EARTH DESIGN

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HughPeng aka Xiuyuan Peng is a junior student at Cornell University studying landscape architecture and earth atmospheric sciences majors

landscape architetcure portfolio

Hugh Peng aka Xiuyuan Peng

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Cornell UnivWWersity 25’

Lanscape Architecture, Earth Atmospheric Sciences

Awards & Fundings

• National 3rd Place

ORISE Solarpunk Futures Undergraduate Scholarship Competition

Department of Energy of the Federal Government

• Atkinson Funding

Cornell Atkinson Center of Sustainability

Experiences

• Aug 2022 - Present

Solar Agrivoltic Renewable Energy Research Assistat

K. Max Zhang Group

• Aug 2022 - Present

Remote Sensing Research Assistant

Matthew Pritchard Group

• Aug 2023 - Present

Landscape Architecture Mentorship

Cornell University

• Aug 2023 - Dec 2023

Landscape Architecture Independent Study

Duarte Santo Group

• Jan 2022 - Aug 2022

Sustainability Researcher

Voiz Dao Cornell Chapter

Organizations

• ASLA Cornell Chapter Undergraduate Secretary ( 2021-2022)

• ASLA Student Member

• Zeta Psi Fraternity, Psi Chapter

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud | AutoCAD | Hand Drawing

QGIS | ArcGIS | Google Earth Pro | Google Earth Engine

Rhinoceros 3D | Blender | Lumion

Collection Catalog

Cover Page Background Photography [p1]

CV & Catalog Background Photography [p2,p3]

Summer 2021, Gansu & Qinghai, China photographies by hughpeng

The Tectonic Terrace [p4,p11]

LA 2010, Professor Valerie Aymer

Cornell Campus, Ithaca NY a redesign of the physicial science building terrace on Cornell campus...

Westhill Lookout [p12,p22]

Saponi LandShare [p23,p30]

LA 2020, Mitch Glass

Ithaca NY

a NY park design series, both projects are selected to be presented in front of board of town of ithaca due to the excellence

Willard Straight Memorial [p23,p30]

LA 2010, Professor Valerie Aymer

Cornell Campus, Ithaca NY

a redesign of the Willard Staright courtyard at Cornell campus...

The Hydroway [p31,p38]

LA 1420, Professor Martine Hogue

Flat Rock, Ithaca NY

a recreational and hydrological design in the Flat Rock...

The Escaped Electrons [p39,p43]

LA 1420, Professor Martine Hogue

Cornell Campus, Ithaca NY

a series of art installation design inspired by The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron

My Small Garden [p44,p52]

a series of drawings in different scales inspired by traditional Chinese gardens

37º

TheTectonicTerrace

Fall2022,IthacaNY

The Earth is a dynamic entity with many active tectonic plates. These plates diverge and converge, giving rise to mid-ocean ridges, creating new mountains, grand valleys, and faults. These geological phenomena, which I explored in my Earth Science major, are endlessly fascinating.

The Physical Science Building (PSB) terrace at Cornell, a platform connecting the Physical Science Building, Clark Hall, and Rockefeller Hall, presents a unique landscape challenge. The combination of construction materials and the erosive effects of winter snow and salt has led to the formation of numerous small fissures. Additionally, the uneven surface of the platform causes drainage issues.

These fissures remind me of tectonic boundaries, and I often find myself wondering if, over hundreds of years, these fissures might evolve into divergent or convergent boundaries.

This inspiration drawn from geology, coupled with the observed issues at the PSB terrace, has motivated me to incorporate tectonic boundaries as a design element in my project. My goal is to redesign the PSB terrace, enhancing user circulation and resolving drainage problems, all while drawing a parallel to the dynamic nature of the Earth’s crust.

7 6

Design Process

Gaps

Iteration II, final plate formation

Iteration III, plate formation in 3D

Iteration IV, how the plan look like in

Drainage Issue

The linear lights in the bench introduce people to the public lookout platform, the tall glass forms the natural boundary divide the public platform and the private study spots behind the grasses.

A Light Wall is created through the integration of a linear light belt embedded within the wall, complemented by reed grass illuminated with wavy lights. This combination of elements forms an enchanting visual feature.

