Landscape Architecture

C A R O L Y N

W E G N E R L A N D C A P E

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C O N T E N T S P R O F E S S I O NA L MCGUIRE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATE ROOFTOP GARDEN BOSWORTH GREENWAY MISSION BAY DEVELOPMENT MBM PALACE PENINSULA RESIDENCE LAKE BARRYESSA RESIDENCE HIGHBROOK MASTERPLAN

ACADEMIC DELTA SUBTRACTIVE HOUSE STORYBOARD : NUEVO FRANCISCO GLOBAL LIBRARY

TRIP REPORTS BRAZIL FARALLONES SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST

P R O F E S S I O N A L

W O R K

M C G U I R E DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N

San Francisco, California

D AT E

2015-2016 C O N T R I B U T I O N Design CAD Drafting 3D Modeling Rendering Plant & Material Selection

C O N C E P T

Located in a forgotten corner lot, partially hidden under highway 80, this former industrial complex is to be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use commercial space with a welcoming entry garden.

To transition the pedestrian from the fast paced larger city to a calmer, intimate work space, an entry garden was designed to create a physical and mental buffer zone through the use of ornamental maples and screen walls. Designed at a human scale, this space provides a secure yet immersive experience for its user.

+ This plaza is designed to create an

open, user-transformable space at the junction of the site’s transitional zones.

Slowing down the user, it provides an environment that facilitates social engagement and gathering. This programmatic change is signaled by the use of ribbed concrete pavers that give contrast to the sand-blasted concrete ramp system which leads to the building entrance, and walkways to the pedstrian and parking lot entries. To dampen the noise of the near by freeway and provide privacy , the garden plaza is framed by perforated metal panels, board form concrete walls, and screening trees.

+ Schematic Design Iterations

+ Design Mapping Inputs

Asks from Client privacy, noise buffering + community space + work/meeting space + non-corporate aesthetic + design complementary of historic industrial building + security on perimeter + ease of maintenance+ Constraints codes on maximum square footage allowed to be developed + parking lot spaces + generator location + lack of perimeter visibility + trash collection access + freeway noise + design complementary of historic industrial building + northerly site direction + budget +

Outputs

Deliverables + human scaled design + spaces transformable by user + variety of structured and adaptable seating space + primarily California native, drought and shade tolerant plant palette

+ Option 1

+ interior living columns + small scale, intimate entry system + customized and carefully utilized materials + balance of hardscape and planted screening + bold, minimal geometry

+ Conceptual Brainstorm

+Option 2

+Option 3

After compiling client needs, site analysis and constraints, quick preliminary sketching conducted for schematic design development

From the initial sketches, iterations of potential circulation systems and open programmable space/seating that take into consideration scale, use of screening, entry points, security, and elevation change are produced

+Option 4

N

Pedestrian Entry

Vehicular Entry

<

Entry Landing and Ramp System

Plaza

Maple Tree Allee

<

A

B

Amphitheatre Seating and Entry Plaza

C Landing with Outdoor Workspace and Seating

Landing of ramp system designed to provide a pause in the circulation

system that structured seating for individuals or small group. A restored warehouse window, located opposite the bench allows for viewing of the hanging living columns, creating a point of engagement and connection to the interior of the building.

Street & Freeway Screening Trees

+Finalized Plan

Through iterations, site plan optimizing the available space strives to address asks from client and constraints (inputs) and provide an innovative solution (outputs)

Convertible Seating

<

C

Staggered Perforated Metal Walls to Screen Freeway, Parking Lot

Landing

Workspace/Seating Area at Landing

Acer davidii; Seasonal color, foliage and bark contrast

Interior Hanging Garden

B Ramp System

The walkway to the building’s entrance at it’s widest is 6’-0,” in keeping with the client’s desire for an intimate, garden-like aesthetic, deviating from a wide, open program typical of a commercial entryway. Lining the entry system in geometric corten planters are California native ground cover and low branching maples. This planting selection creates a protected allee ushering the user to the seated landing, and soften the building facade with texture.

Acer griseum; beautiful, pape-like bark and elegant branching structure

Acer palmatum; seasonal color, full screening and lower branching structure

Trees selected based + Note: on qualities of each maple species and net effect as ensemble of screening in allee along ramp system and throughout entry garden

A Convertible Seating and Plaza

Evergreen hedges and maple trees in combination with perforated metal panels help to provide screening from the nearby freeway and traffic noise.

Built in seating and movable furniture provide users of this human scaled plaza to modify it to their needs.

+ Sections & Elevations Perforated Metal & Concrete Screening Wall Convertible Plaza Seating

Section:A

Concrete Seating/ Retaining Wall

Entry Landing

Plaza

elevations illustrating staggered + Sectional perforated anodized aluminum panels and

board form concrete walls. These are placed to both optimize visual and auditory screening for the traffic on the cross streets and freeway, and give form to the open plazas and amphitheatre space.

Section:B

Ramp System

Pedestrian Street Entry Concrete Screening Wall

Elevation:C

Concrete Seat Walls Amphitheatre Step Seating

Elevation:D

Perforated Metal Screening Wall

Outdoor Workspace/ Seating Area @ Landing

Ramp System

Pedestrian Parking Lot Entry Concrete Screening Wall

Perforated Metal Screening Wall

Outdoor Workspace/ Seating Area @ Landing

N

D A

+ Selected Materials Pour in place, sandblasted concrete; denotes circulation, transitional zones.

Zones include sidewalk, ramp system, entryways Ribbed Concrete Collaborative 24â&#x20AC;?x 24â&#x20AC;? paver, contrasting colored PIP concrete; denotes plazas, landings transformable, user-programmed space Natural teak wood slat seating; provides warmth in tone and texture, point of interest in material palette. Contributes to intimate, personal aesthetic Perforated anodized aluminum panel; nod to industrial history of the site, and provides light visual screening Board form, lightly sand-blasted concrete walls; nod to industrial history, while visually connecting to teak seating and creating point of interest

B

C

+ Material Plan

N

GSky Versa Vertical System Attached to suspended fiberglass column, and wrapped with custom fiber optic lighting

+ Interior Hanging Garden

Designed in collaboration with GSky Living Walls and MBC Structural Engineers, these living columns create visual continuity between the entry garden and interior commercial space with cantilever view platform and refurbished industrial window.

