LAND— SCAPE ARCHI— TECTURE p o r tfo l i o
emi ly si ler
hello, I'm
I like color. I like a little bit of whimsy. I’m curious and endlessly interested. I appreciate good branding, good food, and good people doing good things. I am passionate about landscape architecture’s role in promoting social sustainability and the welfare of the environment. I am particularly interested in how community engagement and placemaking can play a role in creating places of change.
ED U CAT ION
Master of Landscape Architecture Kansas State University — anticipated graduation May 2023 WO RK E X PE R IE NC E
Creative Services Fellow / 2021 Atlas Community Studios — Des Moines, Iowa
Administrative and Design Assistant / 2019 Full Features Nursery & Landscape Center — Kansas City, Missouri
LiveGreen Eco Representative / 2019 — 2020 Kansas State University — Manhattan, Kansas INVOLV E M E NT
LABash Conference Co-Director / 2023 K State Student Chapter of ASLA Treasurer / 2021 Women in Design Media Chair / 2021 Dean’s Student Advisory Council / 2020 — 2021 ENVD Peer Educator / 2019 — 2021 CO NTACT
emilysiler@ksu.edu
01
nice to meet you
www.linkedin.com/emilysiler
01 / L IL AC L A NE MURAL a community-led and participatory-based design process that brought neighbors together and added a little color to the corner of Lilac Lane
02 / H OBBY H IL L PA RK an in-depth study of performance metrics and a summary of proposed design interventions to provide measurable environmental and social benefits
03 / GRØNJORD S KOL L EGIET a people-first urban design proposal to reimagine the space in between four student housing buildings
04 / EDWA RD S HALL a set of technical drawings that detail the grading and design of a proposed office building on the K-State campus
05 / GOOD FOOD PROJECT KC a thorough analysis of city-scale food systems in Kansas City that informed two site-scale design proposals: the Leadership Academy Community Gardens & Market and the New Circle Food Hub
06 / PROFES SION A L WORK Creative Services Fellow at Atlas Community Studios
02
before
community members painting the Lilac Lane mural 03
01
The aim of this project was to engage residents of the Northview community and identify projects that could catalyze future change and investment in the neighborhood. As a class, we coordinated with the Northview Rising community action group to organize both online and in-person community engagement events. Several of these community engagement events identified project opportunities along the Powerline Trail, which runs diagonally throughout the Northview neighborhood. While our group worked to propose a long-term vision along the entire length of the Powerline Trail, we also knew we wanted to implement a small-scale, large-impact project to show that change for the better is possible and can be achieved in Northview. We saw an opportunity to paint a mural on an existing concrete structure surrounding a powerline pole on Lilac Lane. For as long as most residents could remember, this structure was painted in a red and white chevron pattern. Many of the residents expressed excitement about transforming the structure into a beautiful landmark. We invited nearby residents to participate in the implementation of the project, hosting a community action day where neighbors came together to paint the mural. Thanks to the help and dedication of community members, the powerline structure now boasts a colorful floral pattern!
Community Engagement Project Manhattan, Kansas (Northview Community)
with: Nicole Beard Chloe Gillespie Shaedon Wedel
Community Engagement Studio Spring 2021
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Project Timeline NEIGHBORHOOD
NIGHTS
A series of online and in-person community engagement sessions helped us gather ideas and input from the Northview community. Our studio class worked together to organize and promote these 'Neighborhood Nights' meetings through postcards, fliers, and social media. Residents expressed a desire to change a concrete structure surrounding a utility pole that had long been seen as an eyesore.
