a a ro n j. acker man selected works / 2017
about This book is progress statement of my pursuit of a graduate degree in landscape architecture. It represents my creative process, design flexibility, technical skill, and evolution as a student. Merging my background in urban and environmental planning with design, these works exemplify a comprehensive understanding of the physical and cultural processes that shape environments and envision creative design solutions that realize the complexities of the modern landscape. Works were chosen that communicate design solutions driven by both analytical procedure and artistic narrative in varying scales and contexts.
Aaron J. Ackerman ackerman.aaron@gmail.com
contents 02
01
desertwash
reclaiming the
river edge
SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION + PLANTING PLAN
COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE + REGIONAL SPORTS PARK
[p.3]
[p.9]
03
04
rethinking the bench
harada house
BENCH DESIGN + BUILD
LANDSCAPE REHABILITATION + VISITOR CENTER
[p.17]
[p.21]
05
public good(s)
resumé
A HEALTHY GOODS MOVEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE LOS ANGELES PORT [p.25]
[p.34]
3 / DE SE RT W ASH
01
wash SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION & PLANTING PLAN SCIENCE COURTYARD, CAL POLY POMONA SPRING 2015 ocated on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, the sciences courtyard is a half-acre intimate space encased on all sides by classroom facilities. Generally underused, the current courtyard primarily functions as a space funneling pedestrian flow moving to and from the surrounding classroom buildings. It lacks basic elements that encourage use and comfort. Hot temperatures, lack of shade, wind, and evaporation add to the difficulties of enjoying the space.
L
The intent of the design was to re-envision the space as a landscape that could be both an amenity and a living laboratory for students and professors. Designed to imitate a desert wash, it would function as a low water landscape and demonstrate ecological drainage processes. Educational opportunities for increasing student understanding of landscape, rainwater accumulation and harvesting, and the benefits of low impact stormwater management would ultimately be achieved.
D E S E RT WAS H / 4
PLANTING PLAN A
B’
Plaza + Seating Infiltration Basin
A’
Active Mound
Hardscape Path B
0
8
16 FEET
WATER EFFICIENCY Planting design for the landscape was developed for water use efficiency, adhereing to the hydrozone model of considiring both sun exposure and plant irrigation demand. A majority of the landscape contains very low water use desert adapted plants, that perform well in the warm, dry climate of Pomona.
5 / DE SE RT WAS H
Estimated Total Water Use (ETWU) was calculated for the design based on local reference evapotranspiration rate, plant factor value, the area of each irrigation hydrozone, and irrigation efficiency. Irrigation demand in gallons per year for the landscape is as follows: Irrigation Zone 1 (7,068 sf) - 164,575 Irrigation Zone 2 (200 sf) - 5,603 Irrigation Zone 3 (300 sf) - 13,071
IRRIGATION DEMAND
MICROCLIMATE
EQUINOX SUMMER SOLSTICE WINTER SOLSTICE
FULL SUN PARTIAL FULL SHADE
partial shade
H-h20 M-h20 L-h20
sun
HYDROZONES
D E S E RT WAS H / 6
SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION The design envisions a zero runoff landscape that is capable of containing, infiltrating, and harvesting rain water of a 24 hour 50-year rain event. Average roof and surface runoff of a rain event this size would be expected to produce up to 1,270 gallons of water. Much of this water would be directed to a central infiltration basin, designed with a capacity to hold up to 1,500 gallons. Rain water filling the basin could be captured and held in a subsurface storage tank and later tapped for irrigation reuse.
SEE DETAIL CUTOUT
DRAINAGE FROM ROOF
INFILTRATION BASIN
SUBSURFACE STORAGE TANK
A B
C
D E
F G
RAINWATER HARVEST DETAIL A B C D
Roof water flushed through downspout filter Sub-surface connection pipe (gravity) Surface runoff Infiltration basin
7 / DE SE RT W ASH
E Percolation F Modular storage basin G Pumped to irrigation system
SUBSU SURFA SU UR RFACE CE WATER PI PIPE IPE P PE
Salvia chamaedryoides
Agave attenuata
Anigozanthos 'Bush Sunset'
Acacia willardiana
Juncus var.