Preliminary Sketching

Plants selected that will perform well in low light, indoor environment, bring color and texture to working commercial space

Tradescantia Variegated

Pothos

Nephthytis

Tradescantia

Bromiliad

Philodendron

Finalized Design Planted space below to tie hanging columns to space below

C O R P O R AT E ROOFTOP GARDEN PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N

San Mateo, California

D AT E 2016

C O N T R I B U T I O N

Design CAD Drafting 3D Modeling Rendering Plant & Material Selection

C O N C E P T

This south bay rooftop garden, commissioned by a corporate tech company for their new headquarters, was designed to create a space away from the traditional work environment that could be easily adapted to the need of its users. The challenge lay in creating a durable, yet alluring garden that allowed for multiple scales of interaction, while maintaining an intimate aesthetic. Through the use of carefully selected vibrant, on brand colors and material palette, custom hardscape, and subdivision of space with canopies and planting, this rooftop was transformed into a thoughtfully and efficiently constructed environment capable of hosting a diverse range of events. Working closely with both the client and specialty fabricators to ensure that the space felt like a retreat that balanced the corporate world below and added to the communityoriented culture of the company. The graphic presentation of this work has been curated to highlight the process rather than the final result.

Introduction:

Initial Client meeting to discuss parameters of design, contract, schedule, and specialty consultants

Egress, occupancy codes

Schematic Design Development:

Non-combustible materials Adaptable design for employee functions, meetings

Precedent research and design begun : based on constraints, requirements from client, city codes.

Residential aesthetic Outdoor workspace Light pollution regulations Refreshment center Optimized view

FLOOR PLAN OUTDOOR FIREPIT

Master Schedule

OUTDOOR GRILL

OUTDOOR MEETING RM

MULTI-PURPOSE REC SPACE

GARDEN ENTRANCE

Conceptual plan

BAR MULTI PURPOSE “ALL HANDS” TERRACE

OUTDOOR MEETING RM

BAR SHADE CANOPY

DECORATIVE MECHANICAL

CABANAS SHADE STRUCTURE

Preliminary sketching of design

Conceptual modeling

Customized Items Design Development:

Refreshment center shade canopy structure; steel tube framing + powdercoat

50% open, treated fabric, non-combustible

Precedent research + modeling of designs to demonstrate intent to fabricators

Structural support

Acrylic

50% open, acrylic non-combustible

Shade Canopies

Sun/UV protection layer

Cabana shade structure; steel tube framing + powder coat

Existing steel structure, powdercoat to match canopy structures Decoratrive mechanical Screen, powder coated steel tubes

Bamboo precedent reference

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bambooâ&#x20AC;? Utility Screen

Full scale weave mockup studies

Elevations

Cabana Canopy

Site Plan

Sun Canopy

STORAGE

Design Development

Refreshment Center

Finalization of design

Planting partitioned workspace On-brand, custom materials Lounge/cabana space

BBQ

Cabana Canopy

Pedestal Pavers

MAIN ENTRY

DECORATIVE MECHANICAL SCREEN

V

Sun Canopy

BBQ Refreshment Center

MULTI-PURPOSE/ REC TERRACE Pedestal Pavers

V

Fire pit, bbq amenities Minimal lighting under canopies Custom refreshment center Custom “bamboo” fence to screen utilities Open programmed “rec” space Structural planting Custom shade canopies

SECONDARY ENTRY REFRESHMENT CENTER Sun Canopy

Firepit ` Pedestal Pavers

V OUTDOOR WORK ROOMS

Renders Design visualization for client

5 L8.01

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Materials Plan

Plan

Scale:1/8"= 1'-0"

2

DESIGNER:

Landscape Architectural Material Notes 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Property Line

The Contractor shall refer any questions on materials, finishes, labor and/or products not specified herein to the Landscape Architect prior to ordering materials or starting work.

All lines and dimensions are parallel or perpendicular to the lines from which they are measure unless otherwise shown.

Contractor shall take accurate field measurements before preparation of shop drawings and fabrication. Do not delay job progress.

Expansion and control joints locations shall be verified in field by Landscape Architect.

The Landscape Architect may make reasonable adjustments to the layout without incurring additional costs to the project. The Contractor shall stake out proposed tree locations to aid in the review of the final layout of site elements.

Locations of all site furnishings and wayfinding signage shall be verified in the field by landscape architect prior to installation.

See Lighting Drawings for light fixtures.

L .O.W.

Pier 33 North, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.621.5522 P

Landscape Architectural Materials Legend 1

Limit of Work

Paving

1.1

Structure Below

2

Structure Above

PP

24" x 24" Concrete Unit Pavers

Concrete

2.1

Solid Counter Top

4

Metal

5

Other

4.1

Caternary Lighting Structure

5.1

Fiberglass Planters

5.4

Glass Guard Rail

4.2

Fire Pit

5.2

Custom Shade Canopies

5.5

Glass Gate

4.3

Metal Fence

5.3

Ceramic Planters

Survey Monkey

PROJECT:

PHASE:

SHEET TITLE:

Construction Documentation Includes: three phases /drafts of documentation, city approval set, and collaboration with fabricators

Materials Plan SCALE:

JOB NUMBER:

2

SHEET NUMBER:

1/8"=1'-0" ©

L2.01

Copyright 2016 SurfaceDesign, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Rec space + primary sun canopy LLIRG ROODTUO DNA RAB OT HTRON WEIV

Construction

FIRE PIT AND BAR

Firepit/outdoor workroom space + refreshment center

2X2" TUBE STL PICKETS, POWDER COATED FINISH, 4" SPACING, O.C., TYP.

3X3" TUBE STL FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

4X4" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

FABRIC AWNING

8X8" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

FABRIC AWNING

Metal Fence Elevation, Typ.

1

FINISH FLOOR EL. +0.0 REF GRADE

SECTION

2

Scale:1/2"= 1'-0"

FINISH FLOOR EL. +0.0 REF GRADE

Shade Canopy Section, Typ.

SECTION

3

Scale:1/2"= 1'-0"

2

GARDEN ENTRANCE

Site visits

10'-2"

10'-0"

FINISH FLOOR EL. +0.0 REF GRADE

8X8" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

4X4" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

10'-2"

4X4" TUBE STL POSTS, POWDER COATED FINISH

Shade Canopy Elevation, Typ.

ELEVATION

Scale:1/2"= 1'-0"

2

2

2

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R8" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

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R6" TUBE STL CANOPY FRAME, POWDER COATED FINISH

DESIGNER: Pier 33 North, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.621.5522 P Survey Monkey

PROJECT:

PHASE:

FINISH FLOOR EL. +0.0 REF GRADE

SHEET TITLE:

Details JOB NUMBER:

Shade Canopy Elevation, Typ.

