University of Illinois Brian Concordia Landscape Architecture Portfolio - 2010
In a profession that is so closely attuned with the rhythms and cycles of nature, landscape architects require a unique eye for design. Much like the natural processes, the field of landscape architecture is constantly changing. Over the course of years the boundaries and definitions of what a landscape architect can do or produce has expanded and changed. From designing comfortable livable back yards, to creating community gathering spaces, even to regional issues, landscape architects have a very diverse profession. Along these same lines, other design professions have begun to encroach on the traditional territory of the landscape architect. It is important for landscape architects to find and define their profession. While working on my undergraduate studies in landscape architecture, I feel that I have also grown and expanded. Not only have I come to understand various aspects of successful design and representation, but I have also gained significant knowledge in the field of landscape architecture. As my undergraduate time closes I look to take this knowledge and more thoroughly explore the world of landscape architecture.
Unused for many years and running along US Route 150, the CSX rail corridor was the subject of our senior year regional design studio. This corridor, which is roughly 25 miles long, focuses on the very popular rails to trails projects. We started with a trail precedent project in order to gain our bearings on such a large scale project. After this introduction to similar projects, it was time to gain an understanding on our site. Working together as a studio, each team had a section of trail and topic to study and apply to the site. Using this collective information, it was time to begin individual projects. It was important to have an overall design theme for the trail in order to give the site connectivity. Also the project called for two smaller scale designs at chosen sites along the rail. The final project was a booklet, collected from all the pieces of individual work. AREA INVENTORY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BASE MAP
Each of the towns possess There is a lot more to the trail than just the hundred foot the opportunity for small wide right of way. It will take more than just a well designed trail business developments. to make the Kickapoo Trail a sucess. The trail must reach out and By relating businesses gain support from the surrounding communities and encourage to the trail, towns will be people to interact with the space. There are many opportunities The development of the Kickapoo Trail will do more than just provide a physical connection able tototake advantage of between Urbana and Kickapoo State Park that could be included between towns. in Each of the towns situated along the trail has the opportunity promote and create economic opportunities for a variety of businesses. With the development the trail,of towns theofvariety trailwill users. the design. It is important to look beyond the right of way and look understand that they are no longer isolated and separate, rather are linked by a shared experience. at the possible impacts the trail can have, not only environmentally, Residents and users of the trail can look at the trail not only as a great place to hike, bike and walk, but socially and economically as well. but also as an economic resource. With the successful development of the trail, residents could see
An example of the small increased property values. Towns would also benefi t from the increased tax revenues from the trail, and businesses that dot the trail an increase in tourism. At the very least, the trail creates a multitude of jobs in the construction of the 24.5 mile trail. With the development of many rails to trail projects, the term “Trail Town” has developed. These towns are typically located adjacent to the trail and offer amenities to users and visitors. “Trail Towns” consist of a variety of stores and locations including bike shops, ice cream parlors, and family restaurants.
Urbana
Kickapoo State Park is the eastern edge of the proposed trail. The park already has a variety of established trails and areas. It would be beneficial for the trail to connect to Kickapoo State Park.
