Gail M. Hansen De Chapman
Assistant Professor
Environmental Horticulture Dept.
University of Florida
Rm. 101 Bldg. 550, PO Box 110675
Gainesville FL 32611-0675
Voice: 352.392.1831 x 262
Fax: 352.392.1413
Email:ghansen@ufl.edu
Gail Hansen is an assistant professor who specializes in landscape design. Her teaching
and extension programs address best design practices for residential and urban landscape design,
with a focus on landscape design that is sustainable, functional, and aesthetic. Gail graduated
with a masters degree in landscape architecture from the University of Florida and worked for a
private landscape architecture firm in Gainesville, Florida for eight years. She returned to UF
to teach design in the landscape architecture department as adjunct faculty for seven years. She
is currently teaching a studio course in residential landscape design and working toward developing
a comprehensive landscape design program.
Professional Background:
Education
Ph.D. Landscape Architecture (Univ. FL), 2008
M.Landscape Architecture (Univ. FL), 1994
M.S. Exercise Physiology (Univ. Arizona, Tucson), 1981
B.A. Phys. Ed.(California State Univ. Sacramento), 1978
Click here for Curriculum Vitae
Teaching
Courses in landscape design focus on the elements and principles of
design and the best use of plant material to create designs that are sustainable, functional
and aesthetic. The topics cover the importance of an accurate site analysis, using the right
plant in the right place, the design development process, and final presentation graphics.
Research and Extension Focus
Extension research and publications focus on landscape design as it relates to quality of
life issues both for people and the environment. Topics include design practices and principles
that affect mental, physical, and financial health of citizens and the ecological health of the
environment. Areas of investigation include: sustainable design for homeowners, site analysis,
visual quality and aesthetic preferences, landscape design codes and guidelines, landscape design
software programs, and health as it relates to the built environment.
Research Projects
Doctoral Dissertation: Design Codes for Healthy Communities: The Potential of Form-Based Codes to
Create Walkable Urban Streets. Focus is on the urban design qualities of walkable streets and the use
of Form-Based codes to develop a pedestrian-oriented environment. April 2008
FRSA Earl Blank Fellowship (Co-PI, Tony White, Architecture) Teaching Modules for Green Roof Systems,
October 2005
Non-Refereed Grant Publications
Alachua County Forever, Site Design Standards for Recreation Facilities, June 2004, Department of Environmental Protection, Alachua County, Gainesville, Florida
Three publications- August 2003, Office of Greenways and Trails, State of Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, Florida
- The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Interpretation Plan
- Designing History: The Barge Canal Turns Green, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Study
- The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Site Design Standards
