Jacques Abelman

Jacques Abelman is an Assistant Professor in Food Studies at the University of Oregon’s College of Arts and Sciences. His research and design practice focus on integrating social justice, food systems, and ecological principles into urban landscapes. He holds a Master in Landscape Architecture from the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture (2014), an MA in Design for the Environment from the University of the Arts London (2002), and a BA in Environmental Science, Philosophy, and Fine Arts from Amherst College (1996). He is also a registered Landscape Architect in the Netherlands.

Abelman’s work spans Europe, South America, and the U.S., emphasizing multi-functional green infrastructure and urban agroforestry. Key projects include the Urban LACE initiative in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and built installations like the Mushroom Tree Forest in Amsterdam. His teaching at the University of Edinburgh and University of Oregon has covered landscape architecture design, critical theory, and design research methodologies.

His research explores themes such as infrastructural ecology, landscape democracy, and the intersection of food systems with public space. He has exhibited widely, including at the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam and the Barcelona European Landscape Biennale. His academic writings bridge design practice and socio-ecological analysis, with a focus on equitable urban futures.

Abelman advises no formal students listed but collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. His work highlights the transformative potential of landscape architecture to address climate resilience and social equity through innovative spatial interventions.