ILAN KASHIF AHMED
Portfolio
Regeneration 01 Urban LA SALUT DRY STREAM........................................................... Planning 02 Community LINCOLN ..................................................................................... Scale Planning 03 Regional SUPERFORESTATION............................................................... Urban Renewal 04 THE WHITING ECO-SHIELD....................................................
4
2
Undergraduate
8
12
16
05 CITY OF VANCOUVER COMPRENSIVE PLAN..................... Planning 06 Comprehensive COUNTRY CLUB HILLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN............. Design 07 Streetscape OAK PARK STREETSCAPE......................................................... Education Design 08 ZARA'S CENTER............................................................................ Comprehensive Planning
20
Internship
22 24 25
01
LA SALUT DRY STREAM
Redefining the relationship between Collserola Nature Park & Llobregat river
Poor Connectivity
Sant Feliu de Llobregat Spain
Lack of Greenery
Biodiversity
Poor Aesthetics
Agricultural Park Intervention
La Salut is a dry stream located within the municipality of Sant Feliu de Llobregat in Spain. This incredible experience was a real-world joint workshop between the university institutions and the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona to better understand the landscapes for a future urban redevelopment plan.
4
Increase Urban Reselience
Connectivity
Spring 2020 Instructor: Sara Bartumeus Ferré
As this project focuses urban prosperity and the connection between various environements, The objectives of this workshop was to study three main development goals: The improvement of biodiversity, physical and ecological connectivity, and productivity as a key condition. During the two weeks of the workshop, students worked through different scales of landscapes, starting from large fields of action successively going down the scale to define more specific and detailed proposals.
Collserola Ecological Park Intervention
Productivity
Elevated Bridge Park Social Infrastructure & Productive Landscape
Collserola Ecological Park Regeneration Area
La Riera de la Salut Dry Stream is a natural drain
La Pineda Park
that passes through various natural and urban conditions starting from mountainous terrain of the Collserola Ecological Park and descending through industrial, commercial, residential, and agricultural disctricts into the Llobregat River. These two dominant landscapes serve as oppurtunities to implement methods of social infrastructure for a more productive landscape. The following diagrams provide the current analysis by dividing the corridor into sections for a comprehensive understanding of the La Salut Dry Stream and its surrounding environment.
Can Llobera Park
N
Agricultural Park
La Salut Dry Stream
Hub of production and biodiversity
Llobregat River
Multifunctional corridor and natural drainage
Llobregat Park
Mountain
Urban Analysis Concept Plan
Underground Channel
62m
Mountain
52m
Scrub
45m
Mountain
38m
Urbanized Environment
30m 22m
Wetlands Wetlands 10m
15m
Crops Crops
Meadow
Crops
0.25 km
Parks
0.5 km
Agriculture
0.75 km
Urbanized Environment
Urbanized Environment
1 km
Urban Neighborhood
1.25 km
1.5 km
1.75 km
Industrial
2 km
2.25 km
2.5 km
2.75 km
Ecological Park
Elevation Analysis
Between Collserola Ecological Park and Agricultural Park
5
1956
2019
1992
1977
Historical Analysis 1956 - 2019
62m 52m
Scrub
45m 38m
High Biodiversity
Urbanized Environment
30m
Crops
22m
Wetlands Wetlands 10m
15m
Crops
Meadow
Crops
0.25 km
Parks
0.5 km
0.75 km
Between the Llobregat river and the agricultural farms is an overpass with access by foot underneath. The Llobregat river is comprised of wetland-like environments alongside agricultural farms.
Connection Sequence
6
The Riera de la Salut is channeled between the agricultural park.
Biodiversity 1 km
1.25 km
Llobregat Park - provides a “transition” between the urbanized neighborhoods and the agricultural park. Bike paths alongside road in most parts of the street.
1.5 km
Mountain
Mountain Urbanized Environment
Urbanized Environment Little to no Biodiversity
High Ecological Connectivity
Ecological Connectivity 1.75 km
2 km
Little to no Ecological Connectivity 2.25 km
2.5 km
2.75 km
Possible Intervention: Collserola Ecological Park primarily consisting of a single road with awkward and undefined pedestrian access. Possible Intervention: Mini plaza with barricaded access to Riera de la Salut.
