LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO EMILY MENARD, BSLA AT UMASS AMHERST
Emily Menard BSLA (Honors) at University of Massachusetts, Amherst (413)475-6780 eemenard@umass.edu 152 Munson Street Greenfield, MA 01301
contents
1- Resilient Connectivity 2- Woonasquatucket Park 3- A Meadow in the Hills 4- River Valley Courtyard
resilient connectivity
Urban Design for Sea Level Rise
process
My process always begins with conceptual sketches, plans, and sections done by hand. I am able to organize my thoughts and ideas in a way that is immediately legible for others. The design is tangible in this early stage; scale, texture, and form are malleable and vivid.
concept
community growing alongside nature...
This project is an opportunity to develop a connection between the community of South Boston and the natural environment. Ecological systems are successfully used to manage the effects of rising sea levels at Fort Point Channel. Large flexible spaces, such as the amphitheatre and plaza, invite populations in for a variety of attractions. The Boston Harborwalk sits atop a flood control berm with a lookout to observe the salt marsh beside it and the skyline beyond.
master plan
Diverse communities and regenerative spaces for a future integrated with the natural world
Through design, this project can have a profound effect on Boston’s culture and education as our climate changes. Associating the growth of a diverse community with this regenerative yet functional space allows urban culture to meet nature once again. -Whether this is exploring the interactive rain garden in the parking lot, enjoying the view from the haborwalk out across the restorative salt marsh, or appreciating the plantings that set surrounding residential areas apart from the large public spaces, Resilient Connectivity ensures a future integrated with the natural world.
woonasquatucket park
Design for the Future that Honors the Past
process
Design began with a biomorphic geometry that heavily connects to one of the central ideas for the park: the Indigenous practice of braiding sweetgrass. Paths weave across one another, creating place within negative space. The pieces of the braid fray in the south, pulling apart the main circulation to reveal open plaza space. Braiding will become a pattern in all aspects of the design, including planting patterns and topography.
master plan
nasq o o W
uat
iver R t e uck
Weaving ecology and art together upon the backdrop of Indigenous representation and history
A grayfield in Providence, Rhode Island is restored to a public green space that reflects upon the rich Indigenous history of the nearby Woonasquatucket River. The communal and spiritual act of braiding sweetgrass inspires horizontal form as well as vertical form. Undulating paths and planting clusters weave gathering spaces together and take visitors on a journey from the past to the future, as well as the native riparian corridor. An art walk, separated from the central braid, interacts with a large swale system. Concrete slabs recycled from the site become pedastals and stages for the vibrant local art movement and community activism.
a meadow in the hills
Residential Design as Ecological Process
process Gently falling curves and arcs define gather spaces, direct views out across the property, and define modes of circulation to optimize a resurgeance of use on this Charles Eliot property. Ecological functions including habitat, drainage, and surrounding conservation land impact contribute additional benefits.
ite Analysis
mily Menard -LA397B
5 Dorset Lane in Natick, Massachusetts sits in the hills just above Morses Pond and Lake Waban. The classical house sits on a terrace. To the east, an uphill forested ridge which casts significant shadow in the morning into midday. To the west, rolling lawn downhill bounded by mature naturalistic plantings. The curving driveway enters from the southeast, creating a great opportunity for an inspiring arrival sequence. From the southeast corner of the house, a peastone pathway designed by Charles Eliot descends down the hill. Partings in the surrounding forest create vast views of the hilly horizon. While the landscape is being improved, a conservatory
concept
Master Plan Emily Menard -LA397B Scale 1”=30’
0
15 30
60
Meadow Ecology
Pool Area
Gathering space
Conservatory
Patio Space Kitchen Residence
Firepit Arrival Court
In the forested hills of Natick, Massachusetts, classical architecture sits on a steep terrace surrounded by conservation land. A range of intimate to large terraced gathering spaces, as well as an infinity edge pool, is used to navigate the significant slopes and improve circulation. Views down cleared forest corridors are accentuated and appreciated. Dense perennial plantings by the house begin to blend into a naturalized meadowscape complete with walking paths to enjoy the vast range of native colors and textures before they recede into the forest’s edge. Garage Classical descends into the natural in a study of the New American Garden technique.
