CHRISTOPHERMAURER landscape architecture pennsylvania state university undergraduate portfolio 2009-2012
CHRISTOPHERMAURER pennsylvania state university bachelors of landscape architecture 2014* cjm5433@psu.edu (717) 725.0125
_SELECTED WORKS [01] [02] [03] [04] [05] [06]
Center For Environment Cultural Greenway Community Design_ Youngstown_ Corridors + Connections_ Design Implementation _ group project
_CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT Penn State’s new arboretum includes plans for a Center For the Environment, which is intended to act as a place that not only showcases a restorative regional landscape but also illustrates the university’s commitment towards developing environmentally healthy and sustainable facilities. These facilities are intended to meet the educational and outreach standards of a Land Grant University while also establishing themselves as places for research in environmental conservation. The space should push environmental education to a new level of ecological thinking that establishes a strong connection between human activity and its effects on various environmental systems. The CFE is intended to provide a rich, contemporary learning experience for the visitor. In order to truly learn about and understand the environment, one must become immersed in their surroundings and gain a better appreciation for the land and how we affect it. The site is designed to connect to its surrounding environment, immerse the user, provide a unique and exciting experience for the visitor, and push the boundaries of environmental education to new levels. Through the CFE, one can gain a greater appreciation for the world around them.
Location: Semester: Instructor(s):
[01]
[02]
University Park, PA Spring 2011 Eliza Pennypacker Gary Kesler
[03]
[04]
[05]
[LEFT] Images of natural Pennsylvanian forest/prairie ecosystems provided inspiration for the porject, highlighting the beauty of the natural environment. These are the characteristics that the design frames, contrasting them with the build environment.
[BELOW] Conceptual development sketches of the parking/entry area and the core of the CFE campus
[PROGRAM]
[CONTEXT]
Adjacent Neighborhoods Existing Structures Perscribed Entry Road
“Rocky Top” Site Closed Depressions + Sinkholes Existing Vegetation
Restored Prairie Restored Forest Entry Road
Rails to Trails Ped + Bike Path Entry Road
Outdoor Public Outdoor Classroom Stormwater Management Research + Demonstration Plots Service + OPP Parking + ADA
Drop Off Automotive
Service
Primary “Axis� Restored Forest Restored Prairie
ADA
Prairie Links Forest Links Ha-Ha Wall Views
Hike + Bike Trail Connections
Pedestrian
[OUTDOOR CLASSROOM]
[BELOW]
In order for the CFE to establish itself as a distinctive space within the overall framework of the arboretum, it is necessary for the site to have a unique, instantly recognizable focal point.
Conceptual plan for outdoor classroom and adjacent bio-filtration swales
By providing the site with a space that is entirely visually and experientially from anything found in the arboretum or on campus, the CFE begins to characterize itself as a unique, easily distinguishable space within a larger interconnected system. Since the primary goal of the CFE is to provide a unique environment in which one is immersed in a new sense of ecological thinking. Therefore, the education/teaching area is particularly important.
[FUNCTION]
Education Experience Awakening to site conditions through... Connections
Immersion
[FORM] Immersion
Previous Knowledge Awakening
[BELOW] Outdoor Classrom/Bioswale cross section detail
[RIGHT] Outdoor Classrom/Bioswale cross section
[ABOVE] Conceptual images of the outdoor classroom, highlighting materiality and spatial relationships
_CULTURAL GREENWAY The goal of this focus study was to establish a new, mixed-use trail system that establishes connections between various historic and cultural sites found throughout the Spring Creek Watershed. The plan links various points of interest along a linear system of corridors, which work together in order to prevent the fragmentation of cultural, historic and natural resources. This new system of corridors will provide residents and visitors with new means for recreational activities while also raising awareness for the protection of the environmental and cultural resources found throughout the region. The proposed trail system connects to existing access points and corridors in order to preserve the integrity of the existing systems found within the watershed. These auxiliary connections allow the system to function as a part of the larger, existing framework of the region, expanding upon the range of places one can experince.
