COURTNEY KUEHNER
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GREY TO GREEN: FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES HOUSTON, TX TEAM | URBAN REVITILIZATION | FALL 2015 TXASLA STUDENT MERIT AWARD RECIPIENT
THE ENERGY CORRIDOR DISTRICT & BRIDGE DESIGN
HOUSTON, TX TEAM | URBAN DESIGN & COMPETITION | SPRING 2016
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LANGFORD RAIN GARDEN
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MAIN STREET & CREEK DESIGN
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RESIDENTIAL GARDEN
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE STATION, TX TEAM | CAMPUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | SPRING 2016 SALADO, TX TEAM | RECREATION & WAY-FINDING | SPRING 2015 INDIVIDUAL | MODEL MAKING & LANDSCAPE DESIGN | SPRING 2014
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STUDIO 16:19 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
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TXDOT LANDSCAPE DESIGN DIVISION SUMMER INTERNSHIP
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ABOUT
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WESTERN GATEWAY | BELTERRA VILLAGE | CHAMPION PARK | FIVE HILLS SIGNAGE | STREETSCAPE | PARKING LOT DESIGN | PLANTING PLAN | SUMMER 2016 ADA | HIGHWAY REST AREA TECHNICAL DRAWINGS | LANDSCAPE DESIGN | SUMMER 2015
STUDY ABROAD: BONN, GERMANY
BRIDGING THE GAP – SEMESTER PROJECT | PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM | URBAN REVITILIZATION | FALL 2016
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
SITE GRADING | CONSTRUCTION DETAILS INDIVIDUAL | TECHNICAL DRAWINGS | SPRING 2016
RESUME
About
I am a candidate for a Bachelor in Landscape Architecture – with a focus on sustainable landscape architecture, urban planning, and horticulture – at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Originally from Austin, TX, I am inspired by the juxtaposition of clean, modern lines and the grit of the urban street. I appreciate the marriage of aesthetics and functionality, simplicity and chaos. I rely on my communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills to convey my designs. In addition to this, I focus my creativity and curiosity into my work to create unique, yet functional spaces. Stay curious.
Courtney Kuehner courtney.kuehner@gmail.com (512) 964-5352
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Land Use: Existing
Grey to Green [for healthier communities] Harrisburg Blvd Houston, TX
Land Use: Proposed
Building Footprint
Walkability
Well-Being Design attractive landscape nodes Implement LID facilities Increase community connections Add green space to every block Improve air and water qualities
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Sustainability
Community
After extensive analysis of the social, physical, and environmental aspects of the Harrisburg community, a pattern of overwhelming grey space was noticed. By turning grey spaces into green ones, the wellness and vitality of the community was improved. This was achieved by reducing and revitalizing vacant and abandonned parcels. This project was awarded a Texas ASLA Student Merit Award.
In its current state, Harrisburg Boulevard (and the surrounding community) experiences an extreme green space deficit. This also affects the health and environmental state of the community. The goal of this project was to balance the grey-to-green space ratio through the implementation of Low Impact Development techniques such as the addition of street-scaping, canopy cover, and new parks on vacant or unused lots, and a reduction of other impervious surfaces in number and size. Grey space consists of parking lots, streets, and buildings while green space is recognized in the forms of parks, streetscaping, flowerbeds, etc. Low impact development -- or LID -- uses green space and other sustainable techniques to reduce water runoff thus improving water and air qualities which makes for healthier communities.
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HARRISBURG BOULEVARD LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES
Grey-to-Green Ratios
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Permeable Percentages
THE ENERGY CORRIDOR DISTRICT Houston, tx
flood plain map
Dairy Ashford
I-10
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01
00 Feet
Turkey Creek Floodway 100-Year Floodplain 500-Year Floodplain
Strengths -Numerous employees in vacinity -Nearby recreational facilities -Many restaurant and entertainment opportunities -Proximity to green spaces -Lots of trees -Clean streets and areas
W weaknesses -Lack of roadway safety facilities (I.E. Stop lights, crosswalks, bike lanes) -Unattractive building facades -Lack of walkway facilities such as benches & trash cans -Somewhat isolated from other parts of the district -Disconnected streets and sidewalks -Large impervious areas
soil analysis map
O
T
Opportunities
Threats
I-10 As
-Add and enhance green space -Enhance aesthetic quality -Make the area more attractive -Provide a sense of place -Boost district's identity -Improve safety for all users -Better connect public transportation -Avaliability of funding
Ce
An Mu
The Energy Corridor District is a special district within Houston, Texas that does not pay taxes to the city. The ECD is home to leading energy and gas companies that are trying to better the plant through sustainable practices. For the purposed of this project we paid special attention to the demographics and flood plain to determine the best design for the area while implementing LID facilities. The programs used were Photoshop, Illustrator, GIS, CAD, and Sketchup.
