PORT FOLIO
selected works cal poly undergraduate
Ayver Libes
My deepest gratitude goes to my family who have always been there to support me and my passion. I appreciate everyone who I have shared this wonderful journey with. Thank you all.
4th year | Jan 2024
4
2 1 Great Soto Park Santa Ynez Rain Garden
3rd year | Apr 2023
5
Reflective Riverways SLO Heyd Museum
3rd year | May 2023
3
3rd year | Jan 2023
6
Cultural Canvas Additional Content
4th year | Oct 2023 internship/personal
01 GREAT SOTO PARK
Project Description
As the central sports hub for the 5-cities of San Luis Obispo County, Great Soto Park garners many visitors and is considered a valuable public green space for recreation and respite. The redesign consisted of expanding and reorganizing existing program elements, introducing new park functions, and integrating stormwater management and filtration. Design equity remained at the forefront of each design phase thus design theory and guidelines were applied from resources such as 8-80 Cities and Trust for Public Land . Our vision is to create an accessible and diverse park for all individuals, fostering a sense of place and community for the 5-cities. Through multifunctional programs, we can promote an increase in congregation.
Location
Arroyo Grande, California
Challenges
The existing site conditions prompted various challenges including lack of circulation, unorganized amenities, limited entrances, stormwater issues, and poor use during off-seasons. Accessibility remains the most absent as users are confined to specific areas and are required to use sidewalks to reach the other side of the park.
Course
LA-402 Design Theory and Exploration Focus Studio
grāt so-tō pärk
Perspective of entrance into Great Soto Park
Arroyo Grande
Park Access
• all elements touch main path of circulation
• users are encouraged to explore other paths
Existing Programs
• tennis
• pickleball
• dog park
• softball
• soccer
• playground
• restrooms
• retention pond
• detention pond
• community center
• community garden
• public works
Park Nodes
• existing site conditions
• identified pinch points
Jigsaw Elements
• existing site fails to connect park elements; lacks intention
• pieced together programs to develop a connected landscape
NODE 3: public works, path, parking
NODE 2: water, soccer, path, baseball
Bubble Diagrams
• aid in understanding relationships between program elements
• elicited preliminary ideas to integrate into the conceptual phase
N NODE 1: water, tennis, street, baseball
Secondary Path
• inspiration for form of meandering paths
• retention pond cohesive with hardscape
Concept Plans
• turning ideas into program elements
• showing the evolving design process
Provide 8-80 Programs
• Hybrid sports fields
• Multi-functional amenities
• Introduce other park uses
Foster an Equitable Park
• Inclusive visible wayfinding
• Create space for participation
• Implement safe and walkable paths
Improve Connectivity
• Connect all park elements
• Introduce additional parking
• Create proper entrances/exits
Hybrid Sports Field
Soccer Field | Basin
Baseball Booth
Little League Field
Shaded Parking
White Oak Deck
Community Center
Main Path Palm Plaza
Display + Flag
Community Center
Billiard Room Palm Plaza Vignette
Retention Wall Soccer Goal Spectator Seating
Estimated Total: 5,444,405.21 cf
maximum depth: 20ft
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum
5/4 x 4 Western Red Cedar Galvanized Steel Railings
Bronze Loquat Eriobotrya deflexa
Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora
02REFLECTIVE RIVERWAYS
Project Description
Located at the Rio Hondo Confluence in LA, Reflective Riverways merges wetland ecosystems with urban infrastructure, guided by a nature-oriented approach. The 58-acre site boasts a diverse array of multi-faceted systems, integrating water filtration, environmental restoration, and diverse programs. Inspired by the characteristics of wetland landscapes, the park uses forms and functions that foster habitats, naturalize the river bank, and reflect a sense of tranquility inviting visitors to embrace the landscape. The design process included suitability analysis and site selection, followed by site research and design development. In addition, the LA River Master Plan helped guide design ideas and further exploration.
