M. Perry Chapman (1935–2011)

Education

Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art and Planning
Bachelor of Architecture (1960)

Background

After three years (1959–1962) as a staff planner/urban designer with the Rochester, NY, City Planning Bureau, Perry Chapman joined the international planning and design firm of Sasaki Associates of Watertown, MA, where he would spend the next 45 years. Chapman’s work was informed by his passion for developing and sharing knowledge, and his commitment to integrated planning and interdisciplinary collaboration.

His impact on professional practice followed three strands: a deep portfolio of projects for public, private, and institutional clients across the US, a robust array of writing, research and speaking activities communicating the theory and practice of planning, and constant mentorship of others in planning-related professions.

Chapman raised the standard of planning theory through his research and analysis of the relationship between the campus as a place and its impact on the learning experience and the sense of community. His book, "American Places: In Search of the 21st Century Campus," (ACE Praeger 2006) examines trends in the early 21st century affecting the place characteristics of American campuses and their relationship with their host regions and localities.

He engaged with peers via the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the American Planning Association (APA), and the Society for College & University Planning (SCUP). In 2006, the APA's New England Chapter bestowed on him their Distinguished Achievement Award and, in 2008, he received SCUP's K.C. Parsons Founder's Award for Distinguished Achievement in Higher Education Planning.

Planning for Higher Education ­journal articles, Chapman was one of the first to write about the impact of universities as sponsors of real estate development, to chronicle social forces affecting campus design in post World War II decades, and to talk about the importance of place and community in the campus learning experience.

He was deliberate in cultivating and disseminating knowledge to the campus community and larger communities through writing and speaking. Many professionals identify Chapman as a personal mentor and as a trusted advisor for planning colleagues at institutions and firms as well as for community organizations.

He willingly shared knowledge, offered ideas, and collaborated on projects and public endeavors throughout his career. To learn more about Chapman's amazing career and his numerous accomplishments, including some photos and drawings of notable projects, download this PDF of his resume.