Arlene Decker MA Landscape Architecture Portfolio 2013
Portfolio of Selected Works The following examples of work have been selected to display skills and knowledge I gained whilst completing the Masters in Landscape Architecture and the Certificate in Landscape Design from the University of Greenwich. My designs aim to enhance the quality of life of the communities involved as well as push the boundaries of traditional design approaches and innovations in sustainable practice. Moving forward I’m interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of community and social engagement and how community-led design can enhance citizen well-being.
arlene.dexie@gmail.com
1_ MA Major Design Project Lewisham
Town Centre, London, 2013
2_ Advanced Planting Design Avery
Hill Campus, Eltham, London, 2012
3_ Landscape Basic Design Duke
of York Steps, London, 2012
4_ Sketches and other work London
and other places, 2010 - 2013
1_MA Final Design Project
Lewisham Town Centre
London
Introduction MA Major Design Project - Lewisham Town Centre, London, 2013 This project was an assessment and design project which focused around finding a site with an existing masterplan in order to assess that masterplan and then improve it. The site I chose was Lewisham town centre which has plans to redevelop an area between the high road and the station. Lewisham is a vibrant, south London community which provides access to the City of London and beyond. However it currently suffers from disconnected access between the town centre and the station. It also suffers from a lack of purposeful public space for it’s residents meaning that Lewisham’s most disadvantaged citizens are not provided with equitable access to good quality green spaces. Furthermore, Lewisham lacks quality ecological areas where local species can thrive and biodiversity can flourish. After assessing the developer’s proposals, the aims of this project are to bring ecology back into the urban environment, improve public access to open space and create a better circulation system for pedestrians and cyclists. My proposal for Lewisham Town Centre also acts as a journey for visitors. As they progress through the proposal, hard surfaces fade away to increasing vegetation and the feeling of being in wilderness. The project focuses on the large post-1960’s shopping centre and how fading town centres can become vibrant hubs once more. Skills used: Auto Cad, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, sketching
Plan
Developers Proposal London
As part of the Mayor’s, London Plan, Lewisham Gateway is set to be the next major redevelopment site in south east London. A joint venture between MUSE developments and Taylor Woodrow. The masterplan was undertaken by ARUP who commissioned Townshend Landscape Architects for the landscape scheme. 193 one and two bedroom apartments in 2 buildings and 5,575 sq ft of retail space and new public realm including Confluence Park. Although a notable improvement to the existing area, it has significant weaknesses. • Fails to provide quality open space of various uses • Creates a homogeneous built environment indistinct from other developments around the world • Does not respond to the shopping centre and market place
Location Map
Rendered impression of the proposed Confluence Place Park looking towards the station
Views and sections
Developers Proposal London
The rendered views and sections through the proposed development show homogenous building forms with not enough access to public space. The proposed height for the development shows an insensitivity to the surrounding context and could benefit from a more considered approach in planning. The proposed developments mixed use programme and proposal for creating a new entertainment district is justified.
Birds-eye view of model showing proposed development. Shadows cast from each building will be large
Sections through the built development describing building heights and massing
Rendered impression of view from Rennell St. looking towards proposed development
Survey and Mapping Site Analysis London
The analysis of the site focused around what currently needed as the site is and what is currently missing from the proposed development plans. A mapping of the local community services was made to analyze what the Lewisham community is lacking which can be used for consideration in the design. An interaction matrix was also constructed to analyze issues which could be affected by the proposed development. Photographic surveys were also useful in determining visual impact and quality.
