abram sorensen
port
folio
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the therapy garden 03
usu dormitory design 02
usu fine arts courtyard 04
logan city mixeduse development
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promontory desert garden 06
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construction usu facilities parkinglot
details
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usu botanical center
internship
the
analysis
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therapy
garden
planview
Project: Children’s Therapy Garden Who: Primary Children’s Hospital Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: The client called for a safe environment, where children could learn, explore and heal. Three classroom spaces, and three play areas ring around a central maize, elevated to 5 feet at its center. Core-ten steel is used in creating elevated planters around a spiral path paved in concrete . The colors and design layout design were chosen for their soothing psychological effects. While plant material is used for both its visual and auditory effects, as well as its use as an educational tool.
section/elevation
section/elevations
Project: USU Fine Arts Courtyard Who: Caine College of the Arts Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: The client called for a balance between a linear facade that surrounds the space, with a two foot elevation change, and the preservation of five honeylocust trees. The result is a three part space, incorporating terraced steps, a sloped main corridor, and a large gathering space, situated outside a new building edition. All furniture is red, providing contrast with the gray modular paving. The linear planting beds within the terraces creates a variety of public, private, and semi-private spaces.
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fine arts courtyard conceptualdiagrams
conceptualperspective
planview
perspective
usu fine arts courtyard 02
perspective
native environment that provides the user a The diagonal theme of the concept draws physical connection between from diagonal architecture the which isdesigned so prevalent on the Utah State University landscape and campus. the natural environment The theme is visible especially
also nded and SIS LEGEND ge overhead ge metal wing the o the west, oncerts, n.
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users to take, linking crucial nodes such as parking lots, building entrances and site entrances.
Abstract benches that could be utilized to create The active recreation open space that was rounded mass of lawn in thein center movementthat and expression site has been preserved, though reformed the installation of new pathways. This is a the site. by crucial area for socialization, gatherings and
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Parking Areas Bike Lock-up Areas Pathways
2 Linear plantings andlocated in the North The plaza space Western corner of thehave site has also Trees, plantings and paths been grasses, with bench seating been preserved, and now expanded and redesigned to incorporate a large overhead oriented to be pleasing with as well as aesthetically lighting integrated feature with will replace the large metal overhead structure while renewing the the purpose distinguishing the site from into the of design. facade of the building directly to the west, as well as providing space for concerts, the main campus while drawing people into social gatherings, and relaxation. the3 site, to explore and enjoy. Large overhead structure,
Vegetation
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The current site features large active recreation areas. As a student that lived on the site at one time, I observed that the central open space area, North and West of the buildings to be removed, was most used. Other areas were rarely used, and could be modified to incorporate more use possibility.
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Linear plantings and grasses, with bench seating as well as lighting integrated into the design.
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Large overhead structure, similar to what is proposed for the new plaza space.
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Criss-cross path pattern used as inspiration for the proposed path layout.
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aggie dormitory Medium/Small Trees Large Shade Trees
re-design
BIOLOGICAL ELEMENTS
Permanent Buildings
Xeric plantings will be added in the form of native grasses and shrubs. These plantings will take up very little water, while offering a native environment that provides the user a physical connection between the designed landscape and the natural environment
New Housing Footprint Mowed Grass Area Native Grass/Shrubs Eco Wall
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A statue marks a path intersection on a university campus. Similar Medium/Small Trees statues commemorating important USU alumni and instructors, as well Large Shade Trees as athletes, will be placed at key path intersections in the new design.
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The Eco wall will provide a barrier to sound and will create a very aesthetic entrance to the site, while continuing the green theme into the
Mowed Grass Area J
Trees, plantings and paths have been oriented to be aesthetically pleasing with the purpose of distinguishing the site from the main campus while drawing people into the site, to explore and enjoy.
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Native Grass/Shrubs 0
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SUN AND WIND ANALYSIS
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Eco Wall
Eco Walls, which are fences covered with vegetation, will be placed in front of the parking lots located along Aggie Boulevard. This will help create a private environment, while retaining the aesthetic value of the area, focusing attention to plantings infront of and on the Eco wall.
BUILDING PLACEMENT STUDY
To the right, four different building footprint lay These represent early attempts to place build for efficient pedestrian circulation, a villiage en connections with the boundaries of the site, s sidewalks that pass the site.
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Bike lock-up sites have been provided for in front of each new housing building, providing sufficient bike lock-up space for site users.
Large Shade Trees 8
The large plaza on site is a key node for pedestrian traffic and is heavily used. I observed many students conversation, smoking and enjoying this moderately sized plaza space and would like to utilize this location for a somewhat larger plaza into the new site plan.
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The location of major bus stops will need to be considered in the final parking lot design.
