Birnbaum portfolio Summer 2014

ERIKA BIRNBAUM

Landscape Architecture A Portfolio of Selected Works

Education Iowa State University of Science & Technology; Ames, IA BLA, Secondary Major in Environmental Studies, May 2016 Savanna Traveling Studio; Fall 2012

The first semester in the program is spent traveling the United States as a class to experience and study natural systems and the cultural responses to those systems. Savanna 2012 followed the path of the Mississippi River, going from its headwaters in Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Semester is focused on learning how to understand different landscapes through drawing, mapping and studying with specially selected readings.

School for Field Studies; Summer 2012 in Costa Rica Applied Research Techniques & Strategies Toward Sustainability.

Part of a small team collecting data along a short stream near Atenas, Costa Rica. Was the start of a three year project to restore the local watershed. Utilized new skills in GPS devices, GIS software, and multiple Research techniques.

Employment Country Landscapes

56985 Lincoln Highway Ames, IA 50010 Nursery Worker: April 2014-Present; 25-35 hrs/week Duties: Restock plants, help customers with plant selection, watering, help other workers as needed

Preschool Child Care

Ames, IA; June 2013-Present; 10-15 hrs/week Regular child care for one family with two preschoolers, and on an as needed basis for a family with one preschool girl.

Duties: Pick ups, general care, day outings, and rare overnights.

Iowa State University Memorial Union Catering

Ames, IA; 515-294-3258; mucatering@iastate.edu Student Worker: August 2012-May 2013; January-April 2014; 0-20 Hrs/ week, varied on event schedules Duties: Cleaning, Event set-up, food prep, heavy lifting, off-site events, serving, standing for long periods, van driving.

Personal Statement

I am a firm believer that remarkably different places with cultural significance have the ability to tie together a nation. These are worth protecting because regardless of the differences Americans have, cultural resources are a way to bridge these boundaries. I think of it like visiting a graveyard, remembering and respecting those that came before us and helped to make us who we are. They do not know we are there, but we need to remember so we do not make their mistakes, and we so can build upon their successes.

I am interested in an experience that will allow me to challenge myself as well as engage my curiosity in historical sites and their lifetimes. It is this need to aide in keeping pieces of history alive for other curious souls. It is my professional goal to be a caretaker to these valuable sites, that have stood through history, ready to teach those of us in the present.

I like the notion that Landscape Architecture school is not turning out individuals heading on a one track career path. Instead students are being taught to see the world in a unique way and how to use that vision to improve and protect the places and lifestyle they value.

Acquiring the ability to understand a place on the level that drawing brings you to is something I want to continue doing, and always get better at.

CORE DESIGN YEAR

First year is spent with all design majors and work is used to apply for desired program.

DRAWING

Ink Still Life

A view was chosen by students to draw the still life created by the professor. Practice gradients were done to chose a method of ink drawing; stipple, hatching or cross-hatching.

I decided on the stipple technique because of its refinement and precision; also I enjoyed the challenge and patience required.

First semester at Iowa State spent learning and solidifying fundamental drawing techniques.

Colored Pencil

As an intro to color we made collages using color theory. To get the defining shapes fast ink drawings were done of a still life. Then textures following the color scheme were added from magazines. This collage was redrawn with prisma colors using new techniques.

Interacting Design

Designing simple everyday objects with simple materials with a force to innovate their meaning.

Tool Project

Four everyday tools were selected and each student chose a tool with a moving part that interested them. Then students represent their tool using Strathmore paper. Thread was allowed, but adhesives were strictly prohibited.

I chose the Ice Cream scoop because I liked the Idea of the spherical challenge of the scoop. I found mine at a local antique store, I liked the idea of an unknown story behind it. Using water to dampen the paper and sewing together the pieces was my method of construction.

Savanna Traveling Studio

The objective is to familiarize students with good, bad and different genres of the profession.

Savanna 2012 followed the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.

Translating the Landscape

Andy Goldsworthy Project

In the Boundary Waters Canoe Area I spent one day creating a reflective ephemeral sculpture. Three materials were used: Water, Rock, and Maple Leaves with the process and effects of time documented in photographs and videos.

The red maple leaves reminded me of my childhood. I collected the leaves from the forest and chose the lake for the time spent at my grandparent’s lake house. I placed the leaves in my favorite inlet and then built a dam that allowed the water’s waves to come in and out but keep the leaves in. I could see the project from our campsite, and watched it through the remainder of my stay.

Video on YouTube Under: Savanna Studio 2012 “Trapping Childhood”

Taking apart the complexities of the surrounding wilderness and revealing the simple beauty.