Parkinsonia 'Desert Museum'
A
A’
Berberis 'Golden Abundance'
B
Prosopis chilensis
Dudleya var.
Agave attenuata
Parkinsonia 'Desert Museum'
Achillea millefolium
B’
B’
D E S E RT WAS H / 8
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
9 / ACK E RMAN
02
reclaiming the river
edge
OPEN SPACE & REGIONAL SPORTS PARK BAKERSFIELD, CA WINTER 2015
T
he proposed design will create a community open space and sports park with an active and accessible river edge located on 20 acres adjacent to the Kern River in Bakersfield, California. The driving theme of the design is inspired by the ecological and cultural services of the river. In addition to providing unique vegetation, wildlife habitats, and open space, the river is a major cultural and recreational corridor for the City and is a distinct riparian visual relief from the dry flat character of the Bakersfield basin. The design envisions a variety of community sports fields and a reinforced connection between the park and river. Moments of introduced channelization would split and slow river flows at the park’s edges, allowing visitors to interact and experience the water in new ways. Design throughout the park reinforces the river theme. A children’s playground would include educational water features that could mimic rise and fall of river flows. Furthermore, the proposed bike and pedestrian nature trails take on serpentine like river forms, flowing through a palette of grasses, wildflowers, and oak trees.
R EC L A I M I NG THE R IVE R E D GE / 10
1 1 / ACK E R MAN
/S
FB G/
B
S/B
/ FB
PA
N/
SIO ES NC O C
IN RK
B
B R/ /R
NIC
PIC
AMONDS (4) BASEBALL DI D & TRACK (1) EL FOOTBALL FI DS (2) SOCCER FIEL TS (4) TENNIS COUR URT (1) CO BASKETBALL S /RESTROOM CONCESSION G PARKIN CESS VEHICULAR AC PLAYGROUND PICNIC AREA BUILDING CE MAINTENAN KERN RIVER DENCES SI EXISTING RE MERCIAL M EXISTING CO CHURCH SCHOOL MTN. VIEWS RESOURCES BIOLOGICAL
L AL
BB
N/ SIO ES
L AL
FAST RIVER
NC /CO
M
M CO
VIEW S/EC OL/P ICNIC R/RE S/CH URC H/SC HOO
RIVE
ACCESSIBLE + ACTIVE RIVER L/VIE
WS/E COL
PROGRAM COMPATIBILITY R EC L A I M I NG THE R IVE R E D GE / 12
Kern River (primary)
EXISTING
RIPARIAN
1 3 / ACK E R MAN
Introduced channelized portion of the Kern River intneded to slow water flow along the parks edge, allowing a more accessible river.
C H A NNEL FU L L W I DT H
RIVER BANK
Area of fill inteded to channelize river. Planted with native riparian species. Not intended to be accessible.
INTRODUCED CHANNEL
INTRODUCED FILL
river edge scenario Re-envisioned edges along the channel bank will take on a variety of ecologically sensative, minimal form typologies, including gentle steps as shown here.
Edge Fill
Trail
Perdiodic Inundation Flood Control
Channel
Trail
Kern River (primary)
GRASS L AND
A network of pedestrian trails are envisioned for the park, providing access to natural spaces and passive recreation opporunities.
BICYCLE TRAIL
Natural landscape environemnt encouraging passive recreation and picknicking.
PROPOSED (100 YR FLOOD)
PEDESTRIAN TRAIL
PICNIC AREA
PROPOSED (NORMAL FLOW)
A regional bicycle trail spans the park’s southern boundary, connecting to and extending the City’s existing network of bicycle infrastructure.