Location
Southgate, California
Challenges
The LA River and the site are prone to flooding and pollution, in the heart of a dense urban community with limited access to green space, and contribute to the loss of wildlife habitats, etc. The geometry of the existing LA River restricts accessibility and stormwater management practices thus reconfiguration was carefully examined.
Course
LA-403 Natural Environments Design Focus Studio
ri-flek-tiv riv-er-weyz
Perspective of reflected interactive wetland
Ecosystem Needs and Parks
*Dark = more need
*Light = less need
*Green = park
Access Needs and Bikeways
*Dark = higher access
*Light = lower access
*Green = park
Site Inventory
Noise Pollution
*Purple = bikeways
equestrian center
pylon right-of-way
stormwater facility vacant land 90’ 70’ 86’
The site inventory shows the urban context of the site and identifies locations that may need the most development. The site is located in a pylon right-of-way.
Site Location
Slope Altitude
Early conceptual drawing guided program placemaking and site function.
THE SITE
Lynwood Neighborhood
Hollydale Neighborhood N
Long Beach Freeway
LOUD QUIET
The section shows the existing water depth of the LA River during a 100-year-storm.
The section shows the water depth of the LA River during a 100-year-storm after implementing the design.
Filters and cleans roughly 146 million gallons of water and has reduced the river water level by 3 ft during a 100-year-storm.
Compliments the proposed SELA Cultural Center and has provided roughly 1,728,678 sqft of new green space for the community.
River After (width 2x)
Terraced LA River Bank Perspective Wetland Corral
03CULTURAL CANVAS
Project Description
Located in downtown Monterey, Cultural Canvas aims to connect the city’s cultural landmarks through art and gardens, providing beautiful and memorable experiences for all visitors. Not only will downtown feel more cohesive, but individuals will experience a genuine connection with the cultural history of the area. The redesign elicits exploration and curiosity while educating visitors about Monterey’s treasured national landmarks and the characteristics of various gardens. As the first designated California Historical Landmark, the Custom House and its respected plaza serve as a central hub. Cultural Canvas compliments this beloved landmark and introduces a new beautiful landscape full of activity.
Location
Monterey, California
Course Challenges
Downtown Monterey is often unrecognized as the streets are littered with one-ways, signage remains hidden, pedestrian circulation is limited, and the national landmarks feel disconnected. Cannery Row and the Monterey Aquarium take most of the attention away from the quaint shops, cafes, and landscapes downtown has to offer.
LA-404 Cultural Environments Design Focus Studio
kuhl-cher-uhl kan-vuhs
Perspective of cultural art piece in the central hub
Pre-1769 1770s 1820s 1840s 1900s 1958 1992
The Rumsen/Ohlone inhabited Monterey for thousands of years, maintaining a complex society dependent on fishing and hunting.
Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portolá claimed Monterey for Spain.
Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1822 becoming the port of Customs and attracting foreign settlers.
1827
On July 7, 1846, Commodore John Drake Sloat claimed California for the United States.
The demand for canned fish during WWI leads Monterey’s fishing and canning operations to become the area’s primary industry.
1902
Custom House was built. Cannery Row is established.
The Custom House was constructed and became the first government building in California and the earliest on the west coast during the Mexican era.
Thomas O. Larkin, a New England merchant expanded the Custom House, more than doubling its size.
After serving America, it became a private residence. By the early 1890s, the building was unoccupied and began to deteriorate.
In 1960, the Custom House was designated a National Historic Landmark and remains in use as a museum and visitor center. Custom House
The Native Sons of the Golden West completed the original restoration efforts by 1917.
On January 1, 1930, the State Division of Beaches and Parks took it over and opened it to the public as a museum.
Jimmy Lyons, the PBL Club, and associates founded the Monterey Jazz Festival.
The Stanton Center Maritime Museum & History Center is opened to house the Allen Knight collection.
