Dennis Pappas, Brooklyn, New YorkAward-Winning Landscape Architect Raises Awareness of the Critical Role Green Spaces Play in Sustainable Cities
Dennis Pappas, a renowned landscape architect at GreenScape NYC, is urging younger generations to recognize the importance of urban green spaces for a sustainable future. As climate change and rapid urbanization continue to threaten city environments, Pappas is raising awareness about the essential role of green spaces in creating resilient, livable urban areas. From designing the Brooklyn Green Corridor to leading NYC’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden, Pappas has pioneered projects that promote environmental resilience in high-density neighborhoods.
“Cities can no longer ignore the impact green spaces have on both climate and quality of life,” says Pappas. “We’re talking about spaces that reduce air pollution, mitigate heat, and even improve mental health. Studies show that access to green spaces can reduce urban temperatures by 2-9 degrees Fahrenheit and can decrease stress levels by as much as 50% in city residents. These spaces aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.”
Green spaces contribute directly to improved air quality, support biodiversity, and increase neighborhood property values by as much as 8-20%, benefiting both local ecosystems and economies. However, Pappas notes that the industry faces a shortage of professionals trained to design these critical spaces. "In the next decade, we’ll need landscape architects and urban planners with a commitment to sustainability like never before," he says, "and that means young people entering the field have a huge opportunity to make a real impact."
Beyond the environmental benefits, Pappas emphasizes the community aspect of green spaces, especially as cities grow denser and more digitally connected yet socially isolated. “When I design a space, I envision people coming together, feeling a sense of calm in the middle of a bustling city,” he explains. “Green spaces can break down social barriers and give people common ground. In one project, a community garden, people of all ages and backgrounds came together in ways I didn’t expect. That’s the real power of this work.”
Pappas, a LEED Accredited and Certified Green Roof Professional, continues to push for more green spaces in New York, working with nonprofits, local governments, and schools to bring the message to the next generation. He also mentors aspiring architects and urban planners, helping them understand the challenges and rewards of designing for sustainability.
Pappas’s guiding philosophy, "Every green space is a chance to breathe new life into the city," underscores his mission to foster sustainable, thriving urban environments. With young people at the helm, he believes cities can be transformed into greener, healthier spaces for generations to come.
About Dennis Pappas
Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect dedicated to creating sustainable urban spaces that improve quality of life and environmental resilience. With a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from Cornell and a Master’s in Environmental Design from Columbia, he has led award-winning projects like the Brooklyn Green Corridor and New York’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden. A LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Green Roof Professional, Dennis is known for his eco-friendly, community-centered approach. His work is driven by a simple philosophy: “Every green space is a chance to breathe new life into the city.”
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Contact Person: Dennis Pappas
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City: Brooklyn
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: https://www.dennispappas.com/
