Aaron Christopher Elswick URBAN DESIGN + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
“
....cities are works of civic art. True sustainability is attained not just through state of the art environmental design and development best practices, but through means that help ensure social, cultural and economic sustainability as well. Daniel Burnham
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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 first-hand 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 an intern and/or entry level designer.
-Aaron Christopher Elswick
“
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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein
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 nearshore 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 rainforest 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 Inventory and Analysis ARCgis Mapping
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 rainforest 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
PRESERVE
CONNECT
ADAPT
• CORAL FARM • ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
• CORAL DETOUR • ARTIFICIAL REEF IN-FILL
• CORAL FARM • ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
t>
8000’ 4000 ft
or
2000’ 1000ft
Ai
4 GO CARTS
2
PUBLIC BEACH
3
AQUA SOL THEME PARK
41 NATURE CENTER
68 SAV RESTORATION
42 THE CORAL EXPLORER
A Continuous Blue and Green Network
Organizing principles
MIRANDA HILL
69 OUTDOOR CLASS ROOM
The design is organized by three primary organizing systems: program, habitat, and circulation
43 MARINE CAY BOARDWALK
70 WETLANDS TRAIL
4 WATER SPORTS CENTER
44 WETLAND RESTORATION
71 WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
5 MARGARIATVILLE
45 CORAL FARM
72 ECO-FARM AND STABLES
6 PUBLIC BEACH
46 ADVENTURE CENTER
73 KAYAK LAUNCH
7 MONTEGO BAY REGGAE FESTIVAL LOCATION
47 PROTECTED CALM WATER
74 AMPHIBIOUS EQUINE TRAILS
8 MARINE PLAYGROUND
48 FISHERY
75 DEMONSTRATION PIER
9 PUBLIC PLAZA
49 CORAL FARM
76 RECREATIONAL SOCCER FIELD
10 DUMP UP BEACH
50 BLUE BELTS RESEARCH CENTER
77 ECO-CAMPUS
11 ART WALK
51 ECO-CENTER
78 ZIP LINE
PRESERVING AND DIVERSIFYING THE PROGRAM
6
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.
5
12 SHIPPING LANE
52 FLOATING CLASSROOM
79 BIOLOGICAL RETENTION
53 HUMPBACKS BAY SOUNDSCAPE
80 PLAYGROUND AND WATER PLAY AREA
54 BIRD BLIND
81 LAZY RIVER
16 MONTEGO BAY MARINE PROTECTED AREA OFFICE
55 NO ANCHOR FLOATING DOCK
82 NATURAL POOLS
17 SOCIAL MARINA
56 ENGINEERED WETLAND TREATMENT PONDS
83 CRICKET PITCH
18 CRUISE PORT
57 ECO-TOURISM LAUNCH
84 SEA WATER GREEN HOUSES AND DEMONSTRATION CENTER
19 FISHING PIER
58 AQUACULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE
85 BIOLOGICAL STORMWATER RETENTION
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
7
60 LOOK OUT PIER 61 SEA BIRD NESTING AND ROOSTING
EXISTING REEF PASS •
North
9
14
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • PLANNED HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT •
Gully
23 CATHRINE HALL SOCCER FILED
62 SNORKELING
24 PUBLIC BEACH
63 CORAL SCULPTURE GARDEN 64 MANGROVE KAYAK TRAILS
8
26 LOOK OUT
65 OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING
27 BOB MARLEY CENTER
66 CANOPY TOURS
28 PUBLIC PARK
67 LIFE GUARD STAND
CATHERINE HALL
MONTEGO BAY OIL TERMINAL
DOWNTOWN MONTEGO BAY
11
Distinct Regions Of The Plan
39
18 17
RESORT •
EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE •
South
EXISTING PATCH REEF •
MONTEGO BAY FREEZONE
INDUSTRIAL ZONE
TORBAY
BOGUE VILLAGE W.T.P •
S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS •
DIVING ATTRACTION •
Gully
• MARINE ESTUARY •
TIDAL FLATS •
16
CEM
BOGUE VIL
29 OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
READING
31 PICNIC AND WATER PLAY AREA
19
32 BARNETT RIVER DELTA BOARDWALK 33 WATER FOWL HABITAT OBSERVATION
GOVERNMENT BUILDING •
BOGUE HEIGHTS
WARRET PARK
20
22
34 POLICE STATION
RESORT •
CIRCULATION FOCUSED ON CONNECTIVITY
35 CRUISE PORT
A variety of paths and trails allow for extensive pedestrian movement and increased access to all aspects of the coastal environment.