In the north corner of the terrace, a cluster of reed grasses, accompanied by gently wavy lights, creates a captivating scene. This arrangement offers an aesthetically pleasing view for those inside the Physical Science Building, enhancing their experience as they gaze outward.

The terrace design maintains material consistency with the use of wood boards, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally permeable, allowing water to seep through. This feature aids in water management. Furthermore, the linear texture of the wood boards delineates a clear, quick-pass route, catering to the terrace’s commuting function. This design ensures the space is not just for lingering, but also efficiently supports transit.

Six big circle table form a shared public space for students and faculties studying, discussing, and eating.

Grass mounds, strategically designed for rainwater absorption, serve a dual purpose. They not only manage rainfall effectively but also offer inviting spaces for sitting and playing during dry days, blending functionality with leisure.

Private study space

Post-Design Circulation

Liner and Wavy Grass Light Zone

Water Drainage Zone

Public Lookout Zone

Water Wall

Single Wavy Light Unit

Light Wall Zone

Permeable Water Surface - Rainwater Infiltration

Calamagrostis Oasis - Versatile and

Tall Water Light Plants

West Hill Lookout

NY Park Design Series, Spring 2023

West Hill

In Ithaca’s West Hill parcel, overlooking Cayuga Lake’s waves, lies the diverse ‘West Hill Lookout’ park. This area, rich with plains, grasslands, hills, and forests, also faces drainage challenges near its community garden.

The park features a recreational trail system, bird watching spots, wetland expansion, and a bioswale drainage solution. This project, co-created with fellow Cornell BSLA junior Joan Christine Dawkins, combines ecological sensitivity with recreational needs, providing a unique outdoor experience in Ithaca, NY.

Site Analysis and Issue Identification

Section I, South Edge Shrub-Canopy

Section II - Grassland Dominance

Issue Wet Soil and Walking Challenges

Issue Intense Rainfall Water Accumulation in Low-lying Areas

Section III - Forests

Saponi

Soil Characterization: Wet Soil with Moderate Sloping Site Visit Observations: Scenic Views and Ridge Potential, with Circulation and Drainage Challenges

Design Guidelines: Emphasizing Recreation, Accessibility, Hydrology Management, and Marketing & Operational Strategies

Throughout the design phase, we employed a hands-on approach, using printed base maps overlaid with tracing paper. This technique allowed us to experiment with various circulation paths, extending from the parking lots through the grasslands and into the forest. After five iterative rounds, we refined the circulation routes, trails, and functional zones of different areas. This meticulous process led us to the final plan, which is showcased on the right. This final rendition, enhanced with detailed rendering, was created using Photoshop.

Plan Explanation: A Multi-Perspective Approach

A: Circulation Diagram, The park features two main entrances: one south near the community garden, and another northwest by the bioswale. These lead to an open area with mounds, soccer fields, and forest trails, ensuring easy access to all park areas.

B: Vegetation Plan, The vegetation plan focuses on integrating existing species like oak, hickory, redbud, maple, serviceberry, and hornbeam. In areas like wetlands and bioswales, bayberry and a mix of native grasses, which thrive in wet conditions, will be planted to support the local ecosystem.

C: Trail Map, The map highlights the entire trail system, with gravel making up 85% of the pathways. This gravel not only lends a natural sound as people walk but also blends with the environment. The remaining 15% are boardwalks, particularly in wetland and bioswale areas, where conditions are often muddy. These boardwalks are water-permeable and enhance accessibility, allowing easy passage through these lower, wetter sections of the park.

Grassland Perspective with Pavilion, Rhino and photoshop hybrid drawing

Wetland Collage

Soccer Fields

Wetland

Mounds

North Kidney, Bioswale

Community Garden

Lookout Collage: View of Cornell Tower

Winter Slope Collage: Snow Sledding Fun

Saponi LandShare

NY Park Design Series, Spring 2023

Saponi Park stands as a tribute to the land’s rich history, once home to the Saponi Nation, a Native American tribe. Sadly, years ago, they were unjustly displaced due to unfair policies. Today, the Town of Ithaca is transforming this memorable land into a public park, honoring its past. In collaboration with descendants of the indigenous Saponi people, our vision for the park reflects their desire: to create a space of sharing and unity, not division. Central to this vision is a public orchard, symbolizing communal growth and togetherness. Additionally, we address the area’s drainage challenges with eco-friendly solutions, including vegetation and a sustainable water reuse pavilion, weaving together. history, community, and environmental stewardship. This work is also a group project with Joan Christine Dawkins.