4

2

SHEET NUMBER:

AS NOTED ©

Shade Canopy

SCALE:

ELEVATION

Scale:1/2"= 1'-0"

L8.03

Copyright 2016 SurfaceDesign, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Counter Shade Canopy

1 L8.03

EL. 68.0 Top of Shade Canopy

Caternary Lights

6 L8.02 7 L8.01

7 L8.01

Counter

Fiberglass Planter

2 L8.02

Grill

Fiberglass Planter

2 L8.01

Conc. Precast Unit Paver

5 L8.01

Guard Rail

EL. 67.0 Top of Mechanical Screen

EL. 60.5 Top of Counter EL. 57.0 Top of Penthouse

1

Transverse Sectional Elevation

Sectional Elevation

Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0"

2

Shade Canopy

1 L8.03

Counter Shade Canopy EL. 68.0 Top of Shade Canopy

Caternary Lights

6 L8.02 7 L8.01

7 L8.01

Counter

Fiberglass Planter

2 L8.02

Grill

Fiberglass Planter

2 L8.01

Conc. Precast Unit Paver

5 L8.01

Guard Rail

EL. 67.0 Top of Mechanical Screen

EL. 60.5 Top of Counter EL. 57.0 Top of Penthouse

2

06/01/16

1

04.18.16

Transverse Sectional Elevation

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Sectional Elevation

Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0"

2

Counter Shade Canopy

Formal hedge @ elevator entrance

EL. 68.0 Top of Shade Canopy

Fiberglass Planter

7 L8.01

Conc. Precast Unit Paver

Wood Bench

7 L8.01

2 L8.01 Fire Pit

1 L8.01

DESIGNER:

Fiberglass Planter

5 L8.01

EL. 67.0 Top of Mechanical Screen

Pier 33 North, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.621.5522 P PROJECT:

Guard Rail

Survey Monkey

EL. 57.0 Top of Penthouse PHASE:

SHEET TITLE:

3

Transverse Sectional Elevation

Sections and Elevations

Sectional Elevation

Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0"

JOB NUMBER:

2

SCALE:

SHEET NUMBER:

AS NOTED ©

Copyright 2016 SurfaceDesign, Inc. All Rights Reserved

L6.01

On-site notations, updates as needed

Cabanas + “bamboo screen” + shade canopy

B O S W O R T H G R E E N W A Y PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N

San Francisco, California

D AT E 2016

C O N T R I B U T I O N Design Rendering Analysis

C O N C E P T

This multi-phased development along the Glenview Park of south San Francisco aims to revitalize an existing greenway that stradles two neighborhoods and creates a safe and enticing environment for its users. After extensive site analysis and removal of invasive species, the design implemented will provide programs such as native planted street buffers and erosion control with high visiblity and low water requirements; varied trail systems including boardwalks, bike lanes, and ADA accessible ramps, educational signage and overlooks; improved pedestrian crossing systems along border streets; and designated dog walks. While transforming this corridor into a user friendly space, the design will also honor the original woodland, chaparral, and creek characteristics of the site and reestablish vital wildlife habitats.

Existing Site Analysis

SF Existing Park Study

Existing Site Analysis

Mapping of current parks in proximity to site, approximate size Basic Hydrology BASIC HYDROLOGY

Solar Exposure SOLAR EXPOSURE

Existing Tree Canopy EXISTING TREE CANOPY

Existing Vegetation EXISTING VEGETATION

SF Transit Study

SITE CONTEXT CONNECTIONS

Vehicular Interaction

Mapping of modes of transportation in proximity to site

VEHICULAR INTERACTION

Neigh

borho

Pedestrain Circulation

od/Co

mmu

nity

eaks s to P Creek + ctions Conne Park

l

oo

ch

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s S

hn

Jo

BU

S

ST OP

S

St.

SA

N

JO SE

AV

E.

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

Building Adjacencies BA

RT

Pedestrian connections

Sharrow (Shared Bikelane)

+

Neighborhood/Community

MUNI busline- 4 lane roadway

Vehicular trafficc conflicting with greeenw way

Project Boundaries

BART (Glen Park BART Station)

Freeway and Road Massing

PROJECT BOUNDARY

ST

AT

BUILDING ADJACENCIES

80

i-2

Y

WA

EE

FR

IO

N

N

Requirements Safety

B-B A-A Conceptual Plan

Conceptual Plan N

+Visibility on trail systems +Open planting plan

Site History Pre

+Revival of m

stream, woo

use of Calif

+Educational

eservation

meadowlands, odlands environment fornia native plants l boards

Access

+Circulation through greenway connecting to neighborhoods bike lane +Access points near thoroughfares +Signage for public transit

Maintenance

+Revival of meadowlands, stream, woodlands environment +Use of California native plants +Educational boards +Removal of invasive species + Access for trash, recycling collection

BANKSIDE PLANTING & NATURAL BUFFER

UPPER TRAIL OUTLOOK

SIDEWALK

BIKE LANE

ROADWAY

Viewing Plat Meadowland

Sectional Elevat B-B +Ove bo

+Nat ele as

+Alte thro ma

+Low

tform & d Walk

tion

erlook for habitat viewing, rest, educational oards

tural benches as educational and restorative ement: rocks historically present at site to double seating

ernative forms of trail system: boardwalk ough meadowland, point of interest, easily aintained

BANKSIDE PLANTTING & PLANTED SCREENING

BOARDWALK

INFORMAL SEATING

CHAPPARAL & MEADOW

w growing California native grasses

Woodland Walk Sectional Elevation A-A

+Restored woodland habitat, California natives, shade tolerant

+D.G. path system gives access to bike lanes, street above

Sectional Elevation A-A1

Private Property

Planted Screen

Trail-Path

Woodland Buffer Planting

Sidewalk

Bike Path

Roadway

+Open planting plan, trees pruned for visual sightline

Conceptual Plant Palette

Conceptual Material Palette

Conceptual Plant Palette

Conceptual Material Palette

Wildlife Habitat Plants

Paving Treatments:

Califonia fuchsia-Zauschneria californica

Coast Live Oak - Quercus agrifolia

Conceptual Material Palette Conceptual Material Rhamnus californica Palette Coyote Bush-Baccharis pilularis

Stick Monkey Flower-Mimulus californica

Screen Plants

Paving Treatments: Paving Treatments:

Silk Tassle Bush-Garrya elliptica

Vegetation Management

Toyon Bush-Heteromeles arbutifolia

Manzanita-Arctostaphylos sp.

Decomposed Granite

Boardwalk/Overlook

Informal Seating:

Huckleberry-Vaccinium ovatum

California Lilac-Ceanothus sp.

