[The Portfolio of Joshua Elam] .
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Adbobe Illustrator CS4 Adobe Indesign CS4 Adobe Bridge CS5 Adobe After Effects CS4 Adobe Premiere Pro C4 Adobe Acrobat Pro 9 Autodesk AutoCAD 2010 Microsoft Office Word 2010 Microsoft Office Excel 2010 Microsoft Office Powerpoint 2010 Google SketchUp Google Earth Pro Windows Systems Macintosh Systems Firefox Browser VLC Media Camtasia YouTube uploading
j e l a m 4 9 0 @ g m a i l . c o m
On the Cover:
[ Josh Elam 10763 Grey Heron Ct. Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 ]
Enjoying a Sunday in the park, watching a little league game or simply walking down the street; these are all spaces and experiences created by landscape architects for a life beyond the door. My desire and aspiration as a landscape architect is to do just that; to take an idea and form it into memorable spaces for all people in order to improve our quality of life. My education and professional experience in landscape architecture has introduced me to a wide range of projects. They vary from large scale city planning in Cairo, Egypt, to smaller half acre gathering spaces, to an even smaller scale of hands on design remodeling the Architecture bathroom. I have been involved with a number of public outreach projects and charrettes for both school and professional offices. These experiences have taught me how to work well in teams, and though I prefer to be the leader, I also know how and when to follow. Teamwork has showed me how to take on different roles and communicate with my colleagues and clients while keeping in mind the ultimate goal of turning visions into reality. I would like the opportunity to speak or meet with you personally to discuss who I am and what I can contribute to your talented team. Attached is my resume and portfolio. I hope it finds you well and I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely,
Joshua Elam
[People as Places as
People
]
| Eagle, CO | Clemson University | Capstone Project | Exit Studio | Spring 2010 The ‘Capstone’ was the final project for a student of Landscape Architecture. This solo project tested the ability to design properly for unique situations. A short digital presentation can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4gE9xo4GO0
Develop around attributes. This became the answer to the town of Eagles question on how to accomodate growth. New development should occur in close proximity to the existing downtown and Eagle River. Currently, Eagle has a new development miles away from downtown, and plans to create more. This causes competition and wane in the town. Working with local landscape architects, members of the county, and local residents, this project investigated possible methods of new development and ultimately came to a conclusion based around principles:
| | | |
Extend Ex. Downtown Create access to River Central location Plan for future use of rail line
[a]
[a] PEOPLE AS PLACES AS PEOPLE
[Natural Attributes]
Areas that should be protected, but also accessible:
River
Marsh
Mountain
[Existing Fabric]
Stable
Areas that are physically intact and relatively stable (ex. Downtown)
Transitional Areas with some opportunities for light development
Developmental Areas where significant opportunities exist to accomodate new growth
[Programming] Approach: Gateway Towns have quickly become one of the most desired places to live in America. The town of Eagle, Colorado is such a town, and as a result seen a large surge of population growth in the last decade. The growth has brought about debate and conflict from within the town as to what the next step to take is. The town of Eagle is at a critical juncture. The issue that Eagle must answer is what to do with the new growth. On one hand, some citizens have strong feelings that there should be no more growth; that there is already too many people, cars and homes in the area, and that the land should be preserved. On the other hand, citizens believe that the quality of life in Eagle could be improved by directing this growth where it would benefit from new developments. The debate of preservation and growth can both be satisfied. By identifying areas of Eagle that can benefit from new development and areas that need to be protected, both preservationists and new growth advocates can be content. As gateway towns continue to increase in population, pressure to grow will also occur. This growth is a positive attribute for a town that needs to evolve in order to thrive economically, culturally and socially. The key issue becomes one of managing the change and directing the growth for the betterment of residents, businesses, and Eagle as a whole. The aim of this project is to create a smart growth strategy that directs new growth to areas that can bring about the most benefits. Being in a valley, the town has limited amounts of available land. It is of upmost importance to use this land in a way that benefits residents, businesses, aesthetics, and quality of life for Eagle. This project will look at the future of Eagle and create a design strategy of the town holistically. Principles: Accommodate growth strategically (Grow the town to the River) Aim holistically and long term Maintain downtown as the center of culture and commerce Reinforce existing urban structure Pursue economic diversity Fluid connection throughout town Foster sustainability Develop desirable streets and boulevards Goal: Appropriately direct new growth to enhance the social, economic, and town amenities for existing and future residents. [a] PEOPLE AS PLACES AS PEOPLE
[Video Presentation]
Normally, a video would play here, but since this is either a print version or Issuu does not support video, please visit the following link to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4gE9xo4GO0 Succinct version of the presentation of People as Places as People, my 2010 Clemson Exit Project. This presentation was viewed by the Eagle Planning Board and is being used for consideration for future development and planning
[Entertainment Space]
Illustration showing the Entertainment space, a portion of the linear river park.
