Blake Belanger

Blake Belanger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning at Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Planning and Design. He is a licensed landscape architect (PLA) and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), with over 25 years of experience in professional practice and academia. His work bridges urban design, community planning, and creative design pedagogy.

His research centers on community-engaged scholarship, urban resilience through brownfield redevelopment, and graphic representation in design. He has led numerous service-learning projects across the Midwest, resulting in multiple student awards from ASLA and APA. He teaches design studios, theory seminars, and the university-wide elective Unlocking Creativity, which fosters innovative thinking across disciplines.

The available publication highlights his interest in photomontage as a tool for landscape architectural communication and design exploration, reflecting a broader trend in visual and experiential design research.

• Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture Excellence in Design Studio Teaching Award (2012)
• Big 12 Fellowship (2017)
• McElwee Teaching Award (2015, 2024)
• Mary Jarvis Emerging Faculty of Distinction (2010)
• Kansas State University Academic Excellence Award (2011, 2014, 2016)
• LARCP Teacher of the Year (2024)
• TAB+LARCP Faculty Brownfield Fellowship (2024-2027)

Professor Belanger actively mentors graduate students through advisory committees and leads externally funded research initiatives focused on brownfield regeneration and community visioning. His work integrates teaching, research, and public service, exemplifying engaged scholarship. He has collaborated with communities in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, and Colorado, fostering real-world impact through student-led design projects.

He is a key contributor to the academic and civic mission of the department, particularly through service-learning and creative pedagogy. His leadership in brownfield redevelopment projects underscores his commitment to sustainable urban futures and community empowerment.