Decomposed Granite Decomposed Granite

Boardwalk/Overlook Boardwalk/Overlook

Crosswalk/Paving Crosswalk/Paving

Wood Stumps Natural Rock Seat

1. Identify Dead and Dying Existing Vegetation

Erosion Control & Bio- Filtration

Informal Seating: Informal Seating: 2. Selective Pruning of Trees and Large Shrubs a. Removal of Obtrusive Vegetation for Better Visibility and Safety b. Pruning and Removal of Trees to Create Sunny & Warm spots

Deergrass-Muhlenbergia rigens

Tufted Grass- Deschampia cespitosa

California Grey Rush- Juncus patens

Amenities:

Lighting:

Eriogonum parvifolium

Idaho Fescue- Festuca idahoensis

Garbage/Recycling Receptacles

Wood Stumps Wood Stumps

Ornamental Natives

Our Lords Candle-Yucca Whiplei

California Poppy-Eschschozia californica

Blue Eyed Grass -Sisrynchium bellum

Gooseberry-Ribes speciosum

Dog Baggie Dispensers

Path Lighting

Natural Rock Seat Natural Rock Seat

3.Removal of Invasive Species (with exclusion of Existing Eucalyptus Groves), mainly Ivy and Fennel Amenities: Amenities:

Crosswalk/Paving

Project:

Glen Park Greenway

Location:

Bosworth St-Glen Park, San Francisco, CA

Phase:

Conceptual Design- Community Workshop #3

Lighting: Lighting:

Western Sword Fern-Polystichum munitum

4. Implementation and maintenance of California native landscape

Vegetation Management 1. Implementation and maintenance of California native landscape.

2. Removal of invasive species (with exclusion of existing Eucalyptus groves), mainly Ivy and Fennel.

3. Pruning and removal of trees to create sunny & warm spots.

4. Removal of obtrusive vegetation for better visibility and safety.

5. Selective pruning of trees and large shrubs. Identify dead and dying existing vegetation

Project:

Glen Park Greenway

Location:

Bosworth St-Glen Park, San Francisco, CA

Phase:

Conceptual Design- Community Workshop #3

Garbage/Recycling Receptacles Garbage/Recycling Receptacles

Dog Baggie Dispensers Dog Baggie Dispensers

Path Lighting Path Lighting

Overhead Lighting Overhead Lighting

Project: Glen Glen Park Greenway Project: Park Greenway Location:Bosworth Bosworth St-Glen Park, San Francisco, Location: St-Glen Park, San Francisco, CACA Phase: Conceptual Conceptual DesignCommunity Workshop Phase: DesignCommunity Workshop #3#3

Dead Limbs & Branch Removal

Invasive Vine & Fennel To Be Removed

Dead Limbs & Branches To Be Removed for Safety

Dense Shrubs To Be Selectively Removed, for Improved Visibility

Dead Branches To Be Removed

Screening Shrubs To Remain

Invasive Vine & Fennel To Be Removed

01

Invasive Vine To Be Removed

Invasive Fennel To Be Removed for Improved Visibility and Native Ecosystem

Invasive Vine To Be Removed

02

03

M I S S I O N B A Y D E V E L O P M E N T PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc.

L O C AT I O N

San Francisco, California

D AT E 2015

+ Requirements

Client asks organized and consolidated into category and value, and paired with deliverables to meet goals

Screening trees strategicallly placed on inner courtyards and walkways for optimized screening of residential units, creation of emmersive green space Tree lined side walk (allee) to act as wind break as well as provide screen against street traffic/noise Perimeter trees with high branching structure for security + second floor privacy

C O N T R I B U T I O N CAD Drafting 3D Modeling Rendering Plant & Material Selection

C O N C E P T

Set in a transitioning industrial neighborhood in the Mission Bay district, San Francisco, this residential complex provides an immersive oasis, qualitatively comparative to an open forest.

Biofiltration systems consisting of native grass swaths, water tolerant trees, and raised platforms provide a both functional seating program and water recycling.

.

Screening/ Green Spa

Paving material change to signal formal promenade/ entrance and create visual circulation heirarchy Axial tree allee created between side walk and residence entrance promenade, with their juntion as an open plaza program.

Formal Entrance

L perim ga

/ ace

biofiltration system, water recycling, integrate into planter/seating platform program combination of drought and standing water tolerant plants and tree palette

Water Conservation

Seating + Plaza Security

Low growing meter planting, ated entrance

Built in benches over bio filtration planters Tiered platforms for multi purpose use, seating Stair systems that can function as amphitheather styled seating

Formal Entry

Schematic Plan + Concept sketches and

A

<

Green Space

modeling on large scale plan begin. Due to weight placed on screening emmersive green space by clients, focus is on planted program and the potential use for the subsequent spaces created and where water conservation can be integrated

<

Scale Studies + Sketching and

modeling to understand scale and form of design, experience as user

Conceptual Planting Area A Entryway Promenade

Programmable Space

Screening Security

+ Sightline Analysis

Performed on ground and second floor windows. Study based on client’s desire for privacy screening, visibility on ground for security; trees used are pre-selected for their water tolerance qualities and branching habits.

+ Tree Growth Study

Window Sightline Analysis: Ground floor Ground Floor

Window Sightline Analysis: Window Sightline Analysis: second floor Second Floor

Window Placement Sightline

Window Placement Sightline

Window Sightline Analysis:

window placement

Visualized timeline for client demonstrating rate at which selected trees will provide screening/habit of growth per two building unit’s height difference

window placement

sightline

3’-6” 28’-30’

10’ -12’

Ground Floor Growth Rate & Building Relation Diagram: Building Segment B/C * Height and rate of growth dependent on soils, sun exposure, and water regiment. Data taken from Sunset Guide, and adjusted for conditions

Species to be monitored and pruned to promote window sightlines & solar access.

Individual species selected to demonstrate desired multi-trunked branching structure.

year 5 Installation

10’-0”

year 20+

28’-30’

10’-0”

Second Floor

Mature branching structure established, prune if necessary.

15’-16’ 10’ -12’

Fourth Floor

Third Floor

Second Floor

15’-0”

Installation

15’-16’

11’-0”

Individual species selected that demonstrate desired multi-trunked branching structure.

year 5

10’-0”

Third Floor Species to be monitored and pruned to promote window sightlines & solar access.

Sixth Floor

Fifth Floor 10’-0”

year 20+

10’-0”

Mature branching structure established, prune if necessary.