WO O D L A ND
R EC L AI M I NG THE R IVE R E D GE / 14
pa SITE PLAN A / LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL DIAMOND B / ADULT BASEBALL DIAMOND C / SOFTBALL DIAMOND A
D / ADULT SOCCER FIELD
C
E / YOUTH SOCCER FIELD
A
F / FOOTBALL FIELD & TRACK
L
G / BASKETBALL COURT H / TENNIS COURT G
I / PLAYGROUND J / SKATE PARK K / OPEN TURF L / CONCESSION/RESTROOMS M / COMMUNITY GARDEN
H
N / PICNIC AREA
D
B
O / RE-ENVISIONED RIVER EDGE P / CHANNELIZED RIVER SEGMENT Q / PEDESTRIAN TRAIL R / BIKE TRAIL
R Q
N P
O
KERN RIVER
VEHICLE 1 5 / ACK E R MAN
PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE
I G E
M H K
J
K
F
RECREATION
OPEN SPACE/PASSIVE RECREATION R EC L A I M I NG THE R IVE R E D GE / 16
rethin 1 7 / ACK E R MAN
03
“AVA� WOOD BENCH DESIGN & BUILD SPRING 2015 his project was an assignment for our landscape construction class, and was a collaboration with first year graduate students Luis Pedraza and Kevin Maynard. The concept for our bench started off from three radically different ideas. The first idea utilized a wheelbarrow style bench; the second, was a symmetrical design with two planters bookending a seating area; and the third idea, which was the one chosen, was a simple modern style with a shelf below the seating area. Part of what is unique about this last concept was that (for the most part): all the fastening bolts which were used to connect the pieces. Also, one piece of wood was used for the entire construction (2 x 4s). The simple linear concept reflects a clean and efficient building style and presents well. The bench is sturdy and handsome and provides ample access for books or plants in a shelf area that spans its entire length.
T
In addition to assisting with the design and build of the bench, I completed the design of the booklet and photographs, which is what is illustrated in this spread. Our bench was one of five selected by the professors to be placed in the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego.
nking the h b bench R ET H I NK IN G THE BE N CH / 18
1
2 11’4” ’ 4”
1’6”
1’6” 6
5’-0””
4’5” 3
1’4”
4
1
4X4D DOUGLAS OUGLAS FIR LE LENGTH ENGTH OF THE BENC BENCH CH 55’’
2
4 X 4 DOUGLAS FIR SIDE LENGTHS 1’3/4””
3
4 X 4 DOUGLAS FIR SLATS ON SEAT 3’
4
4 X 4 DOUGLAS FIR SHELVES 4’5” NO OTE: A LL 4X4 4X4 JOINED JOINE ED BY SCREWS AND FINISHING N NAILS IN NOTE: ALL BETWEEN B ETWEEN LAYERS AS S TO NOT BE VISIBLE E
1 9 / ACK E R MAN
R ET H I NK IN G THE BE N CH / 20
EXISTING
PRESERVE/ REMOVE
FOCAL POINT
BUILDING/ LANDSCAPE HARMONY
SPACE EFFICIENCY
PASSIVE LIGHT
PRIVACY/ INTIMACY
2 1 / AC A C K E RMAN ACK R MA MAN AN N
ACTIVATE
04
harada
house
LANDSCAPE REHABILITATION & VISITOR CENTER RIVERSIDE, CA SPRING 2015
B
uilt in 1880, the Harada House National Historic Landmark embodies the Japanese American immigration experience in California. It is the saga of one family’s struggle to achieve the American promise of freedom, citizenship, and a better life for their children. Donated to the City of Riverside in 2004 and managed by the City’s Metropolitan Museum, the Harada House and neighboring property (Robinson House) are envisioned to be preserved and repurposed as a historic museum and garden for the City, telling not only the story of the Haradas, but the struggles of immigrants to the United States. Guided by two primary goals, the design for this undertaking intends to enhance the historic and cultural significance of the Harada House while creating a space that evokes peaceful individual reflection and unification. Features include a central radial focal form housing an upper outdoor courtyard and sub level theater and exhibit hall. These spaces are connected by an elongated ramp, intending to gradually tell the story of the Haradas as visitors move through the space. This project was a collaborative effort between myself, former landscape graduate student Daniel Lee, and visiting Taiwanese architecture student Sandy Kao.