05
installing planter box ←
← gathering community feedback on mural ideas
← bu cu pl
uilding ustom-made lanter boxes
the → oxes
powerwashing → the concrete
priming → the concrete
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← adding plants
salvia
planting palette
daisies
on
eflow
zinnia
07
er
c
we planted two salvias, two daisies along with purple coneflower and zinnia seeds
community impact
community → engagement
“Tonight a group of neighbors and their visiting relatives were taking selfies and screen shots of themselves gathered around the power pole.... It has become a tourist destination” —Douglas Benson, nearby resident
painting time! →
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+30
boardwalk overlook
new trees in wetland
+20
new trees around walking path
+ disc golf signage
+3,690 sf
rain garden
+560 sf
pollinator garden
fitness equipment climbing rocks
Broadway
ropes structure
+10
new trees parking lot around playground
swings
+ accessible play equipment zip line
Hobby Hill Park site plan with proposed design interventions
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N
02
After years of underutilization, Hobby Hill West—once the treecovered home to Hobby Hill Nature Center—was transformed into a neighborhood park featuring a wetland and stream, pollinator garden, walking trails, and play structures. While the new park was designed with sustainability in mind, firsthand research allowed me to really put sustainability under the microscope. After studying Hobby Hill West through field observation, research, and data collection, I outlined a series of goals and objectives: small interventions aimed to enhance the environmental and social benefits that the recent development of the park provided. These included: + collect and infiltrate stormwater runoff by adding a rain garden with native vegetation + increase canopy cover by planting trees along the walking path and wetland + improve comfort and usability by providing shade along the walking path and around the playground Using the same metrics that were initially used to evaluate the park, new data was collected taking into account the proposed design interventions. This new data showed that the proposed design interventions provide quantitative and measurable benefits.
Landscape Performance Assessment Gladstone, Missouri Landscape Performance Lab Summer 2020 10
+ 3690 sf rain garden + 6 street trees
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HOBBY HILL WEST
Bald cypress street trees and rain garden vegetation create a visual screen from the busy street
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Native plants help to slow and filter runoff from the adjacent parking lot
+ new sign A new sign near the entry to the park ties into materials used throughout the park
Gray hairstreak
Black swallowtail
American lady
anise hyssop Agastache foenculum
golden Alexander Zizia aurea
+ disc golf course signage Maps of the 18-hole disc golf course will improve wayfinding and accessibility
Autumn Joy sedum Hylotephium telephium
smooth blue aster Symphyotrichum laeve
swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata
+ educational opportunities Opportunities for Parks and Rec- or Stream Team-led volunteer and educational events
Monarch
pussytoes Antennaria plantaginifolia
+ 560 sf additional pollinator garden Adding additional native plants to the existing pollinator garden will provide more habitat
+ 15 new trees Trees in wetland, along walking path, and around playground will increase canopy cover and provide shade
additional trees, pollinator garden, and signage provide environmental benefits and educational opportunities
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feedback from student interviews directly informed project goals
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03
This quick, four-week project aimed to generate ideas for the redesign of a multi-functional urban space at GrØnjordskollegiet (student housing). Located in the Copenhagen district Amager West, GrØnjordskollegiet is the third largest student housing in Denmark with close to 1,000 residents. It's four tall buildings and common house enclose a central "courtyard" space, most of which is currently underutilized hardscape. GrØnjordskollegiet has expressed interest in redesigning the central space to invite social interaction and recreational activities, starting with temporary initiatives to activate the space. This proposal was informed by on-site observations as well as interviews with current students living in the kollegiet. One of the primary takeaways from these interviews was the difference between "I" spaces and "we" spaces. We noticed that when talking about nearby parks and greenspaces, many students' quotes began with "we..." However, when addressing the kollegiet, many students' quotes started with "I...", indicating a lack of spaces that facilitate social interaction and activity. These findings were translated into the primary goal of the proposal — to create a space that says "we want to be here."
Urban Design Project Copenhagen, Denmark Urban Design Studio at DIS Spring 2022
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01
big moves 01
a welcoming entry
02
bridging the divide
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activating the facades
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building social spaces
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02
04
bridging the divide
activating facades
building social spaces
barriers to entry
barriers to movement
facades turn their backs
fragmented social spaces
open up corner
connect east and west
turn facades inward
create interior social spaces
design response
current conditions
a welcoming entry
design process
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axon of social space fire pit
ba
r table
d ga r e n bar b q ti n se a g
final plan
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Entry sign details Edwards Hall is cut out of a black patina steel signface. The signfaces sits atop a limestone base.
Edwards Hall The Edwards Hall office building is surrounded by open plazas and green infrastructure.
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04
The set of technical drawings includes an annotated site plan, materials schedule, grading plan, and planting plan for a proposed office building on the K–State campus. The design of the new Edwards Hall site addressed issues of stormwater management and pedestrian circulation. The resulting design includes a temporary wetland and a series of bioswales to capture, slow, and filter runoff from impervious surfaces. An elevated boardwalk is suspended above the wetland allowing for unique views and connections across the site. Additional paths across the site respond to the angular architecture of the building. Plaza spaces on the west side of the office building are framed by the boardwalk and provide spaces for team meetings and lunch breaks. A 130 stall parking lot on the east half of the site is graded to direct stormwater runoff to bioswales surrounding it.
