Angela Clearwater | Landscape Architecture

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I | Designing Symbiosis: A Deep Dive into Sea Anenome Resilience

Project Proposal

Our design features a collection of self-sustaining, observational pods to analyze and experiment with sea anemone environments—promoting a comprehensive understanding of the factors that encourage and inhibit zooxanthellae growth.

Design Ethos

Sea anemones and coral share an important symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, a microscopic algae that is the source of their coloration and their mechanism for photosynthesis. Anthropogenic climate change has damaged this alliance, harming sea anenome and coral in the process. The Farallon Islands, a protected wildlife reserve and abundantly diverse ecosystem off the coast of California, provides the perfect setting for our study of this phenomenon.

Long–Term Goal

To promote a better understanding of the processes that encourage zooxanthellae growth, generating a body of knowledge that may be applied to coral reefs—protecting them from bleaching.

Design Methodology

The Experiment

A series of 14 observational pods spaced at a distance to allow for full range of motion without tangling. The pods test three variables that affect sea anenomes’ ability to host zooxanthellae: light, surface texture, and exposure to air.

Projected Timeline

We propose the use of cellulose wood fibers as the netting —it is stronger than steel and biodegradable. Thus, over the course of five years, the pods will become encrusted with muscles and other sea creatures, eventually becoming one self-sustaining, living organism mimicking the anemone environment. This will allow a controlled setting where we can test and study zooxanthellae growth in specific conditions.

Diagrammatic Context Map

Site Plan

Site Analysis + Design Development

Tidepool in a Box

A collection of ephemera from China Beach in SF to study sea anenome habitats. A curious and enthusiastic dive into the secret world of sea anenomes designed to gain an intimate understanding of our humble subject.

Worlding

A seven-foot tall structure inviting participants into an empathetic exploration with an underrepresented sea friend.

Design Inspiration

The pods’ organic form was derived from the structure of lily pads to create a dynamic environment receptive to the movement of the tide.

Rhino Models

Site Models

Contour Models (left)

A three-dimensional, immersive exploration of our site of intervention: Mussel Flats, a crevice located on the southern end of the Farallon Islands. These models, explored at two different scales, were both informed by and produced with a complex spatial understanding of our site.

Tidal Model (Right)

One of the most important characteristics of anemones is how they adapt to the changing tides. Created from birchwood, rubber bands, dowels, and sheer fabric, the tidal model reflects our pods’ dynamic relation with the water.

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Zoomed Site

Kalea Papandrew Ellie Reiff me :)

Tidal Model!

This project challenged me to reconstruct a plan drawing of a water park using only a low-resolution aerial photograph and context images. This required developing a complex understanding of place.

After thorough exploration of the site, I used AutoCAD to construct a proportionally accurate and highly-detailed site plan. I then created an illustrative Photoshop rendering that meticulously incorporates line weight, surface materiality, vegetation, and light & shadow to convey the design in a visually compelling way.

Reverse Engineering

Fall 2022 | Drawing Workshop | Karl Kullman

AutoCAD linework

illustrative site plan

aerial site photograph

context image sample

La Grille Sur Les Collines

Fall 2022 | Drawing Workshop | Karl Kullman

This final project challenged us to critically analyze one of Florence Lipsky’s San Franciscan topographical axonometrics to model in 3D. This required meticulous attention to detail and spatial awareness. I began the process by using context clues to map a 2D plan before rendering it in the third dimension.

Florence Lipsky’s original axonometric

Eucalyptus Grove Study

Fall 2022 | LA 101 | Kate Smaby + Hyunch Sung

UC Berkeley’s Eucalyptus grove is a treasure trove of wonder and serenity. It is home to the tallest stand of hardwood trees in North America and the tallest stand of Tasmanian blue gums (Eucalyptus globulus) in the world.

