BLAIR DANIES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO the relationship between people and the environment they live in
RESUME
EDUCATION
University of Maryland, College Park, MD Bachelors of Landscape Architecture Minor: Sustainability Cumulative GPA: 3.3 Semester Academic Honors
SKILLS&ABILITIES Anticipated May 2018
Software • Autodesk AutoCAD
Fall 2016 – Fall 2017
WORK EXPERIENCE
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Google SketchUp
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Adobe Photoshop
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National Park Service, University of Maryland, College Park, MD Research Assistant November 2017 – Present
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Adobe Illustrator
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Student American Society of Landscape Architects (SASLA), University of Maryland, College Park, MD President May 2017 – Present
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Adobe InDesign
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Brightview Landscape Services, Laurel, MD Intern
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Geographic information system (GIS)
May 2017 – August 2017
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University of Maryland, College Park, MD Research Assistant
September 2016 – May 2017
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LABash2017, University of Maryland, College Park, MD Expo Chair
February 2016 – March 2017
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE • Norton-Brown Herbarium, University of Maryland, College Park, MD Volunteer
December 2015 – May 2016
EXTRACURRICULAR • •
Registered Student Member of Maryland ASLA March 2017 – Present UMD Intramural Volleyball Girls and Coed 4x4 & 6x6 Fall 2013 – Spring 2017
• Microsoft office programs Photography
Public speaking Hand rendering
CONTENTS PROJECTS 04
ODENTON TOWN CENTER
08
ODENTON TOWN CENTER | Group Project
12
TREASURE TRUNKS | Group Project
16
ONE RUN
Nevada Ave., Odenton, MD
Nevada Ave., Odenton, MD
Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, Millersville, MD
B&O Railroad, Baltimore, MD
COMPETITION 22
HIDDEN RIVER | Group Project | THIRD PLACE WINNER
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
28
SWEETS, TREATS & EATS
PERSONAL WORK
34
ASLA Projects
36
SKETCHES AND DIGITAL ART
Better Philadelphia Challenge W Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA Full entry : https://www.philadelphiacfa.org/2018-philadelphias-next-parkway
L 1: Materials Plan / Hardscape Plan L 2: Staking Plan L 3: Construction Detail Drawings L 4: Illustrative Plan L 5 & L 6: Illustrative Perspectives
Parking Day
Pen with watercolor pencil Digital render Graphite pencil Photography
04
ODENTON TOWN CENTER
Site Plan
Odenton, Maryland duration : 1 month
PROCESS
NO. 11
Nevada Ave.
The focus of the Odenton Town Center Project is to develop a site that will provide the community with a mixture of programmed and unprogrammed spaces while maximizing green space and functionality of Nevada Avenue.
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NO. 5
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NO. 8 NO. 12
NO. 3 Preliminary Bubble Diagram
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NO. 4
Nevada Ave.
b
c NO. 1 NO. 2 Revised Bubble Diagram
Route 175
a
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Route 175
NO. 17
Town Center Logo Concepts
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Oversized Letters Water feature Border Community Center Plaza Seating Grill Station Shaded Seating Ping -Pong Tables Sound Buffer The Great Lawn Sculpture Garden Nook Badminton Court Play Mounds Parking Picnic Area Historic House Cafe Movable Seating Stage Reflection Garden Food Trucks
Odenton is a well known railroad town that has been serving commuters since 1872. The Three Sphere logo is a simple design where the train track represents Odenton’s connection to the railroad and the three colored spheres each represent the new features its commuters will now have available to them. The red sphere represents socialization and gathering, blue represents reflection and relaxation, and yellow represents recreation and entertainment. The three spheres overlap and allude to destination points similar to those seen on a train map.
Odenton is a well known railroad town that has been serving commuters since 1872. The One Sphere logo is a simple design where the train track represents its connection to the railroad and one red sphere represents the new Odenton town center as the focal point for the community.
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Water feature edge a. The plaza water feature edge and oversized letters provide a safety border for site visitors and a focal point used to slow traffic on Route 175.
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b. In the new town center Nevada Avenue is transformed into a shared street which can be closed for events such as farmers markets. The unique paver pattern slows drivers down making the site more pedestrian friendly
Shared Street
Town Center Plaza c. The Plaza area provides a gathering space for visitors to relax and socialization. String lights illuminate the plaza making the space functional at night.