Seventh Floor

10’-0”

10’-0”

10’-0”

sightline

Ground Floor Growth Rate & Building Diagram: Building Segment A * Height and rate of growth dependent on soils, sun exposure, and water regiment. Data taken from Sunset Guide, and adjusted for conditions

MELALEUCA QUIQUENERVIA

Seating + Plaza

+Upper Courtyard,

Type 1

Ash; with adjoining concrete seatwall

Bioretention Seat Planter designed to both encourage gathering on upper and provide a structure for the bioretention water recycling program.

Retention system will be a combination of both engineered drainage and use of drought/standing water tolerant plants.

GINKGO BILOBA

Seating, Bioretention System

Type 2

Teak; free-standing

Bioretention Seat Planter

A

Upper Courtyard Plan

Sectional Elevation A

Terraced Stair & Seating

ACER PALMATUM

Bio retention planters with Ca Native Grasses, standing water tolerant trees

Courtyar/Plaza with Biofiltration Seating and Planting

BETULA NIGRA

Water Conservation

Preliminary Tree Species

A Terrace Stairs & Seating

B Upper Courtyard Terrace with Biofiltration Seat Planters

Sectional Elevation B

Terraced Stair & Seating

Interior Promenade & Seating

Open Space

Entry Plaza

Walkway

Mission Bay Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Block P6

Open Space

Walkway

Plan + Finalized Analysis of ratio of green

space to hardscape, security and planted screening potential, elevation change and optimization of circulation programs in conjunction with programmed negative space between residential buildings

Natural Street Buffer & Pedestrian Windbreak

China Basin Street

North Courtyard

Inner Plaza

South Courtyard Cascade

B

Picnic Patio

Biofiltration Seat Planter

Overlook

Upper Terrace Courtyard

Biofiltration Planting

Platforms

Biofiltration Seat Planter Upper Terrace Courtyard with Raised Seating

Reading Room

Block 5

A

+ Detail Mapping Plans Mid-Block Mews Trees

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Pavement

Flowering Trees

Bay Area Aggregate Selection Note: Paths can be added between and around the trees as needed to accommodate future building entrances

Unit Pavers #1 Asphalt Pavers

Filtration Planter Tree

Block P13

Mission Bay Blvd. North

Mission Bay Blvd. North

Unit Pavers #2 Asphalt Pavers

Evergreen Courtyard Tree

Composite Decking Light Smoke

Small Tree/ Tall Shrub CIP Integral Color Concrete Pavement Davis Color 8084 Graphite, Broom Finish

Multi-Trunk Tree

Granite Setts Pavement

China Basin Street

Mission Bay Streetscape Standard

Hinged CIP Concrete Slab

Paving Treatment PLAN

Conceptual Trees Selection PLAN

Concrete Unit Pavers Pavers to match existing sidewalk pavers

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Fourth Street

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Fourth Street

Pavement Plan

Tree Planting Plan Sedge and Perennial Planting

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Mediterranean Perennials

Block P13

Movable Chairs and Tables Fermob Furniture

Mission Bay Blvd. North

Mission Bay Blvd. North

CIP Concrete Stair and Terrace

Stormwater Quality Treatment Planting Mix

Courtyard Sedge and Perennial Planting

CIP Concrete Wall Board Formed, Davis Color 8084 Graphite

Composite Decking - Seating & Planter Screen

China Basin Street

Site Elements & Fixtures Selection PLAN

China Basin Street

Light Smoke

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Conceptual Groundcover & Shrub Selection PLAN

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Fourth Street

Fourth Street

Site Elements Plan

Groundcover & Shrub Planting Plan

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PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N Riyadh, Saudi Arabia D AT E 2015-2016 C O N T R I B U T I O N Conceptual Design Rendering C O N C E P T Surrounded by vast arid desert of the central Arabian Peninsula, this palace entry garden provides a protected oasis shielded from the sun by allees of silver palms, eucalyptus, and orange groves inspired by Islamic couryards. A selection of enclosed pavilions provide respite from the heat, day or night. Taking visual cues from the expansive sky on a full moon and the traditional axis of the mosque, reflective pools, crater fountains and playful waterbeds set against textured flowering hedges create a tranquil yet engaging sensory rich experience.

+ Play Pavilion

Constructed from a transparent material and situated near louge pavilions for adult supervison.

Equipt with air conditioning, and neslted under shade-providing silver palms for year- round use.

Silver Palm Allee Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Play Pavilion

Play Water Mounds

Dining Pavilion

Moon Crater Splash Fountains

Orange Grove

Lounge Pavilion & Water Channel Lounge Pavilion

Crater Splash + Moon Fountains

Inspired by the full moon rising over the vast desert of Saudi Arabia, these crater fountains provide respite from the daily heat of Riyahd with reflective pools of water and immersive jets for play and atmospheric cooling

Conceptual Planting PLANTING LEGEND & SCHEDULE Key

Key

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Botanical name

Common name

Date Palm

34

Eucalyptus cinerea

Silver Dollar Eucalyptus

Citrus x sinensis

Orange Tree

176 m2

Rosa x damascena

Damask Rose

8

Washingtonia robusta

Mexican Fan Palm

6

Jasminum sambac

Arabian Jasmine

165 m2

Ligustrum ovalifolium

California Privet

13

Adenium obesum

Bottle Tree

21

Bismarckia nobilis

Silver Palm

29

Tamarix ramossisima

Salt Cedar

5

Olea europaea

Olive Tree

18

Retama raetam

Arabian Broom

Qty

Botanical name

Common name

11

Phoenix dactylifera

7

Flora

Silver Palm allees 01

Orange Tree grove 02

Silver dollar Eucalyptus 03

Shaded Pavilions

play pavilion 04

dining pavilion 05

Lounge pavilion 06 02

06

water

circular stream+fountain 07

Sensory cooling Features Sensory cooling features

Crater fountains 08

Water play mound 09

sCOPE OF WOR

Pavilion & + Lounge Water Channel

Providing shelter from the sun, this intimate gathering space is encircled by an ever-flowing channel inspired by water elements found in traditional Islamic architecture. Layered with the soothing sounds of the water feature, a grove of orange trees and rose hedges typical of mosque courtyards, add an olefactory experience with the aeromatic blossoms.

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P E N I N S U L A R E S I D E N C E PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N Mountain View, California D AT E 2015-2016 C O N T R I B U T I O N Design CAD Drafting Rendering Plant Selection C O N C E P T Set along the rolling golden hills of the coastal range, this structured landscape strikes a balance between the modernity of the residence and natural aesthetic of its surroundings. The merging of this divide effectively embraces the axes of the built structure through its translation into the hardscape in contrast to the use of sculptural plant selection.