HARADA HOUS E / 22
INSPIRATION
THEATER
INVERT
IMAGINE
LEMON ST.
A
2 3 / ACK E R MAN
ROBINSON HOUSE
EXHIBIT
VISITOR CENTER
THEATER
COURTYARD
A’
SITE PLAN HARADA HOUSE
0
5
10FT
A’
RAMP TO EXHIBIT
EXHIBIT SHED
COURTYARD
PLAZA
GREEN ROOF
VISITOR CENTER HARADA HOUSE
ROBINSON HOUSE
RAIN GARDEN
ADA PARKING
A HARA DA HOUS E / 24
90% of U.S. trade through Los Angeles Port is with East Asian Countries
Los A Angeles
Japan China Taiwan Vietnam
$134b China
$40b Japan
$15b S. Korea
$13b $12b Taiwan Vietnam
TOP TRADING PARTNERS PORT OF LOS ANGELES Greatest Imports
Electronics
25 / ACK E R MAN
Auto Parts
Greatest Exports
Furniture
Apparel
Cotton
Resins
Paper
Animal Feed
05
public
good(s) A HEALTHY GOODS MOVEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE LOS ANGELES PORT LOS ANGELES, CA SPRING 2016
I
n 2016 more than $200 billion worth of goods will pass between Asia and the United States through what is presently the 9th busiest port in the world, the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach. As a major hub of economic activity, the Port is also a major source of pollution, posing serious environmental impacts and local public health issues for neighboring communities. This project begins address this growing conflict. This project was undertaken for the purposes of exploring system design and application of landscape architecture in the realm of goods movement. Specifically, the project examines the Port’s cargo distribution system and the resulting effects it poses to public health issues throughout Southern California. Analysis identified correlations between Port generated pollutants, local health trends, and community demographics, and explored measurable performance applications of landscape architecture and their potential for improving public and ecological health through enhancing the Port as a multi-functional distribution system. Public Good(s) focuses on a 117 acre site located four miles north of the Ports, in the City of Los Angeles. Design decisions were primarily driven to address harmful impacts resulting from Port activity. The project explored and compared the most effective design opportunities that performed mitigation, from large scale systematic operation of Port activity, to site specific efforts. The resulting design seeks to re-interpret the site as a multi-functional operation for enhancing distribution efficiency, while improving the public and ecological health of the region. This project recieved the 2016 Student Merit Award from the Southern California Chapter of ASLA. P UBL IC GOOD ( S ) / 26
diesel + education levels mapped variable relationships
linear regression model
LA COUNTY
WEST LONG BEACH
LA COUNTY
WEST LONG BEACH
variable comparison
diesel
edu
DIESEL
+70% -20%
LA COUNTY
WEST LONG BEACH
WEST LONG BEACH
LA COUNTY
particulate matter + population density
pm 2.5
pop
-6%
-0.1%
PM 2.5
asthma
LA COUNTY WEST LONG BEACH
WEST LONG BEACH
LA COUNTY
asthma + latino population
latino
+41% -31%
public health analysis Evaluating Port Activity Impacts on Local Public Health Project analysis evaluated how port activities impact local public health. Using linear regression modeling, the analysis demonstrates strong correlations between measurable port generated impacts and public health issues. Los Angeles County is used as a basis of comparison for understanding the port’s direct impact to the adjacent community of West Long Beach. 27 / ACK E RM AN
ASTHMA
10
Hobart Yard
Los Angeles
Vernon
Alameda
110
Corridor
Compton
710
105
5
405
Carson
PROJECT SITE Long Beach Ports
San Pedro
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Imports/Exports
proposed reg gional g goo oods movement ov m nt Ports to Project Site to Hobart obart Yarrd
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
Aerriiall Cab Ae able lewa way Alaam Al med eda C Co orr rrid ido orr
Por Po orrtts 2 7 / ACK E RM AN
Pro Pr Pro ojjec e t Si Site te
Hoba Ho baart Yar ard d P UBL IC GOOD ( S ) / 28
IC C OAS T HIG H WAY
PA
CIF
Tesoro Oil Refinery
D O M IN
GUEZ C
1
4
2
Container Playground
6
Open Space Trails
0
200
400 FEET
Cabrillo C High h School
p 29 / ACK E R MAN
5
Features 3 Urban Forest
5 Urban Mounds
2 Freight Village
4 Treatment Wetlands
6 Decomissioned Terminal Island Freeway
EL
SEP
U LV
EDA
CHANN
B LV
D.
