Faculty Profile
Aidan Ackerman
Associate Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
259 Marshall Hall
Website and Vitae
Website: aidanackerman.com
Vitae: Aidan Ackerman CV
My research explores computational methods for simulating and rendering landscape ecology with a specific focus on harnessing the power of parametric information modeling and immersive virtual reality technology. A significant portion of my research is dedicated to computational modeling, simulation and visualization of large-scale forest sites using immersive virtual reality technology. My research aims to push the boundaries of technology by developing digital workflows that convert non-visual forest data into fully-immersive three-dimensional walkthrough environments. I also explore the simulation and modeling of unique 3D tree models based on species growth characteristics, environmental conditions, and community interaction. My research output includes but is not limited to academic journals; I have shared my findings through professional publications, which has helped me to introduce new computational methodologies and demonstrate practical applications of commonly-used design software.
I also work on cultural and historic landscape visualization projects through the ESF Center for Cultural Landscape Preservation and the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation. This involves working with graduate students on digital landscape graphics and simulations in collaboration with project partners from the National Parks Service, various landscape architecture firms, and other academic institutions.
Learn more about my research lab here: Ackerman Research Lab
Education
Harvard University Graduate School of Design - MLA, 2011
New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, - BFA, 2002
Courses Taught
LSA 300/500 Digital Methods & Graphics 1
LSA 301/501 Digital Methods & Graphics II
LSA 326 Landscape Architecture Studio 1
LSA 423 Landscape Architectural Design Studio IV
LSA 625 Construction Documentation Studio
LSA 496/696 Modeling & Visualization of Landscape Processes
LSa 496/696 Digital Fabrication
LSA 696 Virtual Environments
LSa 496/696 Parametric Modeling and Computational Landscape Design
Dale L. Travis Lecture Series - Virtual Forests: The Gateway to a More Sustainable Future
Forest Visualization media
Virtual Reality Forest Rendering Using Blender + Unity 3D
IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT VIDEO CLIPS
Real-Time Forest Walkthrough (non-VR)
Virtual Reality Forest Walkthrough With Oculus
Forest Regeneration With Deer Fence
Flight 93 Memorial Grove Growth Study Walkthrough
Current Graduate Advisees
Marty Benzinger
mpbenzin@syr.edu
- Degree Sought: MLA
- Graduate Advisor(s): Ackerman
- Area of Study: Landscape Architecture
Chris Koudelka
cmkoudel@syr.edu
- Degree Sought: PHD
- Graduate Advisor(s): Ackerman and Mikulewicz
- Area of Study: Policy, Planning, Communication and Society (PPCS)
Personal Statement
Chris Koudelka is a PhD student in the division of Environmental Science at SUNY-ESF. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Peace and Justice from Nazareth College and an Associates Degree in Environmental Science from Finger Lakes Community College.
Research Questions
In what ways can digital visualization techniques help us reckon with our interactions with place, both historic and colonial? To what extent do digital visualization techniques reproduce dominant narratives, and can these techniques be employed to dismantle colonial structures?
Research Interests
digital visualization and 3D modeling, landscape architecture, land use history, environmental ethics, interpretation, counter-mapping, and GIS
Geri Mae Tolentino
gtolenti@syr.edu
- Degree Sought: PHD
- Graduate Advisor(s): Ackerman and Dann
- Area of Study: Environmental Science
Personal Statement
Geri is from the Philippines. She is a faculty member at the College of Agriculture of Southern Luzon State Universitys (SLSU) Forestry and Environmental Science Department (FESD) where she teaches Environmental Ethics and Policy, Environmental Communication, Education and Advocacy, Science Communication, General Ecology, Research Methods, and Introduction to Environmental Science. She obtained her Master in Asian Studies, MS Environmental Science, and BS Development Communication, major in Science Communication (magna cum laude) degrees from the University of the Philippines. Her research interests revolve around environmental education, knowledge management in Science Education, and the cultural and political aspects of environmental issues in Asia.
Yuhao Zhang
yzhan756@syr.edu
- Degree Sought: PHD
- Graduate Advisor(s): Ackerman
- Area of Study: Environmental Science
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Ackerman A, Cooper L, Volk T, Malmsheimer B, Esch E, Gadoth-Goodman D, & Constantineau S. (2022). Virtual Reality Visualization of Sustainable Management Practices for Forest Carbon and Climate Change. Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture: 392-401.
Lin C. Y., Ackerman A, Beier C, & Johnston D (2022). Digital Terrain Editing and Virtual Reality Visualization to Communicate Snow Coverage and Depth Change Related to Thermal Impacts. Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture: 95-104.
2022
Lin C.Y, Ackerman A, Johnston D, Tian G, & Liu Y. (2022). LiDAR Operation and Digital Modeling Visualization to Communicate Stormwater Management at Green Spaces in Developing Regions. In Workshop on Visualisation in Environmental Sciences (EnvirVis). The Eurographics Association.
Mahoney M, Beier C, & Ackerman A. (2022). terrainr: An R package for creating immersive virtual environments. Journal of Open Source Software, 7(69), 4060.
Ramyar, R., Ackerman, A., & Johnston, D. M. (2021). Adapting cities for climate change through urban green infrastructure planning. Cities, 117, 103316.
