The University of Illinois is awarding Peter Walker the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts during the Commencement ceremony on May 11, 2008. The award recognizes Walker’s achievements in the fields of landscape architecture and education, and is based upon the recommendation of the senate of the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Peter Walker’s graduate career began at the University of Illinois in 1955, where he studied under the legendary Professor Stanley White before transferring to Harvard University where he obtained his MLA in 1957. He soon became partner to Hideo Sasaki, his former professor and mentor, and became a strong voice in what has become one of the most influential firms in the country. In 1983 he founded Peter Walker and Partners, Landscape Architecture Inc., a world-class interdisciplinary firm awarded repeatedly for projects rooted in a design philosophy of minimalism that integrate art and culture while challenging traditional notions of design.
Walker has been described as one of the most accomplished and renowned landscape architects of the 21st century. His work intertwines the fields of architecture and landscape architecture with seamless precision while pushing forward the environmental movement of our time.
His educational presence at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley has created new curricula and inspired a new generation of landscape architects. Walker has also made an unparalleled contribution to the profession through writing, journalism, and professional literature. His role in Spacemaker Press has created a forum for landscape architects and the public by publishing fourteen issues of Land Forum and twenty-four books.
The University of Illinois and the Department of Landscape Architecture are honored to be a part of the life and history of such an inspirational pioneer to the field, and recognize all of the many contributions of Peter Walker.
Relevant Links:
PWP, Peter Walker and Partners Home Page
Projects, Peter Walker and Partners
Awards, Peter Walker and Partners
ASLA Medal, American Society of Lanscape Architects
Commencement 2008 schedule of events, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Commencement 2008 schedule of events, Landscape Architecture Department
Peter Walker, FASLA