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01
W
Dairy Ashford
S
As
00 Feet
Soil Group C Soil Group B/D
* Note: Most of these soil types are clayey soils that poorly infiltrate and drain, increasing runoff.
Soil Group D Water
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THE ENERGY CORRIDOR DISTRICT Houston, tx
Streetscape
Catchment Median: Median running down the center of the street with passive tree irrigation to attenuate stormwater through streetscape greening; for primary use along Dairy Ashford Bioswale: Stormwater runoff conveyance system that provides alternative to storm sewers; to be used adjacent to sidewalks where appropriate
Tree Grates: Protect street trees, enhance aesthetic quality & allow infiltration of stormwater runoff; to be used along sidewalks wide enough to accommodate the grates
Porous Pavement: Allow movement of stormwater through surface to reduce runoff, trap pollutants & filter from the water; for use on sidewalks & streets
Buildings
Scale: 1�=124’
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Green Infrastructure: Green space around buildings provide aesthetic & cleansing qualities; use adjacent to mixed-use development
Rainwater Cistern: Capture and recycle stormwater; add on to strategically selected buildings
Green Roof/Wall: Divert waste, manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effect, improve air quality, add amentiy space; retrofit on existing buildings & built new buildings to suit
Stormwater management
Bioretention: Convey & filter contaminants & sediments from stormwater runoff through organic materials; for use within parks/plazas Detention: Slowly drain & filter stormwater runoff to attenuate flooding; used in Riverway Park
Recycling: Recycle water onsite for irrigation, water features, etc; use where appropriate
THE ENERGY CORRIDOR DISTRICT
pederdrian bridge design competition 1. TRANSPORTATION HUB PLAZA 2. STAIR ENTRYWAY 3. WATER WALL 4. NATURAL PARK 5. GRIZBY SQUARE PLAZA CONNECTION 6. NEW AVENUE
Also for the Energy Corridor District, we participated in a design competition for a pedestrian bridge design that would connect the Addicks Park and Ride with Grisby Square – a soon to be developed mixed-use district full of retail, dining, and nightlife. We designed the bridge to be an experience: during the day and at night, walking on the bridge or as a car driving underneath. An extensive plant palette was also created to ensure durability and hardiness of plant materials on top of the bridge. Programs used for this project include Illustrator, Photoshop, and Sketchup.
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THE ENERGY CORRIDOR DISTRICT
pederdrian bridge design competition
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LANGFORD RAIN GARDEN texas a&m university courtyard
front lawn
staircase
Probably the smallest project site I have designed for, the Langford Rain Garden encompasses many of the skills I have learned throughout my schooling. Low impact development techniques were employed to create social spaces for students, faculty, and visitors. Renderings, construction details, and an opinion of probable cost were all elements of the presentation. For the Langford Rain Garden, Illustrator, Sketchup, Photoshop, hand renderings, and AutoCAD were all used to create portions of the project.
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LANGFORD RAIN GARDEN texas a&m university rain garden
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courtyard
Site plans for sections of the rain garden and their respective perspective renderings show the concepts of the rain garden. Native, water loving plants form the rain garden. The garden also features a viewing deck to observe the rain garden from other angles. The courtyard is partially screened by plant material. The interior features permeable pavers, a tranquility water feature, tables and chairs, and a small open lawn for student activities.
SALADO, TX
MAIN STREET REDESIGN Salado, TX is a small town on IH 35 between Austin and Waco. Salado is known for its artsy culture, rich history, and weekend festivals. After collaborating with the citizens of Salado, our team came up with the best design option that met all of their needs. A creek park and trail system connects the creek from end to end while also incorporating it into the flow of Main Street. An event and entertainment pavillion at the creek invites people from all around to join in on Salado’s festivities, and a pocket park attracts visitors down the length of one of Salado’s most popular streets: Royal Street.
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SALADO, TX
MAIN STREET REDESIGN
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The event pavillion provides adequate space for community members and guests alike to utilize the spaces in a multitude of ways. Events such as weddings, receptions, luncheons, etc. can be held under the pergola or on the dance floor. The barn patio is perfect for outdoor concerts and other community events such as farmer’s markets, festivals, or yoga and Zumba classes. The creek and trail system that connects the event pavillion to the rest of the creek park and town provides a unique outdoor experience for users of all ages and abilities.
