Photography by Ryan S. Brandenburg, Temple University
For a current curriculum vitae, please see here, (updated July 27, 2023) Kuper.R_CV
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Carbon emissions within landscape architecture
- Landscape preference
- Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
- Human perception of time in landscapes
- Green roofs
- Design-build
PUBLICATIONS
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Kay, C., Kuper, R., & Becker, E. A. 2023. Recommendations emerging from carbon emissions estimations of the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. eNeuro 22 September 2023, ENEURO.0476-22.2023; https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0476-22.2023
Kuper, Rob. 2022. Policy brief: Alternatives to in-person American Society of Landscape Architects Conferences on Landscape Architecture. Landscape Journal 41 (1): 77–93. https://doi.org/10.3368/lj.41.1.77
Kuper, Rob. 2020. Effects of flowering, foliation, and autumn colors on preference and restorative potential for designed digital landscape models. Environment & Behavior 52 (5): 544–576. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916518811424
Kuper, Rob. 2020. Preference and restorative potential for landscape models that depict diverse arrangements of defoliated, foliated, and evergreen plants. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 48: Article 126570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126570
Kuper, Rob. 2019. Travel-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions from American Society of Landscape Architects Annual Meetings. Landscape Journal 38 (1–2): 105-127. https://doi.org/10.3368/lj.38.1-2.105
Kuper, Rob. 2017. Restorative potential, fascination, and extent for digital landscape models. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 28: 118–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.10.002
Kuper, Rob. 2017. Evaluations of landscape preference, complexity, and coherence for designed digital landscape models. Landscape and Urban Planning 157: 407–421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2016.09.002
Kuper, Rob. 2015. Examining the Visual Effects of Plant and Vegetative Dormancy and Foliation on Preference and Mystery. Landscape Journal 34(2): 139–159. https://doi.org/10.3368/lj.34.2.139
Kuper, Rob. 2015. Preference, Complexity, and Color Information Entropy Values for Visual Depictions of Plant and Vegetative Growth. HortTechnology 25(5): 625–634. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.25.5.625
Kuper, Rob. 2013. Here and gone: The visual effects of seasonal changes in plant and vegetative characteristics on landscape preference criteria. Landscape Journal 32 (1): 65-78. https://doi.org/10.3368/lj.32.1.65
Kuper, Rob. 2011. Joining the Great Plains in place, space, and time: Questioning a time zone boundary. Great Plains Quarterly 31(3): 223-242. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/greatplainsquarterly/2709
Professional Journal Articles
Kuper, Rob. 2011. Burn back invasives, where you can. Land and Water Magazine. September/October: 38-42.
Kuper, Rob and Mike Olszewski. 2010. Bringing down the roof. Landscape Architect and Specifier News 26(7): 86-92.
Tai, Lolly and Rob Kuper. 2010. Mastering landscape architecture. Landscape Architecture 100(3): 64-77. Also translated into Chinese for website, Youth Landscape Architecture, http://www.youthla.org/2010/04/mastering-landscape-architecture/ (accessed 14 June 2012).
Kuper, Rob. 2010. The Tipping Point: How roof design and location affect Temple University’s pitched green roof. Landscape Architecture 100(2): 50-61.
Kuper, Rob. 2009. What’s Up: Examining green roof awareness in suburbia. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 64(5): 145A-149A.
AWARDS
2020 PHS Gold Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Course of action: A radical tack for suburban tracts. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 90 or more points out of 100 in the criteria of educational value, horticulture, design, and construction. Our exhibit received 96 points.
2020 Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Course of action. Awarded to the educational major exhibit that demonstrates the most successful use of a variety of plants in a unique fashion.
2020 PHS Gold Medal Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Course of action. Best use of PHS Gold Medal Plants in a major exhibit.
2019 PHS Gold Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Hip haven: Hangin’ loose at a home refuge. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 95 or more points out of 100 in the criteria of design, horticulture, plantsmanship, and educational value. We received 97 points.