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08
ODENTON TOWN CENTER Odenton, Maryland
group project duration : 1.5 months
ODENTON TOWN CENTER GOALS
- Adding green space into the new town center
- Providing a site that enables a wide range of activites
Goals
• Adding green space into the new Town Center • Providing a site that enables a wide range of activities • Developing fluid movement on and off of the site • Maintaining the functionality of Nevada Avenue
Team
Blair Danies, Jenny Dibra, Garrett Foss, Paul Mayer, Steven Palomino, Qi Zhou, Sara Sarnwald, James Schwartz, Christopher Snyder, Simone Vitale
- Developing �luid movement on and off of the site - Maintaining the functionality of Nevada Avenue.
SITE ANALYSIS Zoning
Land Use
Environmental Features
Environmental Features
Memorial
Rain Garden
SITE PLAN
Cafe
Amphitheater Fountain
Pedestrian Path
B
REGIONAL CONTEXT INSPIRATION
Nature Play
Restrooms
Bike Parkin Bike Path
C
A
D
S
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
University of Maryland College Park | Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture | LARC340 BLA 3rd Year Studio | Professor Dennis Nola ASLA | Teaching Assistant: Mark Dennis | Project Manager: Simone Vitale | Information Of�icer: Devan Hare | Design Team: Steven Palomino, James Schwartz, Qi Zhou, Paul Mayer, Blair Danies, Christopher Snyder, Garrett Foss, Jenny Dibr
PERSPECTIVES
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CONCEPT DIAGRAM
LAYERED AXON
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67%
67%
Vegetation
Canopy Cover: ͡ǥ͸͡; ˆ–2
Built Structures
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Rain Garden Capacity: ͳʹǥ͡ͲͲ ‰ƒŽ
A
Trees: ͝ͺ
Bike Parking Spaces: 24
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ͳ͡Ψ ͳ͡Ψ 20% 20%
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43% 43% 17% 17%
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Total length of pathway: ;ǥ;ͳʹ ˆ– ADA Accessible: ;ǥͳ;ʹ ˆ– %
Non ADA Accessible: ͳͺͲ ˆ–
Vehicular Parking Spaces: 10
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Paths
Softscape
Median
Vegetation
B
Site Plan
Turning Lane Pedestrian Sidewalk Fire Station
SITE CIRCULATION C
PLANT PALETTE
Shade Trees
Ornamental Trees Shrubs
SCALE: 1� = 20’
0
PERFORMANCE METRICS
10 20
40
70
ra, Sara Saernwald
100
Site
D
Pedestrian Access Bicycle Access Crosswalks
Public Art
Vegetated Median ”ƒˆĎ?‹… ‹”…Ž‡
Perennial Flowers Meadow Grasses
Group Boards 09
Town Center Plaza
a. At the Plaza visitors can socialize with friends, take pictures with the oversized letters, or cool down in the interactive sprinklers. The oversized letters are placed off of 175 to catch the interest of drivers, in turn slowing them down and making the busy road safer. The water structure edge provides additional safety for site visitors from the road. 10
The Meadows d. The eastern entry viewed from across Route 175 shows the historic trail meadow, historic house cafe, and entry to the reflection lawn. Residence have a view of the Town Center so they can always see which events are taking place.
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12
TREASURE TRUNKS Millersville, Maryland group project duration : 1 month
Campus Site
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ne
Service La
Ind
ia n
La n
di ng
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Create a safe environment that accommodates people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, all while maintaining the integrity and natural essence of Arlington Echo.
