ALYSSA BLACK Landscape Architecture Portfolio
University of Massachusetts, Amherst I MLA
University of California, Davis I BSLA
alyssandra.s.black@gmail.com
about
After completing my BSLA at the University of California, Davis, I backpacked through New Zealand, exploring my father’s ancestral home. The landscape throughout the four islands in its diversity and ever changing scale has shaped how I view conservation, preservation, restoration and wilderness. This conversation has grown throughout my MLA program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, culminating as the topic of my thesis research: Ecological Restoration. I hope to continue this conversation in my professional career in Landscape Architecture. Having worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst I have gained an appreciation for the nuances of navigating professional and educational relationships. My experience will be beneficial in working in an interdisciplinary network of professionals. I am excited to embark on my career and contribute to the field of Landscape Architecture.
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Alyssa Black
contents
projects Historic Preservation I 4-9
Upper Muddy River Rehabilitation Design Boston Emerald Necklace
Trail Design I 10-15
Alpine Slopes: Sure-Footed Safety White Mountain National Forest Trail Design
EPA Rainworks Design Competition I 16-17 Slow the Flow: A Green Infrastructure Master Plan for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Thesis I 18-23
Typology of Ecological Restoration and Trail Design within Estuarine Ecosystems
skills Reading the Landscape I 26-27 Photography I 28-29 Sketching I 30-31
resume
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Professor Ethan Carr, PhD, FASLA UMass Amherst
cultural landscape 4
Upper Muddy River Rehabilitation Project strives to achieve preservation through new design. As a historic park the meaning and purpose of Olmsted’s original design integrated with the needs and challenges of the present and predicted future informed our design. Our design approach was a strategy of “rehabilitation� (as per SOI Standards). Our methodology was based on a systematic comparative analysis of past, present and future conditions, using an overlay process illustrated on the right. This project demonstrates the value of a strong, scalable, and transferable methodology: a comparative analysis of historic, existing, and proposed conditions in the development of creative new design for the purpose of rehabilitating a nationally significant landscape. This design was a collaboration with Emilie Marques Jordao and Nelle Ward. Graphics and photography will be labeled to credit work.
Alyssa Black
Concept Map and Process Overlay completed by myself
1892 Historic Plan by Frederick Law Olmsted In analyzing the historic plan we mapped out landscape experiences using Olmsteds description; picturesque for more introspective moments, porous for transitional spaces and pastoral for the grand views. Landscape Experience Sketches
Analysis completed by the group, analysis graphics rendered by Emilie sketches by myself.
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In analyzing the historic plan and the existing conditions we mapped out landscape experiences, circulation, hydrology and vegetation. We did this analysis to compare the needs and challenges of the past versus the 21st century. Analysis completed by the group, analysis graphics and plan rendered by Emilie and photographs taken by myself.
Exisiting Conditions Plan
Plan rendered by Emilie, small sketches by Nelle and photograph and perspective by myself.
HISTORIC
EXISTING
PROPOSED
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Wards Pond Proposed Restoration
Porous Edge with Aquatic Shelf
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na Ma
Sto rm w a t e r
Currently invasive species block the view from the historic stairs to Wards Pond. The restoration would include native plants that help with erosion control along the pond, choke invasive in the porous edge and give height to create a more picturesque experience along the pond.
gm ent
Porous Edge
Porous Edge
Restoration of Olmsted’s historic ponds promotes environmental education and provides habitat for threatened and special concern species. These spaces provide recreation and access to a large population within urban Boston.
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Professor Ethan Carr, PhD, FASLA
trail design 10
Alpine Slopes: Sure-footed Safety presents a way to handle the challenges posed by winter hiking within the White Mountain National Forest. According to the US Forest Service the key problems in this area are safety and trail sustainability. With the extreme weather and slopes the trails around Mt. Washington require a minimally obtrusive trail amenity which protects the steady stream of adventurers as well as mitigates the degradation of the ecosystem. The system utilizes modern fall prevention technology which allows for safe passage while limiting erosion and degradation to the site. This design was a collaboration with Dan Keirstead, all graphics for the project were completed by myself.
