Aaron Christopher Elswick
URBAN URBAN DESIGN + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
PERSONAL STATEMENT The curiosity that shaped me into who I am today is now the fuel for my creative capacity. The mediums of my artistic expression were once paints and pencils but now, as a civic artist, they are buildings, vegetation and other urban features. The worldview I wish to share is that of uniquely identifiable cities. Moving frequently throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to experience firsthand the impact a strong identity can have on a place. Becoming aware of the shortcomings in the connection of civitas and genus loci inspired me to pursue a profession involved in mitigating the gap. As a landscape architect I discovered that by addressing solely the landscape, these solutions became fragmented. The same situation applies to sustainability, which I feel is a moral obligation. The distinction of the built and natural environments must be erased for sustainability to be obtained. If the human population is to ever become a viable civilization, the evolution must begin in our cities. Diagnosing this truth lead me to urban design, where presently I am looking to nature for the answers. By viewing the city as an urban ecosystem I am attempting to identify opportunities to diversify the interaction of urban systems. Going further, I seek to continue the expansion of my understanding of the urban environment through a professional view point as designer addressing the most complex of problems.
-Aaron Christopher Elswick
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO NORTH RESIDENCE HALL & DINING COMMONS Chicago, Illinois | 2014-2016
Working with Studio Gang Architects, TGDA designed the University of Chicago Residence Hall landscape to welcome students, faculty, and residents by integrating the community with campus life. Situated at the entry to the campus, at the corner of 55th and University Avenue, the site serves as a gateway to the University drawing students, visitors, and community members into the site’s diverse, contemporary spaces. Retail amenities, an outdoor café, and robust plantings move people through the landscape. The café offers outdoor seating for the restaurant and retail, which is open to both students and visitors. At the center of the new “quad,” the Garden Circle serves as a central space for outdoor classes and study groups. Dynamic amphitheater seating, constructed from owner-salvaged sandstone, provides space for informal events, student gatherings, and people-watching. The path encompassing the circle encourages soothing circumambulation along the gardens for busy students looking for a break from studies. As a contemporary, multifunctional landscape, TGDA addressed stormwater concerns through utilizing native species and extensive and intensive green roofs to capture water as it falls on site. Perennial gardens and porous pavement are also used throughout to increase overall site permeability. As a result, the University of Chicago Residence Hall landscape emphasizes sustainable vegetation, materials, and practices while simultaneously providing a dynamic, vibrant space for the entire community.
ILLINOIS STREET RESIDENCE HALL DINING RENOVATION
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois | current The Illinois Street Residences at the University of Illinois has been a vital housing location for students but has been heavily used beyond its capacity. To implement the conceptualization of a new vision, the University engaged a team of architects, engineers and consultants, led by Booth Hansen, to prepare initial concept design and budget. TGDA, as sub-consultant to Booth Hansen, assisted in the development of infrastructure improvements to facilitate campus connections through ISR. This was accomplished by providing a new front door on Green Street and subtle grade changes that create accessible pathways through the entire building. The building would then enable its surrounding context as both a destination and passageway. It is at the thresholds of these spaces where the ease of way finding and campus brand identity are most important. The design engages heavily trafficked Green Street and embraces the mid-century quality of the existing building and landscape spaces. Within the building, students will find exterior spaces for seasonal al fresco dining, spaces for active play, and quite places for respite and study. This project is currently in the Schematic Design Phase.