TRAIL VISION AND GOALS The Kickapoo Trail: INVENTORY The lower wetlands of Kickapoo could connect to the trail
A Prairie Foothold in thetoFarmlands There is a lot more the trail than just the hundred foot
LEGEND
wide right of way. It will take more than just a well designed trail Proposed Trail to make the Kickapoo Trail a sucess. The trail must reach out and Roads gain support from the surrounding communities and encourage I-74 The Surrounded by miles and miles of agriculture, thepeople trail has opportunity tospace. really distinguish itself opportunities from its surroundings. to to interact with the There are many Streams trail will be defined by the types of materials, plants, and experiences found callyState on the trail. incorporating a native plant between Urbana and specifi Kickapoo Park thatBycould be included palette, specifically prairie plants, the trail will become aindistinct destination within the area.beyond The native planting plan will harken the design. It is important to look the right of way Rail Road The towns of the Kickapoo Trail are in great position for economic develop. For many of the back to a time before agriculture, when tall grass prairies dominated Central Illinois. This vision is to develop the 100’ right of way and look at the possible impacts the trail can have, not only towns, the section of trail cuts right in the middle of the towns. This is a benefit since many of the google images into a prairie habitat as other smaller mammals. Planting all the way up to the edge ofWetlands the right trail, a live rail, Here the trail rail St. Joseph Ogden of the trail. Many of the existing Oakwood The trail opens up in environmentally, but socially and economically as well. Bike rentals andstyle repairs couldfor plants, birds, insects, as well Fithian buildings and businesses are located within walking distance business Muncie and US-150 all meet of way incorporates and takes advantage of all the available space. The long sight lines provide a unique view of what will appear A great prairie style trail downtown Ogden be a big draw along the trail include restaurants, bars, specialty shops, and antique stores. Since these businesses are located so Vegetation showcasing fall color to be an extensive prairie, but will be contained by the 100’ right of way. As seen from above, the trail will appear as a long string of near the trail, towns such as Fithian, Muncie and Ogden have the opportunity to really capitalize on prairie tieing in Kickapoo State Park and the towns along the trail. By using native plants the aim is to install a design with Trail minimal welcoming trail users. Heads GOALS maintenance within the first few years and after establishment the plants will be able to regulate themselves. The plants will also have With the development of the trail, the area can expect a large increase in visitors, both local the opportunity to regulate storm water runoff on and around the trail most of the plants will be very deep rooted. Secondary Trail Stop Small vacant buildings dotsince the trail 1 - Develop a restorative native planting program and tourists. Most likely tourists will travel from areas near the trail heads, specifically the ChampaignUrban area and Danville. These visitors will support the majority of local businesses since it is shown andarea, provide for the entire length of the trail Along with environmental benefits for the the excellent plants willoportunities develop distinct personalities is each season. A planting palette that outside visitors tend to spend more than four times as much as local residents. Though the types for expanding businesses with a variety of plants offers blooms at different points during the growing season, encouraging return visits in the spring Trail and Rest Stop of proposed businesses can vary, it is common to see small restaurants, specialty stores, desert and 2 - Provide open park spaces adjacent to the trail for summer. Many of the plants also take advantage of cooler fall temperatures and offer a change of color with theSt. seasons, Joseph providing Ogden snack shops, as well as bike shops. These bike shops have great potential since a majority of users are Fithian Muncie community programs and festivals Parking Area Urbana crisp air strolls to enjoy a variety of experiences. In the winter the adventurous user will appreciate the bare stalks and dried seed pods expected to be bikers. Bike shops could offer repairs, rentals and sales. While traveling through the towns it is easy to see that many of the buildings are vacant, although not good for the town, this does contrasting against the white snow on the trail. A native prairie planting within the trail provides residents and users an opportunity to 3 - Develop management strategies for future provide a great opportunity for new businesses. view and enjoy a prairie experience close to home. For many users this will be one of the only areas of prairie within their areas. With development As users travel successful implementation of these native plantings the goal is to encourage users and residents of the area to rethink ideas offurther nativeeast towards Kickapoo State plantings. Hopefully in the future there will be the possibility for extensions of native plantings adjacent to the trail, creating a web of Park the4 - Make the trail accessible to a wide range of users towns become smaller while including ADA accessibility along the length of the Development Guidelines* prairie-style experiences within the area. agriculture seems to dominate the trail In order to create a sucessful business plan it is important to understand that each town will landscape. Along this stretch of Highlighted building adjacent to much thenot work for all the towns. need to address their own situations. WhatAlthough works for one townofmay Along the trail there are a trail