2019 The Bulkley Medal of the Garden Club of America, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Hip haven. Awarded to a special exhibit in the fields of horticulture, botany, or conservation. The exhibit must be one of exceptional educational merit that increases the knowledge and awareness of the viewing public.
2019 PHS Gold Medal Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Hip haven. Best use of PHS Gold Medal Plants in a major exhibit.
2019 Special Achievement Award of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Hip haven. Awarded to an exhibit of unusual excellence (under 1,000 square feet) in the category of conservation.
2019 PHS Sustainability Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Hip haven. For the educational major exhibit demonstrating the best use of sustainable gardening practices to the public.
2018 PHS Silver Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Wonders of Water.” Exhibit Title: Within Reach! Unlocking the Legacy of Our Hidden River. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 85 to 94 points out of 100 in the criteria of design, creativity, world-class horticulture, and educational value. We received 91 points.
2018 Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Within Reach! Awarded to an educational exhibit showing outstanding horticultural skill and knowledge in a nationally recognized flower show.
2018 Special Achievement Award of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Within Reach! Awarded to an exhibit of unusual excellence (under 1,000 square feet) in the category of education.
2017 PHS Gold Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Holland: Flowering the World.” Exhibit title: Nieuwpolders: Regenerating the Dutch custom of land recovery. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 95 or more points out of 100 in the criteria of design, horticulture, plantsmanship, and educational value.
2017 The Bulkley Medal of the Garden Club of America, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Nieuwpolders. Awarded to a special exhibit in the fields of horticulture, botany, or conservation. The exhibit must be one of exceptional educational merit that increases the knowledge and awareness of the viewing public.
2017 Special Achievement Award of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Nieuwpolders. Awarded to an exhibit of unusual excellence (under 1,000 square feet) in the category of conservation.
2017 PHS Sustainability Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Nieuwpolders. For the educational major exhibit demonstrating the best use of sustainable gardening practices to the public.
2017 Pennsylvania Landscape and Nurseryman’s Association Trophy, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Nieuwpolders. Awarded to the exhibit showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the educational category.
2016 National Park System Director’s Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Explore America: Celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service.” Exhibit Title: After the blast: Recollecting roots & resources at Hopewell Furnace. Awarded to the exhibit with the best interpretation of a National Park in the 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show.
2016 PHS Gold Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 95 or more points out of 100 in the criteria of design, horticulture, plantsmanship, and educational value.
2016 PHS Gold Medal Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. Best use of PHS Gold Medal Plants in a major exhibit.
2016 Special Achievement Award of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. Awarded to an exhibit of unusual excellence (under 1,000 square feet) in the category of conservation.
2016 PHS Sustainability Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. For the educational major exhibit demonstrating the best use of sustainable gardening practices to the public.
2016 Pennsylvania Landscape and Nurseryman’s Association Trophy, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. Awarded to the exhibit showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the education category.
2016 Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America, Inc., Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, After the blast. Awarded for an outstanding use of herbs or an individual specimen herb. A total of nine ribbons may be awarded.
2015 Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter, ASLA Merit Award, Student Awards Program, General Design, Faculty Advisor, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit. Theme: “ARTiculture.” Exhibit Title: Tamanend’s Track: The Path to a Portrayal of the Past.
2015 PHS Silver Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Celebrate the Movies.” Exhibit Title: Star Power: Casts of Light That Stir & Spellbind. Awarded to a major exhibit that receives 85 to 94 points out of 100 in the criteria of design, horticulture, plantsmanship, and educational value. We received 93 points.
2015 American Horticultural Society Environmental Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Celebrate the Movies.” Exhibit Title: Star Power. Awarded to an exhibit of horticultural excellence that best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment and inspires the viewer to beautify home and community through skillful design and appropriate plant material.
2015 Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Celebrate the Movies.” Exhibit Title: Star Power. Awarded to the educational major exhibit that demonstrates the most successful use of a variety of plants in a unique fashion.
2015 Special Achievement Award of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Celebrate the Movies.” Exhibit Title: Star Power. Awarded, if merited, to an exhibit of unusual excellence in the category of creativity.