Location: Semester: Instructor(s):
[01]
[02]
Centre County, PA Fall 2012 Larry Gorenflo David Goldberg
[03]
[04]
[05]
SPRING CREEK W
cu 1. Access from Penn State University
Sunset ParkOF INTEREST AREAS
2. “Big Hollow Trailhead” LOCATION + POTENTIAL USE 3. University Park Airport In order for a greenway to be successful, linkages 4. Access SpringCreekof the landscape are essential. T the largerto context way plan aims to promote synergy between cultur 5. Wirty House (1843) Small-scale cultural areas of interest such as hous are just as vital toDistrict the overall framework as large-s 6. Houserville Historic historic districts, heritage sites or large plots of la 7. Spring Creek Park tional Institution.
20
21
18 17
15
14
19 16
8. Lemont Historictrail District The proposed system serves to link may of th fragmentation local cultural centers and to pres 9. Nittany Orchardof Park the enjoyment of future generations. Many sites a 10. High Transmission Corridor Places. National RegisterLine of Historic 11. Cave #1 In addition to sites that carry historical significanc 12. Stateand Correctional Institution unique interesting areas that many residents Rockview about. TwoHistoric cavesDistrict are featured along the trail syste that follow 13. Cave #2 high transmission lines and inactive rai intersects Interstate-99 in two places. The areas b 14. “Overpass Park” passes are to be converted into mitigated forest a small, linear public 15. Shugart House (1820) parks. The greenway plan also scale connections between public parks. 16. Dale House (1850) 17. Hamilton Homestead (1800) 1. Access from Penn State University
18. RishelSunset House (1820) Park
3
19. State Correctional Institution
4
13
5 2
2. “Big Hollow Trailhead”
13.
3. University Park Airport
14.
20. “Agricultural Preservation Site” 21. “Bellefonte Trailhead” 4. Access to SpringCreek Bellefonte Historic District Reynolds Park 5. Wirty House (1843) Talleyrand Park
6
11
Legend
7
7. Spring Creek Park
18.
8. Lemont Historic District
19.
9. Nittany Orchard Park Centre County Blocks
20.
10. High Transmission Line Corridor Greenway Extent
21.
of Interest
Legend
10 8 Chris Maurer LArch 311
Centre County Blocks Greenway Extent Historic Site / Area of Interest Featured Site
9
16.
17.
Featured Site
12
15.
6. Houserville Historic District
11. Cave Historic Site #1 / Area
1
12.
WATERSHED
ultural greenway plan
18
s and connections that relate to The proposed cultural greenral sites of a variety of scales. ses and historic homesteads Creek Watershed Location scale resources suchSpring as entire Image: MyOnlineMaps.com and- such as the StateProjection Correc-
Pennsylvania State Plane North Data Source PSU LArch 311 GIS Data Set (2010) prevent PASDA (2011) the
BELLEFONTE
hese sites, aiming to serve these historic sites for are currently listed on the
ce, the plan incorporates some and visitors may not know em, as well as linear corridors ilroads. The trail system also beneath the elevated overand riparian lands, serving as aims to provide landscape-
. State Correctional Institution Rockview Historic District
. Cave #2
. “Overpass Park”
. Shugart House (1820)
. Dale House (1850)
STATE COLLEGE
. Hamilton Homestead (1800)
. Rishel House (1820)
. State Correctional Institution
Legend
. “Agricultural Preservation Site”
. “Bellefonte Trailhead” Bellefonte Historic District Reynolds Park Talleyrand Park
Greenway Extent Historic Site / Area of Interest Population Center
Miles 0 0.5 1
2
3
[UNDERPASSES + ECOPARKS] The cultural trail crosses paths with Interstate-99 on two occasions. At these points, the trail continues, passing under the highway overpass, parallel to the adjacent roadway. In these spaces, the trail is elevated and offset from the roadway, creating small, ridge-base sub-corridors that run along the manmade hillside. These elevated pathways or linear “eco-parks� allow the user to experience a truly unique space within the larger framework of trail systems and corridors. While most sites such as this would go relatively untouched, these spaces could be ideal places to mitigate damaged landscapes and riparian buffers. Bio-swales are incorporated into the site design and patches of native, non-invasive vegetation and forest cover take the place of degraded, exposed topsoil or grass-covered sideslopes.