We are connecting people to the cultural stories of
Garden Layout Sketch Circulation Sketch
Amphitheater Sketch
Garden Section Sketch
Mexican Garden
Lush planting used to display vibrant colors and texture
Colorful washed walls and tiles evoke liveliness and joy
Use of mosaic patterns and tiles with natural stone
Spanish Garden
Feature plants native to the Mediterranean region; herbs & sage
Use of terracotta pots, rustic stone paths, and tectonics
Water features add a sense of tranquility and cooling effect
Plants are pruned into hedges of many shapes and forms
Enclosed spaces provide privacy for relaxation and peace
Use of terracing emphasizes hierarchy, formality, and flow
Sicilian Garden
Shoreline Buffer
Bike Path
Custom House
Custom House Plaza
Fisherman’s Wharf
Japanese Fisherman Boat
Sicilian Garden Parking Deck
Portola Hotel & Spa
Mexican & Spanish Garden
Lighthouse Avenue
Portola Plaza Lounge
Monterey History & Art at Stanton Center
Tree Garden
Monterey Historic Park
Memory Garden
Cultural Hub
Positives
• Fisherman’s Wharf is a highly desired destination
• There are lots of established pedestrian paths
• Spanish Plaza is adjacent to Portola Plaza and Custom House Plaza
Negatives
• Bike path circulation is nonexistent
• Viewshed of the ocean is limited in many areas
• Extensive amount of parking structures and street parking
• The entrance into Portola Plaza is overshadowed by the hotel & spa
Major Buildings in Custom House Plaza
Tree Garden
Secluded Area
Plaza Path
Adobe Wall
Planter Bed Median
Tree in Deck
Terraced Garden
Custom House Deck
Garden Path
Italian Sicilian Garden Section
Bocce Ball Courts
Terraced Garden
Secluded Area
04 SANTA YNEZ RAIN GARDEN
Project Description
Located in Buellton, CA, the redesign of the Santa Ynez Botanical Garden will help mitigate flooding and collect stormwater through various stormwater management practices. The site includes catch basins, berms, swales, and other earthworks. Additionally, it will serve as a place of leisure and education for curious visitors who want to learn more about the extraordinary surrounding landscape. The landforms reflect the rolling hills and valleys of the California grasslands. The incorporation of wildflower blooms, native grasses, and oaks in the site will attract locals and tourists and expand wildlife habitats. The vision is to encourage visitors to become active environmental stewards for their communities.
Location
Buellton, California
Course Challenges
The existing site is severely prone to flooding and does not have the capabilities to withstand future storm events. The soil on sight is variable with dry and saturated areas. It also lacks a multifunctional use thus, opening up the space to the public can equip the site with many educational and recreational opportunities.
LA-403 Natural Environments Design Focus Studio
san-tuh y-nez rān gär-dən
Perspective of concrete bridge over catch basins
Regional Scale
Santa Ynez Valley
Grasslands, rolling hills, and rugged mountains are a ubiquitous feature of the Santa Ynez Valley. The topography is characterized by the Transverse Ranges.
Rolling Hills
The landscape of Buellton is surrounded by unique topography.
Buellton The Site
Lompoc
Santa Ynez Valley
Catch Basins
Catch basins are implemented on a site to control and filter stormwater runoff. These basins are typically constructed in low-lying areas and are designed to either temporarily store (detention) or hold (retention) water in a specific area.
Bioswales
Bioswales are shallow vegetated channels that capture and filter stormwater runoff, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground or be carefully released at a controlled rate. Bioswales are often planted with native vegetation.
Berms
Berms are raised mounds of soil that can be used to divert and capture runoff. By placing berms in a landscape, they can help create a more varied and visually appealing environment while also addressing functional needs.
Permeable Materials
Permeable materials are being used to manage stormwater runoff and reduce pollution in the water cycle. These materials allow water to infiltrate into the ground, where it can be naturally filtered and recharged into local aquifers.
The local landscape was the inspiration for landform creation and plant choice to help generate a successful stormwater management solution for the site. Ridges and alluvial fans were examined.