Industialized sector between urbanized housing/shopping districts and Ecological park.
ca ani
isp xh e nus po pin a t a Pl Alep oque e orn Alc ne pin a t S o bimi Rommosa Mi nto Aila
We
y
Shru bb er s Liana
Lo ng Ba -tail e s La tard d liz dd ar s e r s nake d na ke
Biodiversity
in rrap s te le tou turt Lep orida toad Fl rred og r Spu sley f Par
Ca le Ac ndul Bo anto a rag e
F
Throughout the time of the workshop, our group was instructed to visualize our research and provide an analysis and design insights keeping in mind of the three development goals: biodiversity, productivity, and connectivity. Our group has concluded on three design insights: create opportunities for improving social connectivity and increase natural ecosystems, connect biodiversity hotspots and facilitate circular economy, and provide accessible infrastructure in less integrated communal spaces with poor accessibility. Concluding our exploration, our group ultimately created three key words to inspire the connection and merging of the various different landscapes: connect, cultivate, and generate.
Rept iles
a sper iax a Smil ysuckle e Hon ragus Aspa era Hed
es Tre
ste rn Mo eur ori ope sh a Co he n he dg mm eh dgeh on og Pip og r ab ist bit rel lus ha na Mamm ki als
s Bird
Sam b Jun ucus co
Elm
Her bs
Qu erc Bu us co xu c Sp s sin cifera art ica Toj ium o
ica Car us Fic lmond A rob Ca
Ma s Co ked d Co mmo orm o m n Ga mon shre use r Fie dene gen w et ld r Wi mou bat ld s Ma pig e Ba rten dg Fo er x
ingale night cker e mon Com n woodp bler r Iberia caille wa ird b r Cape black in mon Com pean rob t gle Euro ed kin Strip ian jay s Eura tit Blue rcaz na to l Palo ow Little owl Barn el kestr mon lo Com ecil Verd coot mon Com asian Eur tit uline pend
Bu p Eup leuru h Jun orb m fru ti ip ia Jag erus helio cosum u Ru arzo oxyc scopi sc a m ed Cis us ac oris rus tus ule co Ro albi atus s Ca ema dus r n Tor tues y ivc o s Du co rillo
Connecting The Landscapes
bians phi Am
lo
sa tino glu o s u n Aln Avella alba lus s u p Po rbutu A ak O oak lm Ho x alba i Sal tanus Pla
ra
Fa
u
n
a Productivity
Connectivity
Productivity
7
Diversity Labor relations Community outreach Programming
Festival Concerts Sweet corn festival Boneyard arts festival Urbana park district Urbana public free library Lincoln square mall
Social
Fall 2020 Instructor: Jie Hu
E co
no
y
m
Innovation Local Businesses Sustainable Growth Farmers Markets Restaurants
When one thinks of improving a community, they may think of potential modern spaces to facilitate local and nearby residents. However, Urbana is different. Urbana seems to find ways to utilize or transform unused spaces into incredible oppurtunities for great social impact. This project is located in downtown Urbana, Illinois with close distance to the University of Illinois @ UrbanaChampaign main campus. As this project was conducted by the community open space studio, the goal was to study all social, economic, and ecological concerns aiming to revitalize the Lincoln Square Mall district.