it is important to emphisize5 - Connect to existing trails and parks along the PROGRAM the trail provide great locations surrounding area is agriculture, The following are ideas to take into consideration. variety of unused structures. the importance of native plantscorridor 1: Understand the communities capacity and deisres forThe new businesses there are sections off the trail design this trail accommodates a variety of users. The designed primary user would be hikers and walkers. Hikers will destinations and provide engaging Thesefor places could become 2: Identify markets based on the trail that could developed into for users. Between Ogden and 6 - Provide space for community health and enjoy the detail to planting along the trail. Also hikers and walkers will most likely take advantage of rest stops, future businesses, interesting attractions along 3: Understand the relationship between the town and the trail environmental areas. These is an straight, old grain elevator. encourage This and open park The trail is also designed to provide space for bikers. The trail is great for bikers since it is soFithian long and residents and users to use the trail often 4: Choose trailheads and stops based on markets and impacts thespaces. trail. These amenities “fingers” structure provides providing the opportunity for bikers moving. Alonglocated with bikers and hikers, there is a possibility for equestrian use. a great location 5: Located stops within town lines in order environmental to ensure economic impactscould A small resturant in Fithain. could provide shelter andto really get for a trail rest stop since it will 6: Build of esixting markets in each town help develop a wider variety of Although not originally planned for, there are locations that in future could physical These types of the resturants could be adapted if needed. As well as standard information on the trail. provide shade, users on theand trail. 7: Cultivate partnerships between towns, communities, users activities along the trail, users will also enjoy a range oft shops, stores, and restaurants. These existing and new businesses are covering, as well as benefi from trail development an aesthically different experience. conveniently located near the trail. Within the trail there are three types of stops designed. The first level, and largest areand theMuncie trail can both Fifthian *”Economic Development” by Alex Sammet Secondary Trail Stop heads. rest rooms, open spaces and otherbenefi amenities. Located A small creek north of The Interurban Train Stop could be These bookend the trail at the east and west edges and provide parking, t economically from the Fithian could be accessed renovated into a trail stop in each of the towns are the secondary trail stops. These are smaller than the trail heads and provide rest rooms, water, and connections development of the trail as well. Trail Rest Stop to communities. Often found between secondary stops are the smaller rest stops. These stops simply provide places to sit, water, and shade. Overall the trail provides many things trail users are accustomed to, and other surprises as well. google images
VISION
A bridge just east of Muncie
Oakwood
A well develop series of stops provides oportunities for user interaction
Creek crossing west of St. Joseph
This grain tower lies between Fithian and Ogden
An unused grain tower in Fithian
One of the sites I chose for a detail design was the railroad crossing near the town of St. Joseph. This area is unique because it is where the trail corridor crosses an active rail line. It was important to understand the danger of this while also creating a fun and active park. Also following the theme of bringing prairie into the cornfield, the park is heavily planted with native prairie plants.
The second detail design chosen for the trail project was the town of Ogden. The town is located near the midpoint of the 25 mile proposed trail and has the potential to develop into a jewel of the trail. Also Ogden has great exposure from US Route 150 and the prairie planting could be easily seen. The town has a small existing park, as seen from the top photo, and a great connection could be made to my proposed park system. The preliminary design is shown in the middle and the final plan is shown below. Comprised of three different sections, the park could easily be split up into phases, depending on funding and popularity. The core of the design is to follow the overall idea of bringing a more natural, prairie style planting, to the various towns and cities along the trail, which is sandwiched between massive agricultural fields.
The first phase of the Ogden redesign is to renovate the existing open space. In this design a small play ground is created and native prairie plants are installed.
On the eastern edge of Ogden, this second phase would focus on a larger native planting area and walking path.
The final phase of the Ogden design would be a prairie bridge connecting the first two phases and completing the park.
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The topic of the Lohman Park redesign project was to understand how important parks are to the surrounding communities. Assigned midway through junior year, this project incorporated both group and individual work. Groups were assigned to do analysis of the site as well as the adjacent communities. The park lies near an elementary school, a series of apartment buildings, and a new golf course and community development border the eastern edge of the park. It was important to incorporate these three users into the overall design of the park. After analysis was completed, the conceptual and overall redesigns were up to the individual. Below are three conceptual graphs and the final conceptual plan. On the opposite page is the final master plan, as well as supporting perspective graphics.