Lawn space
Pool Terrace
Detail Plan
Emily Menard -LA397B
Scale 1”=10’
0
5 10 20 Attached Hot Tub
Outdoor Dining
Firepit Area
Lloyd Flanders Dining Table
Lloyd Flanders Coffee Table
Conservatory Addition
Accent Lily Pond
residential design with visionary unification of family gathering and ecological richness
Peastone Driveway
Meadow to Woodland Transition
Pond
Meadow to Woodland Transition Lawn to Woodland Transition
Inspiration Board and Concept Emily Menard -LA397B
Contemplative Space
Kitchen Stairs to Patio
The main theme that drives this design is the integration of classical architecture and the forest that surrounds the property using the techniques of the new American garden. Layers of gentle curves create terraces that decend into the vast meadow ecology sweeping around the house. As spaces move farther from the house, the less formal their character becomes as they blend into the natural surroundings. Garden turns to meadow turns to grove turns to dense forest. The built environment is successfully and beautifully blended with the ecosystems of the bordering conservation land.
river valley courtyard
Planting for Better Education
process The focus of this design was the effective use of plants to create space. My process therefore explored color, texture, and form for each garden present in the courtyard. Each garden responded to a different microclimate and possessed different species.
concept
A-A
Integrating college life with a deeper understanding of local natural history
This project redesigns the current courtyard located at the Honors College dorms of UMass Ahmerst. Each garden responds to a different microclimate influenced by the shade cast by buildings and the significant amount of drainage flowing down the hill. Dense native plantings assist filtration of water. A shade garden stretches from the corner of Linden Hall. A sun garden lays opposite. Through the center of the courtyard, a curvilinear, wide path emulates the Connecticut River Valley watershed. Cut into the hill is a small amphitheatre for classes or clubs to gather. Opposite is a lawn for games to be played. Academic functions become intertwined with the ecological history of Amherst.
plantings
PLANTING CHARACTERISTICS RAIN GARDEN SHADE GARDEN SUN GARDEN
JAN
Betula nigra “river birch” (40-60’) Fothergilla gardenii
“dwarf fothergilla” (3-4’) Baptisia australis “blue wild indigo” (3-4’) Monarda fistulosa “beebalm” (3-4’) Hamamelis virginiana “common witchhazel” (15-25’) Thalictrum dasycarpum
“meadow rue” (4-5’) Polystichum acrostichoides
“Christmas fern” (1-2’) Trillium erectum “red trillium” (~1.33’) Cornus sericea “redosier dogwood” (7-9’)
Vaccinium corymbosum
“highbush blueberry” (6-8’) Tiarella cordifolia “foam flower” (.5-1’)
FEB
MAR
APRIL
Emily Menard Landarch 297C
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG
SEPT
Zones 4-9
Zones 5-8 Zones 3-9 Zones 4-9
Zones 3-8 Zones 3-9
Zones 3-9
Zones 4-9
Zones 2-7 Zones 3-7
Zones 4-9
Thalictrum thalictroides
“rue anemone” (~0.75’)
B-B
Zones 4-8
OCT
NOV
DEC
The courtyard is split into three different gardens to address the drastic microclimate variations. Existing river birches are kept and new ones are added to reflect the curvilinear geometry and to direct views toward the mountainous horizon. Species of perennials and annuals are picked to provide habitat for the animals and insects native to the Connecticut River Valley. They are also picked to provide a uniform color scheme of bright reds, yellows, and whites. Similar textures are exhibited across gardens as well. The courtyard becomes a uniform space while in actuality are multiple separate ecosystems.
A-A
C-C
SCALE: 1/4” = 1’
0’
2’ 4’
8’
16’