Viable
Eco - Efficienc y Resource Efficiency Resource Management
8
Low Vegetation
Underutilized Space
Assess the problems
e nt
LINCOLN2
on m
02
Urbana Illinois
Job creation Local economic impacts Social investements
En vir
Soc io -
ble
Eco no m Equ ic ita
s
t men iron nv -E ble cio ara So Be
Safety & Health Envrionmental regulation Crisis management
Vacant Parking Lots
Ecology Biodiversity Land emissions reductions 100,000 trees 6 acres of parks 21 parks Crystal lake park Meadowbrook park
Social Economy Environment
Set Objectives
Increase Urban Productivity
l
sta
Cry
ark
eP Lak
po icka
Masterplan Ideation
ail
l Tr
ai oR
K
eM
oln
c Lin
Bo
ar Squ
k
ree
dC
ar ney
all
k
ar le P
Car
ni
ity vers
EU
Economy
Social
Ecology
1 Refreshment Stop 2 Bar/Apartment Buidling 3 Outdoor Dining Area 4 Expansion Garage 5 Indoor Farmer’s Market 6 Community Garden 7 Outdoor Market/Food/Bars 8 Green Roof Rest Area 9 Public Bike Rental Stations
1 Youth Community Garden 2 Goose Alley Renovations 3 Trolley Path 4 Stage Area 5 Outdoor Patio Space 6 Outdoor Workout Space 7 Sports Recreation 8 Open Plaza 9 Children’s Park 10 Black Dog Outdoor Area 11 Overhead Bike Path
1 Boneyard Split 2 Dog Park 3 Reading Garden 4 Retention Basin 5 Rain Garden 6 Community Garden
ir Bla
k
Par
nue
Ave
W
in Ma
et
Stre
WG
t
N
tree
S reen
SB
roa
Business Districts Central General Central Expansion
Residential Districts Medium High Density Single Two Family Single Family
dwa
y Av
enu
e
Recreational Districts
9
Sup
Exhibition
LINCOLN2
Curved Lighting Feature
Reinventing Lincoln Square Mall
Theater/Cinema
The following is a perspective rendering of the re-imagined Lincoln Squared with provided diagrams illustrating the use and design of the site. The second level of the rooftop consists restaurants, cafes and a skate rental office for when the lower level of the rooftop turns into an ice rink. The second level of the Lincoln Square Mall Building ascends into the third floor rooftop providing a massive space for the community of Urbana. This space can be used for multiple types of programming.
Central Path
Concert
Skating Rink
Events/Local Market 10
Lincoln Square Site Intervention
Addition of Rooftop Building on Lincoln Square Mall
Complete Design of Rooftop Building
pertree Shrubs Cotoneaster multiflora Rosa Callicarpa americana Salix artica Rhododendron ‘allure’
Perennials Heuchera ‘blackout’ Santolina chamaecyparissus Yucca filamentosa Sedum telephium Beleamcanda chinensis Ajuga reptans Ligularia sibirica Baptisia australis Achillea millefolium Echinops ritro Aruncus dioious
Grass Playing Field
Ferns Dryopteris erythtoscra Athyrium niponicum Ground Cover Juniperus communis Cotoneaster adapressus Trees Magnolia ashei
Planting Species
TREES
Stair/Elevator Access
PARKING SPOTS
IMPERMEABLE SURFACE Third Level Terrace Second Level (Access To Terrace) Restaurant Ice Skate Rental Lounge First Level Shopping Center
60 163 873 402 562,068 ft² 379,516 ft²
PERMEABLE 0 ft² SURFACE 204,066 ft² VEGETATED SURFACE
41,862 ft² 175,670 ft²
Previous Site Conditons Proposed Site Interventions
11
Roads
52,993
I-80: 151 mi I-94: 46 mi U.S. Route 6: 149 mi I-65: 261 mi
Potential Trees Planted
I-90: 156 mi IN 912: 11.69 mi
Supe Esta
Tree Canopy
3% Canopy 74% Canopy
Land Use Industrial Commercial Residential City Area
03
Lake Michigan
Whiting
Area: 3.23 mi² (2,067.2 acres) Population: 4,723
Gary
Area: 57.21 mi² (36,614 acres) Population: 74,879
East Chicago Hammond
Area: 24.86 mi² (15,910.4 acres) Population: 75,522
RE-FRAMING THE FUTURE
16.16 mi² (10,342.4 acres) Population: 28,817
Cities of Northwest Indiana
Total Area 101.46 mi² (64,934.4 acres) Total Population 183,941 Total Interstate Distance 775 mi
Trees are incredibly resilient plants that beam numerous benefits in many different regards. They are one of the most popular aspects of ecology when understanding environmental resiliency. However, our highways and interstates have always been a major contributor and directly impact environmental damage and particularly our on-going climate crisis. Inspired by 50,000 trees by Sarah Moos, and design research Infra Eco Logi Urbanism: A project for the
12
Great Lakes Megaregion by Geoffrey Thün and Kathy Velikov, Superforestation aims to forestate highway intersections by examining our major interstate transportation networks. Additional components proposed in the original presentation were incorporating a high-speed rail network as well as a superblock system in effort to increase pedestrian accessibility and decrease carbon emissions. This Project takes place in the greater Calumet region located in
Fa Instructor: M
Locate highway intersections
Identify voids
86.21%
12
Plantable area at intersections
IN 912
erblocks ablished The Intersection Studies I-90/ I-65 / EAST DUNES HIGHWAY
IN 912 / HIGHWAY U.S. 20
IN 912 / W 15TH AVE
I-80/ I-94 / CALUMET I-80 / BURR ST.