Bowl Project

While at an assigned place a two page sketchbook spread is done. During the last three weeks of the semester a representative of this place is made in the form of a bowl.

Off the Mississippi coast is Horn Island, torn apart by two hurricanes it is reminiscent of a graveyard. I chose two materials glass for the sand, and wire for the skeletal linking. The imperfect bowl & the materials reflect the broken beauty I saw in the lonesome island.

Plants: Identification & Usage

Plant walks used to look, draw and learn plants to use and avoid in the landscape

Site Design

Studio looking into approaching a design with an emphasis on sense of place.

Ryoan-ji Analysis Synthesis

Synthesis

Boundaries

Odd Numbers

Levels

Heart

Materials

Islands

Synthesis

Horizontal/Vertical

Islands

Materials

As an introduction to site design each student was given an influential design to study in depth.

Learning from this simplistic yet meaningful landscape aided me in learning many different basic strategies.

Looking through analysis and different perspectives I was able to gain a great appreciation for this mysterious place.

Through this project I am able to see the history of a place is only a small part compared to the spiritual associations humans give to a landscape.

Ecological Design

ERIKA BIRNBAUM AMES HIGH RESTORATION SE

P F R C WOODED VEGATATION FOR SPECIES SUTIE THAT ARE ADAPTED FOR RIPARIAN EDGE AND SLIGHTLY ABOVE.

20’

10’

LOOKING AT SOILS WITH THE STUDEN PROMOTING AND SHOWING AN EXAM FLOOD PLANE TREATMENT

0’ OCCASIONAL FLOODING SOILS

Studio introduction to ecological design practices. With a focus on stream and wetland restoration, mitigation, and regulations and developing design representations for public use.

ECTION

PRAIRIE REMANAT/RESTORATION FOR OPEN SPACE SPECIES, REGULAR BURNINGS FOR CONTROL OF INVASIVE SPEICIES

MOWN AREA FOR EDUCATIONAL GATHERING PLACE. TREE STUMPS USED FOR MOVEABLE SEATING RARELY FLOODING SOILS

NTS TO START MPLE OF GOOD

Life Cycle Analysis

Components of Polish

Chemicals’ Health & Safety Impact

Nitrocellulose is the main ingredient in Nitrocellulose is flammable, it nail polish. Using wood pulp and a cannot be substituted, so all catalyst of Sulfuric or Nitric Acid to get nail polishes are required to post a

the cellulose chains that bond together warning on their bottles. and make the shinny film.

Isopropyl Alcohol prevents the explosion

of the nitrocellulose.

Solvents dissolve nitrocellulose when they

Butyl Acetate (a solvent) is suspected evaporate forming the allowing the uniform of being a neurotoxin. It has been application of the polish on the nail. reported to be a skin irritant.

Julep uses nontoxic acetone solvents.

Ethyl Acetate has a hazard rating

of 16-26-33. Another solvent, Plasticizers are what keep the

highly flammable & can film flexible as well as resistant

irritant skin. to soap and water. They hold

` the polymer chains

together, as they age these break apart which causes the polish to chip.

Suspending Agents are used to keep the pigments dissolved with the other ingredients of the polish. Shaking is recommended to maintain even distribution.

Packaging & Distribution Impact

Corrugated Cardboard Box .4 Lb., at .76 OFP/Lb.**=.304 OIP*

Milled Pigments are the ingredients that give the Tissue Paper Stuffing polish its color. They are insoluble in water, and .4 lb. at .66 OFP/Lb.**= .262 OIP*

Iron Oxide used in reds can cause yellowing to Nail Polish Product

1.4 Lb at 13.56 OFP/Lb.** = .723 OIP* nails if a base coat is not used.

Bottle Glass

Oxygen Treatment ‘Breathable Nail Color’ is a

point of pride for Julep. They add Hexanal and Antioxidant Coffee Extract to make its polish healthier.

1.3 Lb. at .56 OFP/Lb.** = .723 OIP* B-PVC 3.429 e -5 Lb. at 13 OFP/Lb.** = 4.45 e -4 OIP* Polish .1 Lb, Information Unknown

Truck 16-32 tons .0007 t/mi at .34 OFP/t/mi = 2.38 e -4 OIP*

*OPI =Okala Impact Points, calculated by Okala Impact Report.

Used to understand the impact of a group forming one product.

Includes: Materials, Transportation and End-of-Cycle. **OFP = Okala Factor Points, points given to materials and energy to use to calculate their impact.