Environmental Issues Ecological Ecology - Fauna
-5 Major
Adverse
3
-3 Moderate Adverse
Skyline
5
Visual Intrusion
1 1
5
-3 -3 1
Visual amenity of Park
1 1
5
5
-5 -5 -1
-3 -1
-5
-3 3 3
Visual Obstruction
1 1
1
5 -1
Townscape Charcter
3 -1
Hydrological Character
-3
Landscape Character
3
Landscape and Visual
Access and Permeability
-1
Noise
-1
Playgrounds/sports grounds
-5 -5
-1
Community Support services Severance of communities
-3
-3
1 1
Interaction Matrix
Meadows
-3
Standing Water
3
-1
-5
Rivers
3
-3 -1 -1
-5
Railway Corridors
-3
-3
Stag Beetle
-5
Song Thrush
Roof garden/terraces
House Sparrow
Bats
Black Redstart
Aspects of the Development Affecting the Environment
Demolitions Land Formation Underground Services Above ground services Roads and access Residential Housing Blocks Commercial/Leisure Blocks Leisure Centre Confluence Park Hard Paved Galleria Surface drainage Ravensbourne Intervention Quaggy intervention
Social/Cultural
Ecology-Habitat
3 -1 -1
1
-1 Minor
Adverse
3
-1 3 1 -5
3 5 1
-1 -1 3 5
1 1 1
3 1 1 1 3
-3 1 1
3
-1 1 1 3 1
1 1 -5
1
3
Beneficial
5
1 1 3
1 Minor
-3 -1
3
3 Moderate
Beneficial
3
5 Major
Beneficial
This matrix analyses Page the1 impact the proposed development will have on various environmental and social issues of the site. The overall conclusion is that the development will only have a minor beneficial affect on the site.
No green spaces
The Town Centre
Aging building facades
Community Services Mapping
Doctors
Places of Worship
Schools
Parks
Library
This mapping analysis of the community services clearly shows a lack of almost all services in Lewisham centre. There is a particular lack of public open space and learning facilities accessible to the public i.e. library or adult education centres where people can meet and exchange information
Incongruent architecture
Canalised Ravensbourne
The roundabout
Traffic dominated
Disconnects station from centre
Existing: 1 park of good quality. Piecemeal green space with no determined use
Preexisting: Unconstrained river course and banks.
Existing: Car dominated, roundabout system.
Proposed: 1 new park and other squares and plazas
Existing: Canalised river to prevent flooding. Small area de-canalised through Corn mill Gdns
Assessment: The use of the squares and plazas is still indeterminate. The site hasn’t been considered as a whole
Proposed: More naturalised edge through Confluence Park.
Proposed: Re-routing the roundabout system. Providing some pedestrianised walkways.
Mitigation: Create more POS with more determined uses and create strong links between them.
Assessment: Entire river not considered.
Assessment: Pedestrianised areas not considered for other areas. No cycle consideration whatsoever.
Mitigation: De-canalise more river lower down the Ravensbourne. This will enhance railway habitat.
Existing Lots of hard surfaces and impermeable paving. Water runs off into storm drains.
Proposed Some roof gardens and marginal canal side planting.
Assessment More permeable paving and rain catchment areas are needed. Further opportunities for infiltration needed
Mitigation Create more swales, rain gardens and catchment areas. Allow areas of the Ravensbourne to be de-canalised. Use more permeable paving.
Existing: Rail side scrub, Corn mill Gardens and some marginal river planting
Proposed: Park and roof gardens.
Assessment: Little additional ecological value added. Tokenesque.
Mitigation: 1) Riparian habitat 2) Standing water habitat 3) Railway habitat 4) Roof garden habitat 5) Meadow habitat 6) Urban agriculture habitat
Mitigation: Create a more pedestrianised/pedestrian friendly area. Provide cycle lanes and access.
These diagrams were made to analyze 6 issues that were identified on the site as being key areas to be improved. The analysis consisted of analysing the existing (and in some cases pre-existing) condition of the issue, then how the developer is dealing with the issue. The developer’s proposal is then assessed and changes suggested as ways of improving the developer’s design. These diagrams heavily influenced the creation of the masterplan as each issue was a main consideration for the designs development. Existing: Piecemeal, unfocused townscape lacking identity
Proposed: Rectilinear, city type development.
Assessment: Generic, no character. Does not fulfill brief.
Mitigation: More imaginative development making Lewisham a destination.