OF TRANSPORTATION WITH TREES Northwest Indiana
I-80/ I-94 / INDIANAPOLIS BLVD
I-80/ GRANT ST. I-80 / I-65
I-80/ I-94 / KENNEDY AVE
I-80 / BROADWAY
I-80/ I-94 / IN 912
all 2021 Mary Pat Maguire
ds between roads
superforestate.
Northwest Indiana nestled right under Lake Michigan. Our team examined and superblocked twelve intersections primarily located in the municipalities of Gary and Hammond for this case study. As the state of Indiana is mostly regarded as a passing state. This means many people are merely driving from one state to get to another state. Interstates cross The Northwest Indiana region heavily as Chicago, Illinois is a next door neighbor. Our research examined each highway
intersection within a potential plantable area of 21,197,250 ft² 20 feet apart resulting to a percentage of 86.21% of unutilized plannable area. As with many regional scale projects, This research study evidently consists of flaws which must be considered thoroughly if implemented. A project with such massive undertaking must examine a multitude of factors such as safety, community, long term maintenace, etc. However, the intention and the objective of the project remains unchanged.
13
IN 912 ETC: 107,638 ft² (2.47 ac) PTC: 556,653 ft² (12.78 ac) = 89.35% Potential Trees: 1,391
IN 912 / HIGHWAY U.S 20 ETC: 42,906 ft² (0.98 ac) PTC: 1,484,729 ft² (34.08 ac) = 97.3% Potential Trees: 3,711
52,993Potential Trees
20 feet apart
Exisisting Tree Canopy 3,392,728 ft² (77.89 ac) Potential Plantable Area 21,197,250 ft² (486.62 ac) = 86.21% Exisisting Tree Planting (ETC) Potential Tree Planting (PTC) Potential Tree Planting (Road Removed)
I-90/ I-65 / EAST DUNES HIGHWAY
ETC: 252,648 ft² (5.80 ac) PTC: 3,600,226 ft² (82.64 ac) = 93.5% Potential Trees: 9,000
IN 912 / W 15TH AVE
ETC: 322,398 ft² (7.40 ac) PTC: 543,594 ft² (12.48 ac) = 93.1% Potential Trees: 1,358
I-80/ I-94 / CALUMET AVE ETC: 407,690 ft² (9.36 ac) PTC: 2,350,290 ft² (53.96 ac) = 68.77% Potential Trees: 5,875
I-80/ I-94 / KENNEDY AVE
I-80/ I-94 / IN 912
ETC: 158,151 ft² (3.63 ac) PTC: 1,623,336 ft² (37.27 ac) = 93.12% Potential Trees: 4,058
ETC: 903,353 ft² (20.74 ac) PTC: 700,401 ft² (16.08 ac) = 55.26% Potential Trees: 1,751
I-80/ I-94 / INDIANAPOLIS BLVD ETC: 224,722 ft² (5.16 ac) PTC: 927,356 ft² (21.29 ac) = 80.49% Potential Trees: 2,318
I-80 / BURR ST.
ETC: 101,076 ft² (2.32 ac) PTC: 440,876 ft² (10.12 ac) = 81.36% Potential Trees: 1,102
I-80/ GRANT ST.