Introduction to ecological design was to look at the full life of a popular consumer product.

Lifetime Assessment

A manicure’s lifetime depends on the quality of the nail polish, proper application, and lifestyle. Based on reviews by consumers the life expectancy of Julep nail polish is one to two weeks.

The shelf life of the nail polish is 24 months if it is properly stored, according to the cosmetic experts. Keeping bottles upright helps prolong the life of the polish, because it keeps the solvents from

separating. The best place to store is upright in a cool dry place away from sunlight and potential sparks or flames.

Overall Julep polish is of a better polish in health, safety and Disposal environmental terms. As it does not use the harmful

Nail polish has two ways of disappearing off five chemicals like other of the nails. First a manicure chips from daily wear, brands.

Julep

then nail polish remover chemically reacts ships their product with polish remaining on the nails, removing it. without harmful Disposing of the packaging in Ames is unique. The plastic packaging,

box and stuffing will be brunt in a controlled instead recyclable

incinerator, that helps power Ames’ utilities. paper products

Both the bottle and cap can be recycled. The glass is

are used.

durable so reusing the bottles for storage or in another

creative way is recommended.

References

“2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, Dibenzoate.” ChemSpider. Royal Society of Chemistry, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014.

“Acetyl Tributyl Citrate.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 22 Jan. 2014.

Cobb, Vicki, and Theo Cobb. “Nail Polish.” The Secret Life of Cosmetics: A Science Experiment Book. New

York: Lippincot 1985. 100-01. Print.

Crawford, Stephanie. “Discovery Health.” Discovery Fit and Health. Discovery Communications, LLC., n.d. Web.

19 Jan. 2014.

Emily. “DIY Mani Perfection - Julep Blog - Julep Beauty Buzz.” Weblog post. Julep Blog. Julep Nail Parlor, 10

Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.

“Ethyl Acetate.” ChemSpider. Royal Society of Chemistry, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2014.

“Ingredients.” Kester Black. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014.

“Julep.” Julep. Julep Nail Parlor, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

Monroe, Valerie. “How to Store Nail Polish - Oprah.com.” Oprah.com. Harpo Productions, Inc., Nov. 2007.

Web. 22 Jan. 2014.

“Nail Polish.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Jan. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2014.

Romanowski, Perry. “Cosmetic Formulation Basics – Nail Polish.” Chemist’s Corner. N.p., 18 Jan. 2012. Web.

17 Jan. 2014.

“Secret Ingredient: Nail Polish.” NAILS Magazine. NAILS MAGAZINE, 19 May 2011. Web. 20 Jan. 2014.

Stanell, Victoria. “Nail Lacquer-What’s the Shelf Life?” Beautylish. Beautylish, inc., 31 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Jan. 2014.

“Talk with Dr. Brunett: ISU Chemistry Professor.” Personal interview. 17 Jan. 2014.

United States of America. Strategic Services Division. ETHYL ACETATE. Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc., 12 Dec. 1996. Web.

22 Jan. 2014.

Sketchbook

Sampling of pages from my sketchbooks, done both in courses, during travel and for fun.

Savanna Studio

Watercolor Iowa State Memorial Union

Graphite & 1 Colored Pencil Light House at Twin Harbors MN

4 Colored Pencils Natchez Trace MS

Pen, Colored Pencil, Graphite Royal Street in French Quarter New Orleans LA

Drawings done on Savanna Studio, showing the different techniques taught through small exercises.

Micron Pen Lift Bridge in Duluth MN

2 Colored Pencil Steps at Eagle Point Park Dubuque IA

6B Graphite 20 Minute Live Oak Drawing MS

6B Graphite 1-2-2-4 Minute Live Oak Drawings MS

Quebec Sketchbook

Vieux Quebec

These sketches were done while wandering around the part of Quebec City as Vieux Quebec, or the old city. It still has the walls and houses from when Quebec was a French colony.

I enjoyed afternoons after getting out of class sketching and exploring. I found many interesting places, and filled my book with quick studies using brush markers and micron pens.

Drawings done Summer 2014 on study abroad to Quebec City outside of Landscape Architecture Program.

Île d’Orléans

Our last Sunday in Quebec was spent by talking a driving tour of the Île d’Orléans. An island fifteen minutes away from Vieux Quebec.

I drew sketches in five minutes or less so as not to hold up the group. I enjoyed the practice of picking out the shapes of the landscape quickly. As well as seeing a distinct French/American architectural style develop in the houses.

“A conservationist is one who is humbly aware that with each stroke [of the axe] he is writing his signature on the face of the land.�

-Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac