Walter
When I stopped into the campus coffee shop I saw him standing near the door, evidently waiting for someone. The combination of his interesting hat, stylish glasses, and friendly face drew my attention right away. I introduced myself and my Human Family project and asked if he would allow a few quick, informal portraits for my project. After hearing about the project he appeared torn; he was clearly interested in meeting my request but he explained he was supposed to be meeting someone shortly. When I offered to do the photos just outside the door and be very quick, he agreed. Meet Walter.
I took only three photos and used the windows of the coffee shop as a background. I was aware that Walter was visually scanning and that I was borrowing time he didn’t have to spare and I said so. He replied “It’s not that I don’t have time, it’s just that I don’t know the man I’m to meet so I’m concerned that we won’t identify one another.”
Because of this, our conversation was very brief but I sensed a warmth and friendliness in Walter. He wondered if I was associated with the photography program at the university and I explained that I’m not. He volunteered that his meeting was to be with Robert Burley, a rather well-known photographer who is on the university faculty. Walter is writing a book and the meeting with Robert Burley was part of his research. The book will be about the genesis of Tommy Thompson Park – a unique, man-made spit of land jutting out into Lake Ontario in Toronto’s east end. Open to the public on weekends, this “urban wilderness” is a favorite of cyclists, joggers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to thousands of birds). The website www.tommythompsonpark.ca describes the park as follows:
“The Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan is the long-term vision for Toronto’s Urban Wilderness. It aims to create, enhance, restore and protect the natural features of the manmade landscape while providing recreational opportunities for all.”
It seemed a logical assumption, based on what Walter had told me, that he is a writer. He told me that although he does write, he is known, rather, as a Landscape Architect. I sensed a story which would have to remain unexplored because neither he nor I had sufficient time (I was on my way to a continuing education class). We did exchange contact information and when I asked him to share a message with my project he replied “We need to remember that we are all connected to one another and are all a part of the natural world – something the Indigenous people have long been aware of.” I said it sounded like a relevant message for my project as well as an appropriate one for a Landscape Architect.
The hat? He smiled and shrugged. “It’s from somewhere in Asia.” I told him it was striking and it was part of what drew my attention when I entered the shop. “You wear it well I said.” We parted with a friendly handshake.
I took the liberty of googling Walter when I got home and my inkling that he is an interesting man was confirmed. I learned that he is an acclaimed Landscape Architect. The firm of which he is a Principal is described here: www.landinc.ca. The website has this to say about Walter:
“With over three decades of professional experience, Walter has led numerous multi-disciplinary teams of professionals on design and planning projects throughout the world. An expert in sustainable community development, parks and recreational design, waterfront regeneration and cultural and institutional campus design, Walter is recognized as an internationally renowned leader and facilitator of landscape architecture and urban design projects. His work is widely published, and he continues to be involved in community workshops and international design competitions.
A graduate of Harvard University, Walter is a founding member of the Landscape Research Group at the University of Guelph, providing faculty and students with expertise in the biophysical and social reviews. As a past professor of landscape architecture at the University of Guelph, including a term as Director of the School of Landscape Architecture, he has had a profound impact on the education of countless landscape architects in Canada and abroad.
Walter leads the design visioning of projects throughout Canada and Internationally.”
Meeting this gentle, friendly man was just one more example of the fact that we never know what interesting stories lie behind the friendly faces we encounter each and every day.
This is my 823rd submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.
Walter
When I stopped into the campus coffee shop I saw him standing near the door, evidently waiting for someone. The combination of his interesting hat, stylish glasses, and friendly face drew my attention right away. I introduced myself and my Human Family project and asked if he would allow a few quick, informal portraits for my project. After hearing about the project he appeared torn; he was clearly interested in meeting my request but he explained he was supposed to be meeting someone shortly. When I offered to do the photos just outside the door and be very quick, he agreed. Meet Walter.
I took only three photos and used the windows of the coffee shop as a background. I was aware that Walter was visually scanning and that I was borrowing time he didn’t have to spare and I said so. He replied “It’s not that I don’t have time, it’s just that I don’t know the man I’m to meet so I’m concerned that we won’t identify one another.”
Because of this, our conversation was very brief but I sensed a warmth and friendliness in Walter. He wondered if I was associated with the photography program at the university and I explained that I’m not. He volunteered that his meeting was to be with Robert Burley, a rather well-known photographer who is on the university faculty. Walter is writing a book and the meeting with Robert Burley was part of his research. The book will be about the genesis of Tommy Thompson Park – a unique, man-made spit of land jutting out into Lake Ontario in Toronto’s east end. Open to the public on weekends, this “urban wilderness” is a favorite of cyclists, joggers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to thousands of birds). The website www.tommythompsonpark.ca describes the park as follows:
“The Tommy Thompson Park Master Plan is the long-term vision for Toronto’s Urban Wilderness. It aims to create, enhance, restore and protect the natural features of the manmade landscape while providing recreational opportunities for all.”
It seemed a logical assumption, based on what Walter had told me, that he is a writer. He told me that although he does write, he is known, rather, as a Landscape Architect. I sensed a story which would have to remain unexplored because neither he nor I had sufficient time (I was on my way to a continuing education class). We did exchange contact information and when I asked him to share a message with my project he replied “We need to remember that we are all connected to one another and are all a part of the natural world – something the Indigenous people have long been aware of.” I said it sounded like a relevant message for my project as well as an appropriate one for a Landscape Architect.
The hat? He smiled and shrugged. “It’s from somewhere in Asia.” I told him it was striking and it was part of what drew my attention when I entered the shop. “You wear it well I said.” We parted with a friendly handshake.
I took the liberty of googling Walter when I got home and my inkling that he is an interesting man was confirmed. I learned that he is an acclaimed Landscape Architect. The firm of which he is a Principal is described here: www.landinc.ca. The website has this to say about Walter:
“With over three decades of professional experience, Walter has led numerous multi-disciplinary teams of professionals on design and planning projects throughout the world. An expert in sustainable community development, parks and recreational design, waterfront regeneration and cultural and institutional campus design, Walter is recognized as an internationally renowned leader and facilitator of landscape architecture and urban design projects. His work is widely published, and he continues to be involved in community workshops and international design competitions.
A graduate of Harvard University, Walter is a founding member of the Landscape Research Group at the University of Guelph, providing faculty and students with expertise in the biophysical and social reviews. As a past professor of landscape architecture at the University of Guelph, including a term as Director of the School of Landscape Architecture, he has had a profound impact on the education of countless landscape architects in Canada and abroad.
Walter leads the design visioning of projects throughout Canada and Internationally.”
Meeting this gentle, friendly man was just one more example of the fact that we never know what interesting stories lie behind the friendly faces we encounter each and every day.
This is my 823rd submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.