Ling_MLA Portfolio2023

LING ZHANG

PORTFOLIO 2023

MLA at University of Pennsylvania Ecological Planning Certificate

B.Eng. at Zhejiang University

PREFACE

REBUILDIND CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE

Nowadays, people are increasingly disconnected from nature.

Skyscrapers are rising in cities, natural landscapes are cut by roads, and ecological substrates are destroyed by buildings. We are reducing our regular exposure to the natural environment and spending more time indoors.

Throughout human history, humans have never been so distant from nature, and this trend is only accelerating. Cities have made our lives easier and more comfortable, but urbanization is more than just tall buildings and wide streets. The parks in our cities, the plants along our roadsides, and the rivers that run through our downtowns are all important elements of urban planning because they are so relevant to our lives.

Everyone can rediscover the culture of nature in the city by reconnecting with it.

PREHISTORIC GARDEN

Type: Botanical Garden Design

Site: U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC

Instructor: Karen M'Closkey

LARP 701 Studio, Fall 2022

Individual Work

Botanic gardens offer insights into the complex factors shaping our relationship with nature, despite being seen as outdated relics or irrelevant spaces. By combining botany and artistic display, they educate the public about plants and provide a lens to examine our changing attitudes towards biodiversity loss, climate change, and nature governance.

The role of modern botanical gardens is an ongoing subject of debate: are they still relevant today? What sets them apart from regular parks? This project is situated at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C., with a focus on plant evolution as its central theme. By showcasing the history of plants and considering their future, it aims to highlight the importance of botanical gardens.

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MORDEN PLANT DIVERSITY & PREHISTORIC PLANTS DISTRIBUTION

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DRIFTING PROCESS OF NORTH AMERICA CONTINENT

Washington, DC (Relative Location)

Late Cambrian (500Ma)

Late Ordovician (450Ma)

Late Devonian (360Ma)

Late Permian (260Ma)

Late Cretaceous (75Ma)

Late Mississippian (325Ma)

Late Triassic (210Ma)

Paleogene-Oligocene (25Ma)

Late Silurian (420Ma)

Late Pennsylvanian (300Ma)

Late Jurassic (150Ma)

Niogene-Pliocene (3Ma)

• CLIMATE CHANGE

• PLANTS LIVING CONDITIONS

• SITE - U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM

• OUTDOOR HABITAT

• COLLECTION IN GREENHOUSES

The botanical garden’s entrance features greenhouses displaying the earliest forms of plant evolution: algae and mosses. Adjacent to these greenhouses are towering Monkey Puzzle Trees, which are relics of the Cretaceous period. This comparison of plants on different scales provides visitors with a unique spatial experience.

The greenhouse is home to a variety of ancient tropical ferns, while the area outside the greenhouse features cold-tolerant gymnosperms. The climate inside the greenhouse and outside is vastly different, particularly in the winter. Visitors can experience the different climates and get a sense of the variations throughout different times.

The Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is the sole species in the Ginkgophyta family. This ancient plant thrived during the Jurassic period and is a relic of the distant past. The presence of black shale paving from the Mesozoic era and Ginkgo trees planted on micro ridges are a testament to the history of this unique species.

The dense forests of dawn redwoods, Atlantic white cedars, and swamp cypresses in wetland areas were an important ecosystem in prehistoric times. The presence of water velvet and waterlilies in these areas is evidence of the diverse plant species that flourished during this period.

COOLRIDOR

Type: Urban Design

Site: Southwest Philadelphia, PA

Instructor: Christopher Marcinkoski

LARP 602 Studio, Spring 2022

Colaborator: Elaine Zhang, Jinrong Li

Historically and presently, the Southwest region of Philadelphia has been largely overlooked. Nevertheless, it endures the highest concentration of insitu and neighboring environmental dangers of any neighborhood in the city.

To address this issue, we approached the studio through a Futuring lens, pondering what the future of Southwest Philadelphia might hold. With shifting industries, changing demographics, and the threat of climate change, what will the area look like in 30 years? Our project aims to envision how one street in Southwest Philadelphia could improve the quality of the space and provide public services amidst these changes.

