Christian Werthmann

Christian Werthmann is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at Leibniz Universität Hannover and a Hans Fischer Senior Fellow at the TUM Institute for Advanced Study (2011–present), hosted by Regine Keller. He holds a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of Kassel, Germany, with specialization in urban design. Prior to his academic roles, he worked in prominent U.S. landscape architecture firms like Peter Walker and Partners and Hargreaves Associates. His research focuses on leveraging landscape architecture and civic infrastructure to address challenges in rapidly urbanizing informal cities of the Global South, emphasizing technical innovation integrated with social and ecological systems.

Key projects include developing earthquake refugee communities in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (collaboration with MIT), and anticipatory strategies for informal migrants in Medellín’s hills. He has received notable awards including the 2010 Communication Excellence Award (ASLA) and 2005 Honorary Award (ASLA). His work bridges technical, social, and aesthetic dimensions to create transformative public spaces in conflict-prone urban contexts.

• Education: Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Kassel
• Professional Experience: Harvard Graduate School of Design (Associate Professor/Director, 2000–2012), Peter Walker and Partners (Senior Landscape Architect, 1997–2000)
• Research Themes: Informal urbanism, infrastructural urbanism, crisis architecture, sustainable public spaces in developing regions

Publications highlight his exploration of nonformal urban dynamics, eco-cities, and tactical urban interventions. Current affiliations include Leibniz Universität Hannover and TUM-IAS, with a focus group on Metropolis Nonformal addressing urban challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.