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Luma apiculata Chilean Myrtle Aesculus californica California Buckeye Chilopsis linearis Desert Willow

Luma apiculata Chilean Myrtle Aesculus californica California Buckeye Chilopsis linearis Desert Willow Aesculus californica California Buckeye

Propert

y Line

Cordyline australis Cabbage Tree

Property

Quercus lobata Valley Oak

Line

Section A-A

Tree Specification

Section B-B

Anigozanthos ‘Regal Velvet’

Bracteantha ‘Strawburst’

Aloe thraskii

Section C-C

Sculptural Planting

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak

Planting Diagram

Aloe cooperi

Banksia spinulosa

Haworthia maxima

Dianella caerulea

Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Agave harvaridana

Aesculus californica California Buckeye Cordyline australis Cabbage Tree

Quercus lobata Valley Oak

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak

L A K E B A R R Y E S S A R E S I D E N C E PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N Sonoma County, California D AT E 2015-2016 C O N T R I B U T I O N Design CAD Drafting Rendering C O N C E P T A striking residence nestled amongst the low hills of Lake Barryessaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water front, this landscape serves to preserve the minimal aesthetic of its surroundings using native grasses and an occasional lone valley oak that reflect the solitary individuality of its built structure. Low growing grasses continued in an encapsulated open interior court, are joined by sculptural rock mimicking the local outcroppings.

Specimen manzanitas further integrate the structure with the provocative built and natural scape.

Concrete Tread

corten steel Facade and support

Location: Lake Barryessa, CA

Sectional elevation

stair system elevation

H I G H B R O O K D E V E L O P M E N T PROFESSIONAL Surfacedesign Inc. L O C AT I O N Auckland, New Zealand D AT E 2016 C O N T R I B U T I O N Design CAD Drafting Rendering C O N C E P T Located in a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand, this complex is a conglomeration of mixed residential, corporate and small businesses, hotels, and open recreation spaces that lack a cohesive organization. Using vegetation as both a windbreak and a creator of individualized spaces in tandem with appropriate pedestrian and vehicular circulation, this master plan is designed to facilitate community building and a sense of collective identity for the Highbrook Town Center.

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PROGRAMMATIC DIAGRAMS

1 Vehicular Circulation 2 Pedestrian Circulation 3 Parking 4 Container Market Space 5 Orchard & Allee 6 Recreation field & terrace

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7 Axial Promenades

A C A D E M I C

W O R K

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A C A D E M I C U C

B e r k e l e y

L O C AT I O N

Berkeley, California D AT E 2015

I approached this case study with a wide angle lens to capture the importance of an initial assessment of the project and the determination of each component and necessary process.

Design componen stratified to show and how they info The mission of the drives the strategi in turn drive the ta These combined p components deter structural delivera Validation

Community meetings, feed back collection and consequent revistions of program direction

Observation of current library utilization, cultural and physical environment, natural use of exsisting library architecture, designed programs and systems

Data translated into contextual, preliminary design ideas, innovative insights and solutions that meet and solve the needs of Library of the Future and its clients

Finance

Community meetings, focus groups, client brainstorming sessions, surveys, interviews comment collection

Translation

7 Observation & Collection

Design Process Outline

Th pa th th in de

Based on the results of this qualitative and quantitative analysis and collaborative design process, tangible strategic and built design is organized on the second page to demonstrate potential solutions for the client.

As illustrated on this page, an actionable outline provides the process to be taken by the strategic design team. This outline is developed with the mission statement and goals of the library as a guiding foundation.

Outreach

C O N C E P T The intent of this case study is to analyze, synthesize, and design a strategic plan within the parameters set by a hypotheical client. This client, a public library that wishes to remodel and expand upon their current system, requires that it adapts to the increasingly globalized world by encouraging community building and providing accesible information.

As demonstrated, the design process, strategy, and visual narrative behind the envisioned solution are the the critical piece of this case study.

F s t c d e d

Fundraising, events staged to bring awareness to library development with compelling conceptual designs, strategic moves to engage potential donors

Community meetings, feed back collection and consequent revistions of program direction

Historical and contextual research for spatial, programmatic, and systematic design (qualitative & quantitative)

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Organization, analysis, stratification of data into categories, data valuation, elimination of extraneous information, opportunies for development, goals defined, and potential problems identified

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Finance

Translation

6

Fundraising, events staged to bring awareness to library development with compelling conceptual designs, strategic moves to engage potential donors

9 Plan of action and timeline for deliverables created, collaboration with specialty teams required for implementation of designed solution orchestrated

10 Realization

4

Data translated into contextual, preliminary design ideas, innovative insights and solutions that meet and solve the needs of Library of the Future and its clients

Organization

Client relationship established, initial informational project interviews conducted

3 Research

2

Observation of current library utilization, cultural and physical environment, natural use of exsisting library architecture, designed programs and systems

Analysis & Refinement

Outreach

Community meetings, focus groups, client brainstorming sessions, surveys, interviews comment collection

Observation & Collection

7

1 Engagement

nts have been the hierarchy orm one another. e library ic needs, which actical needs. programmatic rmine the final ables as shown.

Design components have been stratified to show the hierarchy and how they inform one another.

The mission of the library drives the strategic needs, which in turn drive the tactical needs.

These combined programmatic components determine the final structural deliverables as shown.

As illustrated on this page, an actionable outline provides the process to be taken by the strategic design team. This outline is developed with the mission statement and goals of the library as a guiding foundation.

Design Process Outline

this net programmatic design, one that merges client needs with innovative solutions from the design team.

analysis and collaborative design process, tangible strategic and built design is organized on the second page to demonstrate potential solutions for the client.

Validation

he conceptual renders on the final age are born from the synthesis of his net programmatic design, one hat merges client needs with nnovative solutions from the esign team.

the importance of an initial assessment of the project and the determination of each component and necessary process.

Intuitive decisions and solutions formed into formal, innovative designs to be built and implemented system wide and on site

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T E A LU R A : ST ED ED V RY NEEFIN BRA D

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AL C TI C : IC S TA ED MAT BLE NEYSTE VERA S

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active, global access to information, resources, equal opportunity to learn

interactive/creative learning, community involvement and building

ease of access for all, outreach program, local engagement

classes, lectures, circulating collections, guest exhibits, tutoring programs, venue rental, collaboration with universities and other educational establishments

small scale classes, informational sessions, adaptable community space, afterschool programs

traveling classes, community outreach programs, rentals

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T URAL LES L I T B BUTRUC VERA S LI DE

Exhibition Gallery Reading & Study Rooms

Lecture Hall

Transformable Indoor/ Outdoor Learning Lab

Classrooms & Computer Lab

Research/ Guest Collection Space

Community Art Gallery

Outdoor Reading Space & Event Amphitheatre

Exploratory Classrooms & Reading Rooms Mobile Reading Truck

Net Deliverables + experience-improved design + thought-provoking functionality + observation-based innovation and human-derived design + user-adaptable solutions +sustainable and inclusive impact

Conceptual Rotation of Volumes Per Level

D E L T A S U B T R AC T I V E H O U S E A C A D E M I C UC Berkeley L O C AT I O N

Sacramento Delta, California D AT E 2012 C O N C E P T Set along the levees of the Sacramento Delta, this case study examines the relationship of the built residential environment and the surrounding ecosystem and its rising water system.