• LATERAL CONNECTION

• PROPOSED STRUCTURE

What if Southwest Philly, in 2050, becomes the most livable district in the city because of its natural cooling, enhanced lateral connectivity, and local job accessibility?

Cobbs Creek Park

African Cultural Center

Station Plaza & Market

Residential Street

Religious Block

Primary School

Community Wetland Pool

Schuykill River

Riverfront Park

Industrial Street

Citizen Ring

INDUSTRIAL STREET AXON

PLAZA AND MARKET - AXON

Septa Rail Line Station

Tree Grove

Local Farmers’ Market

Pop-ups

PLAZA AND MARKET - SECTION PERSPECTIVE

Beneath a towering canopy at the station’s exit lies a vibrant marketplace where locals and visitors can meet, socialize, and enjoy a diverse range of fresh produce and artisanal goods. The bustling atmosphere and welcoming environment create the perfect backdrop for a day spent exploring the local culture.

• STATION PLAZA AND MARKET - VIEW I • STATION PLAZA AND MARKET - VIEW II

Connecting the residential area to the Septa station, a spacious ramp accommodates pedestrians and bicyclists with ease. Along the slope, clusters of trees create a tranquil oasis, providing a shaded respite for visitors and locals alike to unwind and take in the scenery. This inviting public space is the perfect spot to pause and rejuvenate amidst the bustle of city life.

Entrance

Nursery Room

Blossom Grove

Creek Pavilion

Wetland Mounts

Porch Playground

Sunken Stage

Natural Swimming Pool

Locker Room

The community wetland pool occupies the lower terrain of the entire site. It is fed by a creek that collects rainwater from the surrounding community, which is then naturally purified by wetland plants. The gentle slope of the terrain provides ample space for children to play, while the abundance of native plants facilitates educational nature activities for residents. This oasis of natural beauty and serenity offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to connect with nature and learn about the vital role wetlands play in our ecosystem.

• COMMUNITY WETLAND POOL - VIEW II

The community wetland pool is a vital public space that has become an iconic symbol of community equity and integration. By seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural environment, the pool serves as a welcoming gathering place where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together and connect over their shared love of nature and outdoor recreation. This unique blend of social and environmental consciousness makes the pool a treasured asset for the community.

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CITIZEN RING - AXON

Food Court + Canteen + Super Market

Gym + Office

Library + Office

Bio Hub + Office

• CITIZEN RING - SECTION PERSPECTIVE

• CITIZEN RING - VIEW I

The above-ground Civic Ring is a vital transportation corridor that also serves as a prominent public space, seamlessly connecting buildings, bike paths, walkways, and ground-level spaces. The tranquil fountains and verdant greenery that adorn the Civic Ring provide a refreshing respite from the heat, reducing the temperature of the surrounding environment and promoting a cool, comfortable atmosphere for pedestrians and cyclists.

• CITIZEN RING - VIEW II

Rainwater is naturally purified and filtered by the vegetation on the Citizens’ Ring, and then collected in a tank at the bottom. During the hot season, the stored water is sprayed downward, serving a dual purpose of watering the lush flowers and shrubs underneath the bridge while also reducing the ambient temperature of the surrounding area. This innovative system not only promotes sustainable water management practices but also creates a comfortable and refreshing environment for visitors to enjoy.

SHAD PARADISE

Type: Park Design

Site: Fishtown Delaware riverfront, Philadelphia, PA

Instructor: Karen M' Closkey

LARP 502 Studio, Summer 2021

Individual Work

The Delaware Estuary boasts abundant natural resources, including vast tidal marshes and a thriving ecosystem that supports over 200 fish species. Additionally, it boasts the second-highest concentration of shorebirds in North America and is home to a lucrative oyster industry. Among the Estuary’s many important species is the American shad, a vital migratory fish species that plays a crucial role in the local economy. Unfortunately, due to pollution and the construction of dams, this once-rich fish habitat is rapidly disappearing.

This project aims to reverse this trend by restoring habitat for the American shad through the revitalization of waterfront spaces and the celebration of the area’s rich fish culture.