Imaginative Propaganda Poster for Westhill Park Opening

The Saponi parcel, marked in bold red, commands attention amidst the landscape. Accentuated by blue lines representing watercourses, the terrain’s natural contours are revealed, flowing from elevated hills to lower basin areas. These watercourses underscore the presence of muddy soil and drainage challenges at a macro scale, providing crucial insights into the site’s conditions.

Site Visit Observation Unveil-

ing Nature’s Diversity

During our site visit, we observed a diverse array of landscape features within the Saponi parcel. A meandering creek delineated the site’s right edge, while a continuous stretch of weedy vegetation on the left created a secluded area with potential for preservation. Positioned at a higher elevation, this area offers scenic viewpoints, making it ideal for a pavilion and trails. Additionally, the gradual slope from the foreground to the background of the open grassland suggests water accumulation dynamics, informing potential design considerations.

1753, the Saponi and Tutelo people were displaced from their Virginia and North Carolina homeland by European colonizers, including Nathaniel Bacon.

Cayuga people provide refuge for Saponi in what is now Newfield.

In 1753-1779, Haudenosaunee grew ‘Three Sisters’ - maize, squash, and beans. Corn later adopted by European farmers on this land

In 1779, post-Revolutionary War, American forces destroyed 40+ Finger Lakes villages and 160,000 bushels of corn

In 1992, the Inlet Valley Project started collaborative archaeological excavations with students, community members, Saponi, Haudenosaunee, Tutelo people, and property owners

Micro Drainage Section

During the summer, frequent rainfall and winter snowmelt contribute to significant water accumulation on the landscape. As precipitation flows from higher elevations to lower basins, it creates runoff that can pose challenges for pedestrian movement due to waterlogged conditions.

Muddy Basin

Muddy Basin

LandShare Orchard, Fostering Community Connection

Following discussions with members of the Saponi Tribe, it became apparent that their vision for the land is rooted in the spirit of sharing and community engagement. Inspired by this ethos, we have conceptualized the LandShare Orchard initiative, aimed at providing an inclusive space for nearby residents to partake in the joys of the land.

Through the LandShare Orchard program, individuals have the opportunity to sign up for designated plots within the orchard. Each participant will be guided in planting and nurturing an apple tree, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in contributing to the land’s bounty.

During the harvest season, the orchard transforms into a vibrant gathering place, featuring a cozy sitting area where locals can convene. Here, we envision hosting farmers’ markets and community events, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods while stimulating the local economy.

Ultimately, LandShare Orchard embodies the spirit of collaboration and sustainability, cultivating not only fruits but also a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within the community.

Orchard Collage I Orchard Collage II

Growth: Smart Water Solutions

In a budget-constrained public park, addressing orchard irrigation challenges is critical. Excessive water accumulation leads to muddy terrain. To tackle this, we propose a Pavilion - Pipe Irrigation system. Pipes beneath a pavilion collect rainwater, transferring it to the orchard. These pipes also serve as underground infrastructure for a swale, managing water flow. Bioswale water adds to conservation efforts, ensuring orchard water needs are met sustainably.

Willard Straight Memorial

Ithaca NY, Fall 2022

Bioswale Solutions: Mitigating

Flooding and Enhancing Ecological Resilience

To prevent flooding and muddy conditions, we implement a bioswale system, leveraging its capacity to absorb water and mitigate drainage issues while offering ecological benefits. By incorporating water-preferred plants like little bluestem, bayberry, and elderberry, we establish a swale network. These plants with their extensive root systems effectively reduce agricultural runoff, further enhancing the swale’s water absorption capabilities and ecological function.

