OBJECTIVE
I am particularly interested in urban design, ecological restoration, and environmental horticulture and how ongoing research and collaboration in these fields inform and interact with the design processes of landscape architecture. Landscape Architecture has enabled me to integrate my strong background in fine arts and photography, laboratory experience in plant physiology and environmental restoration research, and passion for design in the built environment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Studio Projects...........................................4-17
Eastside Preparatory School
Nikkei Manor
Studying the Tiber River
Ballard - Crown Hill
Fine Art and Photography.......................18-21
U. OF WASHINGTON DORMS Studio: Introduction to Landscape Work credit: All work shown was produced by Gar-Yun Ho (Cover page). Conceptual design for a new plaza to enhance the new student dormitories at the University of Washington - Seattle (Previous page). Collage of the student experience in the proposed plaza space.
Located in Kirkland, Eastside Preparatory School is a private educational institution for grades 6-12. The project goal is to develop a schematic design for the Eastside Preparatory middle school drop-off and entry, the high school drop-off, and the entry to a new theater/cafeteria building. Our project vision is to establish a beautiful new identity for the Eastside Preparatory School campus. Proposing a sequence of entry plazas and inner courtyards while also enhancing corridors, our design proposes a variety of experiences, including a grand entrance to Eastside Preparatory, and an inner “heart” courtyard that radiates out and connects the campus.
STUDIO PROJECT EASTSIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Studio: Large Scale Site Construction Team: Alanagh Gannon, Orona Hai, Gar-Yun Ho, Audrey Maloney, Harley Pan Work credit: Plan rendered by Alanagh Gannon and Audrey Maloney; diagrams, vignettes, photographs, and text produced by Gar-Yun Ho.
(From the top). Existing site. Parking lot to be replaced by the “Image” plaza; Administration building; grass lawn to be changed into a pick-up zone; school corridor and buildings. (Right). Concept Plan for Eastside Preparatory School.
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4 1. “Heart” 2. “Image” 3. Entrance 4. Pick-up area 5. Recreation 6. Bioswale
We started our initial conceptual phase by keeping in mind the flow of people in relation to vehicular circulation, as well as the experience one encounters when first entering the school campus. We proposed for a new circulation flow, including a new entrance for vehicular access, and two new entryways for students to safely walk to class.
Hand-rendering of the proposed entrance and school plaza for Eastside Preparatory School
(Current page, clockwise). Planting plan for pick-up and drop-off zone on the east side; vignette of entry plaza; planting palette sample; details of shelter/ seating area for the pick-up zone. (Next page, top to bottom). Planting plan of inner “heart” courtyard; vignette of the “heart”, with the seating areas, corridor, and light boxes embedded into the retaining walls.
Originally an office park, the Eastside Preparatory School sits in an environment dominated by concrete, asphalt, and parking-lot hardscape. In our redesign for the school, we hoped to create a sense of warmth and being welcomed into the campus. We wanted to create a space that would inspire students, provide spaces for social activities, and respite from the stress of being in a college preparatory school. Our choice of planting, lighting, and materials were informed by this vision for the school.
STUDIO PROJECT NIKKEI MANOR Studio: Site Design in the Urban Context Team: Gar-Yun Ho, Stephanie Roman Work credit: 2nd and 3rd floor balcony plans rendered by Stephanie Roman; all other graphics, diagrams, and text were produced by Gar-Yun Ho.
Our studio was presented with the opportunity to work with elderly populations and create responsive, meaningful places for them to gather, socialize, hold activities, and work in. The focus of the project was to design an outdoor space for Nikkei Manor, a residential care facility for seniors, who are predominantly Asian immigrants that do not speak English. The characters “ka-tei”, “ka” meaning “house”, and “tei” meaning “garden”, encapsulate the idea of an outdoor space that will be used as an extension of the resident and staff’s daily living space. Focusing on the needs of an aging baby-boomer population, this project design provides for the Nikkei Manor Elderly Home residents direct access to vegetation and natural settings, a space for physical exercise, opportunities for social interaction, and spaces for quiet introspection. (Current page, top to bottom). Courtyard in spring; section view of the existing sculpture and blooming cherry blossoms in the courtyard. (Next page, top to bottom). Proposed plan of the Nikkei Manor courtyard, with overhanging balconies in the residence; section view of the sunroom being used during the winter season.
(Current page, top to bottom). Analysis of various fish and fowl species that thrive along the Tiber River, and the effect that humans have exerted upon the ecosystems along the river; elevation drawings of the progression of space along a proposed bike trail. (Previous page, top to bottom). Vignette of proposed agricultural activity and use along the the Tiber; section cuts of proposed storm-water remediation infrastructure, green space development, and activity centers along the river’s edge; conceptual diagram.
STUDIO EXERCISE STUDYING THE TIBER RIVER Studio: Landscape Architecture and Architecture in Rome - Study Abroad Work credit: All work by Gar-Yun Ho
While studying abroad in Rome, many studies and exercises were conducted along the Tiber River, the major watercourse in the city that has shaped Rome’s history and development. Exercises included analysis of existing social and ecological activities along the river, and design proposals for interventions and enhanced development.
STUDIO PROJECT BALLARD - CROWN HILL Studio: Neighborhood/ Community Design Team: Tadi Coelho and Gar-Yun Ho Work credit: Alley 3D graphics by Tadi Coelho, all other work (vignettes, sketches, diagrams) produced and written by GarYun Ho
The Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle, WA, is shaped by the ravines of Carkreek Park, Crown Hill Glen, and North Beach, and is the converging point of three watersheds. It is designated as a “residential urban village”, as identified in Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, and some goals in the plan include increasing housing density along transit corridor, enhancing open space by providing “green links”, and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. During the whole quarter, our studio focused on creating a set of proposals for the enhancement of transit stop areas to the Ballard District Council, in response to the implementation of the Metro Rapid Ride D-Line Bus Transit Stations later that year. We planned a number of changes in the neighborhood that would not only transform the character of the Crown Hill business center into a lively and friendly place, but would also make the area safer for pedestrians and children biking and walking to school.
VISION: VIBRANT, LIVELY, SAFE, FRIENDLY, SUSTAINABLE
(Current page) (top to bottom). Diagram of existing conditions; rapid transit stations implemented 2012; “green bowl” concept; urban agricultural area. (Next page)
How can we take advantage of the already-thriving vibrant community and propel its growth? How can we connect the neighborhood to significant activity centers in Ballard? How can we encourage increased usage of public transit? How can we enhance the daily biking and pedestrian experience? How can we better integrate the Crown Hill, Central and East Ballard communities?
(top to bottom). Conceptual plan of “green bowl”; vignette of tree-lined picnic area, with the existing path that will be extended.
The “Green Bowl� is a design concept that meets the need for safe and enhanced pedestrian routes, as well as provides opportunities for social activity, exercise, relaxation, gardening, and stormwater remediation for the community. The green space also serves as a threshold to the Crown Hill Dining District and residential neighborhood.
(From top to next page, clockwise). Programmatic diagram; vignette of safe pedestrian crossing and tree-lined median; a series of vignettes by Tadi Coelho, depicting changes to the alleyways.
(Above). “Planar”. 2011. Villa Adriana, Tivoli, Italy Photograph. (Previous). “Extraterrestrial”. 2011. Watercolors, gouache. 24” x 36”
FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
(Above). “Duomo”. Santa Maria Assunta, Pisa, Italy. 2011. Photograph. (Right). “Aesclepias”. 2009. Watercolors, gouache. 24” x 36”
FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY