July 5, 2023 - It is with deep sadness that Learning By Design Magazine received notice of the passing of Peter A. Gisolfi. Peter, founded in1976 Peter Gisolfi Associates, Architects and Landscape Architects (Hastings on Hudson, NY) was "an architect, landscape architect, and teacher whose primary focus was to shape places—usually groups of buildings connected by open space.
Most of his work was “contextual,” based on a careful understanding of regional climate and traditions. His building and landscape designs are intrinsically sustainable and beautifully crafted; they are adapted to the environment and fit gently into their natural and man-made settings."
Peter was a mentor to many, and driving force behind his firm. His vision, intellect, and talent shaped countless projects. He was the consummate architect and landscape architect: his designs were based on cogent ideas, true to the principles he embraced and celebrated.
When he wasn’t designing projects, he was thinking and writing about architecture, landscape architecture and history, always concerned with enhancing places and the built environment. Peter was also the consummate teacher and worked as a Professor of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York, where he was Chairman of the School for eight years. Previously, he was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Architecture at Columbia University for twelve years. To him, it was not enough to simply love architecture and landscape design. He was committed to teaching scores of students and staff, imparting his knowledge and rigor to all.
Throughout his career Peter contributed numerous articles to Learning By Design, putting forth his vision for creating appropriate and thoughtful campus spaces. Thousands of readers of Learning By Design and millions of students, faculty and communities have been touched by Peter’s ink. For those of us who were lucky enough to collaborate with, take his classes or work beside him were taught lessons they will never forget.
Music was Peter’s other great passion. Prior to getting Masters Degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, he attended Yale to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Music Theory and Composition. He never boasted about his accomplishments at the piano, and he never stopped striving to learn and improve.
Perhaps the greatest compliment we can pay to Peter’s memory is to say that he was, in fact, a true “Renaissance man,” as defined by Leon Battista Alberti’s notion that “a man can do all things if he will.” His many pursuits were infused with the spirit of his rationalism, determination, and belief in self. His wit and wisdom sustained us for more than 40 years, and his presence will be missed forever.
PETER GISOLFI ASSOCIATES
Architects • Landscape Architects
https://www.petergisolfiassociates.com/
