Rebecca Krinke
Rebecca Krinke, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, has degrees in landscape architecture and sculpture. This dual background informs all aspects of her teaching, research, and practice. She is interested in contemporary theory and practice in design and art, with a focus on contemplative and commemorative space. In October 2002, Krinke led and participated in a national symposium, "Contemporary Landscape of Contemplation" that she organized at the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota. Internationally known scholars and designers: Marc Treib, Michael Singer, Heinrich Hermann, John Beardsley, and David Abram presented papers and participated in panel discussions on the nature of contemplative space in a post - modern world. She is currently editing Contemporary Landscapes of Contemplation, a book based on the symposium papers, with publication expected in 2005 (Routledge, London)

Krinke has recently been commissioned (February 2003) to design the four outdoor courtyards at the new addition to Rapson Hall, the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture building at the University of Minnesota, designed by architect Steven Holl. A contemplative space that she designed in the maple-basswood forest at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has just been completed (April 2003). This project of copper and wood focuses the visitor's attention on the moment by moment changes in light and shadow. (Project published in Landscape Architecture, April 2001, "On the Boards" by Heather Hammatt.) In 1999, Krinke's "Great Island Memorial Garden" (with Randall Imai, architect), was constructed near the chapel of this small, residential community. The design consists of a commemorative space, where ashes are interred, and a contemplative space for private reflection or family services.

Krinke's interest in contemporary landscape architecture, art, science, and theory was employed in the recent conference and exhibition "Manufactured Sites", at the Harvard Design School, organized with Professor (and current chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture) Niall Kirkwood in 1998. "Manufactured Sites" refers to despoiled landscapes and the innovative technologies that are being designed to reclaim and restore them. She was a primary contributor to the book "Manufactured Sites: Rethinking the Post - Industrial Landscape", edited by Niall Kirkwood, (Spon Press/Taylor and Francis, 2001). Among her published articles are: discussions of the Fresh Kills Landfill competition (Landscape Architecture, April 2002), the Oklahoma National Memorial (Critiques of Built Works of Landscape Architecture, 2001 and Landscape Architecture, September 2000), and the Lightning Field (CELA Conference Proceedings 2000).

Before joining the Minnesota faculty in 1998, Krinke taught advanced design studios at the Harvard Design School with Professor (and recent chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture), George Hargreaves, as well as Adjunct Professor Martha Schwartz. She also taught the first semester MLA studio, and led the Career Discovery Program in Landscape Architecture for two years. Krinke practiced in Boston with the Central Artery Project and Sasaki Associates, focusing on urban public space and collaborations with public artists.

At Minnesota, Krinke co-teaches the first-year MLA design studio and two technology courses: "Plants in Design" and "The Art and Ecology of Landscape Detail". She also teaches graduate seminars that focus on issues in contemporary art and design. Krinke's teaching has been recognized on both the College and International levels. In 2002, she received the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) Award of Recognition. Also in 2002, she received the Ralph Rapson Award for Distinguished Teaching from the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.