43RD STREET PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND PLAYGROUND
Chicago Departmnet of Transporataion Chicago, IL| 2016-2018 Lake Park Crescent was created as a new neighborhood in the North Kenwood-Oakland community. Mixed-income developments replaced what was formerly public housing. Despite new amenities and its adjacency to several excellent parks, the neighborhood remained separated from Chicago’s Lakefront by rail tracks and Lake Shore Drive. The Lakefront was a short distance away, but difficult to access for pedestrians. The 43rd pedestrian bridge connects neighborhood residents with Oakwood Street Beach, new secondary pedestrian paths, and a reconfigured Lakefront Trail. The signature, iconic bridge was designed by Cordogan Clark & Associates as part of a competition hosted by the City of Chicago. The bridge width spans 15’ to 20’ with room for both pedestrians and bicyclists. Lights are built into the handrails for increased nighttime visibility and safety. For the bridge landings, TGDA designed graded mounds adjacent to the bridge ramps to create a broad landscape gesture in balance with the grand verticality of the bridge. Along the east landing, located on the Lakefront side, the landscape features expansive naturalized planting areas. These open areas consist of grasses and perennial plants, which provide pollinator habitat and allow for clear sight lines and views for bridge users. The west bridge landing, located near a play lot to be relocated, comfort station to remain and canopy trees that complement the existing planting and provide a welcoming entrance to the 43rd pedestrian bridge.
RICHARD J. DALEY COLLEGE MTEC City Colleges of Chicago Chicago, Illinois | Current
TGDA serves as the landcape architect for the competition-winning team, which includes architects CannonDesign and JGMA, for the City Colleges of Chicago’s innovative Manufacturing, Technology, and Engineering Center (MTEC). The new vision for the campus ties the existing building and campus north of 76th Street, with the new manufacturing building and campus to the south. The new bridge and cohesive planting design reinforce this new connection. An iconic sustainable campus plan was requested by the Owner, on par with the unique building architecture. In order for the Owner to retain a prestigious quality and appearance, the design of the public spaces and plantings must be easily maintained and monitored. This campus is designed to engage students in a Chicago-based ecological environment, providing both a sense of place and reason to be outdoors. This eco-campus setting will inspire our next generation of manufacturers to not only create products, but also through first hand experience, have a better understanding of the environmental benefits that result from this design - such as an improved microclimate and increased stormwater infiltration. Ecosystem services in urban environs range from providing pollinator and wildbird habit, to stimulating a higher level of community safety, economic viability, and job creation. This City Colleges effort reflects an active transformation of a hard, dry industrial place into a green, healthy campus for learning. New outdoor casual places offer campus places to relax and study or meet friends, all within a setting of biodiversity and sustainable beauty.
NAVY PIER WELCOME PAVILION
Chicago, Illinois | 2017-2018 Working with Gensler to realize James Corner Field Operation’s (JCFO’s) vision for the Peoples Gas Welcome Pavilion site as part of the wider ‘Pierscape’ renovations, TGDA designed the landscape components of the Peoples Gas Welcome Pavilion that serve as the centralized information hub and cafe for the Navy Pier Campus. The building is integrated with the landscape by the design of a continuous meadow from the 1-story green roof down a slope to existing grade. This creates a highly-visible, open, native and adaptive meadow that seamlessly connects the architecture with the landscape while mitigating stormwater runoff and promoting biodiversity at Navy Pier. The project demanded a high-level of design and technical capabilities as the team developed a continuous meadow over three soil/subgrade conditions that each have a unique set of requirements. The planted areas include green roof with a 10” soil profile, a 3:1 sloped area over gravel backfill, and a bioswale/raingarden at grade. Each planting area is integrated into the next to create one comprehensive system of structure, planting, and drainage. TGDA, along with TGDA Consultant Plantsman Roy Diblik, developed the extensive plant palette to meet JCFO design intentions of highlighting a welcoming native & adaptive meadow on a tilted plane that creates a hierarchy of landscape above architecture.
NAVY PIER PIERSCAPE
Chicago, Illinois | 2012-2018 TGDA was part of the winning team with James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) for the Navy Pier “Pierscape” international design competition. In conjunction with its centennial, the goal of the competition was to develop a refreshed vision for Navy Pier and improve existing assets and infrastructure while evolving the grandeur of the visitor experience and the Pier’s attractions. Following three competition rounds over several months, Navy Pier selected the JCFO team and preliminary work to solidify redevelopment plans began in 2012. As part of the JCFO team, TGDA serves as the local landscape architect, providing expertise on items such as local history, City of Chicago regulations and permitting, site review, document production, horticultural challenges, and utility coordination for long-term planting conditions. TGDA, along with TGDA Consultant Plantsman Roy Diblik, developed the plant palette to meet JCFO design intentions. In later project stages, TGDA played a key role in assisting JCFO with construction administration and planting installation through document review and on-site coordination with subcontractors.