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Crosswalks are major pedestrian linkages on the campus and should be considered in the final path design.
concept
ovided for in ing, providing r site users.
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Eco Wall
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New Housing Footprint
The site is made up of two distinguished parking zones, as well as parking that lines the main through street. To create a village feel in the future site, without limiting vehicular circulation to the new housing buildings, parking may need to be broken up into 3 to 4 lots.
The current buildings (in red) provide 4 points of pedestrian through access. Circulation is defined on the site by a series of paths, but due to the sometimes random nature of where these paths lead, I observed that these paths are rarely used, instead the large open spaces are more heavily6 traveled.
Many trees have been added to the site. In the concept phase, trees ranging from
Permanent Buildings
sswalks are major pedestrian linkages for two reasons, he campus and should be considered in althy or unpleasing pecimenpath is blocking final design. developing a new site 6
Abstract benches that could be utilized to create movement and expression in the site.
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Bike lock-up sites been for in smallhave to medium to Large provided shade trees have been added to provide screens front of each new again housing vehicular traffic building, as well as windsproviding and BIOLOGICAL ELEMENTS battering sun from the south-east. sufficient bike lock-up space for site users. I
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Four parking areas have been added,
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PRECEDENTS
allowing easy, fast ADA access to each new similar to what is proposed housing unit, as well as incorporating the Eco Walls, are fences covered with into thespace. design and the feel of the for thewhich newparking plaza site, rather than creating a large mass of vegetation, will be placed in front of the parking that seems very separate from the site. parking lots located along Aggie Boulevard. 4 Criss-cross path pattern Bench seating has been added all around This will help a private environment, used as create inspiration for the site, increasing the number of benches previously found on site byvalue 100 percent. whilethe retaining the aesthetic of the proposed path layout. These seating areas are crucial for students of the future to utilize relaxation, area, focusing attention to for plantings infront observation, study, and off course, of and on the Eco wall. socializing. H
vered with nt of the e Boulevard. nvironment, lue of the ntings infront
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o the site. nging from on e trees 5 reens s winds and ast. plaza on site is a key node for large estrian traffic and is heavily used. I erved many the form of students conversation, king and enjoying this moderately sized se plantings ailespace anda would like to utilize this offering tion foruser a somewhat larger plaza into es the a new site plan. he designed ronment location of major bus stops will need to ONS onsidered in the final parking lot design.
ea, North and West removed, was most re rarely used, and ncorporate more use
Permanent Buildings
relaxation for every user of the site.
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e been asing with he site from res large active that lived ge,student people into I observed that the
Native Grass/Shrubs
New Housing Footprint
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AND WIND ANALYSIS all around 4 of benches percent. l for students ation, rse,
me to many unique ntribute variety and rience of the user. sign would be to ose trees that will be ning the site while perience.
Permanent Buildings
PRECEDENTSThe paths create a variety of choices for
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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
with the layout of the paths and building footprints.
added, to each new ENTS rating the feel of the e mass of ate from the
ees will be saved, experience created preserved to save
CONCEPT DIAGRAM LEGEND
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A statue marks a path intersection on a university campus. Similar statues commemorating important USU alumni and instructors, as well
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A statue marks a path intersection on a university campus. Similar statues commemorating important USU alumni and instructors, as well as athletes, will be placed at key path intersections in the new design.
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The Eco wall will provide a barrier to sound and will create a very aesthetic entrance to the site, while continuing the green theme into the
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
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BUILDING PLACEMENT STUDY To the right, four different building footprint layouts are presented. These represent early attempts to place buildings on the site, providing for efficient pedestrian circulation, a villiage environment and viable connections with the boundaries of the site, specifically parking lots and sidewalks that pass the site.
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Project: Freshman Dormitory Complex Who: Utah State University Housing Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: The project involves the removal of two aging buildings, and the construction of four new dormitories, able to hold the universities growing student body. The use of diagonal pathways creates easy access to all areas of the site, while preserving recreational green space. The ‘village’ like building layout creates a community environment. Native plantings create inviting entryways and social spaces, while shade trees provide privacy and screen out strong canyon winds.
planview
elevation ELEVATION - 210’ SCALE: 1”-20’
River Walk
Town Homes
Raised Seating
APRIL 26, 2013
Entrance Areas
Pedestrian Circulation
CIRCULATION
Grass
Planting One
Small Tree One
Medium Shade Tree
Large Shade Tree
Preserved Riverside Trees
BIOLOGICAL ELEMENTS
River Walk
Site Road
Parking
Playground
Paving Two
Paving One
Overhead Areas
Town Houses
3-Story Mixed Use
2-Story Commercial Use
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
CONCEPT DIAGRAM LEGEND
section/elevation
Green Zone
Residential zone
Retail/Business zone
FUTURE USE
Vehicular Circulation
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Storm-water planters
APRIL 26, 2013
The central space will be an attractive feature to the site, and will draw in costumers and businesses.