Alyssa Black
process
Alyssa Black
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es
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an rm e ne ck Tu Ravi
research
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.W Mt
on
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White Mountain National Forest
-established in 1911 -784,000 acres of public land: Presidential Range, Franconia Range, Sandwich Range, Carter-Moriah Range, Kinsman Range and Mahoosuc Range -48 peaks over 4,000’ -over 1,200 miles of non-motorized trails
Presidential Range
-around 23 miles of hiking trails -Mt. Washington 6288’ -highest peak in New England
Weather in Presidential Range
-average annual precipiation 102 in. ~26’ of snow -typical fog limits visibility to less than 100’ -average wind speed 35 miles per hour -average year round temperature below freezing
‘World’s Highest Recorded Surface Wind Speed’ 231 miles per hour 12 12 Alyssa 6 Alyssa Alyssa Black Black Black
i ne Gard e n Ta il
Al p Lion
e ad Tr
a il
t
Spur Link
a il
Tr
erman R av i ne
D
Lion Head Trail
h
Boott Spur ra il T
site plan
is P av
at
Boot
Tu ck
H
-Lion Head Trail 1.2 mile, Winter Route .33 mile (most popular trail to the summit in winter) -seperate routes for avalanche control: Summer Route passes through snowfield prone to avalanches -Winter Route open from late fall or early winter till sufficient snow melt on summer route
Fatalities in Presidential Range
-135 Fatalities since 1849 -hypothermia (30), drowning (6), falling ice (5), avalanches (12), falls (42)
Implementation of the design system are indicated by Alyssa Black 7 the circles.
Circulation Hiking Trails Rock Climbing Route Snowmobile Trails Roads
Hydrology
analysis
Topography
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The trail begins with a stroll through birch trees with shallow slopes growing gradually steeper. About a quarter mile, in the trail unveils its once hidden perils with a drastic grade change of rock face and hard packed snow. With the assistance of the trees and roots the trail is passable but becomes increasingly rigorous, requiring the need for ice picks and heavy crampons. The obvious degradation of the existing vegetation is entirely due to the absence of anything else to grip.
design
220
o
The design utilizes the modern fall prevention system which allows the hiker to clip a carabiner with an intermediate cable bracelet onto themselves. The intermediate cable bracelet is connected to the cable and slides along, hopping the rodes to allow the hiker to stay attached at all times. Alyssa Black
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Slow
Research Aesthetics Environmental Conservation Department
the
v. Edu W En
High Velocity
Cultural
Environmental Education
Habitat
ce rfa s Su iou
2500
High Volume
u. Habita Ed
ability N tain a us
Edu. Wate v.
t m gh te yli ys Da lS ra tu Na
lity Aesth ua
Campus Master Plan
Tan Brook Profile and Conductivity
Sediment
2000 Mar--14
Îźs/cm
cation H du
Historic
Natural Enemies
erv
Piped
cs Env. eti
Campus Planning
Imp
abitat sH
uality C rQ
Biodiversity
Sediment
e Volum High ent Sedim
r Qualit ate
Aesthetic
ystem W ral S tu
cs Env.E eti
ural Histo ult
y
d Pipe
New England Environmental
Ecology
ce rfa Iconic En s Su ric io u erv Imp l Ae sth ura
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
r Quality En ate
Habitat Edu S v.
Flow
oric Cult ist
Water Quality
1500 1000 Nov--14
500
ater Q tW
Lot 25
Mill River
Umass Campus Pond
Lincoln Apts
Amherst Downtown
High School
Middle School
This submission was designed by a multidisciplinary team. The graphics included here are completed by myself.
Metrics
Catch Basins Reduction 1) Downtown Amherst N/A 2) Orchard Hill 11 (59%) 3) Campus Pond 5 (48%) 4) Ellis Way 34 (51%) 5) Parking Lot 25 5 (50%)
N
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Elementary School
Slow the Flow is a green infrastructure proposal that is inspired by the historic and cultural iconography of the campus pond. In filtering water, providing habitat, and increasing aesthetics our master plan reveals the natural system throughout campus and celebrates the significance of the pond. In slowing the flow of water we are also changing the culture of people on campus, allowing them to engage in the integration of historic, cultural, and natural systems creating a more beautiful, functional, and educational landscape at UMass, Amherst.