Construction Documentation Manhattan, Kansas Design & Implementation Studio Fall 2020 18
Good Food Project concept diagram
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05
The Good Food KC project seeks to address issues of food insecurity and food access impacting residents within the study area. The current food system within the eight neighborhoods in the study area is served by a single grocery store and a fragmented network of community gardens. The infrastructure, whether it be physical or social, to connect people with the hyperlocal food system in the study area could be strengthened. The Good Food KC project also strives to address how local, sustainable food systems can play a larger role in community development goals by drawing on the social dimensions of food. This project seeks to provide new opportunities for community members to participate in local food systems. The following proposals—the Leadership Academy and the New Circle District Food Hall—build the sense of community within the neighborhood by providing spaces for people to gather through harvesting, preparing, and eating food.
Strategic Planning Kansas City, Missouri (Southeast Brush Creek) Advanced Studio Fall 2021
with: Alex Harris & Noah Brizendine Katherine Herrera Kye Kordonowy Eliza Seagrist
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project background This project consisted of three phases: data analysis, strategic plan, and site-design. Each phase narrowed in scale and focus. First, in groups of two, we looked at regional and city-wide data related to demographics, amenities, transportation, green networks and biodiversity, blue networks and water quality, and food systems. Then, in groups of five, we developed a strategic plan and long-term vision for the study area at a neighborhood scale. Finally, building off our findings and goals developed in the previous phases, each student set out to design two site-scale projects with a particular focus. The design proposals I developed were focused on addressing food access.
phase one —data analysis The following graphs are a snapshot of the data collected related to Kansas City’s food systems.
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study area 8 neighborhoods 2
1
5
6
8 3
4
1 Eastern 49-63
5 North Town Fork Creek
2 Blue Hills
6 Mt Cleveland
3 Citadel
7 Sheraton Estates
4 South Town Fork Creek
an estimated 21.3% of Black individuals will experience food insecurity
8 Swope Parkway Elmwood
an estimated 11.1% of white individuals will experience food insecurity
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S O CI A L Several social factors impact food insecurity such as income, unemployment, and systemic racism. Low income and high unemployment can be indicators of greater risks of food insecurity.
income $124,400 - 200,100 $87,400 - 124,400 $50,400 - 87,400 $13,400 - 50,400 $0 - 13,400
unemployment 0.0 - 3.5% 3.5 - 10.1% 10.1 - 16.7% 16.7 - 100.0%
vacancy vacant parcels owned by the land bank
core area at higher risk of food insecurity
food insecurity risk areas at greater risk of food insecurity areas at medium risk of food insecurity areas at least risk of food insecurity Source: ESRI
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where are people at greatest risk of food insecurity? Layering income and unemployment, data–two significant factors impacting food security–reveals areas that are at greater risk of being food insecure. As denoted by the darker orange, these areas are located in the center of the site, in the Blue Hills and North Town Fork Creek neighborhoods.
E N V I RONME NTA L Environmental factors such as soil type, slope, and drainage are important considerations for areas that could be suitable for growing food. Flat to gently sloping, welldrained soils are prime conditions for community gardens or other urban agriculture initiatives.
soils Mollisols Alfisols Entisols No soil
slope 0 - 5° 6-15° 21-90°
drainage excessively drained well drained moderately well drained somewhat poorly drained poorly drained very poorly drained
ideal growing conditions areas most suitable for growing food areas somewhat suitable for growing food areas least suitable for growing food Source: ESRI
where are the best conditions to grow food? Layering slope and drainage data reveals areas that provide suitable growing conditions: well drained with 0-5 degree slope. In this case, these areas are located in the western half of the site, predominately in the Blue Hills neighborhood. These areas would be ideal for community gardens or urban agriculture initiatives.
environmental GIS maps created by Alex Harris
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phase two —strategic plan After initial data collection and analysis, on-site observation, and meeting with community leaders, we developed a strategic plan for the study area. In teams of five, we defined strategic and actionable goals that aimed to address issues identified in the previous phase. We created “checklists” for each goal with milestones related to people, place, and design + construction over 2, 5, and 10 years. We further developed the strategic plan by identifying funding opportunities to kickstart projects as well as outlining programs and partnerships that would be crucial to the long-term success of projects. This page showcases the checklist related to food security.