[LEFT] Potnetial trail experience [BELOW] Underpass EcoPark cross section
[BRANDING + SIGNAGE] In order for users to be able to identify a site that is part of the cultural greenway, unique site furnishings and signage were developed. By developing a unique, distinctive visual brand, users are able to identify the path of the trail, direction to other sites and instantly recognize whether or not a given area is associated with the cultural greenway.
[SIGN]
Recycled metal accents painted with a distinct color serves the defining characteristic of the cultural greenway brand. The color will serve as a symbol of the system, becoming instantly recognizable among users of any age. Site furnishings consist of either recycled wood with metal accents, which will be covered in Pure Orange. Three types of site furnishings were designed: benches, signs and groundcover “tiles.� The name of an adjacent location is found of the installation with text pointing in the direction of the identified site, providing the user with a sense of physical and visual direction.
[BENCH]
[BELOW] Potential implementation
[TILE/PLANK]
[AGRICULTURAL/FOREST EDGE] Corridors that run along the edge of agricultural and forested lands will showcase these natural lands by being naturalistic in style, with some sites incorporating site-specific observation decks into their trail design. These trails will support multiple recreational uses – both passive and active..
[LEFT] Regional map illustatting remaining agricultural and forested land Legend Greenway Extent Agricutural Land Forested Land
[BELOW] Agricultural/Forest edge experience point
_COMMUNITY DESIGN The redevelopment of the North Atherton site aims to create a development that acts as a new urban core within the existing downtown framework while maintaining the aesthetic qualities and characteristics of State College. This community will accommodate a wide variety of commercial and residential uses while providing the Urban Village with new access routes while placing an emphasis on open, public gathering spaces. The project aims to create a mixed-used, high density area that offers opportunities for commercial, residential office, and residential development while extending the downtown atmosphere further west on College Avenue. A park and urban plaza within close porximity to the Commercial Incentive District offer new outdoor social/gathering spaces for students, residents and visitors from the downtown.
Location: Semester: Instructor(s):
[01]
[02]
State College, PA Spring 2012 Sean Burkholder Peter Aeschbacher
[03]
[04]
[05]
[LEFT] Precedent images: Top - Gubai Park development plan Center - Chatham Village Bottom - OKRA development plan
[BELOW] Early conceptual development plan
[INFOGRAPHICS]
[SYSTEMS]
$361,048,050.00
69% improved
5%
20%
31%
roads
unimproved
54%
SITE
return on investment
[spatial breakdown]
open space
$344,406,538.00
26%
Pedestrian Circulation
Bicycle Circulation
buildings
[222 units]
55% students
middle income [20 units]
05%
[81 units]
%620% 2
HOUSING [demographics]
[81 units]
20% low income
affordable
Vehicular Circulation
80K
+ HP + HP
arterial
ROADS
21K
[sq ft]
local
+ LP
49K connector
24K
Stormwater + Runoff
Bioswale + Stormwater Retention
Bioswale
woonerf
643 mixed use CID
77
RO office
720 parking structures
PARKING [spaces]
68 on site
36
32
townhomes [exterior]
townhomes [interior]
Stormwater
Graywater
Electric + Telephone Gas
Blackwater
Waste Management Service + Loading Zone
[32ft]
[24ft]
[24ft]
[LEFT] [32ft]
Colleve Ave/Barnard Street intersection redevelopment [BELOW] Colleve Ave redevelopment area cross section
[32ft]
[R=25ft]
[WOONERFS] [30ft]
[R=25ft]
[R=25ft]
[40ft]
Woonerfs act to slow down vehicular speeds through a site while allowing pedestrians to also use the space as an open public street. By implementing woonerfs into this design, more multi-use space is created, without compromising vechicular circulation. These woonerfs also act to keep the majority of vehicular traffic out of the sites interior, further emphasizing mixed-use and walkability..
