Aidan C. AckermanAssistant Professor

807
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210

315-470-6545 | 315-470-6544
acackerm@esf.edu

Website and Vitae

Website: aidanackerman.com

Vitae: Aidan Ackerman CV

 

My research investigates methods of computationally simulating and visualizing landscape ecology, with a focus on information-driven environmental modeling. My research is performed through two primary avenues: project-based digital experimentation to develop novel workflows, and practice-based study of emerging technology – particularly Building Information Modeling (BIM) - within the landscape architecture profession. 

I 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. 

A large portion of my research efforts focus on computational modeling, simualtion, and visualization of large-scale forest sites using immersive virtual reality technology. In particular, this research focuses on the development of digital workflows to convert non-visual forest simualtion data into fulle rendered three-dimensional walkthrough environments. This research also focuses on simulation and modeling of unique 3D tree models based on species growth characteristics, environmental conditions, and community interaction. 

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 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

Student Work

LSA 696 Virtual Environments Final Student Projects

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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

Peer-Reviewed Publications

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. “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