THE IRIE COAST
Montego Bay, JAMAICA | 2014-15 The Irie Coast is a Master of Urban Design Thesis proposal for the city of Montego Bay Jamaica. The project itself evolved out of the discourse of: How can urban design can save the ocean? What has been discovered thus far is that urban design and cities have a tremendous impact on and are highly dependent upon the health of the ocean. The larger objective of the thesis is to justify why urban designers should and how they can begin to be more marine conscious in regards to the design and planning of cities, particularly in coastal settings. Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean’s leading tourist destinations and, largely as a result of this, has one of the most threatened near-shore coral reef ecosystems in the region. Natural and anthropogenic forces over many years have combined to inflict a deadly blow on this extremely valuable resource of the city. The 800 acer master plan reduces Montego Bay’s risk of Climate Change related hazards by implementing a symbiotic layered system of green and blue infrastructure. Acting as a ecological connector the design links the estuary to the rain forest and urban areas to the marine environment. The marine Blue Belts and green Coastal Ribbon work together to increase Montego Bay’s coastal resiliency to climate change, preserve the cities existing program and assets, and contribute to the city’s cultural identity of place. Along with the protective aspects of the infrastructure, Montego Bay further benefits through the introduction of an intricate network of public spaces that serve as new cultural hubs of activity. The coastal ribbon seeks to further connect humans to nature by providing a variety of opportunities for humans to interact with Montego Bay’s unique ecologies.
Diagram of Inner-Species Relationship Each plant and animal species is dependent on a wide array of other species for survival. The principle is utilized to promote reef and wetland habitat restoration simultaneously.
Regional Strategy
The strategy lays framework to grow beyond the proposed site boundaries. Suggesting the city develop a continuous the proposal has potential and is recommended to go beyond proposed site boundaries.
Regional Recommendations
• Continuous recreational river routes connect the estuary to the rain forest and urban areas to the river, while swale planting improves urban quality and local identity • Stormwater swales in street for infiltration and water storage • Safety thresholds with sluices compartment safety regimes and create water retention areas • Ecological recovery towards a continuous ecological structure with a variety of gradients, due to openable sluices, fish ladders, and recovered riparian zones • Aquaphillic urban redevelopments/ adaptations; affordable & flood-proof development on mounds, stilts or floatable
Regional Inventory and Analysis ARCgis Mapping
0’
1000’
2000’
8000’
A Continuous Blue and Green Network
Distinct Regions Of The Plan
Canopy and Maritime Re-forestation
Marine Master Plan Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=500’) As a functional buffer the proposed urban strategy integrates vital infrastructure such as food production, water remediation, and brings cultural significance to the urban context through an unique and regional hybrid landscape providing access to the natural world.
AQUATIC HABITAT PRESERVED AND RESTORED MANGROVE FORESTS SALT MARSHLAND BEACH MEADOW PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FIELD ACTIVE RECREATIONAL LAWN DUNES AND COASTAL THICKET SUCESSIONAL SCRUB FORESTED WETLAND DEEP WATER MARSH PROPOSED CANOPY AND MARITIME RE-FORESTATION EXISTING CANOPY AND MARITIME RE-FORESTATION
Design for Ecological Connectivity
Irie Coast is a ecological ‘connector’; linking the estuary to the rain forest and urban areas to the marine environment. Canopy cover is utilized to increase the friction in the water cycle. Mitigating sedimentation and promoting biodiversity.
Circulation Focused On Connectivity
A variety of paths and trails allow for extensive pedestrian movement and increased access to all aspects of the coastal environment.
Site Section
This diagram identifies the existing and proposed program of the coast and proposed opportunities. All of Montego Bay’s existing diversity of culturally rich programing has been refreshed and preserved.