5:30AM, April 19, 1969 9:30AM, April 19, 1969 10:00PM, April 19, 1969 4:13PM, April 21, 1969 Barton Hall, April 23, 1969 Barton Hall, April 23, 1969 Day Hall, Nov 16, 1993

Willard Straight Hall stands as a cornerstone of Cornell University’s history, intertwined with the evolution of protest, democracy, and the pursuit of civil rights from the 1960s to the present day. This memorial commemorates the pivotal 1969 African American Student Protest, serving as both a tribute to past struggles and a beacon for future activism. Designed as a space for community members to reflect, memorialize, and engage in advocacy, it embodies the spirit of resilience and social progress.

HoPlaza,Feb26,2022

HoPlaza,Feb26,2022

HoPlaza,Nov29,2022

Bioswale Section

1.

2.

Rendered Perspective

Rendered Perspective

Rendered Perspective

Portrait Relief of the Protest Leader

Photo Relief of Students Marching to Willard Straight Hall

Photo Relief of Students Gathering at Willard Straight Hall

TheAxonometricDrawing

Students unite, expressing their ideas and exercising their freedom of speech in a collective effort to advocate for expanded rights.

As visitors approach the memorial, they encounter the powerful relief

Descend into the depths of history, where this semi-underground memorial awaits, beckoning visitors to embark on a profound journey. With each step downward, the weight of the past envelopes them, evoking a solemn reverence for the stories etched into the reliefs. Here, amidst the whispers of yesteryears, we honor the courage of those who protested in 1969, while casting our gaze towards the horizon of tomorrow. Ascending to the sunlit surface, one finds solace upon the stairs, bathed in the warmth of hope and determination. Here, beneath the azure skies, they become not mere observers, but integral participants, listening intently to the echoes of speeches, each word a battle cry for the rights they so bravely deserve.

In the heart of Ithaca lies Flat Rock, a vibrant recreational haven cherished by residents and students alike. Its sprawling landscape boasts a scenic creek that gracefully divides the land into north and south shores. To the south, it borders the hallowed grounds of Cornell University’s arboretum, while to the north, it ascends towards the verdant expanse of the golf course, enveloped by lush forests. The Hydroway, a masterfully crafted landscape pathway, seamlessly connects these two shores, threading its way through the terrain and facilitating water transportation. Serving not only as a scenic route but also as a solution to the uphill waxxqter demand, the Hydroway epitomizes ingenuity and harmony within this natural oasis.

Spring 2022 Flat Rock, NY

Abstract Map

The unsightly tube transporting water uphill amidst Flat Rock’s beauty inspires me to integrate water transportation seamlessly into the landscape structure. This motivates a harmonious fusion of function and aesthetics, revitalizing the environment’s integrity.

In the forest, each tree is like a single geometry, provide pattern insporation.

Abstract Plan

Inspired by the forest’s natural geometry, we design a curving pathway to the platform and lookout site.

Final Plan Perspective Section

To prevent the adverse effects of impermeable surfaces on plant growth beneath the boardwalk, such as hindering water and sunlight access, we utilize a grid steel surface. This material not only enhances surface grip, reducing slipperiness, but also facilitates normal plant growth underneath. Additionally, a tube beneath the surface collects rainfall, transferring water from downhill to uphill, ensuring optimal hydration for vegetation.

Water Pipe

Permeable Steel Surface

The Escaped Elections !!!

Welcome to the whimsical world of the Cornell Synchrotrons, where electricity brings forth intense beams of light to illuminate the wonders of our campus life. Picture this: high-energy electrons break free from the confines of the laboratory, embarking on a playful journey that unfolds into a series of delightful installations showcasing the vibrant student experience at Cornell. Join us as we explore the “wonderful” life on campus through their electrifying escapade.

Synchrotron Tunnel

Height: 10ft

Harnessing the Design

Abstract Circle

Diameter: 10ft

Electron Model

Radius: 5ft

Spark: Transforming Electrons into Campus Icons

Embarking on the journey of design and logistics for our Synchrotron-inspired project, we delve into the depths of creativity. Imagine the vast circular tunnel beneath our feet, with a towering height of 10 feet—a space so expansive that even bicycles could roam freely. Drawing inspiration from this grandeur, we abstractize the electron into a sphere, mirroring the tunnel’s dimensions with a radius of 5 feet.