Through extensive and intimate site visits, I navigated between the macro and the micro to develop a comprehensive understanding of the grove, experimenting across different media and scales.

ii. Tactilezine

The final page of my sensory lab extends an invitation to explore, observe, and empathize with the nonhuman. A multi-media assemblage experimenting with photographs, frottage, ephemera, and sketches to capture the atmosphere and tactile qualities of being in a Eucalyptus grove.

i. Specimen Scale Drawings

iii. Field Survey: Measurements + Mapping

Eucalyptus Grove Plan & Section

From the smaller scale of preliminary leaf and texture studies, I shifted to a macro understanding of the site. I worked between ink and graphite to capture depth and map out complexity in this comprehensive plan and section.

From Bud to Bloom

Fall 2022 | LA 101 | Kate Smaby Hyunch Sung

Musical Score ?

Drawing inspiration from John Cage’s experimental composition, 4’33’’, I performed a creative study of the abstraction of sound. Although the process of growth from seed to full bloom is seemingly quiet and demure, it is a powerful and inspiring phenomena I wanted to try capturing nonetheless. I challenged myself to conceptualize what I imagined the soundscape of growth to look like if we could visually see sound in tandem with the beauty of flower growth. Creatively interpretating the audible manifestation of budding and blooming.

Serial, Time-Based Phenomena Study

Change is inevitable with time. As we grow, things develop, they expand, they evolve, they mature, they regress. Perspectives change. For this project, I wanted to explore time through the lens of growth, specifically, the growth of a flower from seedling to full bloom. I used birchwood as my medium, capturing the delicate and fragile movements of the flower as it grows. By analyzing time-lapse recordings, I developed this study in a series of 5, each roughly 3 days apart.

Landscape Memory

Fall 2022 | LA 101 | Kate Smaby + Hyunch Sung

This model, produced entirely of paper, is a description of who I am and where I come from—a creative interpretation of the landscape of my memory. These most cherished moments are found at the sea with my family. Through an intimate and experimental design process, I aimed to embody the playful, organic, and carefree spirit of these moments in the amorphous figure of the wave. It’s an evocative scene designed to convey a sense of wonder and reverence for the mysterious nature of the living ocean—a phenomenon I continue to draw inspiration from. Using cardboard, a paper bag, and book pages, my intention was to harness the mystery and freedom of the water, giving life to its playful gaiety and youthful spirit.

Adeline Street Park

Fall 2022 | Telegraph for People

As the Design Director for Telegraph for People, I had the exciting opportunity to work with Charles Siegel on the proposal of a park design for the center of Adeline Street in Berkeley, CA. This design imagines a people-centered Adeline filled to the brim with

green space and recreational areas such as basketball courts, children’s play spaces, picnic areas, and a walking path. The design intends to reveal the inherent value found within unconventional spaces, fostering curiosity and joy.

Working closely with city council member Sophie Hahn, I created a rendering for her proposal to extend safe cycle track design east of The Alameda in North Berkeley’s Hopkins Corridor. The design proposal features the installation of a beautiful landscaped strip, creating a safe and inclusive space for cyclists and pedestrians.

Y-PLAN Green Infrastructure

Spring 2023 | Community Development Y-PLAN Studio | Deborah McKoy

Spanish Landscapes

design | culture | ecology

Summer 2022

To develop an understanding of Spanish landscape design, I created an independent study abroad itinerary focused on Andalucía in southern Spain. In consultation with my UC Berkeley professors, I examined spatial design to identify ecological patterns and processes that parallel California’s Mediterranean landscape. Drawing inspiration from landscape architect Florence Yoch’s educational philosphy, I studied cultural expression through sustainable gardens, integration of water

systems, and the creation of immersive effects within public spaces. Stepping beyond the classroom provided me first-hand understanding of Mediterranean design towards future applications in California.

DESIGNING REMEDIATION

Metamorphosis

Spring 2023 | Fuel(ing) Reparation | Victoria Mohr

Site: Point Richmond

Initial Concept Diagram

Proposed Plan 1

Proposed Plan 2