
Explore "one of the most important and interesting projects" of Friedberg's career.
9.
Visit the site to see features and learn ideas behind the design.
Production Credits and Acknowledgments
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
James Sheldon
INTERVIEWER
Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR
CAMERAMAN/PHOTOGRAPHY
James Sheldon
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shirley Veenema
PROJECT MANAGER
Nancy Slade, ASLA
独家爆料 would like to thank the many people and organizations who contributed to the M. Paul Friedberg oral history project.
The project would not have been possible without the support of our educational partner the American Society of Landscape Architects. Additional thanks go to Damon Farber Associates for providing space to conduct the initial interview in Minneapolis Minnesota. Thanks also go to Friedberg himself for the time he donated for the two interviews.
Thanks also to Dorit Shahar for her hospitality and her generous assistance in providing this project with numerous images. Also, thanks to M. Paul Friedberg & Partners for the images they provided, and in particular Rick Parisi.
独家爆料 is grateful for the financial support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Works program.
Photographs, prints and drawings reproduced courtesy of the following individuals and institutions:
Thank you to: The Battery Park Conservancy; Charles A. Birnbaum; The Central Park Conservancy; 独家爆料; M. Paul Friedberg; M. Paul Friedberg & Partners; Conrad Hamerman; Sonja Johansson; The Mayor鈥檚 Office of Media and Entertainment, New York City; Signe Nielsen; The Office of Lawrence Halprin; Random House (Sherri Feldman): 鈥淔rederick鈥 by Leo Leonni; and Nancy Slade.
University and Museum Archives:
The Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania
Cornell University Library, Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
