Landscape Architect Articles

The Legacy of Jacob Weidenmann11-20-07 | News

The Legacy of Jacob Weidenmann

Author Rudy Favretti wants Jacob Weidenmann to take his rightful place in the history of landscape architecture.

If you?EUR??,,????'???re landscape architecture history buff you will be interested in Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect (Wesleyan University Press) by Rudy Favretti, professor emeritus of landscape architecture at the University of Connecticut.

Born in Switzerland, Weidenmann came to the U.S. in 1856 at the age of 27 with diplomas in art, architecture and engineering and soon gained a reputation for design excellence. He collaborated with Frederick Law Olmsted and became a leading innovator in the field.

The book is based on four decades of research by Prof. Favretti and is the first comprehensive biography of Weidenmann and his importance in defining the profession for future practitioners. The oversized book features over 50 illustrations.

Jacob Weidenmann had a significant influence on the look of Hartford, Conn. with his design of Bushnell Park (pictured) and Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Jacob Weidenmann was a significant influence on Hartford, Conn., home to his Bushnell Park design, America’s first park built entirely with public funds.

Weidenmann also designed Cedar Hill Cemetery, which straddles Hartford, Wethersfield and Newington and examplifies the “rural” cemetery designs that emerged in the late 19th century?EUR??,,????'??+open lawns, no walls, curbs or fences, more like a park?EUR??,,????'??+with gravestones. Weidenmann lived in Hartford for 10 years and is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Olmsted and partner Calvert Vaux prepared a landscaping outline for the Retreat for the Insane (now the Institute for Living in Hartford). Weidenmann incorporated his own design elements and brought the project to fruition.

Weidenmann also designed the Victorian gardens for the Butler-McCook House, Hartford’s oldest home. The Des Moines capitol grounds is another Weidenmann commission.

?EUR??,,????'??In the 19th century, he was the only landscape architect fully trained, as we think of training for landscape architecture today ?EUR??,,????'??? minus the computer technology,” notes Favretti.