a NO. 3
Goals
• Develop ADA accessibility trails throughout site • Provide adequate parking • Maintain the history and natural feel of Arlington Echo n dia
In
d g R
La
in nd
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c NO. 12
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Team
Blair Danies, Jenny Dibra, Devan Hare, Sara Sarnwald, Akira Shepherd
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NO. 6 NO. 7
NO. 10
Severn
NO. 8
River
Water Conservation
b
ice
Serv
Water Held by Rain Gardens 6,124.6 gallons
NO. 1 e n La NO. 10
Parking Spaces 2%
NO. 4
Existing (Cars)
5%
Added (Cars) ADA
32%
Bus 61%
ve )
Trail System
(C o
Before
After
ia n
Cr
ee k
Total Trail (mi)
1.11
In d
ADA Trail 0 (mi) Non-ADA Trail (mi)
0 20 40 70
100
NO. 1 NO. 2 NO. 3 NO. 4 NO. 5 NO. 6 NO. 7 NO. 8 NO. 9 NO. 10 NO. 11
Parking Lot I&C Course Open Play Swimming Pool Amphitheater Garden Dining Hall Wetland Views ADA Trails Non-ADA Trails
1.63 1.46
1.11
0.17
Available Open Space Before Open Space (ac)
0
0.2
After
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0.8
1
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Camper Drop-off
a. Campers are dropped off at the grand archway where they will enter the site and begin their outdoor education. Parking spaces are set outside of the site entrance to create distance between nature and machine. Emergency parking is available past the entrance. 14
b.The Resource Center rooftop is equipped with a green roof and a double acorn tree house observatory to provide an exciting learning environment for children.
Informational Signage
Research Center
c. Informational signs educate campers about the surrounding nature and wildlife in the site
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ONE RUN
Baltimore, Maryland
Heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke are the top three causes of death in Southwest Baltimore. Per every 10,000 residence there are 24 corner shops, 12 liquor stores, and 51 tobacco stores. With an average life expectancy of 65 years old and the unemployment rate at 19.6%, providing free and accessible public fitness aid and educating the community about the importance of health and fitness are vital for the community.
Carey St
duration : 3 weeks
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NO. 3
b
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A’ A NO. 11
Process NO. 10
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NO. 8
Concept Diagram
Goals
• Provide free public fitness aid to the community • Educate the youth about fitness and diet • Minimize the 57.3% of avertable deaths
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NO. 6
a
NO. 15
Fitness and Health Hub Enlargement
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B’ NO. 12 B
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NO. 10
NO. 1 NO. 6
0 20 60 90 NO. 1 NO. 2 NO. 3 NO. 4 NO. 5 NO. 6 NO. 7 NO. 8 NO. 9 NO. 10 NO. 11 NO. 12 NO. 13 NO. 14 NO. 15
Train Bike Rental Train Bike Trails Views Equestrian Facility Co-housing Outdoor Fitness Equipment Indoor Fitness Facility Community Garden Mounted Police Museum Running and Walking Track Mount Clare Museum House SW Baltimore Charter School B&O Railroad Museum Youth Cooking Class Shopping Center Proposed Building Existing Building
0 100
300
500
The goal of One Run is to make each area of the site a fitness opportunity. The B&O train track trail provides the main circulation for the site. Site visitors may rent a Train Bike and pedal along the route, stopping at the various activities along the trail. Train Bikers can easily exit their bike and spend as much time as they’d like exploring each site on foot. These various fitness opportunities are strategically placed around the Southwest Baltimore Charter School as a means to expose the next generation to a community that prioritizes fitness and health.
Inspiration
Community Garden Running Trail https://goo.gl/RrmYZc
https://goo.gl/gwuw6f
Train Bike Trail https://goo.gl/b6quvT
Plots will be rented A bold red running If users depart Train to neighboring trail weaves Bike to explore schools and the along the site, an area, those community to grow encouraging visitors approaching and harvest food. to explore the area. behind may “trade” Cooking classes are A pedestrian trail bikes to continue available to teach runs parallel for travel. Bikes rotate preparation of those who prefer 180° to change healthy meals. walking. directions.
Views on Buildings
https://goo.gl/S2ARQa
Local artists will be permitted to create murals on select buildings. This encourages the community to leave their homes and explore the outdoors.
Outdoor Gym https://goo.gl/EQ8RS4
Co-housing
https://goo.gl/d2pvNE
Co-housing is for Community members can use residence who plan free outdoor fitness to be active users equipment in two of the site. They will areas around the have easy access site. Wheelchair to site amenities, in accessible fitness return keeping the equipment is site maintained and available. in use.
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A B Nature walk
0
10
Nature walk
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Grass field Path to B&O activity path B
Cooking classroom
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10
20
A’ Train bike path
Vehicular Overpass
Train bike path
Mounted Police Museum and Horse stables
B’ Train bike path
Train bike rental facility
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Carey St Active Street a. Colorful buildings, bright bike lanes, and fitness inspired sidewalk text, tie the community into the space and motivate community members to stay active. These types of spaces can be utilized on streets throughout the community. 20
Community Garden b. The neighboring elementary school and community members can rent lots in the community garden to learn how to grow, harvest, and cook their own produce. The Red Running Path give users easy access to the garden and rail cycle trail, promoting healthy diet and fitness habits. 21
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HIDDEN RIVER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania group project duration : 3 weeks Hidden River proposes a concept that strengthens and enhances the connections between nature, community, green spaces, and bodies of water along the 4-mile stretch of Lehigh Avenue.