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River Walk
Town Homes
Four parking areas have been added, allowing easy, fast ADA access to each new retail and housing unit, as well as incorporating the parking into the design and the feel of the site, rather than creating a large mass of parking that seems very separate from the site.
There is a main road that loops through the site, providing pedestrian and vehicular access to Seating parking and retail, as well as town Raised homes and the main open space area.
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Many trees were kept along 400 S. but fewer were ultimately saved along main.
The concept is structured around connectivity with the structures and the environment. The winding paths create a space that ties architecture and people into the environment.
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CONCEPT EXPLANATIONS
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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
CONCEPT DIAGRAM LEGEND
SECTIONS AND ELEVATIONS
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Vehicular Circulation
Entrance Areas
Pedestrian Circulation
CIRCULATION
Grass
Planting One
Small Tree One
Medium Shade Tree
Large Shade Tree
Preserved Riverside Trees
BIOLOGICAL ELEMENTS
Different pavings will add to the diversity of the environment, just as varied plantings do.
Mixed Use to the site. Many trees3-Story have been added In the concept phase, trees ranging from Town Houses small to medium to Large shade trees have been added to provide screens again vehicular trafficAreas as well as winds and Overhead battering sun from the south-east. Paving One Xeric plantings will be added in the form of native grasses and shrubs. These plantings Paving Two will take up very little water, while offering a native environment that provides the user a Playground physical connection between the designed landscape and the natural environment Parking The overall design is able to create a very walkable environment, Site Road while allowing easy vehicular access and movement about the site. River Walk
The water feature in the center creates friction against the initial design, creating a 2-Story Commercial Use focal point and gathering area of the site.
Project: Logan City Mixed Development Who: Logan City Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: In recent years, Logan city has undergone several projects aimed at rejuvenating an aging business district. The street scape has been built to honor the historic store front heritage, with parking pushed to the back. A new park creates a strong central feature, with potential for recreation and community events. Housing is located along the opposite street. A unique paving design, and a riverside boardwalk creates access across the site. The design will create a community center for retail and recreation.
Entrance Areas
The area bordering 100 E. is prime area for town-homes. The street is busy, but less so than main and 400.
The area next to the river is prime area for more retail and business, as well as a boardwalk that will provide recreation and active opportunities for the community.
Wind comes out of Logan canyon as well as from the west side with incoming storms. It is important to shelter the site from strong winds, that might cause damage or harm.
It will be important that retail face the main streets, and that town-homes are facing quieter areas. Large open space was also important to this design. By providing a space in the center of the site, that effectively connects all the site elements, creating a more functional design.
LAEP SITE PLANNING
The area between mixed use buildings contain many plants and planters, as well as tables and movable chairs for eating and socializing.
Vehicular Nodes
Pedestrian Circulation
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ABRAM SORENSEN
Vehicular Circulation
The grassy areas throughout the central area also act as small berms, forming the landscape to enhance the experience of the user.
Cross-Walk
There are many structures on site, including Business District 3 functioning shops on the southern end overlooking the river, as well as some abandoned homes along the street front. CIRCULATION By removing all the structures, a new, more efficient, more aesthetically pleasing and functional plan can be constructed.
Current Structures Many of the trees on the inside of the site are randomly placed or are unhealthy. By River removing these, new trees can be planted on site that will improve the aesthetic Grass strip quality of the experience.
ANALYSIS EXPLANATIONS Trees Many of the original trees along the river and the street trees running along main Neglected areabe saved. street and 400dirt S. may
CURRENT USE Current Site
SITE ANALYSIS LEGEND
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
SECTION 3 - 268’ SCALE: 1”-270’
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analysis
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LAEP SITE PLANNING
SECTION 2 - 270’ SCALE: 1”-20’
LOGAN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Green Zone
Residential zone
ABRAM SORENSEN
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logan city mixed-use development
Retail/Business zone
FUTURE USE
Vehicular Circulation
Entrance Areas
Vehicular Nodes
Pedestrian Circulation
Cross-Walk
CIRCULATION
Business District
Grass strip
River
Current Structures
Neglected dirt area
Trees
CURRENT USE
SITE ANALYSIS LEGEND
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
SECTION 1 - 113’ SCALE: 1”=20’
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concept
LOGAN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN
entrances facing towards 100 E.
Design Statement:
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The design is meant to enhance the landscape, conne drawing customers into businesses. By placing mixed drawn to those businesses. By placing town-homes o environment for the residences of those complexes. I themselves, but parking and vehicular circulation were shop, eat, spend, etc. A boardwalk was constructed a complexes and community could enjoy the beauty of together.