H. Flora Garden

A. Tree Plaza

B. Fishing Deck

C. Playing Lawn

I. Fish Watching Trestle

D. Central Square

E. Amphitheater

F. Ecological Islands

G. Woods

1. Plants Purification

3. Pebble Stream

5. Vegetated Edge

2. Steps Edge

4. Rip Rap Channel

6. Falling Woods

• PROPOSED PLANTING SPACE

1. Tree Plaza

3. Shrub Slope

5. Amphitheater

2. Flora Garden

4. Wetlands

6. Alameda

• 1-1 SECTION PERSPECIVE: AUTUMN/ AVERAGE TIDE

• 1-1 SECTION PERSPECIVE: SPRING/ AVERAGE TIDE

• 2-2 SECTION PERSPECIVE

• EDGE TYPOLOGY SECTION

Low Marsh: Foraging

Auqatic Plants Bed: Alevin Shelter

Rip Rap: Spawning Fallen Wood: Growing

BEIJING SCENARIO

Type: Garden & Path Design

Site: Sun Park, Beijing, China

Instructor: Farre Nixon

LARP 501 Studio, Spring 2021

Individual Work

Beijing, one of the largest cities in the world, boasts a rich history and unique natural surroundings. The urban landscape of this magnificent city has undergone remarkable changes over different time periods. However, as with other major cities worldwide, Beijing faces a common set of challenges, such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and urban sprawl.

This project aims to condense the natural environment of Beijing into sculptural elements, creating a miniature landscape that will be integrated into a small garden. The ultimate goal is to inspire a sense of environmental consciousness among the city’s inhabitants and encourage them to take an active role in preserving the environment around them.

• PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

• A-A SECTION

• B-B SECTION

Urban Area

Desert Area Sunny

DESERTLAND PERSPECTIVE

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• SPRAWLING LAWN PERSPECTIVE

• PLATFORM PERSPECTIVE

• PATH PERSPECTIVE

SYMBIOSIS

Type: Zoo Design

Site: Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta, Indonesia

Instructor: Kang Cao Research Project, Fall 2018

Individual Work

Zoos have come a long way from their origins as animal collections for entertainment and symbols of power, now emphasizing conservation, education, and research due to scientific advancements and an increasing focus on animal welfare.

This project aimed to revolutionize the animal-human relationship in zoos by advocating for animal liberation into their natural habitats, with visitors restricted to designated trails. Research was conducted at the Jakarta Zoo in Indonesia to investigate the impact of exhibition modes and observing techniques on animal and human behaviour, and the findings were applied to enhance animal welfare and promote a deeper understanding of animals in captivity.

• SITE LOCATION

• GENERATION OF ZOO MODEL

The zoo was a faculty for collecting living creatures, and played a role as a “living museum”. Animals were confined in a small cage to be observed.

Exhibition areas were expanded, more animals could be placed in one exhibition area. There were small loop lines for people to get close to animals.

Contemporary Zoo

Ecological exhibitions and no-bound exhibitions are usually seen in these zoos. People’s streamlines are planned to get close to those exhibition areas so that people can observe animals’ natural behaviors.

Zoo in the Future

Animals will be liberated into their natural habitat just as they are in the wild, and people will be confined in the designated corridors so that their movement will not disturb animals’ nature states.

Jakarta Gunung Halimun National Park

Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park

Site Java Sea

Indian Ocean

Volcano Jungle Grassland Urban Area Water

Baluran

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ENRICHMENT DESIGN GUIDELINES

Jungle: Scansores

Grassland: Herbivores

Jungle: Flying & Ground Birds

Jungle: Primates

Desert: Meerkats

Grassland: Elephants

Wetland: Otters

Wetland: Waterfowl

Boromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Meru Betiri National Park

Noaaati

Alas Purwo National Park

Entrance Parking Lot

Ecology Observation Tower

Tourist Center

Leisure River Islet

Popular Science Education Base

Tropical Desert Zone

Dromedary (C. dromedarius)

Gazella (O. gazella)

Meerkat (S. suricatta)