Scoping Diagrams Site Analysis London
Initial concept model depicting threads. Clay and masking tape
Concept model depicting coloured threads as issues across Lewisham. Wool and foamboard
Concept sketch traced from raw wool model. Pencil on trace
Concept model. Raw wool and foamboard model
Inspired by Lewisham’s past history of silk mills, these conceptual models and sketches make enquiries into the use of threads as concept. Looking at the spaces created between the threads and the use of colour as a symbol, these experiments went on to inform the pattern of the urban wetland and how the 6 issues could function to tie the project together
Models and Sketches Concept Development London
Concept AIM: Use conceptual work with threads to inform the final design
Hydrology
AIM: Improve hydrology by decanalising the rivers Quaggy and Ravesnbourne to encourage biodiversity
SUDS
AIM: Install a comprehensive SUDS system which includes steet side rain swales, biofiltration wetlands and detention ponds
Circulation
AIM: To improve circulaiton by re-fashioning the roundabout and providing pedestrians with better options for approaching the town centre such as an overhead walkway and riverside paths
Townscape AIM: To improve the townscape character of Lewisham by giving it a unique landmark and improved public realm through the creation of a new roof top park and urban wetland.
Habitat
AIM: Increase the types of habitat found in Lewisham through the addition of new public spaces which encourage biodiversity such as wetland planting and native hedgerow species
POS
AIM: Improve public open space in Lewisham and provide more equitable access to it by providing POS of varying types and for specific use.
Each issue functions as a thread which is used to tie Lewisham together in a new masterplan to improve the public realm
Masterplan
AIM: Incorporate the above six issues plus the concept in create a new masterplan for Lewisham to improve an aging urban centre
Six Issues Identified Six Issues Identified Concept Development Lewisham TownLondon Centre
London
Overhead walkway carries citizens from station above wetland to the town centre
Ecology Decanalising the Quaggy and Ravensbourne Rivers to give them a softer edge encourages biodiversity and the survival of local wetland habitats
Wetland vegetation includes Salix sp., Alnus sp., Populus sp., and some Prunus
Road
Quaggy Water Feature
Canal-side footpath and bike path improving Blue-Chain link connection
Wetland ecology provides species habitat for ducks, wading birds, dragonflies and bats
Wetland boardwalk providing access and creating a new public realm
Ravensbourne River
Overhead Walkway
Urban Wetland
Learn A new, bigger library for the area encourages more opportunity for community interaction
Play An area in the roof park designated for activities. A skate park, tennis courts, basketball courts and small foot ball pitch provide residents of Lewisham places to play
Relax This area of the roof park provides a further economic stimulus for the area with shops, cafes, restuarants amidst a park like setting encouraging relaxation and socialising
Jardin Atlantique, Paris
The Highline, New York
Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
Precedents Modern winter garden allows the park to be used throughout the seasons
New mixed-tenure residences provide homes for residents
New commercial district on roof park to boost local economy and jobs
Lewisham Market
Suds System
Grow
Paving flag walkways carry visitors through the park
Various levels of park accomodate existing building framework
Podium roof deck Lewisham Shopping Centre constructed over the shopping centre provides a new stratifyed public realm
Raised Podium Roof Deck Park
This area of the roof park is a productive landscape with community gardens and bee-keeping. This provides residents the opportunity to grow their own food and to meet other members of the community
20
10
Escape This area is designated as a wild-scape to allow residents to experience a more rugged landscape in the heart of the city. It is planted with native hedgerow species to encourage biodiversity and ecological processes
50
Scale: 1:1000
Strategic Masterplan Lewisham Town Centre
Lewisham Centre StrategicTown Masterplan
London London
Play
Relax
Grow Escape
Conceptual Models
Lewisham Town Centre
Park Visualisations London Lewisham Town Centre
Park Visualisations London
Wetland planting is extended to break up gabions and provide visual interest
Stepped river-stone filled gabions leading to expanded Quaggy edge Concrete steps cut between the banks of gabions
Timber topped gabions on the first 3 rows provide more comfortable seating
Turfed lawn provides area for relaxing
Marginal wetland planting such as Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, and Typha latifolia
Quaggy Quaggy River with extended edge and softened banks to enhance biodiversity
Quaggy QuaggyWater WaterFeature Detail
LewishamDetail TownDesigns Centre London
London
Quaggy Water Detail
Detail Designs
London
Scale: 1:100
Materiality
The water feature is a response to the current canalised state of the Quaggy and the need to re-introduce biodiversity to Lewisham’s centre. The detail features stepped, river-rock filled gabions bisected by concrete steps permitting access down to the rivers new edge. The gabion steps are broken up with marginal wetland plants giving it visual interest and enhancing the local ecology. The edges of the Quaggy are further planted with marginal wetland plants which can provide valuable riparian habitat for existing species. A visitor to the feature will find the first three rows of gabions topped with timber to provide soft seating. This will be a new spot for relaxation and contemplation in Lewisham.
