The View from Olana: Preserving America’s Cultural Landscape

January 12, 2023

In 1977, a proposed nuclear power plant on the west bank of the Hudson River threatened scenic views from Olana. The potential visual impact of the proposed project on Frederic Church’s view from Olana was instrumental in denying approval for the plant. Years later, similar arguments were used to prevent the construction of an immense cement plant north of Olana, once again using the site’s integral viewshed to protect historic landscapes.

During this webinar, Harvey Flad, Professor Emeritus of Geography at Vassar College, will share a personal perspective on how Olana’s views have been saved. Join Flad during this examination of how historic and aesthetic landscape, and other aspects of “community character,” has become a valued component of environmental review.

Harvey K. Flad is Professor Emeritus of Geography at Vassar College (1972-2004), former Chair of the Geography and Earth Sciences department, and founding member of the American Studies, Environmental Studies and Urban Studies programs. Dr. Flad’s scholarship has focused on cultural and historical landscapes and environmental and urban planning. He has published numerous articles on 19th century landscape design theory and practice, including the influence of the Hudson River School of Art and the work of Andrew Jackson Downing. His legal testimonies on the visual/aesthetic impact of a proposed nuclear power plant in 1979 and a massive cement plant in 2005, were instrumental in preserving the views from Olana.