In the Royal Street Park, a splash pad provides an exciting space for the young and young at heart. Screened by an artisan curated retaining wall and natural grasses and plantings, the park is private from the street and adjacent homes. Sculpture pads are scattered throughout the park to provide one more opportunity to showcase local art.
A quiet picnic area lined with trees and string lights create a special outdoor dining experience. By incorporating the Sculpture Garden statues as a water feature, the south end of town is visually and culturally connected to the northern end.
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RESIDENTIAL GARDEN MODEL MAKING
Artist and professor clients in Austin, TX request space to not only entertain friends, but also entertain their own hobbies: music, painting, and gardening. The couple appreciates a modern aesthetic with clean lines and warm wood tones. The covered porch and modern pergola provide important entertaining spaces. Planters support a relaxing water feature which flows throughout the backyard. The studio in the rear of the yard provides a meditative space to enjoy the garden.
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SUMMER INTERNSHIPS, FALL STUDY ABROAD & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
STUDIO 16:19 WESTERN GATEWAY ROUND ROCK, TX
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As my first project at Studio 16:19, I take pride in the Western Gateway signage design for the City of Round Rock. My first day, I was included in a design charette where we concluded with this design. Throughout the rest of my internship, I worked on the planting palette, signage concepts, and parklet designs. I also spent many hours working on the CAD drawings and renderings to reach the final product. Hand renderings, Photoshop, Sketchup, Lumion, and AutoCAD were all used to create the graphics here.
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STUDIO 16:19 WESTERN GATEWAY ROUND ROCK, TX
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At top is a hand sketch by me of the parklet design. We wanted to use the existing pathways and many of the materials already existing on site to reduce waste. Further, we proposed a new seating area to highlight the historic significance of the park. Below are two of my own hand sketches of possible signage concepts that would be placed in the center of the roundabout.
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Studio 16:19 belterra village dripping springs, tx
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Belterra Village is soon to be a high end retail center in Dripping Springs, Texas. This project involved a very close partnership with the architects to ensure the landscape and architecture complemented each other. Sketchup and CAD/ FX were used to create the renderings here. A native plant palette (opposite) completes the streetscape exerience.
BULBINE
CENTURY PLANT
PARRY AGAVE
SQUID AGAVE
RED YUCCA
SOTOL
GULF MUHLY
MEXICAN FEATHERGRASS
GOLDEN BARREL CACTUS
FLAME ACANTHUS
WHITE GUARA
PURPLE TRAILING LANTANA
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STUDIO 16:19 CHAMPION PARK WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Williamson County Champion Park was a small project I was tasked with over the summer. I rendered two parking lot expansion options to include a new trail head and vehicular drop off areas. I also rendered a pavilion plan to be added within the park. AutoCAD and Photoshop were used to create these designs.
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STUDIO 16:19 FIVE HILLS SHOPPING CENTER COPPERAS COVE, TX
The Five Hills Shopping Center is a retail center adjacent to other retail development. I was tasked to create a planting plan for the parking lot. It was important to take into consideration viewsheds at driveways and towards the storefronts. Xericscape plant material was used to ensure a durable, low-maintenance design. I also generated an opinion of probable cost detailing quantities and pricing of plant materials and site furnishings.
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TXDOT ADA
HAMILTON, TX
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As part of my summer internship at the Texas Department of Transportation, retrofitting ADA compliant curb-ramps at intersections throughout the cities of Texas was a prominent task. This select intersection in Hamilton, TX was one of the most challenging.
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TXDOT SAFETY REST AREA HILL COUNTY
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Another critical component of my internship was design work. One project I was able to take on was the Hill County rest stop just south of Dallas. The existing planting scheme was crowded and dying. For this project, it was proposed that several concrete strips were removed to allow room for the plantings.
From top to bottom: front planter beds designed to appear as row crops; north planter beds act as a native vegetative space; central planter beds also designed to representive native Texas plants.
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
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TXDOT SAFETY REST AREA HILL COUNTY
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To supplement the design, a planting scheme and bloom plan was developed. Waco District requested a design plan that would feature species to provide blooms all year long. An estimate was also drafted to put the plan into perspective.