Fennec (V. zerda)

Temperate Desert Zone

Red Kangaroo (M. rufus)

Emu (D. novaehollandiae)

Wild Horse (E. ferus)

Bactrian Camel (C. bactrianus)

Transition Zone

Wombat (V. ursinus)

Platypus (O. anatinus)

Koala (P. cinereus)

Echidna (T. aculeatus)

Carnivore Zone

Sumatran tigers (P. t. sumatrae)

Indonesia leopard (P. p. melas)

Asiatic Lion (P. l. persica)

Sun Bear (H. malayanus)

Tropical Grassland Zone

Giraffe(G. giraffa)

Ostrich (S. camelus)

Zebra (Q. quagga)

Gnu (C. taurinus)

Tropical Jungle Zone

Malayan Tapir (T. indicus)

Sondaicus (R. sondaicus)

Orangutan (P. abelii)

Tragulidae (T. javanicus)

Ecology Bird Cage

Rhinoceros hornbill (B. rhinoceros)

Victoria Crowned Pigeon (G. victoria)

Yellow-Crested Cockatoo (C. sulphurea)

Javan Hawk-eagle (N. bartelsi)

Mountain Zone

Asian Elephant (E. maximus)

Gibbon (H. lar)

Yellow-throated Marten (M. flavigula)

Argali (O. ammon)

Wetland Zone

Small-clawed Otter (A. cinerea)

Hippo (H. amphibius)

Capybara (H. hydrochaeris)

Pelican (P. onocrotalus)

Canopy

Circulation

Ecosystem Zone

New Water System

Original Site

• DESIGN STRATEGY

In traditional zoos, animals were confined, fields were lacerated by roads, and visitor experience was similar to going through a museum. I reversed the space dividing ratio to give the animals far more freedom in an uninterrupted field imitative to nature. It was achieved by using elevated walkways and transparent underpasses to streamline visitors yet creating more animal observing angles.

In order to allow people to get closer to nature, I designed two levels of streamlines in the zoo: the main trail and observing trials. The main trail is mainly used to connect various zones of the zoo, and the observing trails provide a variety of observation modes according to the characteristics of different ecosystems and animals’ living behaviors. Meanwhile, two trail systems are connected by stairs or ramps. The ecological observation tower provides a good panoramic view. Visitors can look around on the tower to see the pictures of different ecosystems. It will provide tourists with the important educational goal of “animals are closely connected to the ecosystem”.

Trail

Observation Trail

OBSERVATION MODE

The jungle adventure theme area creates a landscape close to the original ecosystems of Java island. Visitors on a double-layer trail system can observe animals inhabiting in different canopy heights. The observing trails are relatively open, letting tourists get close to nature; the main trails are relatively closed, increasing tourists’ respect for nature through restricted experiences.

The underwater quest theme area provides visitors with a special perspective. The observing trail descends from high altitude below the water level, and people can observe the underwater ecosystem here, while on the other side of the trail, they can observe the landscape on the land. Dense wetland vegetation and rich wetland animals coexist here, providing visitors with a good immersive experience.

PROFESSIONAL WORKS

• SILOS

• Colaborator: Anna Cawrse, Ashley Pelletier, Jingran Yu

• Site: Salt Lake City, UT

• Company: Sasaki

PROFESSIONAL WORKS

UCONN

• Colaborator: Letitia Tormay

• Site: University of Connecticut, Stamford, CT

• Company: Sasaki

PROFESSIONAL WORKS

• PARTICIPATORY DESIGN WORK: POST OFFICE WANNA KNOW ( 知らない郵便局 )

• Colaborator: Zihao Jin, Ni Ye, Qi Liu

• Site: Izu Inatori, Shizuoka, Japan

• Company: 1DesignLab

OTHER WORKS

• LARP 720 PLANTS FUTURES

• Botanical Drawing

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)

• LARP 720 PLANTS FUTURES

• Growing Habits

• Plants in the Future: Hooporegano

LING ZHANG

Landscape Designer | Urban Designer| Eco-Planner

Email: zlinz@upenn.edu

Phone: (267) 600-0787