I-80 / I-65
ETC: 223,121 ft² (5.16 ac) PTCV: 1,509,175 ft² (21.29 ac) = 87.13% Potential Trees: 3,772
ETC: 540,519 ft² (12.40 ac) PTC: 6,237,176 ft² (143.18 ac) = 92.1% Potential Trees: 15,592
I-80 / BROADWAY
ETC: 108,506 ft² (2.49 ac) PTC: 1,223,438 ft² (28.08 ac) = 91.9% Potential Trees: 3,058
14
Planting Species Overview 100’
50’
MAX HEIGHT Quercus coccinea
Taxodium distichum
Salix nigra
dry
dry
dry
wet
3
3
4
5
2
70’
60’
50’
50’
45’
60’
300-350
190-200
290-300
70-80
+600
40-50
Juglas nigra
Populus balsamifera
Quercus bicolor
Quercus rubra
SOIL (DRY/WET)
dry
wet
dry
dry
PLANTING PHASES
5
2
4
CROWN DIAMETER
100’
70’
120-130
180-200
SPECIES
AVERGE LIFESPAN (YRS)
Phase 1 Remediation 0-2 years
Phytoremediating plants Medicago sativa (Alfafa Legume) Brassica juncea (Indian Mustard)
Phase 2 Initial tree plantings 2-10 years
Phytoremediating plants Salix Nigra (Black Willow) Populus Balsamifera (Balsam Poplar)
Quercus alba
Phase 3 Trees frame transportation 10-30 years
Phytoremediating plants Salix Nigra (Black Willow) Populus Balsamifera (Balsam Poplar) Dry soil trees Quercus alba (White Oak) Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak) Moist soil trees Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak) Quercus Bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
Phase 4 Urban forest 30-60+ years
Phytoremediating plants Populus Balsamifera (Balsam Poplar) Dry soil trees Quercus alba (White Oak) Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak) Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) Morus rubra (Red Mulberry) Moist soil trees Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak) Quercus Bicolor (Swamp White Oak) Taxodium distichum (Baldcyprus) Juglans Nigra (Black Walnut)
15
04
THE WHITING ECO-SHIELD
PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY OF WHITING THROUGH ECOLOGY
Fall 2021 Instructor: Mary Pat Maguire
The Whiting Eco-Shield is a complex and a very involved undertaking working with the city of Whiting, Student Conservation Association, and many public officials working to mitigate the detrimental spatial and environmental impacts imposed by BP Whiting Oil Refinery.
Urban Groves This portion of Whiting’s Eco-Shield focuses on being a recreational ecosystem. The goal of this site is to serve the community by providing outdoor recreational spaces that are within a native, thriving, and biodiverse ecosystem. • Open spaces for recreational activities • Gathering spaces for group activities
The BP Whiting Refinery is sandwiched in between Lake Michigan and the city of Whiting located at the tip of Northwest Indiana. The refinery dominates most of the city leaving little area for residential and commercial spaces. The residents of whiting struggle with the juxtaposition of the deafening, overbearing, and pungent odor of the refinery with the existing residential neighborhood. The objective of this project is to alleviate multiple stressors from the BP oil refinery by implementing dense tree canopy and species variety along the Schrage Avenue corridor to serve as a barrier or a "shield" to filter and sequester the numerous harmful particles. Alongside with tackling air pollution, this project proposes community recreational infrastructure and elements of design to minimize noise and shield most of the industrial scenery while building interactive spaces for a sense of community.
Loud 16
Poor Aesthetics
Smell
BP Whiting Refinery
Harmful Particulate Matter
White Oak & Schrage Ave Residential Neighborhood
Canopy Trees Bur Oak Mockernut Hickory Shagbark Hickory Silver Maple Littleleaf Linden Swamp White Oak Shellbark Hickory Pignut Hickory Red Maple Tulip Poplar Ginkgo Bitternut Hickory Sugar Maple
Understory Trees Serviceberry Yellowwood Hophornbeam Cockspur Hawthorn American Hornbeam Winter King Green Hawthorn Washington Hawthorn
Shrubs
Wayfaring Tree Pagoda Dogwood Redbud
Groundcover & Perennials Wild Geranium Cotoneaster Common Juniper Swamp Milkweed Japanese Royal Fern Wild Bergamot Sunflower
Oak Forest The south portion of Whiting's Eco-Shield focuses on reestablishing the Oak Forest Ecosystem. This portion will primarily feature Oaks that are native to Indiana. The goal of this site is to create an urban forest that helps establish a rich and diverse forestecosystem. • Walking trails • Rainwater retention areas
Pollution Protection Hedgerows are densely planted and deflect the wind and pollutants upward and over up to one hundred feet in the air, preventing them from blowing into residential areas.