Any downtown extension must match the scale and character of the existing downtown.
[a] PEOPLE AS PLACES AS PEOPLE
[Master Plan]
1
1 Entertainment
2 Boulevard
2 3 Cluster Housing
3 4 Community
4 5
5 Future Rail Use
6
6
DownTown Extension
[a] PEOPLE AS PLACES AS PEOPLE
[Design
Process] The process of design is vital. The methods of turning a torrent of ideas, concepts and goals into a coherent finished product are essential in Landscape Architecture. The Capstone project turned 180ยบ from beginning to end. The end product took an enormous amount of work, but the end product is something I can be proud of. This project is being used by the Town of Eagle as a method of growth development. River
Road Design
Park
Existing Road
Layout 1.0
Layout 2.0
Layout 2.5 (Final)
Linear river park essential, bordered by pubic road. Road footage became excessive and inhibitive to design.
Reduced road footage increases development opportunities. Creates a circulation with existing town.
Circulation exists between existing town and public roadway. Development designed.
[Graphics] Creating graphics that caught the eye and introduced unique rendering techniques was a goal in completing the Capstone project. Using Google SketchUp as a base, applying a light hand render, and some clever methods in Adobe Photoshop creates an image that is fresh and creative. The following render is a concept of the main gathering square located centrally in the Capstone project.
[step1]
sketch-up model
[step2]
light render
[step3]
combine + shop it
[a] PEOPLE AS PLACES AS PEOPLE
[PROJECT
Okurase ] | Location | Okurase, Ghana, Africa | Clemson University | Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston | CAC.c | Spring 2009 Collaborative studio project; 13 CAC.c students
Project Okurase is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a model sustainable center that will transform the economic, education, and welfare of the village. Dr. Cindy Swenson of Medical University of S. Carolina (MUSC) came to the CAC.c with a program for 16 buildings that she and Samuel ‘Powerful’ Yeboah, the director of Okurase, had created. We have endeavored to craft the program into a settlement woven together on several levels. The 16 building facility, known as the Nkabom Centre, will provide education and job training opportunities in an effort to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Ghana. In addition to providing these education opportunities, the Centre will provide medical care, clean drinking water and bath facilities, and homes for families and children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Way Forward Homes This is an actual project that will be built in Ghana. Since the completion of our semester at CAC.c, we have been in touch with our project architect in Ghana, and the project has broken ground. Our design has been approved and is in construction. Working in a large, mixed group environment allowed me to explore new areas of design, such as construction, architecture, and sustainable methods. I was able to design my own building which, as chance may have it, is the first building to be constructed in Project Okurase. As a landscape architecture major, being able to say that my first building design is being constructed in Africa is quite unique. Additional Information can be found here: http://www.projectokurase.org/
[b]
[Context]
[Site Conditions] Drainage
Wind Patterns
Vistas
[b] PROJECT OKURASE
[Design Process]
Once the site boundaries were known, design began. What started as a simple interactive desk model evolved into sketch drawings. The best aspects of each of these acted as a guiding light for the final layout and design of the project.
[Design Principles] As principles were laid out in concrete, the design matured into its final production. Careful considerations was emphasized in the placement of public and private space, fluid and controlled circulation, and spatial connections.
A physical model was created to thoroughly demonstrate these principles.
[b] PROJECT OKURASE
[Master Plan] 1. Caretaker /Security 2. Administration 3. School 4. Amphitheater 5. Performance Training 6. Work Training 7. Medical 8. Commons /Dining 9. Accommodations 10. Recording Studio 11. Artists Cottage 12. Djole House 13. Way forward Homes
View 1:
View 2:
Architectural Sections
Architectural Layout Plan
[Details]
Structural building plan showing column and load bearing wall location. Also designated window type and location.
Views of complete building. Designed to take advantage of wind condition as air conditioning is not available.
4 Amphitheater Rendering
5 Performance Center Rendering
[Renderings]
View of the amphitheater looking South. Designed to accomodate all peoples of the village and surrounding villages.
Typical building system designed for the project. Courtyard and water tower used for sustainability.