2015 PHS Award of Merit, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “Celebrate the Movies.” Exhibit Title: Star Power. Awarded to an outstanding exhibit.
2014 Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter, ASLA Presidential Award of Excellence, Student Awards Program, Communication, Faculty Advisor, aloha `āina: a return to life with the land, Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Temple University
2014 Special Achievement Awards of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Tamanend’s Track. Awarded, if merited, to an exhibit of unusual excellence (under 1,000 square feet) in the category of conservation.
2014 Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show Medal, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Tamanend’s Track. Awarded to an educational exhibit showing outstanding horticultural skill and knowledge in a nationally recognized flower show.
2014 PHS Special Achievement Award: Best achievement in conveying a message through landscape, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, Tamanend’s Track.
2013 Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Theme: “BRILLIANT!” Exhibit title: WILDE! Cultivating wonder in everyday places.
2013 PHS Gold Medal Award, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, WILDE!
2013 Special Achievement Award: Creating a wild, natural landscape, PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit, WILDE!
2012 Best in Show, Academic Education Major Exhibitor, Philadelphia International Flower Show. Theme: “Islands of Aloha.” Exhibit title: aloha `āina: a return to life with the land.
2012 Best achievement: Incorporating food, water, and beauty into a natural environment, Philadelphia International Flower Show exhibit, aloha `āina.
2011 National ASLA Student Honor Award, Student Awards Program, Analysis and Planning, Faculty Advisor, “Envisioning Francisville’s future,” Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Temple University
2011 Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter, ASLA Student Honor Award, Analysis and Planning, Faculty Advisor, “Envisioning Francisville’s future,” Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Temple University
2007 Student Association Faculty Appreciation Award, Temple University Ambler, Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
COURSES CURRENTLY TEACHING
LARC 9995, Capstone Restoration Design Project: Coordinated independent student projects that include site inventory and analyses, comprehensive site designs, enlarged site designs, construction drawings, ecological restoration and monitoring plans, and presentations of work.
LARC 8242, Landscape Engineering II: construction documentation, stormwater quantification and site design, and site detailing (Graduate)
LARC 2243, Landscape Engineering II: stormwater runoff depth and volume quantification, site detailing, construction documentation, embodied carbon dioxide emissions (Undergraduate)
LARC 2241, Landscape Engineering I: grading and earthwork, including cut and fill (Undergraduate)
LARC 2143, Landscape Architecture Design Studio I: multi-scaled site design, drawing conventions, site inventory & analysis, and nature appreciation (Undergraduate)
DESIGN-BUILD COURSE PRODUCTS. Photographs of exhibits constructed in LARC 3146, Design-Build Studio, between 2012 and 2020. For a summary of each exhibit, please see the Exhibits Page.
“Course of action: A radical tack for suburban tracts,” Temple University’s 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibit.
“Hip haven: Hangin’ loose at a home refuge,” Temple University’s 2019 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibit.
“Within Reach! Unlocking the legacy of our hidden river,” Temple University’s 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibit.
“Nieuwpolders: Regenerating the Dutch custom of land recovery,” Temple University’s 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
“After the blast: Recollecting roots & resources at Hopewell Furnace,” Temple University’s 2016 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
“Star power: Casts of light that stir & spellbind,” Temple University’s 2015 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
“Tamanend’s track: The path to a portrayal of the past,” Temple University’s 2014 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
“WILDE! Cultivating wonder in everyday places,” Temple University’s 2013 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
“aloha aina: a return to life with the land,” Temple University’s 2012 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit
CRITIC/REVIEWER
I have served as an anonymous peer reviewer for Landscape and Urban Planning, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Landscape Journal, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Nature Communications Earth & Environment, and Medical Teacher. Additionally, I have served as an invited book reviewer for Immigrant Pastoral: Midwestern Landscapes and Mexican-American Neighborhoods (Dieterlen, 2015, Routledge).
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rob Kuper, PLA
Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture
Bright Hall 101B
Temple University
580 Meetinghouse Rd.
Ambler, PA 19002
267-468-8179 (office)
rkuper@temple.edu