STUDY ABROAD 3.94 KM: BRIDGING THE GAP BONN, GERMANY
germany
nrw
bonn
bonn west
My semester away in Bonn, Germany, we worked in teams of three with a Texas A&M Urban Planning student as well as a Pennslvania State University Landscape Architect student. Our project site ran along either side of Bonn's railway line. Bridging the Gap aimed to connect the two sides of the railway with a platform structure in order to create a more cohesive land use mosaic and provide residents access to new amenities. The platform structure spans the rail lines and acts as one large "green roof." One main goal we aimed to acheive was a transit-oriented development, which we accomplished by incorporating the tram stop under the structure. The platform is entirely pedestrian friendly and includes mixed-use, residential, and office buildings. Large green spaces provide an oasis within the city.
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STUDY ABROAD 3.94 KM: BRIDGING THE GAP BONN, GERMANY The site plan depicts the large public spaces with tranquil and interactive water features, but also the private interior courtyards of the residential buildings. Some buildings offer community garden roofs, while others offer garden terraces. A solar roof was designed on top of the largest building to offset much of the energy costs for the whole devlopment. Several existing building shells were maintained to reduce costs and waste. The programs used throughout the entirety of the project include AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, and Sketchup.
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STUDY ABROAD PHOTOGRAPHY EUROPE
From top-clockwise: Small Church in Oberwesel, Germany; Community Farm in Andernach, Germany; Mont Saint-Michel Abbey on island of Mont Saint-Michel, France; Doges Palace in Venice, Italy; Hillside Sunset at Linderhof Palace in Ettal, Germany; Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Germany.
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STUDY ABROAD PHOTOGRAPHY EUROPE
From top-clockwise: Cinque Terre Coastline in Riomaggiore, Italy; Bee on Sunflower in Andernach, Germany; View of Marien Bridge from Neuschwansteing Castle in Fussen, Germany; Stone chimneys atop La Pedrera in Barcelona, Spain.
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Landscape design at Point du Hoc in Normandy, France; Cathedral in Brussels, Belgium; Landscape design at Schöneberger Südgelände in Berlin, Germany.
Landschaftspark in Dusiburg, Germany; Basilica of San Marco in Venice, Italy; Retention basin and water feature in Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany.
Atomium in Brussels, Belgium; Coastline of Cinque Terre in Monterosso, Italy; Museum Facade in Venice, Italy.
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STUDY ABROAD PHOTOGRAPHY EUROPE
Above: Berlin Hauptbahnhof in Berlin, Germany. Right: Public Restroom Facility in Andernach, Germany.
Above: Sea Foam in Monterosso, Italy. Right: Rooftop Garden at Bundeskunst Museum in Bonn, Germany.
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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS MIXED-USE CENTER
GRADING PLAN
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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS MIXED-USE CENTER
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IRRIGATION PLAN
irrigation schedule
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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS MIXED-USE CENTER
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detail drawings
COURTNEY KUEHNER courtney.kuehner@gmail.com 20109 Panther Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 (512) 964-5352
Landscape Architecture is much more than just design; it takes a focused eye to marry aesthetics and functionality, simplicity and chaos. To convey these things, visual communication requires creativity, problem solving, teamwork, and most importantly, curiosity. Stay Curious.
EDUCATION
2012-2017 Texas A&M University, College Station, TX Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Minors in Horticulture & Sustainable Architecture and Planning Supporting Coursework:
Study Abroad – Bonn, Germany. Landscape Design I-VI. Landscape Construction I-III. Land Development I. Land Arch Theory. Woody & Landscape Plant Materials. Urban Planning & Issues. Sustainable Communities.
2008-2012 Hendrickson High School, Pflugerville, TX
WORK
May 2016-Aug. 2016 Studio 16:19, Round Rock, TX Summer Intern
June 2015-Aug. 2015 Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, TX Summer Intern, Design Division
INVOLVEMENT
American Society of Landscape Architects Student Chapter -- Member
Tau Sigma Delta
Treasurer, President
Phi Eta Sigma
Service Committee
References
Please see attachment "Resume".
Top 10% of Class and Top 25 People
HONORS/AWARDS
Texas ASLA Student Merit Award
Grey to Green: Balancing Impervious to Pervious Ratios
Resilience and Climate Change Cooperative Project (RCCCP) Recognition Research, Analysis, Ideation
Texas A&M University Class of 2016 Class Gift
SWA Group to fullfill studio designs for Adminstration Building front lawn
Programs InDesign Photoshop Illustrator AutoCAD MicroStation SketchUp GIS
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THANK YOU!
COURTNEY KUEHNER COURTNEY.KUEHNER@GMAIL.COM (512) 964-5352