[R=25ft]
[LEFT] Woonerf/Barnard Street intersection development
[ABOVE]
[LEFT]
Stormwater Basin cross section
College Avenue cross section
[ABOVE LEFT]
[BELOW]
Barnard Street cross section
Atherton Street cross section
[ABOVE] Woonerf cross section
_YOUNGSTOWN Focusing on three individual community projects, work was made to improve the sites in increments which can be implemented over the long term. This project focused on assessing the issues at each site and developing ideas that are believed to have the most positive impact on the community framework. After focusing on small scale projects, ideas that could benefit the entirety of Youngstown were examined. A site was selected along the river near the downtown core of Youngstown that would bring impact to all Youngstown residents. The areas aim to promote community engagement, personal ownership social interaction through the implementation of ecology, recreational opportunities, and details of Youngstown’s history in hopes of inspiring Youngstown residents to become involved in Youngstown’s revitalization effort. The project also serves as a basic strategy for implementing small scale projects that would eventually form what would become a large-scale project.
Location: Semester: Instructor(s):
[01]
[02]
Youngstown, OH Spring 2012 Sean Burkholder
[03]
[04]
[05]
Today Youngstown stands a husk of its former self. The city’s heavy reliance on the steel industry led to its downfall. With the removal of the factories many people were left without jobs, businesses were unable to make a profit and either closed or moved away. The population in 2010 was somewhere near 67,000, almost 1/3 of the population that once called Youngstown home. Today abandoned factories, businesses and homes dot the landscape. Left empty, these areas are slowly being retaken by nature. Boarded homes and businesses line streets that only have a few residents.
[PRELIMINARY COMMUNITY VISIONS] New Historic Street Signs
Neighborhood Planter w/ Distinct Vegetation White Wooden Fencing
Specimen Border Shrubs (12)
Footprint of Demolished Gas Station
Youngstown Sign
[CRANDALL PARK SOUTH]
0
20 ft 0
[HANDEL’S]
20 ft
[WICK PARK]
1.) Handel’s Corner: The design called for new, green planting beds which incorporated fencing and a “Welcome to Youngstown” sign. The design focused on greening the desolate streetscape. 0
2.) Wick Park corner: This corner of the once proud WIck Park is mostly unused, save for a few unwanted beer drinkers near the old fountain. The design called for a small public garden to be installed within the existing spatial framework of the site. 3.) Crandall Park South Corridor Identity: This project focused on creating small, planting beds with signs that serve to visually link parts of one of Youngstowns nicest neighborhoods together - aiming to prevent fragmentation.
40 ft.
[HANDEL'S] The goal of the Handel’s Corner project was to create a welcoming gateway into the City of Youngstown from the suburb of Boardman, creating an open space that acts as a physical representation of Youngstown’s vision for the future - a redeveloped, revitalized city. Being the first visual image visitors will get of Youngstown, the space will help to improve the citiy’s image and enhance the local quality of life. In order to help revitalize the site and promote the new image of Youngstown, the site will incorporate large amounts of open space which can be used for community gahering events such as farmer’s markets, public movies, fundraising, etc. By allowing these activities to occur at the gateway into Youngstown, a sense of community engagement and stewardship is showcased.