Strong Street
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Professor Mark Lindhult, FASLA
competition
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Alyssa Black
Vegetation and Tree Canopy Increase 1) Downtown Amherst N/A 2) Orchard Hill 14,884 ft2 (17%) 3) Campus Pond 23,430 ft2 (5%) 4) Ellis Way 28,400 ft2 (13%) 5) Parking Lot 25 42,670 ft2 (18%)
N
5
Mi
tory Bir gra
Mi
ents sid ents sid
ral Ene atu
Pollin
Po
rs ato
Waterfo
Natural E
1
N
Ecosystem Services Water Quality
ral atu En
ies em
ie nem s
2
Fish N
Natu
ents sid
s
Enemie ral
ator llin s
wl
4
Re
s mie
N
Re
Re
catch basins
3
tory Bir gra
ds
Migrator
Migrator
ds
50%proposed REDUCTION in
irds yB
irds yB
2300existing CATCH BASINS on campus
Habitat Ecosystem Service Section
HELP COLLECT SEDIMENT SLOW THE FLOW ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Habitat
Environmental Education
PROVIDE HABITAT FOR POLLINATORS
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large scale
national state regional
medium scale
county city town
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Professor Robert Ryan, PhD, FASLA
thesis research
small scale
The creation of ecological restoration graphics within estuarine ecosystems helps the understanding of social and natural components for professionals. This effort derives from the definition of ecological restoration as, “the entire sum of practices that address the goals of restoration, including those that encompass the human dimensions: social, political, technological, economic, cultural, and religious� (Higgs, 2005). Social elements such as cultural, historical, recreation and access are not typically included in restoration projects. Without specific considerations for the health and enjoyment of humans, restoration projects do not instill a sense of stewardship. These preliminary graphics show the different terms, classifications, techniques and monitoring of ecological restoration. Represented two ways to better illustrate the difference between natural and social approaches.
Alyssa Black
site within town or city residence
Development Gradient Urban Suburban
Rural
Wild
Social Natural
Development and Restoration Scale To properly evaluate an ecological restoration project, the evaluation must establish that ecological restoration is on a spectrum from wild, rural, suburban to urban. Natural and social components are important throughout the spectrum. The importance of social factors increases with development and the importance of natural factors increases with the amount of nature. (Weinstein et al. 2007)
thesis research
Ecosystem Services within an Estuary To be affective in mitigating the flooding and erosion associated with large periodic influxes of water, estuaries require a sufficient area to adsorb and control the influx.
Flood Control
Erosion Control
Biodiversity
Tree and shrub root systems stabilize soil to minimize erosion, sedimentation and trees reduce noise pollution. Reprieve from the urban environment to a natural space reduces stress, improves mental health and provides places of recreation. Increasing biodiversity allows for water purification, uptake of excess nutrients, regulation of climate and native species habitats.
Health Benefits
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The Intersection of Natural and Social Within Restoration Within restoration projects there is a lack of communication and translation of information. Graphic representation of natural and social components will lead to a more hollistic approach to restoration projects.
ation Exchan ge Inform
No Communication
Social Science Ecological Restoration
Ecological Restoration
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Natural Science Ecological Restoration
Social Science Ecological Restoration
Natural Science
Ecological Restoration
rated Integrated Ecological Restoration
b
c
d
d
c
b
a
a Irregularly Flooded b Regularly Flooded c Irregularly Exposed d Subtidal
b
c
d
d
c
Mean High Tide b
c
a Irregularly Flooded b Regularly Flooded c Irregularly Exposed d Subtidal
d
Mussel Reef
Beach
Dune a
b
Subtidal
Kelp Forest
Intertidal
a
a
ELWS
Estuarine
Intertidal
Salt Marsh
Salt Marsh
Bottom
Unconolidated
Reef
Bed
c
Subtidal
Tide Pool
Intertidal
EHWS b
Upland
Estuarine
Subtidal
Aquatic
Shore
(Dune) a
a
(Beach)
Intertidal
Persistent
Emergent Wetland
Bottom
Intertidal
(Tidal Pond)
Unconsolidated
Subtidal
Persistent
Emergent Wetland
Intertidal
Upland
Estuarine
Mudflat
Upland
Estuarine
Unconsolidated
Upland
Mean Low Tide d
Diagram from the US Fish and Wildlife Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats
Upland
Subtidal
Mussel Reef
Intertidal
Dune
Intertidal
Salt Marsh
Tide Pool
Subtidal
Mudflat
Salt Marsh
Intertidal
Estuarine
Kelp Forest
Estuarine
Beach
Upland
Mean High Tide
A direct comparison between the illustrations allows for an understanding of terms, concepts and where the restorations occur. The natural science classification uses the US Fish and Wildlie Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats document.
Prescribed Burns
Mean Low Tide
Dune Restoration Dam Removal
Native Species Replanting Invasive Species Removal Sediment Recovery
Beach Nourishment
Kelp Bed Restoration Seagrass Restoration
Oyster Restoration Mussel Restoration
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2005
GPS Coordinates 38° 7’ 25” N, 122° 56’ 8” W
2011
monitoring
Photopoint Image Location
Photopoint Photopoint is a cost effective way to monitor restoration projects. Select a photo site that is the most representative of the overall health of the area and periodically gather photo-data. Create a map of the area, mark GPS coordinates and identify key features within the photo.