4 basins
7 berms
Santa Ynez Landscape Inspiration
Site Isometric
Concept Plans
1
500
Catch Basin Perspective
Wood Deck Perspective
Existing Shed
Wood Deck
Concrete Bridge
05 SAN LUIS OBISPO
HEYD MUSEUM
Project Description
Located in the historical district of San Luis Obispo, Heyd Museum will honor the cultural significance of the early 20th-century adobe structures, become an attractive oasis for community engagement, inspire stewardship for the surrounding environment through education and native gardens, reflect the aesthetic style of the California Mission architecture, and create entertainment for visitors of all demographics. The importance of site history plays a pivotal role in developing this long-lasting and memorable landscape. Educating the community about Chinatown is essential to recognize how the area has evolved. The plaza will expose visitors to unique elements and sustainable features that will help inspire future generations.
Location
Challenges
The existing site is a large sloped parking lot dominated by hardscape and fencing. The site serves one use and access to the Heyd Adobe is restricted. With much of the historical district converted into parking structures, this site has the potential to transform a parking lot into a cultural hub of activity and education.
Course
LA-405 Project Design and Implementation Focus Studio
San Luis Obispo, California
san loo-is ōbis-pō hīd myoo-zē-əm
Perspective of the core of the site inviting all passing visitors
circulation buildings parking activity
Acreage: 1.8 acres
Total Trees: 43
Shaded Area: 41,740 sqft
Buildings: 5
Parking Zones: 6
Points of Entry: 5
2023
The site is as a parking lot adjacent to Mission High School and the Children’s Museum. The south portion is fenced off and is where the Heyd Adobe remains.
2024
The construction of the Cultural Arts Parking Structure began in the summer of 2023. The existing parking lot and Adobe was demolished & soil was remediated.
Site Context Satellite
The selection of plants and materials was chosen to express the history and pay homage to the diverse cultures who inhabited the area. Planting consisted of California natives that support and protect the local ecosystem. The materials helped emphasize the characteristics of these unique cultures.
Deergrass
Muhlenbergia rigens
Height: 4-5ft
Width: 4ft
Perennial (Native)
Coast Live Oak
Quercus agrifolia
Height: 25-82ft
Width: 15-35ft
Evergreen (Native)
Western Redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Height: 12-20ft
Width: 10-15ft
Deciduous (Native)
Spiny Redberry
Rhamnus crocea
Height: 3-7ft
Width: 7ft
Perennial (Native)
Morro Manzanita
Arctostaphylos morroensis
Height: 6-13ft
Width: 16ft
Evergreen (Native)
Coffeeberry
Frangula californica
Height: 6-15ft
Width: 5-15ft
Evergreen (Native)
Material Palette
Plant Palette
The timeline of the surrounding neighborhood:
1950s
City Council tears down Chinatown to create a parking structure
1995
Chinatown Historic District is formed; consists of one parking lot & four historical buildings
2006
One historical building was tore down to construct Hotel San Luis Obispo
2019
Proposed idea of a REP theater and parking structure in the location of the Heyd Adobe
Terraced Seat Walls Upper Plaza
Native Plant Garden
Main Plaza
Chumash Tribe Exhibit
NARROW JOINT PERMEABLE MISSION PAVERS, GRAY CHARCOAL TAN COLOR, 4 X 8 HERRINGBONE 45 DEGREE FOR 248"/HR INFILTRATION RATE, JOINTS FILLED WITH FINE #9 JOINT ROCK WITH WIDTH OF 4MM, SUPPLIED BY CALSTONE
RETAINING WALL, CMU BLOCK GREY/CHARCOAL, FOR PLANTER BOXES AND UPPER PLAZA FOUNTAIN, COMPLIMENTED WITH CALIFORNIA MISSION POST LIGHT OUTDOOR COPPER LANTERN, SUPPLIED BY AIR VOL BLOCK. RETAINING WALL, POURED IN PLACE CONCRETE, WHITE STUCCO FINISH, MATERIAL SUPPLIED BY REDIROCK, FINISH SUPPLIED BY HOME DEPOT, REFER TO DETAIL SHEET L6. CIRCLE COBBLE, MORRO BAY GRAY COLOR, PAVERS MAKE A CIRCLE 72" IN DIAMETER, CENTER PIECE 2 3/8” x 4 3/4”, SQAURE 4 3/4” X 4 4/3”, NARROW WEDGE 3 1/4” X 4 3/4” X 4 12” WIDE WEDGE 2” X 4 3/4” X 5 1/4”, SUPPLIED BY AIR VOL BLOCK
ADOBE BRICK (ASPHALT STABILIZED), PORTION RECYCLED FROM OLD ADOBE STRUCTURES, SUPPLIED BY THE SAN TAN ADOBE COMPANY CONTACT AT (928)-231-2926.
ANTIQUE MISSION PAVERS, TAN RED CHARCOAL COLOR, 4 X 8 RUNNING BOND, SUPPLIED BY AIR VOL
DECORATIVE CEMENT MISSION TILES, SUPPLIED BY ORIGINAL MISSION TILE CONTACT AT (888)-577-0016.
REDWOOD LUMBER, SANDED AND STAINED FOR TO PREVENT WEATHERING, SUPPLIED BY BIG CREEK LUMBER IN PASO ROBLES CONTACT AT (805)-238-7922.
RECYCLED CRUSHED ASPHALT (RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT), USE EXISTING PARKING LOT MATERIAL, SUPPLIED BY CHERRY CONTACT AT (713)-987-0000.
CLASSIC "S" MISSION TILES, SUPPLIED BY MCA PRODUCT CS01 CONTACT AT (800)-736-6221.
LANDSCAPE AREA, REFER TO SHEET L4.
ID TREES
5 GALLON ARC MOR
CER OCC
FRA CAL
HET ARB
QUE AGR
SEQ SEM
WAS FIL SHRUBS
CEA ‘D’
CEA PAP
ERY GUT
LES FIL
LUP SUC
QUE VAC
RHA CRO
SAL LEU
SAL MEL
36” BOX
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
BOTANICAL NAME
MORROENSIS
CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS
FRANGULA CALIFORNICA
HETEROMELES ARBUTIFOLIA
QUERCUS AGRIFOLIA
SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS
BOX
WASHINGTONIA FILIFERA
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
1 GALLON
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
5 GALLON
CEANOTHUS 'DARK STAR'
CEANOTHUS PAPILLOSUS
ERYTHRANTHE GUTTATA
LESSINGIA FILAGINIFOLIA
LUPINUS SUCCULENTUS
QUERCUS VACCINIIFOLIA
RHAMNUS CROCEA
SALVIA LEUCOPHYLLA
SALVIA MELLIFERA
GROUND COVER
A 1 GAL 24" SPACING
B FLATS 12" SPACING
C 1 GAL 12" SPACING
MULCH
CRUSHED ASPHALT
SALVIA X 'BEE'S BLISS'
CALYSTEGIA OCCIDENTALIS
ANTHOXANTHUM NITENS
WESTERN REDBUD
COFFEEBERRY
TOYON
COAST LIVE OAK
COAST REDWOOD
CALIFORNIA FAN PALM
DARK STAR LILAC
WARTLEAF CEANOTHUS
SEEP MONKEYFLOWER
CALIFORNIA ASTER
ARROYO LUPINE
HUCKLEBERRY OAK
SPINY REDBERRY
PURPLE SAGE
BLACK SAGE
BEE'S BLISS SAGE
MORNING GLORY
BUFFALO GRASS
3”
I revisited this project a few months after completion to enhance the graphics and revise previous design decisions. I took my time hand-rendering the site plan to further support the story behind the space and enhance the planting and material choices. This affirms that design is an evolving process that is altered through time and passion.
In collaboration with Wenzlau Architects, I assisted in developing several marketing renderings for a future apartment community located in Seattle, WA. I engaged with the client to determine the correct materials and plants to help enforce the design narrative and attract potential buyers.
Thornton Creek Community Fischer Bouma Partnership
Building 1 - back
Building 5 - back
Building 7 - front
Building 7 - back
Building 2 - front
Building 5 - front
206.948.7737
ayverlibes@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/ayverlibes