SYSTEMATIC RESILIENCY
discharge
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DEFEND- PROGRAMMED HARD AND SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COASTAL DEFENSE
LA N ET
PU M STA PING TIO N
ER FLO W
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DW EER E GIN
DE EP OC EA N
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OU T
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TA IN DE TER COA RA STA CE D E L RIB CO BO LO N/ LO GIE GIC S AL DE TEN T BA ION SIN S CIS TER NS BIO
DE LA Y MA RIT IM RE E F STO OR RA EST TIO N BIO -SW AL WA ES TER SH ED SLIP SE
TY PO LO GIE S PLO YA BL EF LO WA OD LLS RO CK BU Y SH LK HE ORE AD S
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OC FR EAN IND EX GIN PO G R SED BT EEF ID S AN AL F D P RIN AT WE CH DGIN TLA RE G ND EFS RE STO RA TIO N
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DIFFUSE- ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RISK REDUCTION
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The transect depicts how Montego Bay can implement a layered system of symbiotic green and blue infrastructures to stave off climate change. The design is projective and therefore ever evolving and ever changing its form. Areas of interest have been defined and highlighted in transect and perspective renderings to further describe the sense of places that is being created and programmatic opportunities of engagement for various users. These replicapcable innovations can help guide other Caribbean coastal cities towards a more sustainable future as well.
detain
Preserving And Diversifying The Program
DELAY- URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SLOW RAINWATER RUNOFF DETAIN- A CIRCUIT OF INTERCONNECTED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TO STORE AND DIRECT EXCESS WATER DISCHARGE- ENGINEERED WETLAND WATER FILTRATION
defend
diffuse
Wetland Restoration
Coastal wetlands can absorb surge waters and reduce wave impacts within coastal communities. Severely reduced from their historic footprint, these valuable ecologies are threatened by coastal development, erosion, and sea level rise inundation. Sediment replacement and nourishment strategies are to monitored and continually adapted over time to maintain and expand the protective ecological infrastructure. Dredge material accumulated over time and from the development of the Coral Detour is proposed to in-fill the foundation of wetlands being created and nourishment of existing wetlands.
Coastal Ribbon / Terraced Ecologies
Rocky bulkhead shores are a common strategy of coastal defense throughout the Caribbean, in Montego Bay the majority of the region’s seawall and bulkhead infrastructures are ecologically damaging, limiting to human and marine ecological interaction, and/or were destroyed or structurally impaired within the last three years of tropical storms. The coastal ribbon is a absorptive terraced edge and designed to mimic the native coastal ecologies of the area. The predominate ecologies of the coastal ribbon include but are not limited to the following: lagoons, mangrove forests, marine cays, barrier islands, dunes, forested wetlands, saltwater marshes, maritime forests, terraced edges, ocean exposed fringing reefs, and sub tidal patch reefs.
Urban -Marine interaction pier and Sea-wall strategy for the waterfront promenade.
Sea-Wall Typologies
In the urban context even small-expansions of the typical vertical bulkhead rocky shores can provide opportunities to diversify and increase the amount and accuracy of the city’s urban ecology. These absorptive edges have been proven to biologically grow structural strength with time. Along with safeguarding the coast the systematic layering of ecologies further provides Montego Bay with an array of real visceral experiences and opportunities to engage with the marine environment.
Urban habitat providing DEPLOYABLE Sea-wall strategy for thicker sites allowing for nature tidal dynamics to take place.
Urban habitat providing Sea-wall strategy for thicker sites including terraced water planting beds and below pavement cisterns.
Urban habitat providing Sea-wall strategy for thicker sites including terraced water planting beds and below pavement cisterns.
The Blue Belts
The diffusing reefs were designed and located based upon the research obtained from John Knowles at the Jamaican Nature Conservancy and generalized theories. Moving forward with the project more accurate data should be obtained and environmental modeling should be preformed to maximize the strategies efficiency. The location of the proposed interventions was guided by the three principle functions they preform. Environmental inventory and analysis identified where conditions were defined to be ideal. The strategies only diffuse the treats of climate change by reducing wave hight and velocity, they do not keep water out. This new partnership allows for nature to be on the front line of coastal defense. Absorbing the brute of the force and self regenerating it’s self. This will dramatically reduce the continually capital the city devotes to infrastructure with time. With the initial investments in reef restoration and creation cost on average thousands of dollars less than traditional means of mitigation.