Placed behind reinforced levees and grounded upon a framework of piers, the Subtractive House incorporates a water dispersal system at its base to accommodate flooding events through a water holding chamber separating the inhabitable space from the levee wall. Rip rap, which protects the hundreds of miles of levees, is represented in a series of stylized volumes rotated at intervals along the perimeter of the given residential block.

Creating a subtractive space defined by its voids, these negative spaces are translated into a conceptual window program, allowing for optimal interior lighting exposure as well as 360 degree observation of the surrounding environment per framed viewport.

Conceptual Rotation of Volumes Per Level

Preliminary Volume Study

Conceptual Rotation of Volumes Per Level

SUBTRACTIVE HOUSE Studio: Arch. 11b

Set along the levees of the Sacramento Delta, this case study examines the relationship of the built residential environment and the surrounding ecosystem and its rising water system. Placed behind reinforced levees and grounded upon a framework of piers, the Subtractive House incorporates a water dispersal system at its base to accommodate flooding events through a water holding chamber separating the inhabitable space from the levee wall. Rip rap, which protects the hundreds of miles of levees, is represented in a series of styalized volumes rotated at intervals along the perimeter of the given residential block. Creating a subtractive space defined by its voids, these negative spaces are translated into a conceptual window program, allowing for optimal interior lighting exposure as well as 360 degree observation of the surrounding environment per framed viewport.

Preliminary Volume Study

Conceptual Rotation of Volumes Per Level

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Example of resulting theoretical facade design from rotational volume program. Viewports derived from negative space, each born from subtracted intersectional void.

Floor Plans Level 1-7

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1 Elevational Section

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A C A D E M I C UC Berkeley L O C AT I O N

Berkeley, California D AT E 2012 M E D I U M Colored Pencil, Graphite C O N C E P T This exercise, executed in a landscape architecture studio, was assigned to help conceptualized the landscape around us in a sequential way. As designers, how can we curate an experience of a landscape through visual story telling, and then apply this perspective to built work? Through this project we not only developed our graphic language and storytelling skills, but also our sense of scale and our ability to design how the user percieves and interacts with the space.

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B R A Z I L SERRA DO CIPO TRIP REPORT C L I M B I N G

One hundred kilometers from the city of Belo Horizonte, the village of Serra do Cipo is located on the edge of a national park in the state of Minas Gerais. Among other resources, Minas Gerais is known for mining of gemstones, limestone, and iron, the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence becoming apparent as we drove out of the gritty city center teaming with motorcycles, overladen mini trucks, and men lounging on stoops of auto repair shops, and into the fractured countryside.

Known as the cerrado, this wooded savanna consisted of rolling verdant hills, blanketed in low shrubs with the occasional gnarled tree peaking above the daunting tangle below. The cerrado made up the majority of land sprawling between villages and was punctured only by cow pastures, farms and gaping quarries brave enough to take on its unruly personality. Marking the entrance to the thinly dispersed villages were dusty red roads that lapped against lime green, orange, and rose colored homes splattered with iron red mud, telltale evidence of past seasonal downpours. Arriving in early May, we were entering the dry winter season of Brazil when the torrential rain storms occurred on a less frequent basis, though no amount of weather forecasts could help this prediction.

Nearing Serra do Cipo, the hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relief grew continually more exaggerated while limestone outcroppings began to jut skyward like crooked teeth from the cerrado. Accessed by a dirt lane that doubled as roaming grounds for the local dog packs, our hostel, Espaco Mandalla, was nestled amongst colorful terra-cotta topped homes with partial remodels frozen in time. Chickens pecked amongst brick and rebar rubble as wayward vegetation threatened to overtake the efforts. My friend Stacey, an accomplished ultra runner and fellow climber, and I had traveled here, the middle of nowhere Brazil, to experience the beauty of Minas Gerais limestone sport climbing, and as we would soon discover, the true meaning of adventure climbing for which we signed ourselves up.

As we set out our first morning to the rock, a resident dappled horse paced the rutted dirt road, snorting and jousting the road with his hoofs, sending dust and rubble flying. Dancing around this agitated gatekeeper, we made our way towards the cow pastures drifting up the neighboring hills, where our desire line of a trail began. Starting up the grass pasture, we realized we were giants on a highway of ant: shards of leafs wobbling frantically at our feet, a frenzy of energy moving towards pinnacles of red earth mounded along the hillside. Unbeknownst to us, the trials and tribulations of our hike were about to begin.

The first glimpse came with the torrential downpour just as we began our descent down the waterfall of rocks into a cavernous galley way of 50 foot limestone fans, suffocated in strangler fig trees. Their roots dripping down the face of the rock from their canopies high above, we grabbed hold, and slid our way to base, bouncing off our gear packs and ropes slung to our backs that served as barriers between our soaked clothes and the sandpaper-coarse slabs. We paused to catch our breath and strip off layers of clothes plastered to our bodies, only to discover we were a prize meal for an endemic ghostly white gnat, floating in silent clouds around us. Fear of breaking holds on the saturated rock served as a good enough excuse to abandon any climbing efforts and we retreated for the day.

For the following three weeks, we jungle-whacked our way back to the labyrinth of cavernous limestone halls with no formal guide book or map. Relying on the beta of the local Brazilian climbers, we phonetically wrote down the route names and ratings, most of which were nicknames and rated in Brazilian and French grades, systems that do not always translate correctly to American climbing grades. Lucas, a young Brazilian climber known for his rope-less ascents of 30+ meter routes in the region, took us under his wing, guiding us to a series of â&#x20AC;&#x153;classic Brazilianâ&#x20AC;? routes in Ouro Preto, a cathedral like space preferred by locals during the transitional seasons when flash showers grace the national park. Our voices ricocheted off bulbous limestone tufas cascading down the grand walls like the water seeping from the world outside.

Teaching us how to adjust to the physical, full body style of climbing that Serra do Cipo required, Lucasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; formal training in architecture became apparent as he methodically visualized each route. Closing his eyes he gestured in the air with precision, his breath synched to his fluid movement as though he was high above us on the face of the rock, calculating his line.