21
36 PORT AUTHORITY
y Jamaica Railwa
37 PORT VISITORS CENTER
23
38 FREE PORT SHOPPING CENTER 39 PUBLIC TRANSIT STATION
M
26
te on go
44
28
Montego Bay River
27
32
31
29
CATHERINE HALL rd Co Ho wa
37
oke Hw
MONTEGO BAY OIL TERMINAL
35
WESTGATE
y
33
34 39
y Jamaica Railwa
36
er iv
30
yR Ba
40 WETLAND NATURE WALK
38
mire Dr Elder Alice
Alice Eldermire Dr
Barn
ett
41
49
MONTEGO BAY INDUSTRIAL ZONE
40
42
THE LAGOONS
Rive
r
Canopy and Maritime Re-forestation
LOBSTER
BLUEFISH BUTTERFISH
d tR
Ali ce
ee
rn
Ba Eld
erm
ire D
SCUP r
82
43
BLACK SEA BASS
TORBAY ett
rn er Riv
39
44
66
78
47
DESIGN FOR ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY
Ba
46 57
Irie Coast is a ecological ‘connector’; linking the estuary to the rain forest and urban areas to the marine environment.
TAUTOG
AQUATIC HABITAT
48
PRESERVED AND RESTORED MANGROVE FORESTS 0
5
10
SALT MARSHLAND BEACH Jam aica
56
ay Railw
55 40 CC
61
EA
60
62
MEADOW PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FIELD ACTIVE RECREATIONAL LAWN
Marine Master Plan DUNES AND COASTAL THICKET
63
65 64
59
69
52
SUCESSIONAL SCRUB
Bogu e Rd
68
FORESTED WETLAND
53
DEEP WATER MARSH PROPOSED CANOPY AND MARITIME RE-FORESTATION
67 73
Rd
(original design scale 1”=500’) READING 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.
EXISTING CANOPY AND MARITIME FOREST
80
75
82 Bogue
76
54
72
74
Illustrative Master Plan
• TOURIST • BOG
BOGUE VILLAGE W.T.F • EXISTING PATCH REEF • S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS • TOURIST RETAIL COMPLEX EXISTING PATCH REEF • OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING SITE • S.A.V AND PATCH REEFS • • DINNING FORESTED WETLAND • SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • MARINE CAY • • DINNING EXISTING PATCH REEF • • TOURIST A SEA GRASS BED • MARINE CAY • WETLANDS • • DINNING LOOK OUT • • SHOPPING MANGROVE FOREST • SEA GRASS BED • SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • • LOCAL RETA WATER FOWL NESTING AND ROOSTING • MANGROVE FOREST • • BOGUE VILLAG EXISTING BERM • WETLANDS • • MANGROVE FOREST SALT MARSH • RIVER DELTA • RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION • • MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY • RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION • TOURIST DESTINATION • • FORESTED WETLAND SHOPPING • MVP STEAK HOUSE • • MANGROVE FOREST RED STRIPE BREWERY • • MARITIME FOREST/ CANOPY RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION • RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION •
30 WATER TAXI STATION
< LU
W
BOAT LAUNCH
• RELIGIOUS RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION • SPORT FIELDS • MONTEGO BAY RIVER DELTA • • GROCERY MANGROVES • WETLANDS • • LOOK OUT SHIPPING LANE • BOB MARLEY CENTRE• ROCKY BULKHEAD SHORE • • BARNETT RIVER DELTA CATHERIN HALL PRIMARY EXISTING OPEN SPACE • • OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE CARIBBEAN INSTITUTE • • RELIGIOUS • EVENT SPACE OF TECHNOLOGY MANGROVES • WETLANDS • RESORT • • MONTEGO SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • • WATER FOWL NESTING AND ROOSTING BAY CRUISE PORT • • OVER WINTER BIRD NESTING SITE RESORT • CRUISE SHORE EXCURSIONS JAMAICA • INDUSTRIAL • • MEGA MART RESORT • PORT AUTHORITY • PORT PLANNED PRIVATE COMMUNITY • • FREE PORT SHOPPING FACILITY RESORT • • POLICE STATION EXISTING REEF PASS • • CATHERINE HAL • MARGARITAVILLE WETLANDS • EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • RESORT • • MONTEGO BAY COMMUNITY MANGROVES • • DEMO VACANT LOT MANGROVES • LOOK OUT • • DEMO VACANT LOT RESORT • MARINE CAY • LOCAL RETAIL • MARINE CAY • FAIRVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE• • HERBERT M THE LAGOONS PRIVATE COMMUNITY • PLANNED RESORT DEVELOPMENT • RESORT • PLANNED RESORT DEVELOPMENT • RESORT • SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • RESORT • RESORT • EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • RESORT • YACHT CLUB • RESORT •
15
25 BOB MARLEY CENTER
• TAXI STAND • DINNING • RELIGIOUS INSTITU • LIBRARY • DINNING DOW SAM SHARPE SQUARE • • SHOPPING MONT TAX OFFICE • COMMERCIAL CRUISE PORT • • DINNING GOVERNMENT BUILDING • • HARBOUR STREET CRA • RELIGIOUS INST MONTEGO BAY MPA’S OFFICE • • TRANSIT CENTRE DOCK SIDE DINNING • • POLICE STATION SOCIAL MARINA • BOAT LAUNCH • • ROS •C SOUTH GULLY RIVER DELTA • P WETLANDS • • FIRE STATION MANGROVES • FISHING PIER • • MONTEGO BA SHIPPING LANE • RIVER BAY FISHING VILLAGE • •
CANTERBURY 10
PUBLIC BEACH • EVENT SPACE •
DUMP UP BEACH • ROCKY BULKHEAD SHORE •
• DREDGED FUNNEL •
59 SCUBA DIVING
22 BOAT LAUNCH
NEW
CANTERBURY
1
6
12
RED HILLS
MIRANDA HILL
• TOURIST DESTINATION EXISTING PUBLIC PARK • • SHOPPING PUBLIC BEACH • • RESORT SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • • SHOPPING • RESORT EXISTING REEF INFRASTRUCTURE • HIP STRIP • • DINNING • RESORT AQUA SOL THEME-PARK • • GO CARTS WATER SPORTS • PUBLIC PARK •
3
14 CORAL DETOUR
21 RECREATIONAL BOATING LANE
FISHING PIER • • RESORT SHOPPING • • RESORT DINNING • • DINNING WATER SPORTS • • RESORT RESORT • • RESORT SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACH • • DINNING RESORT • MARGARITAVILLE • • RESORT RESORT • • HOSTPITAL
NEW MARKET
15 AQUARIUM PLAZA
20 RIVER BAY FISHING VILLAGE (ELEVATED
RED HILLS
Howard Cooke Hwy
1
rp
The Queens Dr
1000’ 500 ft
Sunset Blvd
00’
85
71
81
Retirement
River
77
WAVES 44
32 33
85 84
83 85
BOGUE VILLAGE e Bogu
Rd
Bog
ue
Sp
rin
gR
BOGUE HEIGHTS
iver
15
20
25
30 CM
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
delay
AR GE
DEFEND- PROGRAMMED HARD AND SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COASTAL DEFENSE
LA N ET
PU M STA PING TIO N
ER FLO W
OV
DW EER E GIN
DE EP OC EA N
EN
OU T
DS
FA LL
DIS
CH
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
WA LL
DE
SEA
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
DIF
FU
DE FE ND
SE
DIFFUSE- ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RISK REDUCTION
SU
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 regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Exploreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artifical reefs where visitors give the oppertunity 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 Humpbackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Humpbackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Montegobayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eco-Campus.