[b] PROJECT OKURASE
[ FOUNTAIN
Inn ]
| Location | Fountain Inn, SC | Clemson University | 4th Year Studio | Urban Development | Fall 2009
The process of regenerating business in a small southern town with a declining downtown in very complicated. It requires not only an excellent plan, but the support of the residents. This was the charge for the downtown revitalization plan in the town of Fountain Inn, SC. The process of the design included input from residents, approval of city officials and group work. The consensus was that the best solution would be a reduction in traffic lanes from 5 to 2 that encouraged biking and walking. This, in combination with a vibrant, well organized streetscape, would give the downtown the opportunity to succeed. This project was selected to be presented to city officials and residents.
Additional information can be found here:
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/greenvilleonline/access/1694367711.html?FMT=ABS&date=Nov+25%2C+2008
[c]
[Existing Conditions]
Important aspects:
Walkability: Existing road too large for walkable downtown, reduce 5 lanes to 2. Connection: No connection between public building Park: Land available for a public park Revitalize: Efforts should result in a revitalized, prosperous downtown.
[c] FOUNTAIN INN
[Concept Development]
How should the town be organized in order to function at the desired level? These theories and concepts explore possible methods of organization for the town.
Quick sketches exploring organization and connection. Circulation, public space, private space, scale, and sustainability were areas given priority in the designs.
[Master Plan]
2 lanes
3 to 2 lanes
4 to 5 lanes
[Road Reduction]
[c] FOUNTAIN INN
2 lane road detail
3 lane sketch
2 lane sketch
[Renderings]
[c] FOUNTAIN INN
[ We’ve been through a lot, take a second to breathe ]
[d]
[DESIGN STUDIO
HJA ]
| Location | Stuart, FL | Internship + Professional | Summer 2008 + 2010
HJA Design Studio provided me with my first experience as a professional. During the summer of 2008, I was awarded into the internship program. I was tested right away so that HJA could observe my capabilities in terms of company standards. It took a lot of drawings, practice, and patience to elevate myself to the benchmark required. I lean quickly and retain procedures very well. The whole experience was incredible. I can honestly say that I learned more in that summer than during the 4 semesters of studio at the university. My professional experience has been widespread. I have learned to use AutoCAD efficiently and in a professional manner. I was mentored by the lead concept artist in order to learn techniques, process, and attitude. Photoshop, which has always been a strong suit, was molded to fit the needs of a landscape architecture office. Microsoft office products were used regularly to crunch numbers, write submittals and create presentations.
The HJA Design Studio web site can be found here:
http://hjadstudio.com/
[d] HJA DESIGN STUDIO
Concept Lighting
Plaza Concept
Wadi Golf Course
Waterfront Concept
Concept Sign + Light
Concept Sign Design
Tree Plan
Lighting Plan
Grading Plan
[Production Drawings]
[d] HJA DESIGN STUDIO
Overall plan
Planting Plan Table
Laurel Bed Layout
[ ALTERNATE
Design ]
| Location | Varies | Design + Build | Spring 2009 - Current
To limit design to one craft is to limit the creative spirit. The following projects demonstrate design in a field other than Landscape Architecture. A construction project challenges your knowledge of design. So often we design something without knowing how to actually make it. A construction project demands that the designer have the knowledge to create the final product.
Build]
The Bathroom + Kitchen Build at the CAC.c in Charleston, SC. A practice in Design + Build, everything created inhouse. Undertaking the challenge of designing and creating a concrete wall, concrete sink, wooden storage, piping, and metal framing was unbelievable. Add to that the 2 month deadline and the fact that no one knew much about concrete, and you get this amazing finished product.
Concrete + Antique Mirror
[Bathroom + Kitchen
Finished Product
Cappuccino + Sink + Storage
This demonstrates Teamwork at its finest.
[ALTERNATE DESIGN]
[ yes. no.
Chair]
If designing requires careful thought, constructing that design really makes you think! This chair is an example of a Design + Build project that requires the designer to Design Within Reach. Inspired by Willy Guhl’s Loop chair, the yes. no. chair went from 1/100 model, to a full size mock up, and finally to a finished product. Lettering was created using a precision laser cutter.
yes. no. Chair Josh Elam
Arch 424 Product Design
Professor Silance
2.4.2010
Nothing is greater than seeing people enjoy your creation.
1
Inspiration came from Willy Guhl’s “Loop Chair” design. The Loop concrete that allowed for the uni-body shape and thin profile. The chair based on the design, but using wood as the sole material.
2
First sight of invision wha door to allow
Construction Board
3
The full scale showed scal creation of t
[ALTERNATE DESIGN]
[Joshua Elam |
772.528.8784
| jelam490@gmail.com ]