As the days passed, we learned the snaking maze of trails by necessity, and established an intimate relationship with the unforgiving rock. We learned to respect the wild, untamed nature of the cerrado instead of fighting against its every jab; the intensity of the environment and exposure to the elements was a stark, but welcome contrast to our daily lives, and after all, we had come here for adventure.

F A R A L L O N E S N AT ION A L W ILD LIFE R E FU GE TRIP REPORT POINT BLUE CONSERVATION SCIENCE Departing before the morning light, the crew of our sail boat, the Selkie, helped James, a Point Blue Conservation Science intern, and me load supplies on deck for the product run to the Farallon Islands. We pushed off, quietly making our way through the sleeping port of Oakland, golden fluorescents from the piers reflecting on the glassy water. The guardian cranes ushered us through, and silently watched as we passed by, chased by the creeping burnt skies from the east.

Passing through the gates we caught wind, set sail, and started our journey to the Southeast Farallon Island. In and out of blankets of fog we rolled, through the swells of the Pacific until we caught glimpses of crumbling granite teeth jutting elusively from the clouds.

Southeast Farallon Island, located 30 miles from mainland in the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, is inhabited by several Point Blue Conservation Science marine biolgists and ornithologists who study marine wildlife, bird populations, climate change, and oceanic health. Residing in a two story prairie-styled home sitting bravely on the bleak landscape with only several other small buildings and a lone monterey cypress `for company, they stay for months at a time collecting data for PBCS and Marine Fish and Wildlife Service. Loading goods and equipment on and off the island was at one time a hazardous affair at the northern port, but now with the replacement of a spent generator, we were plucked from the Pacific with ease by a crane, and lifted above the jagged salinian block cliffside.

A main axial trail spans the island proper, intersected by hints of desire lines meandering towards the shores and lighthouse located several hundred feet above on the crumbling granite hilltop. SEFI is home to the largest sea bird breeding colony, which quickly became apparent with frequency of burrows and remnants of past life.

During this time of year, breeding has not yet begun and gulls dotting the island watched us with relative disinterest, a contrast to their aggression during mating season. The island and surrounding waters is a resting place not only for the resident gulls, migrants and vagrants, but sharks, seals, and sea lions as well, the latter of which are currently being monitored. Long term data on marine ecosystems and wildlife at the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field station helps to inform scientists on the effects of climate change, and gives direction to conservation efforts on and offshore.

Pushed once again by burnt skies, this time from the razor sharp western horizon, we loaded the boat, said our goodbyes, and embarked on our eight hour journey back to the bay, each keel of the boat taking us farther and farther from the beautiful desolation and solitude of the Farallones. Entering the bay, the glittering light confetti reflected around us on the silver water, engulfing us in the urban world once again.

S E Q U O I A NATIONAL FOREST TRIP REPORT UC BERKELEY

Cinching on her camouflage harness, Wend half her size, attaching them to loops at her jumars, she grabbed the static rope danglin through the jumars’ metal teeth, she locked down in her harness. “Looks like I’m good to The thin rope taut with her weight, I watched ering giant, her rhythmic swings propelling h above. Before long, the clatter of her gear w and I was left standing at the base of the gia

I had been brought to Sequoia Natio with Wendy Baxter and Anthony Ambrose, t grative Biology Department of UC Berkeley. the monitoring of Coastal Redwoods (Sequ quoiadendron giganteum). Through collabo quoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and ny provide crucial research for the Redwood data from 40 + trees monitored around Cali impact of climate change and drought on th ecosystems.

“You ready?” Anthony calls from the o diameter so immense I couldn’t see him. “I t the largest living things on the planet; lookin gnarled branches high overhead guarding t creak and grown. Nervously checking my do gear system for the third time, I slid my asce gan my ascent into the arms of the Sequoia

The first hundred feet I jugged witho padded sounding board. With each hoist up ming my back against the thick spongy bark

Ten minutes in, dangling in space, I p at the forest floor. Our gear piled amongst pixels in a grainy photography. Just under t more jugs I entered the battle field. Spindly size of mature trees and the bark became th the ground. Wrestling my way through the h coniferous giant. I was truly in another world swayed slightly, leaning against the trunk, ou view of the southern Sierras peeked through except for the wind dancing through the cro a tree was overwhelming, and the thought o presence hard to comprehend.

Rigging another safety line to the exp the rain sensors as I transferred myself to an ascent. He arrived shortly after, and we colle er that gauges water content in new growth sons, this new growth has shown lower level drought. The first signs of stress in these anc mate induced change in the years to come, cycles, to altered composition of flora and fa time will tell,” Anthony said of the long lastin and on the Redwoods and Sequoias across will be increasingly critical as we learn what i in the drought wrought years to come.

dy clipped several carabiners onto haul bags waist. Taking her ascending gear, known as ng from an unseen anchor above. Snaking it d the gear, shook out a web ladder, and sank o go!” She called over to Anthony and me. d as Wendy methodically ascended the towher upwards into the shelter of the canopy was swallowed by the silence of the forest, ant sequoia feeling alone and apprehensive. onal Forest to help collect and analyze data two post-doctorate researchers in the Inte. As tree biologists, their research involved uoia sempervirens) and Giant Sequoias (Seoration with the U.S. Geological Survey, Sed fellow labs at Stanford, Wendy and Anthods and Climate Change Initiative. Collecting ifornia, their main goal is to understand the hese beautiful giants and their surrounding

other side of the sequoia, the trunk’s base think?” It was my first time climbing one of ng up, I observed the gentle sway, and the the crown, accompanied by the occasional ouble backed harness and weighting my enders up, stepped into the ladder and bea. out interference, the naked trunk serving as a pwards, I spiraled around my own axis, ramk that serves as a fire retardant for the tree. paused to catch my breath, looking down the duff at the base appeared like mere two hundred more feet to go. With a few twigs quickly transitioned into limbs the hin and flakey, shimmering as it fluttered to horizontal forest I reached the crown of the d. Three hundred feet off the ground we ur legs draped over its tangle of arms. The h the foliage and there was deep silence own. The strength of this gentle monster of of the history that has come and gone in its

posed mast above us, Wendy attended to nother anchor and gave the ok for Anthony’s ected sprigs from the crown for a pressurizh. Based on measurements from past seals of water, indicating stress triggered by the cient species may be indicators of larger cli, the changes spanning from increased fire auna in the forest ecosystem. However “only ng consequences of the drought on forests California. Anthony and Wendy’s research is in store for California’s forest ecosystems

T H A N K

Y O U !