2
YEARS
People create Community Food Network Taskforce create Farmer’s Market Volunteer Group coordinate partnership between Community Food Network Taskforce and Kanbe’s Market
Property coordinate with LandBank to acquire vacant property for farmer’s markets and new gardens
Design & Construction
These checklists were a collaborative effort with team members Noah Brizendine, Kye Kordonowy, Katherine Herrera, and Eliza Seagrist.
improve signage of existing community gardens begin implementation of seasonal farmer’s market at 55th street
timeline
a phasing plan over the course of 10 years 0
1
2
3
4
5
Engage local community to discuss proposal Create Community Food Network Taskforce Create Farmer’s Market Volunteer Group Improve signage of existing community gardens Seasonal farmer’s market at 55th Street Partner gardens with Kanbe’s Market Seasonal farmer’s market on Cleveland Identify Kanbe’s Market locations Implement permanent farmer’s market on Troost Ave
Implement new community garden on 5
25
5
5
10
People
People
YEARS
YEARS
create maintenance committee within Community Food Network Taskforce
continue reaching out to local nonprofits to expand maintenance possibilities
partner with KC Community Gardens to develop garden maintenance and food preparation educational programs
partner with local churches, schools, and food pantries to maintain gardens and distribute fresh produce to surrounding neighborhoods
begin conversations with Kanbe’s Markets
Property
Property identify Kanbe’s Market locations
identify new food distribution locations
Design & Construction
Design & Construction
implement seasonal farmer’s market on Cleveland
implement permanent farmer’s market on 55th Street
continue implementation of permanent farmer’s market on Troost Ave
implement new community garden on Agnes Ave
continue implementation of new community garden on 55th Street
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7
8
9
10+
55th Street Implement new permanent farmer’s market on 55th Street Implement new community garden on Agnes Ave
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Leadership Academy The former school building located on the corner of 59th Street and Swope Parkway sits on the edge of a food desert. This building, now owned by the Leadership Academy, was set to become a charter school for young men. However this goal never came to fruition and the building is now for sale. The Good Food KC project proposes building upon the goals outlined in the Leadership Academy’s charter school application—equipping youth with life and leadership skills and providing a safe space for healing from trauma. Bringing in food through the form of community gardens and a farmer’s market provides a unique avenue to achieve these goals while also benefiting the surrounding community. In addition to community gardens, the proposed programming includes pollinator gardens, sensory gardens, nature play spaces, communal gathering spaces, and a healing garden.
58th Terrace community garden picnic area
nature play healing garden
greenhouse
row plants sensory garden rain garden outdoor classroom
storage shed
market
bioswale
Kansas City Leadership Academy
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↓
59th Street
N
0’
20’
40’
Swope Parkway
pollinator garden
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The New Circle District
picnic berm
seating
59th Street
communal dining
outdoor food hall
discovery center
UP R
Denver Avenue
shipping container restaurant
R N
0’
50’
100’
↓
The New Circle District, named after a former hangout space called the “circle,” seeks to provide an entertaining and educational space for youth and teens. The design of the New Circle District and Discovery Center was a collaborative effort with Katerine Herrera
Programming
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gather
grow
harvest
restore
share
learn
Food Hall Concept The Food Hall leverages food as an activator for the proposed New Circle District and provides a place for local food and culinary ideas to be shared with the community. The pop-up concept also supports budding entrepreneurs, allowing them to explore business ideas in a relatively low-risk setting. The Food Hall also provides space for community members, particularly youth and young adults to gather, socialize, and come together around a variety of cuisines.
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professional work Atlas Community Studios is a team of collaborators and creatives who work with small and rural communities across the US to plan for growth often through strategic and placemaking action plans. As the Creative Services Fellow at Atlas Community Studios, I produced several diagrams and renderings to complement planning efforts. These visuals were helpful to communicating and bringing life to design proposals, allowing communities to leverage the ideas presented in the action plans.
a series of diagrams showing opportunities to activate outdoor space adjacent to an historic theater in Sheffield, IA
a rendering showing the activation of a proposed pedestrian corridor in Edinboro, PA
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the proposed design for a multifunctional town square in Edinboro, PA, shown as an ice rink in winter
the proposed design for a multifunctional town square in Edinboro, PA, shown as an splash pad in summer
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emilysiler@ksu.edu