_CENTRALIZING THE CITY
COVELLI PARK INDUSTRIAL PARK RAIL LINE BESSEMER FIELD
“WHEN YOU GIVE PEOPLE GOOD THINGS, GOOD THINGS WILL COME” - WALTER HOOD
[CONCEPT]
[IMPLEMENTATION]
$5000 $5000
FRAGMENTATION
CENTRALIZATION
POINTS LINES PLANES
DISTRIBUTION OF GRANT MONEY
$5000
[PHASING] Phase 2 of the Rail Line is implemented Rail Line is complete
2050
Phase 1 of the Rail Line is implemented Includes Amtrak station upgrades and Rail Line Gateway Plaza
2045
Canal Park is complete
2040
Amtrak Gateway
Phase 2 of the Industrial Park is implemented Industrial Park is complete
2035
Phase 1 of the Industrial Park is implemented
2030
The Bessemer Recreation Fields are complete
2025
Phase 2 of Covelli Park is implemented Covelli Park is complete
2020
Phase 1 of Covelli Park is implemented
2015
Project Evolution
[PROJECT EVOLUTION]
RY
RECREATION
RECREATIO N TO
HIS
EC
OL
[MAHONING PARK]
OG
Y
TO
HIS
RY
EC
OL
[INDUSTRIAL PARK]
OG
Y
RECREATION
RECREATION TO
HIS
RY
EC
OL
[RAIL LINE]
OG
Y
TO
HIS
RY
EC
OL
[BESSEMER FIELD]
OG
Y
_CORRIDORS + CONNECTIONS This project examines the potential for a wildlife corridor through the Magombera Forest, linking Selous Game Reserve and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Magombera is a particularly fragile forest segment, home to the Udzungwa red and black/white colobus, among several other regionally endemic species. This stretch of land characterizes movement between the two identified areas and highlights the need for actual habitat connectivity. Human-wildlife conflicts (namely elephants) also pervade the area and continue to result in damaged crops. The case study determines the feasibility of a sustainable Magombera corridor that incorporates simplified design elements to generate ecotourism based revenue, but is unobtrusive enough to maintain an effective wildlife connection. A larger system then positions the Udzungwa Mountains National Park within a larger system of ecotourism. Five national parks and protected areas compose the structure for a new “southern circuit,� with particular emphasis placed on the fragile corridors that connect them. The Kilombero region exemplifies a range of landscape diversity and deserves to see comparable ecotourist revenue to that of the northern parks of Tanzania (e.g. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Serengetti, and Ngorogoro Crater National Parks). These areas are geographically close enough to be marketed together as a tourist experience. The concept serves as a biologic link, but also as an economic equalizer, aiming to bring more revenue to lesser-known parks such as the Udzungwa Mountains.
Location: Semester: Instructor(s):
[01]
[02]
Mang'ula, Tanzania Summer 2012 Larry Gorenflo Brian Orland
[03]
[04]
[05]
Mikumi NP
Udzungwa Mountains NP
Magombera Forest Selous GR
[SUITABILITY DATA]
[SUITABILITY ANALYSIS]
[PROPOSED LAND USE]
In order to determine which areas can support a renewed wildlife corridor, a suitability analysis was conducted.
After the completion of the suitability analysis, a swath of land was identified as being supportive of wildlife corridor establishment.
Information such as the location of existing forest patches, agricultural land, and population centers were assigned values on a scale of 1 (-) to 3 (+). These values were then layered, allowing for comparisons to be made and aiding in the determination of land to be used for a future wildlife corridor.
Our proposal identifies land which will be minimally effected by agricultural displacement and proximity to population centers. The proposal calls for "arms" of adjacent, protected lands to be formed, eventually meeting in the middle of the parcel, effectively creating a singular, protected wildlife corridor which links the Magombera Forest and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Buffer zones [green] surround the portected areas and population centers in order to minimize human/wildlife conflicts.
[ATOP SANJE FALLS]
[BELOW] Proposed forest usage cross-section
[FOREST INTERIOR]
[CIRCUIT BRANDING]
[CIRCUIT CONTEXT/LOCATION]
[RUIPA CANOE TOUR CONCEPT]
[MNGETA CORRIDOR EXPERIENTIAL CONCEPT]
CHRISTOPHERMAURER
undergraduate portfolio 2012 cjm5433@psu.edu