About
George R. Frantz is an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. He also serves as the Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies and teaches field workshop courses focused on land use, environmental planning, and urban design. His work bridges academic instruction with real-world community planning across diverse regions including New Orleans, the Catskill Mountains, and Shanghai.
Education:
- B.S. in Landscape Architecture, Cornell University (1980)
- M.R.P., Cornell University (1991)
Frantz’s research and professional practice emphasize sustainability, urban design, and comprehensive land-use planning with a focus on protecting agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands. His work integrates participatory and collaborative planning models, especially in community-based development and international contexts. He has led initiatives in China and studied the impact of natural gas drilling on farmland in Pennsylvania, demonstrating a strong commitment to planning equity and justice.
His selected publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement in landscape architecture, environmental planning, and cultural preservation. Themes across his work include community empowerment, sustainable development, and proactive conservation strategies. He has presented at national and international conferences on topics ranging from water resource protection to cultural heritage planning.
Selected Scientific Awards:
- Faculty Fellow-in-Service, Cornell (2011–12)
- New York Upstate Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects Community Achievement Award (2005)
Frantz has secured institutional recognition for his engaged teaching and community collaborations. He has advised on multiple community projects through student workshops and has co-authored impactful studies on farmland protection and cultural resources. His international workshop in Shanghai emphasizes cross-cultural planning with underserved communities, reflecting a deep commitment to equitable development practices.
He is actively involved in the Engaged Faculty Network and has contributed to building pathways for collaborative instruction and community-engaged design. His lab-like teaching model centers on field workshops where students engage directly with communities to develop land use plans, conservation strategies, and urban design solutions.