Hardworks Decking Detail
Detail Designs London
Scale: 1:100
Hardworks Decking Detail
Detail Designs London
This hardworks detail is for a decking area outside a proposed new leisure centre. It is partially covered and has seating for people to rest, change shoes or watch other people playing sports in the Play section of the proposed masterplan. A hardwood timber was chosen for it’s durability under wear and tear from foot traffic. Also for it’s soft feeling underfoot and ability to weather over time
Materiality
2_Advanced Planting Design
Avery Hill London
Introduction Advanced Planting Design - Avery Hill, Eltham, London 2013 This module presented the opportunity to re-design an area of the Avery Hill campus in Eltham with a focus on planting design. The emphasis on planting increased our plant knowledge and knowledge of plant combinations as well as highlighting the importance of seasonality. The module was structured so the students gained a full understanding of the site through analysis studies and were able to produce detailed planting plans and softworks details. The culmination was a masterplan and illustrated essay critiquing the work of a chosen mentor and how that mentor’s design strategies could be adapted to ours. This project greatly increased my confidence designing with plants and the requirements for best practice.
The masterplan was inspired by the history of site. The original owner and builder of the mansion site was known as the ‘Nitrate King’ for his business in sodium nitrate. Sodium nitrate is used to make smoke bombs which informed my design. I endeavoured to use drifts of grasses and flowers to convey a sense of movement and ‘smokiness’ to the site. Other features of the masterplan are pleached beech arches and a woodland walk with fern understorey.
Masterplan
Avery Hill London
Softworks details
Detailed Planting Plan
Avery Hill London
3_Landscape Basic Design
Duke of York Steps London
Key Mono-planting of Miscanthus giganteaus
London Plane Trees - Platanus x hispanica
Duke of York Monument Boardwalk through planting
Comfortable outdoor seating
Passageway through planting to the ICA
Introduction Certificate in Landscape Design - Final Project - 2012
Planting extends onto pavement running between the Platanus alleys
Site Plan
This project focused on developing an installation or intervention within a pre-set boundary of West London. The site I chose was the Duke of York Steps which is a landmark and passageway between one part of the city and another. What I found interesting about the site was the sense of reprieve that one is afforded on the steps - from the traffic, from the noise, from the chaos - of the city. I realised that it is a city’s ability to have moments of peace amidst the tumultuous sounds of it’s workings that is so appealing. I wanted to enhance this feeling through design. I chose to enhance the feeling of enclosure that the steps afford by planting masses of Miscanthus grass within their boundary. Paths and boardwalks cutting through the grass provide a new passageway from one part of the city to another. The sense of quietude is enhanced by the tall grasses as they serve to block out the noise of the city and create new rustlings in the breeze. In two different locations, visitors can find a small resting space with comfortable street furniture allowing a further break from the hub bub of the city. Skills used: Auto Cad, Photoshop, Sketching
Duke of York Steps - Passage Site Design ENVT 1006 Arlene Decker 18/05/12
Planting as seen approaching from Piccadilly. A mass of green framing the bottom of the column.
A zig-zagging boardwalk presents a passage way through the towering planting of Miscanthus. Handrails help guide the visitor down the slope with ease
Winding grass foot paths criss cross with the boardwalk to allow the visitor to explore on his/her own. The towering planting gives a real feel of child-like discovery.
Duke of York Column Two areas of comfortable out-door seating glades are hidden amongst the Miscanthus planting and can only be reached by taking a grass foot path. The glades are peaceful and quiet where a visitor can relax and listen to the sound of the wind rustling the grasses.
2m boardwalk through planting made of Red Louro In the autumn the Miscanthus turns shades of tan, purple and red which lend beautiful colours to a space that is normally very uniform in colour. The reddish orange colour of the boardwalk compliments the grasses.