OCEAN EXPOSED FRINGING REEFS
SUB-TIDAL PATCH REEFS
The Coral Explorer
The Coral Explorer allows for visitors to visually connect with the marine environment. the building sits one piers that have a biological concrete foundation that in time will grow reefs. An artificial reef and the coral farms each sit in view of the bottom portal of the structure. Guest can ascend the structure as well to over the estuary from a elevated vantage point. The coral explorer also hosts a nature center where visitors can engage in marine conservation and stewardship focused programs including but not limited to: guided walking tours, large events, group clean up efforts, lectures and demonstrations, tours and interact with the staff.
DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION
depicts the deployable slurry wall enabling the auditorium to collect and retain water in the event of a natural disaster
DESIGN PROCESS SKETCHES
ELEVATED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE of the wetlands oriented to highlight the relationship to the urban environment.
SUBMERGED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE of the Coral Explorer’s artificial reefs where visitors give the opportunity to viscerally connect with the local marine environment.
Water level view of the underwater sculpture garden depicting the public beach and the array of marine recreational opportunities.
View of the Humpback’s Bay Nature trails and proposed eco-tourism opportunities.
View of The Sea Pools at the proposed Montegobay Eco-campus.
View of the Restored Bogue Village La
Render of the Bogue Village sustainable fishery and demonstration facility.
agoon from the Humpback’s Bay Eco-Center and Kayak launch.
Zipping to the Sea point on view render depicting the zip line approach to the floating class room.
View of the water front promenade highlighting the urban context of the proposal.
View of the demonstration pier and touch pool at the proposed Montegobay’s Eco-Campus.
Perspective view of the public playgrounds geared to evoke the youths marine curiosity conscious.
DELTA URBANISM
New Orleans, Louisiana | 2014 The rising sea levels, increased intensity and frequency of storms and floods will be the challenge par excellence for coastal cities across the globe. The main goal was to eliminate the distinction between built and natural ecosystems; instead, addressing them both as components of the environment. By doing so the methodology places the design of a sustainable built ecosystem at the core of its values. The approach is unconventional in the sense that it mimics the natural wetland ecosystem. Discovering that the most sustainable ecosystems are those that are the most diverse in function lead us to embrace diversity in all areas, be it ecological, economical or sociological. The design employs a new depth of biomimetics based on the assumption that all factors in an ecosystem are links in a circular chain, be it urban or natural. The sustainable master plan transforms the Upper Ninth Ward into a functioning water mitigation and storage system. This model could remedy the present and future issues facing similar coastal cities facing the inevitability of changing circumstances brought on by climate change.
Lead Concentration Sectional Study
Flood Plane
Flood Damages Sectional Study
Flood depth
1 8 3 9
1 8 7 0
1 9 9 3
2 0 2 0
Lead Concentration
Existing Storm Water Infrastructure
Wetland Loss
Subsidence Threat
Existing Stormwater Infrastructure Sectional Study
Portrait Analysis economic strength urban form diversity
Existing Urban Ecosystem Economy
The main regulator in an ecosystem is its apex predator. In the Upper Ninth Ward this role is filled by capitalism and it is failing. Its inequities cascade down to all other layers.
apex predator land use
Material Infrastructure social diversity permeability
biodiversity topography
Many of these problems manifest themselves in the built environment. Too much of the surface is non-porous. The presence of water is the only constant in this ecosystem.