1 Goods Movement System
4
1
2
3
RES
Hudson
Hudson d Elementary h School
IDE
NTI
AL
STR
EET
P UBL IC GOOD S / 30
Aerial Cableway Distribution
100’ +
Alam e
7710 71 100
da C
orrid or
405
PROJECT CT T SITE
PCH
Top Speed - 40 mph
Closed Loop System 22 miles
Container Load/Unload 10 Locations
100% Electric
Low Noise Pollution
110
Max Weight - 40 Tons
Shore Terminals LLC
Terminal Island San Pedro
Long Beach ach ch Container ner ner Terminal al
APM Terminals Pacific, LTD.
goods movement Port to Project Site Container Transport Rail Line Aerial Cableway Route Container Load/Unload
distribution center
Green Roof Dome
full cross-section
Naturalized Channel Bank
Cableway Crane
Train Road
3 1 / AC C K E RMAN R MAN
Dominguez Channel
Urban Forest
Goods Movement
architectural concept
Community
Load/ Enter
Views
Freight Activity
+
Dome
=
Stacked
FOOD
Synergy
Freight Village
OFFICE
+ SER VICE
STOR AG
E
Green Roof
Mitigation
SE HOU
E WAR
Functions
Logistics + Benefit
Jet Heavy Equipment
So un dP re ss ur
Night Club
e
Trees can intercept up to 85% of airborne particulates
Construction
Mature Conifer Tree
One tree absorbes 48 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year
Urban Mounds
Classroom
Mature Oak Tree
Vegetation + Topographic features can reduce noise by 10-15 dBA
Residence
Urban Forest
1
2
3
urban forest noise mitigation
Stacked Architecture
4
urban forest air pollution mitigation
Existing Utility Corridor View Platform Trail
Trail
Sub Level Storage P UBL IC GOO D S / 3 2
Freight Village
Treatment Wetlands + Urban Forest
Urban Forest + Park
The world is not to be put in order; the world is order, incarnate. It is for us to harmonize with this order. - Henr y Miller
Aaron J. Acke rman ackerman.aaron@gmail.com
resumĂŠ EDUCATION 2014-2017 2006
Master of Landscape Architecture / Cal Poly Pomona B.S. City and Regional Planning / Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
EXPERIENCE 2016-Present 2011-2014 2006-2009 2005 2004
Project Designer / Mia Lehrer + Associates / Los Angeles, CA Associate Planner / EMC Planning Group / Monterey, CA Urban Designer / RBF Consulting / Monterey, CA Planning Internship / Community Development / Mammoth Lakes, CA Planning Internship / Sacramento County Planning / Sacramento, CA
AWARDS & HONORS 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Student Award of Merit, Southern California ASLA CLASS Fund University Scholarship Chapman Forestry Foundation Scholarship Graduate Student Creativity Award Lifescapes International Scholarship Recipient Delta Epsilon Lota Academic Honor Society Certificate of Achievement / Japanese Friendship Garden / Balboa Park
CO-CURRICULAR 2016-present 2016 2015 2011-2014
Officer / ASLA / Urban Design Professional Practice Network Design Volunteer / SCOPE & USGBC / Green Building Retrofit International Study Abroad / Castiglion Fiorentino / Italy Chair / APA / California Northern Chapter / Monterey Bay Region
SKILLS AutoCAD ArcGIS Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Lightroom
AfterEffects SketchUp Rhinoceros 3D Laser Cutting Hand Drawing
a aron j . ac ke r man 916.296.3115 ackerm an .aaro n @ g m ail .co m