The boardwalk on flatter areas of ground have no railing to further enhance the feeling of enclosure, discovery and passage in order to emphasise the change from the Mall to Waterloo Place
Model Photographs Duke of York Steps - Passage Arlene Decker 18 /05/12
The upwards slope of Miscanthus planting gives sense of banking and height. The change in level is 4m from Mall level to the top of Waterloo Place
Red Louro Boardwalk constructed of sustainably managed Red Louro harwood. Boardwalk railings to be present only on slopes Mini foot railing to be present on flats (see image left) Red Louro is durable and of a medium texture. Knot-free. Workability: Generally good, with very slight blunting; glues and finishes well; weathering characteristics are very good.
The Miscanthus planting continues in front of the entrance to the ICA with a grass foot path leading to the entrance
During the evening and night, the boardwalk is lit by small spots along itĂŒs length providing a magical and romantic walk through the planting.
Duke of York Steps at 1:100 AC Sequential Sketches
Duke of York Steps - Passage Site Design ENVT 1006 4m diameter seating glades with Arlene Decker 18/05/12 comfortable outdoor seating.
KAJEN Public park bench 2010 Design Thomas Bernstrand Manufacturer Nola Industrier website www.nola.se e-mail headoffice@nola.se phone +46(0)87021960
Miscanthus giganteus Charaterized by different foliage at different times of the year from sturdy green to orange, purples and reds in autumn. Will tolerate full sun and is happy near water Will tolerate some shade 3-4m high at full maturity
Materials
250m spread
Duke of York Steps - Passage Site Design ENVT 1006 Arlene Decker 18/05/12
Pruning to occur early March. Old growth to be taken back to 0.5m to allow new growth to come through.
2m boardwalk through planting
AD
AD
Landscape Basic Design AC
AC
Duke of York Steps London
4
Sketches
London and other places The following pages showcase a range of sketches and other work I have been part of between 2010 - 2013. This has included a collaboration with production company NoirLuxe at London Fashion Week 2013 for which I created a pop=up garden Charcoal impression sketch of entrance to Lewisham roof park. Charcoal and Photoshop
Impressionistic section of ramp access to Lewisham roof park. Auto Cad, Illustrator and
Sketches
Chives. Pen and paper
Lake view. Pen and paper
Skegness Beach. Charcoal on paper
Roses. Marker and paper
Tate Modern. Pencil on paper
London Fashion Week This was a fun collaboration project between production company Noirluxe and designer Cristina Sabaiduc. Constrained by a very limited budget and short time scale the goal was to give the presentation room at Somerset House a unique look whilst echoing the colours and feel of the collection.
Mood board and mock up sketch of tall planter Mood board and mock up sketch of shorter planter
Education University of Greenwich, London, UK Masters in Landscape Architecture (MA) Sep 2012- Sep 2013 (expected) University of Greenwich, London, UK Certificate in Landscape Design Sep 2011 - June 2012 University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Unclassified Student Sep 2010 - May 2011 Courses taken include: Environment and Urban Form, History of Environmental Design, Urban Geography, Aboriginal Forestry, Visual Art
Arlene Decker
Landscape Architect Flat 2, 334 Lee High Rd. London, SE12 8RS 07966530590
arlene.dexie@gmail.com
University of Essex - East 15 Acting School, London, UK Bachelor of Arts, Acting, 2001 - 2004
Experience Landscape Designer - Cristina Sabaiduc and NOIRluxe - Feb 2013 Commissioned by production company NOIRluxe to help showcase the A/W 13 collection of designer Cristina Sabaiduc at Somerset House Participant - Lille ENSAPL - Feb 2012 Porte d’Ypres, Lille, urban design study, University of Greenwich esquisse/ workshop joint with Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture et du Paysage de Lille (ENSAPL) (client Direction d’Urbanisme de Ville de Lille, February 2012) Self-Employed Actor from June 2004 - May 2010 Work included theatre, children’s theatre, short films and voice overs.
Professional Skills Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketch-up, Auto-CAD, Sketching, Microsoft Office, NBS, GIS, model making, very strong verbal presentations
Organisations Student Landscape Institute Council (SLIC) Landscape Institute Member
Activities Praise it or Raze it? A very successful inter-university lecture, staged to encourage greater communication and networking opportunities between the 3 Landscape Architecture programmes in London.
Interests Community-led design, sustainable living practices, the sociology of urban environments, art, architecture, sketching and painting, music, dancing, reading
Recipient of the Landscape Institute student travel grant. I will be travelling to Ladakh, India to work with the Druk White School