Communities New Orleanians pride themselves with the strength of their communities. The issues of the higher layers take their toll on the identity of these neighborhoods.
subsurface
Composite Portrait
MATERIAL CYCLES
cultural assets
carnivore
omnivore
Access and Mobility The movement of elements and energy play a central role in the physical form of any ecosystem. Many of the surfaces in this area attempt to serve that purpose.
herbivore
Landscape The natural mural is the starting point for all activities in the ecosystem. Changing its traits have been the fruits of mankind’s labors since its inception.
vegetation
Proposed Urban Ecosystem Economy
Material Infrastructure
The urban packing vary in this proposal. Between the main corridors medium-rise high-density buildings are home to office space, stores and dwelling units alike.
Communities
BOTTOM UP DESIGN APPROACH
Civil structures and urban spaces strengthen the neighborhood. A large public building serves multiple functions, from communication to disaster shelter.
Access and Mobility
Rain and flood water is cycled through a series of bioswales into the retention basin. The revitalized wetland greatly increases evapotranspiration. Excess water is drained off site.
Landscape
The new urban ecosystem is prepared for flooding and also the rise in sea level. Alternative energy, green roofs and vegetation infill ensure life with nature and not against it.
ography current top
projected sea level rise
TOP DOWN SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS
In this model economic feasibility meets sustainability. A flexible market space sells locally grown produce. Adjacent street corridors become hubs of economic activity. The industry of Eco-Tourism is introduced.
DESIGN VISUALIZATION
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=350’)
Wetlands Perspective
Commercial Infill Perspective
Vertical Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program
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Horizontal Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program
URBAN SKETCHING
United States of America | Current These quick (20-60mins) sketches were each done on-location within the last year. The drawing process is utilized to gain understanding, insight and at times inspiration. The lessons learned serve as the foundation for my design process. Using a pen to analyze the built environment helps me to imagine, draw and design the future. Drawing is a skill and Urban Sketching is how I practice. My passion for art and inspiring others led me to join Urban Sketchers Chicago where I annually teach hundreds of students at local sketching events and serves as a member of the internationally curated uskChicago Urban Sketching Seminar faculty. My nationally accredited (LA CES/HSW) drawing lectures and workshops have been hosted across the nation by multiple universities, ASLA and AIA state chapters, and at the ASLA national convention.
DIGITAL PROTOTYPING Savannah, Georgia | 2015
This project was designed and modeled in Rhino 3d. The design depicts a pavilion composed of various contemporary forms and surface geometries. Learning this tool has opened my eyes to the seemingly limitless possibilities of surface architecture and furthered my understanding in the language of contemporary design by studying/ looking to the arts for inspiration.
EYES OF THE WORLD Lexington, Kentucky | 2013
Eyes of the World is a 15’ x 8’ spray paint mural that I painted for The Learning Center at Linleee. The Learning Center is a specially designed program that serves students in grades 7-12 who thrive non-traditional more hands-on school setting. The faculty’s goals for the mural were for it to be interactive with the students, and to mirror the school’s mission: getting kids to be blind to the grays in their life and to see the color around them. From here I worked with the faculty and developed conceptual sketches until a design was accepted. Painting began by laying the base coats of paint on the wall that, after dried, were abstracted by the students under my supervision. Once dried, I then spray painted the gray scaled eye abstractions on top of student abstracted background.
“3 x 1 = 1”
Lexington, Kentucky | 2013 “3 x 1 = 1” is a wall mural competition winning entry that I designed and collaboratively built with Jon Morris (professional metal sculptor). The competition was for wall murals that were themed around inspiration. I began by researching people who have inspired me throughout my life. In doing so I discovered that each of these people did so by breaking from normality. They each accredited these breakthroughs to being achieved by first balancing themselves. The concept of inspiration I then defined as being something only achievable through the balancing of one’s self. The piece compositionally is an abstraction of the balance present in a mind, body and spirit Venn diagram. The combination of three different materials into parts allowed the piece to visually play on said balance. The piece also breaks normality by being a mural comprised of sculpture and shadow, as opposed to traditionally two dimensional mediums.
“Lunch with Mr. White” (2012) 36”x48” Oil Painting
“The Thinkers” (2010) 36”x48” Graphite Drawing
Aaron Christopher Elswick, ASLA, SITES AP 267.608.4570 acelsw2@gmail.com