Perspective view of the public playgrounds geared to evoke the youths marine curiosity conscious.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
An artist paints, dances, draws, writes, designs, or acts at the expanding edge of consciousness. We press into the unknown rather than the known. This makes life lovely and lively. Julia Cameron
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UK HYDRO-THERAPY CENTER MASTER PLAN Lexington, Kentucky | 2013
Revit
Interior Render of Facilities Main Entrance
This projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose was to experience the theory and practicum of the construction documentation process in landscape architecture. This included site design, site engineering, implementation, and commonly utilized standards. The final product entailed base information, design plan, contract document set, and technical calculations. The design includes: public art display areas, earth works berms, bio-swales, rain gardens, an Olympic lap pool, aqua-jogging pool, kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool and play area, observation deck, jogging trail, service area, parking, and the main structure with adjacent outdoor meeting area, which is all enclosed by a security fence.
Revit
Exterior Render of Main Entry Sequence
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1â&#x20AC;?=20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;)
Layout Plan
All dimensions are systematically located by two center points and radiate outwards on 5 and 10 ft intervals.
Grading Plan
The re-grading of the site implements a sustainable water management system of bioswales and rain gardens.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
To truly make good public space, you have to erase the distinctions between architecture, urbanism, landscape, [and] media design. Liz Diller
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MASHVILLE
Nashville, Tennessee | 2014 This entry for the Two Worlds Ecological Competition sought to predict economic and ecological futures for mid-size American cities. A brownfield site along Nashville River was selected, as it contained many challenges of urban infrastructure, contamination, and vulnerability to flooding and sea level rise. Flexible space indoor and outdoors was paramount, with live/work typologies accompanying an environmentally focused program. Future systems of delivery and transport were imagined as a spine for various forms of connectivity.
Building Character Zones
Hardscape Types and Program
Storm Water Management
The Spine Perspective Landscape Types and Program
Pedestrian and Bicycle Connection
Diagrammatic Site Plan
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1â&#x20AC;?=100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;)
Hub+Arterial Delivery
Energy
Storm Water Collection + Reuse
Energy Facility
Energy Harnessing
Staged wetlands recycle greywater Order placed
Hub
Hub ships item
Item received via evacuated transport
Geothermal heat/cool
Wave Energy Technology
Historical Analysis of Trends in The Work Place
Cottage
Hub
Factory
Home
Assembly line
highway/pedestrian plaza
New Cottage
live/work residential
Unmanned
Upper Floors Live
Home
wetland
Ground Floor Work
Shops
Future Home
live/work residential
Workshop
Render of Modular Live Work Residential Units and Community
New costs
wetland
flexible hardscape
bikeway connection
Above Left
Wetlands and Flexible Landscape Perspective
Below Left Flexible Hardscape Perspective
Right
Natural Pools and Waterfront Perspective
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people. Leo Burnett
â&#x20AC;?
SUPER BLOCK REINCARNATION
Savannah, Georgia | 2013 This project was an urban infill and adaptive reuse design for Savannah’s Civic Center, done in conjunction with relocation of the existing arena occupying half of the building. The concept was to develop an identity for the site by embracing its current solitary presence as Savannah’s only super block. Capitalizing on these unique opportunities timelessly ferments the site into Savannah’s environment. An Aquarium reuses the arena structure and serves as the site’s main draw. Permanent and temporary public art displays line the pedestrian circulation, and allow the site’s new identity to evolve. A central pedestrian axis from the SCAD Museum of Art to New Orleans Square breaks apart the super block and increases the site’s accessibility. Green roofs, roof top gardens, bio-swales and rain gardens improve the ecological environment and aesthetics of the site.
Axonometric Perspective
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=50’)
Vertical Site Section Elevation (original design scale 1”=50’)
Mixed-use Infill Exterior Perspective
Streetscape Section
Details the new stormwater management system, public art display, seating area, and the sites relationship to the adjacent boulevard
Mixed-use Infill Section
Depicts the necessary spatial requirements of proposed mixed-use infill, the semi-private roof-top garden, and the diversity of prospective units
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
You could look at nature as being like a catalog of products, and all of those have benefited from 3.8-billion-yearsof research and development. Michael Pawlyn
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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 Infastructure 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 mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1â&#x20AC;?=350â&#x20AC;&#x2122;)
Wetlands Perspective
Commercial Infill Perspective
Vertical Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program
Horizontal Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program
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I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. Albert Einstein
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DIGITAL PROTOTYPING Savannah, Georgia | 2015
This project was designed and modeled in Rhino 3d. The design depicts a pavillion 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.