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CONCEPT DESIGN KEY
ect the user with all parts of the site, while providing privacy to the town-homes and development and commercial businesses along main and 400 S., more people will be on 100 E. Which has lighter traffic than main street, it creates a safer, more appealing I wanted to create a livable, walkable space in which people could be safe and enjoy e also crucial in order to draw the maximum amount of people to the site in order to along the river, creating a casual recreation site in which people from the shopping f the area.. The varied design and direction of the paving tile really ties the entire site
This deck area behind the building but along the river walk is a prime location for a possible restaurant or cafe.
Large overhead provides shade and shelter for shoppers during all months of the year.
The central green space area provides a variety of textures and spaces to explore and enjoy.
Design Statement:
SECTION 1 - 113’ SCALE: 1”=20’
Townhouses have been constructed The withdesign is meant to enhance the landscape, connect the user with all parts of the site, while providing privacy to the town-homes and drawing customers into businesses. By placing mixed development and commercial businesses along main and 400 S., more people will be entrances facing towards 100 E. drawn to those businesses. By placing town-homes on 100 E. Which has lighter traffic than main street, it creates a safer, more appealing environment for the residences of those complexes. I wanted to create a livable, walkable space in which people could be safe and enjoy themselves, but parking and vehicular circulation were also crucial in order to draw the maximum amount of people to the site in order to shop, eat, spend, etc. A boardwalk was constructed along the river, creating a casual recreation site in which people from the shopping complexes and community could enjoy the beauty of the area.. The varied design and direction of the paving tile really ties the entire site The area between mixed use buildings together. contain many plants and planters, as well as tables and movable chairs for eating and socializing.
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SECTIONS AND ELEVATIONS
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The grassy areas throughout the central area also act as small berms, forming the landscape to enhance the experience of the user.
SECTION 1 - 113’ SCALE: 1”=20’
planview
SECTION 2 - 270’ SCALE: 1”-20’
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SECTION 3 - 268’ SCALE: 1”-270’
SECT SCAL
retainingwalldetail
parkinglot
construction
details
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curbdetail
sidewalkdetail Project: Parking Lot Expansion Who: Utah State University Facilities Where: Utah State University, Logan, Utah Description: Construction documents detailing the expansion of a major parking lot and transportation artery on the USU campus, to incorporate the newly constructed Distance Education Building. Details include a sidewalk cut section, the sidewalk curb and gutter, and a retaining wall detail. The use of CAD is crucial to design accuracy, detail and production speed.
planview
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usu botanical center elevation
section
perspective
perspective Project: Botanical Center Entry Landscape Who: Utah State Botanical Center Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: The USU Layton Botanical Center is a very successful venture and has contributed valuable research and education to the community. This design incorporates native plants and features, which create a functional entry space, while aesthetically accenting the LEED Platinum building. The paths cross a water feature, which is lined with a seating wall. The use of local grasses and trees, as well as recycled building materials, creates a vital educational experience for visitors.
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facilities internship Project: Master Plan, Modeling, Wayfinding Who: Planning, Design, and Construction Work by: Abram Sorensen Description: During my time in the Facilities internship, I worked on variety of different projects. The compiling and design of a new campus master plan document was completed, as well as two separate Main campus and Regional campus planning brochures, outlining future projects for investors. Work on a model of the USU Engineering building was started in Autodesk Revit, as well as extensive autocad work in creating regional campus maps. The USU main campus wayfinding map was then completed.
wayfindingmap
regionalcampusbuilding
07 promontory
desert garden
planview
perspective
perspective
Project: Promontory Desert Garden Who: Promontory School of Learning Work by: Abram Sorensen (Perspective renderings, design input) Description: The design was a team effort, and is meant to be a part of an ongoing, multithemed landscape design. There are five distinct zones: a central classroom, interactive play area, wildlife garden, Native American ruins, and crevasse garden. The path through each node creates an educational narrative, with the hands on, natural environment forming the basis for the schools expeditionary learning philosophy.
Bio Abram Sorensen is a student of Landscape Architecture at Utah State University. He will receive a B.L.A. in 2015, and plans to receive an M.A. in Urban Design following that. He served an internship with Environmental Planning Group. Next he worked as an intern with USU Facilities in the Planning, Design and Construction Department. Abram has entered into design competitions, recently winning a $1000 prize for a second place design in the “Caine College of the Arts Courtyard Design.� In his free time, Abram enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, and anything outdoors. He reads science fiction and philosophy in his spare time. I can be contacted at abram (dot) sorensen (at) aggiemail (dot) usu (dot) com.
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