The Virginia Park design was a piece of a larger design project in the East St. Louis area. As landscape architects, our junior studio was a part of the East St. Louis Action Research Project. This was a very unique project for me since we were able to visit the town and citizens and get quality feedback from them immediately. The project started with inquiries into issues of environmental justice and quality of life. High crime rates, abandoned homes, and loss of jobs are just some of the problems facing this community. As landscape architects, we visited with members of the community to get a sense of what they wanted from their local parks. With this information we went back to our studio to develop preliminary master plans. With these in hand, we took a second trip to display our work to community members. After our second trip our work was condensed into groups and a final redesign booklet was produced for the community. The photos below are of the various meetings and presentations during the project. The plan on the opposite page is my preliminary master plan along with supporting graphics.
To begin our junior year studio, our first project was a local residential design. My selected house was located just off campus, near a large neighborhood park. The project required an initial site visit, and a meeting with the resident. As required for the project, my three designs offer different perspectives, while also providing options for the resident. One occurring theme in my designs was the implementation of a secluded, more private area, as requested by the client.
Plants and plant life should be a large part of the landscape architects understanding. Not only should landscape architects be able to identify and understand plants, but it is also important to be able to create engaging designs with them. The drawings here are examples of the designs created as part of the annuals and perennial plant courses here at the university. Along with identification tests, these projects ensure students are able to successfully design with plant materials.
In many cases Photoshop has become a tool of the landscape architect. A carefully constructed image can really help support a project and easily get an idea across.
Our studio spaces are very generous; large windows, plenty of space, and great desks are all students can ask for. While spending time near one of the larger back windows, a few of us had a great idea to take advantage of some unused space. After discussing community gardens and their health benefits in class, we decided to install one of our very own. It started off very slowly, with two propagation units and a few packets of seeds. Before we knew it we had a fully fledged garden, including tomato plants, morning glory vines, and even 3 foot tall sunflowers!
Completing this project in the spring of sophomore studio, this project would prove to be a precursor to the 2008 Windsor Road Corridor charrette. Split up into four sections, our studio was responsible for creating preliminary ideas for the campus development of Windsor Road. For my group it was important to focus on the large body of water located in the south west section of our quadrant. Also we needed to incorporate spaces for business as well as residential. The master plan includes trails, water remediation, and “green” educational center.
The Orchard Downs design was the definitive project for our community design studio. In order to produce the highest quality projects, our studio split up into various teams. The teams first started with an extensive analysis of the site. Orchard Downs contains various housing types, primarily housing for graduate or married students. Located a short bike ride south east of campus town, Orchard Downs is accessible by bike and bus lines and the project looked to connect this area to the main campus. With this in mind, our group produced a variety of conceptual designs. It was important to include healthy living ideas such as walkable communities and open spaces. Taking these ideas and refining them, our group produced the master plan shown on the right. The plan contains a small centrally located business court, dormitories, single family homes, and retirement housing located in the southern section. From there individuals were to choose specific sections to detail. Shown on the opposite page, my redesign of the central area shows the main entrance to the community as well as the styles of buildings included on the site.
The final project for our Native Planting Design Studio was to take one of the three projects completed earlier in the semester and go further with it. Working with a partner on both sides of this project, we chose to complete our design of the wetland area surrounding the newly built Business Instructional Facility (BIF). The BIF was one of the first “green” buildings to be built on campus. With this in mind, we really wanted to contribute to that mentality. It was important to contain and allow run off to percolate on site. Following this idea, we designed a larger wetland area as well as deepening the long swaths in the center. Along with these land forms, we chose native wetland plants that would thrive in heavy rains and water. Also since the court yard is primarily viewed from inside the massive atrium, we designed to plant large swaths of similar plants in order to provide an almost artistic quality when viewed from above.
The Skelton Park Redesign was a final project for our construction drawing class. The site, located just north of campus town, has a section of the Boneyard Creek running along the eastern edge. This section of the creek posed a problem since it is prone to flooding. It was important to design a park that could mediate the excess water, while still function as a successful park the rest of the time. Preliminary site visits showed very interesting aspects to the park and its high visibility. The design for this park came about in an interesting way because we were instructed to develop our ideas with clay models. This tactile and visual development brought about the large earthen berms and landforms seen in the model below. From the small scale model the final construction documents and a larger scale model were created, as seen on the opposite page.