URBAN SKETCHING
United States of America | 2014-15 These quick (20-60mins) sketches were each done on-location within the laster year. While drawing on location from direct observation, I am viewing the past or what already exists. The drawing process is utalized to gain understanding, insight and at times inspiration. The lessons learned serve as the foundation for my design process. Using a pen to analyse the built environment helps me to imagine, draw and design the future.
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
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I do not merely wish to be considered the best of the best at what I do; I desire to be considered the only one who does what I do. Jerry Garcia
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objective Seeking a Urban Design internship to accommodate required experience of becoming a registered landscape architect, that utilizes knowledge and experience in the place making of functional, attractive, and sustainable places.
education
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | SAVANNAH, GA Masters of Architecture Urban Design degree expected in 2016
CURRICULUM VITAE
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY | LEXINGTON, KY Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture degree received in 2012
Software Skills: Adobe CC, Rhino 3d, AutoCad 14’, 3dsMax Design 14’, Revit, Sketchup Pro, ARC Map, Microsoft Office 08’
awards
DESIGN WORK SHOP’S DESIGN WEEK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, APRIL 17-21, 2012 individual award: Outstanding Academic Exploration as Team Leader team award: Best Concept
community contributions
SUMMER 2014 | CONFERENCE ON ECOLOGICAL +ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION | NEW ORLEANS, LA Selected international speaker and will be presenting the biomimetic design process implemented in the sustainable master plan and design project “Delta Urbanism”.
SPRING 2013 | LEARNING CENTER AT LINLEE SERVICE PROJECT | LEXINGTON, KY Met with school faculty and student body, supervised a background abstraction with students, designed and painted a 15’ x 6’ mural.
SPRING 2013 | UK 100: LIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN | LEXINGTON, KY Lectured findings of independent research pertaining to combinatorial creativity.
professional experience
SPRING 2015 | SCAD: GRAPHICS FOR BUILDING ARTS STUDIO PROFESSOR INTERN | SAVANNAH, GA Lectured and conducted studio projects that examined the language of three-dimensional form and deal with a wide range of analysis and representation of form, including mechanical drawing, freehand sketching and various means of rendering.
SUMMER 2014 | TERRY GUEN DESIGN ASSOCIATES URBAN DESIGN INTERN | CHICAGO, IL Worked as Studio Gang’s landscape consultant for the master plan of the University of Chicago’s Campus North, personally was responsible for the design and Rhino model of two rooftop courtyard gardens, grading, soils, planting, furnishing, and paving bid document plans, attended progress update meetings at SGA. Verified construction implementations, staked out design altercations, and tagged trees working as lead consultant on Field Operations’ Navy Pier Renovations and Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates’ Maggie Daley Park.
SUMMER 2013 | AMERICAN GARDENS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERN | ELMHURST, IL Designed residential landscapes and urban annual arrangements, produced grading and drainage drawings, supervised residential landscape and hardscape installations, client presentation and public relations
SUMMER
2012
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ROBERT
JENDRA
STUDIO
GRAPHIC
DESIGNER
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CHICAGO,
Designed: menu layout, logo, and flyers for Cocoro Japanese Steak House; produced assorted flyers and business banners. Digitally enhanced photographs, conducted photo shoots, custom framed images, water colors, and oil paintings for commission
IL
SUMMER 2012 | THE LANNERT GROUP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERN | GENEVA, IL Designed and hand rendered waste transfer sites, produced technical drawings on AutoCad for multiple projects, attended public and private meetings, formatted Powerpoint presentations and proposed design ideas for large scale landfill reclamation proposals
hobbies TRAVEL: Lived and worked in 8 cities, Visited the Caribbean multiple times , Traveled the USA extensively ART: Oil paints, water color, guache paint, spray paint, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal, graphite, prisma color, marker, pen and ink, graphic/digital, mixed mediums, and tattoo design RECREATION: Guitar, golf, snowboarding, rock climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, and longboarding
Aaron Christopher Elswick, ASLA Master of Urban Design, Landscape Architect SCAD School of Building Arts Savannah College of Art and Design速 Tel: 267.608.4570 acelsw2@gmail.com (primary e-mail) aelswi20@student.scad.edu | www.scad.edu