Ackerman, A., Crespo, A., Auwaerter, J., and Foulds, E. (2021), Using Tree Modeling Applications and Game Design Software to Simulate Tree Growth, Mortality, and Community Interaction. In: Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, 6-2021, pp. 163-170. © Wichmann Verlag, VDE VERLAG GMBH · Berlin · Offenbach. ISBN 978-3-87907-705-2, ISSN 2367-4253, e-ISSN 2511-624X, https://doi.org/10.14627/537705013
Ackerman, A. (2020). Where Have We Come From, and Where Are We Headed? A Comparative Review of Themes in CAD and BIM/LIM Adoption[J]. Journal of Chinese Landscape Architecture, 1000-6664.
Ackerman, A., Wang, Y., and Bryant, M (2020), Animation of High Wind-Speed Coastal Storm Events with Computational Fluid Dynamics: Digital Simulation of Protective Barrier Dunes. In: Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, 5-2020, pp. 498-509. © Wichmann Verlag, VDE VERLAG GMBH · Berlin · Offenbach. ISBN 978-3-87907-690-1, ISSN 2367-4253. https://doi.org/10.14627/537690051
Ackerman, A., Hoffman, R., King, M., and Keefe, M. (2019). “Hardscrabble Wind Power Project.” Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs1540
Ackerman, A., Hoffman, R., King, M., and Keefe, M.(2019). “Block Island Wind Farm.” Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs1530
Ackerman, A., Cave, J., Lin, C.-Y., and Stillwell, K. (2019). Computational Modeling for Climate Change: Simulating and Visualizing a Resilient Landscape Architecture Design Approach. International Journal of Architectural Computing, 17(2), 125–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1478077119849659
Ackerman, A., Cave, J., and Stillwell, K. (2019). Computation and Visualization of Coastal Sea Level Rise Mitigation Strategies: Digital Applications of Scientific Data to Formulate Design Workflows for Climate Change. Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture, 10-20. https://doi:10.14627/537663002
Ackerman, A. and Cave, J. (2018). Modeling Coastal Sedimentation and Erosion for Design Applications Within the Fields of Landscape Architecture and Architecture. In: Gobster, Paul H.; Smardon, Richard C., eds. 2018. Visual Resource Stewardship Conference Proceedings: Landscape and Seascape Management in a Time of Change. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-183. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 279 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-P-183
Ackerman, A. and Glekas, E., (2017). Digital Capture and Fabrication Tools for Interpretation of Historic Sites. ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, IV-2-W2, 107-114, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-IV-2-W2-107-2017
Hammer, S. and Ackerman, A., (2015). Progress and Pitfalls in Community Mapping: Behaviors, Cognitions, and New Directions. Cities People Places: An International Journal on Urban Environments, 1(1), pp.19–31. http://doi.org/10.4038/cpp.v1i1.1
Ackerman, A. and Lundell Garver, B. (2015). Social Media as a Visualization Tool: Mapping the Urban Landscape. Landscape Research Record, Vol. 4, Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. pp.2-9.
Ackerman, A., Bellalta, M., and McGonagle, J. (2013). Watch Factory, Phases 1 and 2. Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs0440
Ackerman, A., Bellalta, M., and McGonagle, J. (2013). Erie Street Plaza. Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs0430
Other Publications
Ackerman, Aidan. “Small Firm, Big Leap.” Landscape Architecture Magazine, July 2021: Print. LINK
Ackerman, Aidan. “The BIM That Binds.” Landscape Architecture Magazine, June 2019: 50-60. Print. LINK
Ackerman, Aidan. "Bona Fide BIM." Landscape Architecture Magazine, December 2019: 36-42. Print. LINK
Research and Fellowships
2021-2023 Preservation Technology and Training Grant
A Digital Tree Growth Modeling and Visualization Toolkit for Historic Landscape Representation
National Center for Preservation Technology & Training, Natchitoches, LA & the U.S National Park Service
2019-2022 ESF Discovery Challenge Seed Grant, Core Team Member
Pathways to a Net-Zero Carbon Future: Landscape Design for Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY
2019-2021 Center for Cultural Landscape Preservation Senior Research Scientist
Statue of Liberty National Monument Modeling and Visualization
Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, Boston, MA & the U.S National Park Service
2019-2021 Center for Cultural Landscape Preservation Senior Research Scientist
Flight 93 National Memorial Grove Modeling and Visualization
Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, Boston, MA & the U.S National Park Service
2019 Case Study Investigation (CSI), Research Fellow
Case Studies: Block Island Wind Farm, New Shoreham, RI & Hardscrabble Wind Farm, Fairfield, NY
The Landscape Architecture Foundation, Washington, DC
2017 Educational Research Fund Grant, Recipient
Student-Defined Curriculum and a Competency-Based Approach to Learning
Board of Trustees, Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA
2014 Landscape Performance Education Grant, Recipient
Landscape Performance Integration Within the Landscape Architecture Design Studio
The Landscape Architecture Foundation, Washington, DC
2013 Case Study Investigation (CSI), Research Fellow
Case Studies: Waltham Watch Factory, Waltham, MA & Erie Street Plaza, Milwaukee, WI
The Landscape Architecture Foundation, Washington, DC