But how do we bring these electrifying spheres to life? Picture this: scattered across Cornell’s campus are designated hotspot locations, each pulsating with its own unique theme, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of student life and the university’s specialties. These spheres, representing our free-spirited electrons, will find their homes in these hotspot havens, serving as dynamic focal points that encapsulate the essence of each theme.

However, there’s a twist to this creative endeavor. While the specific shape of our electrons remains constant—a spherical marvel—each hotspot location will boast its own bespoke design. Imagine spheres adorned with diverse materials, meticulously chosen to harmonize with the unique theme of their respective locations. From sleek metal finishes symbolizing innovation to vibrant hues evoking the spirit of diversity, these creatively crafted spheres will serve as beacons of inspiration, inviting all to marvel at the intersection of art, science, and student life at Cornell.

The Crumpled Paper

Material: Paper Light

Baily Hall, the bustling epicenter of academia, pulsates with the energy of eager minds immersed in the pursuit of knowledge. Within its hallowed halls, lectures echo and exams loom, the air thick with the weight of tests, assignment sheets, and notebooks strewn about. Yet, amidst this sea of academic rigor, arrives our escaped electron, transformed into a crumpled paper ball.

As it descends upon Baily Hall, a wave of relief washes over the students, releasing the pent-up pressure that accompanies academic endeavors. The crumpled paper ball symbolizes more than just a fleeting moment of respite; it represents a collective exhale, a momentary reprieve from the rigors of scholarly pursuit. In its gentle descent, it offers solace to weary minds, a reminder to pause, breathe, and find joy amidst the academic journey.

The Electron Shot Ball

Material: Steel

Crafted from resilient steel, the Electron Shot Ball offers a fascinating perspective on motion tracking. Just as athletes leave their mark with each footstep, electrons too have their own distinctive stride. As the shot ball descends, it leaves behind a temporary pit before rebounding—a mesmerizing mimicry of the skilled technique employed by Cornell’s Throwing athletes.

The Electron Charcoal

Material: Charcoal

ntroducing The Electron Charcoal, a striking installation crafted from charcoal that invites students to engage in a dynamic interaction with science and art. Nestled upon a vast expanse of paper sprawled across the engineering quad, sits a sizable charcoal ball, awaiting the touch of eager hands.

As students approach, they are greeted by the opportunity to push, roll, and maneuver the electron across the paper canvas, each movement leaving behind a trail of intricate patterns and designs. With each push and roll, a symphony of human-electron interaction unfolds, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between creativity and scientific exploration.

Through this interactive experience, students not only engage with the concept of electron motion but also express their individuality through their unique contributions to the evolving artwork. The Electron Charcoal becomes more than just an installation—it becomes a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the celebration of human ingenuity.

Material: Sponge, Light

The reach of electrons knows no bounds; they could manifest anywhere, even atop Cornell’s iconic landmark, McGraw Tower. Picture this: nestled within the tower lies a light-material sponge, imbued with the brilliance of a thousand stars, radiating a luminous glow that cascades across the campus, casting its ethereal light upon the pathways below.

The CALS Ball

Introducing the CALS Ball, an enchanting art installation nestled within the vibrant Ag Quad. Symbolizing Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), this spherical masterpiece is more than mere sculpture—it’s a testament to CALS’ rich heritage and pioneering spirit. Crafted with meticulous detail and adorned with the distinguished “CORNELLCALS” inscription, the CALS Ball embodies the cyclical essence of life and agriculture, resonating with the interconnectedness of the natural world.

The Water Electron

The Water Electron, where the intrepid electron embarks on a watery adventure, evading the confines of land and embracing the fluidity of the aquatic realm. As it plunges into the water’s embrace, it becomes one with the currents, dancing gracefully with the ebb and flow of the waves. Guided by the whims of the wind and the undulations of the water’s surface, the Water Electron journeys through a fluid landscape, embodying the boundless spirit of exploration and adaptation.