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(Pickart, 1995, 2001; Shaff et al. 2007)
GPS Coordinates 38° 7’ 25” N, 122° 56’ 8” W
Alyssa Black
monitoring techniques
Measuring the change in biodiversity requires collaboration with ecologists and biologists. For it to be effective data must be collected from before the restoration and for several monthsyears after the restoration. Typically experts listen, observe and record for 10-20 minutes, at different times of day and over different times of the year. This monitoring technique can be used as an educational component by allowing universities to bring students out to do observations as well as providing data to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
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the art of nature 24
Estuarine ecosystems are works of art. Not only are they beautiful and powerful they can paint their functions, degradations and manipulations illustrated through aerial and satellite imagery. This is an analysis image from my thesis research studying the components of an estuarine ecosystem, tidal regime, salinity and geomorphology. This image is an overlay of satellite images, shaded relief and hydrology manipulated using GIS and photoshop.
Alyssa Black
skills
Reading the Landscape Photography Drawing Professional Work Alyssa Black
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reading the landscape 26
The language of spatial relationships and landscape experience has been lost in our profession. The understanding of how people move between spaces, how they feel within the space and how they use the space is important to be able to communicate. These photographs show my observations of these spatial relationships and landscape experiences.
Alyssa Black
“There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.� -Henry David Thoreau
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photography 28
Where does the site begin or end? A lens sharpens the boundaries while bridging scales within the site. Making pictures and prints with a film camera instilled a sense of creation with every landscape I visited and allowed me to view the landscape in a different way, through the lens and in the dark room. These images were taken during a three-day backcountry trail in New Zealand. Known as the Milford Trek, it is one of the Great Walks developed by the Department of Conservation to promote responsible stewardship.
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Alyssa Black
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drawing 30
Drawing everyday helps me translate the experiences, feelings and places around me. The process of sketching allows me to extract the pertinent information needed to explain aspects of my research in ecological restoration and estuarine science.
Alyssa Black
Alyssa Black
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Alyssa Black Education
Work Experience
MLA Candidate | 2013- Expected 2015 University of Massachusetts, Amherst BSLA | 2008-2012 University of California, Davis Landscape Designer, Berkshire Design Group | August 2015- Current Northampton, MA Teaching Assistant, Landscape Architecture UMass Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department Site Engineering I Fall 2013 Computer Graphics I Spring 2014 Site Engineering I Fall 2014 Landscape Architecture Studio I Spring 2015 Landscape Design Intern | May 2013- August 2013 Wilson Design Studio, Folsom, CA Teaching Assistant, Upper Division Design Studio | Fall 2012 UC Davis Landscape Architecture Department Class Support Office | Fall 2010- Summer 2012 UC Davis Landscape Architecture Department
Presentations
Black, A. “Landscape Restoration: Bridging the Gaps, A Graphic Typology of Ecological Restoration� Oral Presentation, Society of Ecological Restoration World Conference, August 2015, Manchester, England
Achievements
ASLA Merit Award | Spring 2012 ASLA Sierra Chapter Most Promising Professional | Spring 2012 UC Davis Landscape Architecture Program Outstanding Senior Award | Spring 2012 UC Davis Landscape Architecture Program ASLA Advocacy Day Student Scholarship | May 2012 ASLA National
Organizations
ASLA Public Relations and Communications Advisory Committee | November 2014- Current ASLA Emerging Professionals Committee | November 2013- Current ASLA National Student Member | Fall 2011- Current Student Chapter President, ASLA UC Davis Chapter | Fall 2011-Spring 2012 Delta Delta Delta, Beta Pi Chapter | Fall 2010-Spring 2012
Programs and Skills 34
Alyssa Black
InDesign | Photoshop | Illustrator | AutoCAD | ArcGIS | Photography Hand Sketching | Vectorworks | Sketchup | Rhino
alyssandra.s.black@gmail.com alyssablackphotography.com (310) 422-4040 Amherst, MA
Activities References
Backcountry Backpacking | Urban Backpacking | Film Photography Hiking | Rock Climbing | Cycling Ethan Carr, University of Massachusetts, Amherst carr@larp.umass.edu Keith Wilson, ASLA, CRLA 4728, Wilson Design Studio keith@wilson-design-studio.com (916) 524- 5614 Marq Truscott, FASLA, Quadriga Landscape Architecture and Planning, Inc. marq@quadriga-inc.com (916) 764-7900
Thank you! alyssandra.s.black@gmail.com alyssablackphotography.com (310) 422-4040 Amherst, MA Alyssa Black
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