Goals
• “Hydrate” the city with green infrastructure, and scenic and vibrant gathering spaces • Use sustainable design techniques to provide world class destinations with industrial origins • Connect the Hidden River route to the rest of the community
Team
Blair Danies, Akin Jaiye, Sara Sarnwald
Concept Diagram
The mural “Reach High and You Will Go Far”, located on N 20th St and Arch St, PA and created by artist Josh Sarantitis, visually represents the combination of Hidden River’s three key elements: sustainable design, social gathering, and economic catalyst which ties the community together and highlights the cities strong religious and educational character.
Defining Image
Environmental • Green infrastructure
Social • Gathering and event spaces
Economic • Mixed land uses and cost 1mi 23
The Hidden River allows users a change of pace to their daily walking and biking routine. Each section of the path presents its users with different features that blend subtly with the landscape. Users may explore and interact with the added features and in turn gain a path that alters the way they perceive their daily walk around the community.
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Environmental • Stormwater management and wildlife corridor
Social • Enjoyable walkable spaces throughout city
Economic • Raising property value through green spaces and mixed land use
Boulder concept
Tunnel concept
Hidden River High Line Concept
Sculpture concept
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Providing and connecting experiential green spaces that tie the city to its rich industrial culture gives the site a rich identity. Transforming the community’s vacant lots into healthy green spaces will increase the surrounding property value thus, providing the community with quality and valuable spaces.
Rain Garden • Filters stormwater runoff and adds vibrant color
Industrial Design • Ties into the fabric of Philadelphia and draws in community
Mixed Land Use • Provide influx of money and employment for the community
Vacant Lot Parkway Concept
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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS duration : 2 months
NOT TO SCALE
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NOT TO SCALE
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NOT TO SCALE
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30
NOT TO SCALE
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STUDENT ASLA
UMD Park(ing) Day Competition
Production
Park Features
Dog Obstacle Course duration : 2 months Choosing plants
As the University of Maryland Student ASLA President, it was my duty to coordinate UMD’s Park(ing) Day event. We worked with the UMD Arboretum who was able to receive a $4,000 grant to purchase plants for our event. All teams were required to develop an all native or non-invasive plant palette for their parklet.
We received a $500 from the Community Forklift in Hyattsville where we bought supplies and materials to build our sites. All materials used across the 4 parklets were either supplied from our grant, found in the recycling, or donated. We spent a maximum of $30 for all four parks.
Various features for our dog obstacle course included • A mosaic inspired water feature decorated w vegetation and powered by solar panel • Photo op frames such as an instagram frame, chasing mailman face frame, and custom snapc • A dog-friendly herb garden with specialized h dogs • A dog house park entrance, five course obsta course, cool-off area, and surrounding seating
d: with
, dog chat filter herbs for
acle
Opening Day
This year we wanted to make park(ing) day a campus wide event, expanding the amount of parklets and adding students from different disciplines. Four teams participated in the park(ing) day event: DOTS UMD and UMDBike, 4th Year Studio, 3rd Year Studio, and two 4th Year students who’s park(ing) day design was chosen by faculty members. Additionally, students in Urban Planning and Landscape Management joined our teams to help us design and build our unique spaces. 35
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SKETCHES
Ivy Arbor
Graffiti Museum
Linear Backyard Patio Design
Organic Backyard Patio Design
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SKETCHES
Meridian Hill Park “Staircase”
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Still Life with Dressed Game, Meat, and Fruit - Alexandre-François Desportes
Hunting in Pontine Marshes - Horace Vernet
Mount Corcoran - Albert Bierstadt
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DIGITAL ART
Butler’s Orchard, MD
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High Line, NY
Turtle Park, NY
Brandywine, MD
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DIGITAL ART
High Line, NY
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Brandywine, MD
Cherry Blossoms, DC
Park(ing) Day, UMD
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Blair Danies 4th Year BLA University of Maryland bdanies@terpmail.umd.edu