Canopy Trees White Oak Bur Oak Sycamore River Birch Swamp White Oak Northern Red Oak Bald Cypress Eastern Red Cedar Shingle Oak Shumard Oak Honeylocust
Understory Trees Serviceberry Yellowwood Hophornbeam
Shrubs
Dwarf Mugo Pine Blackhaw Viburnum Nannyberry Viburnum
Groundcover & Perennials
Wild Geranium Cotoneaster Common Juniper Swamp Milkweed Japanese Royal Fern Wild Bergamot Sunflower
Berm Buffers Berms in the Oak Forest Ecosystem direct rainflow for retention and also, with the help of dense tree planting, deflect some of the wind and pollution blowing in from BP and greatly assist in filtering the remaining air passing through residential areas.
17
COCKSPUR HAWTHORN
Urban Grove
Oak Forest SCHUMARD OAK
126 TH STREET SCHRAGE
WHITE OAK
Urban Grove
WHITE OAK
RIVER BIRCH BUR OAK SYCAMORE EASEMENT PLANTINGS GINKGO HOPHORNBEAM EASTERN RED CEDAR SERVICEBERRY HONEYLOCUST DWARF MUGO PINE
BERM(S) 60’x20’ SECONDARY PATHWAY PRIMARY PATHWAY SWAMP WHITE OAK
Oak Forest DOG PARK FENCED 215’x75’ SHINGLE OAK
127 TH STREET PRIMARY WALKING TRAIL 4’ WIDTH HONEYLOCUST WHITE OAK
NORTHERN RED OAK
18
UE
N
Existing Trees Canopy Trees Understory Trees Shrubs Berms Walking Paths
BERM(S) 60’x20’
HOP HORNBEAM
Basketball Court/Soccer Court
Open Space for Other Recreational Play
Shorter Trees for Utilities
New Sidewalk w/Lights & Trash Receptacles Road with Street Parking
Sidewalk Road with Street Parking
WHITE OAK AVENUE
150’
20’
Urban Grove Section 01
8.5’
SCHRAGE AVENUE
Grid Tree Planting Strategy
Bushes & Small Plantings New Sidewalk w/Lights & Trash Receptacles Road with Street Parking
Sidewalk Road with Street Parking
WHITE OAK AVENUE
150’
20’
8.5’
SCHRAGE AVENUE
Urban Grove Section 02
Shorter Trees for Utilities 4’ Berms Sidewalk Residential
Low Trees & Shrubs British Petroleum Whiting Refinery
Back Alley Sidewalk Road with Street Parking
6.5’
Oak Forest Section 01
46.5’
Train Tracks
6.5’
83’
16’
21’
97’
SCHRAGE AVENUE
19
05
CITY OF VANCOUVER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Vancouver, Washington Internship
The City of Vancouver Comprehensive Plan consists of research and writing of key demographic and existing information from the City of Vancouver, Washington’s resources. The writing for this comprehensive plan would allow future organizations, city officials, or residents, refer to the comprehensive plan for planning and meeting Vancouver’s present and future needs.
PEOPLE
COMMUNITY PROFILE POPULATION TRENDS
As the city of Vancouver, Washington is experiencing rapid growth, it's prompting local leaders, designers, and the local community to think critically when planning for the future both its community and surrounding municipalities. Understanding the people of Vancouver and key demographics is crucial to be responsive to Vancouver's community and its diversity. Vancouver has witnessed significant population growth over the past decade. The population increased from 161,791 people in 2010 to 190,915 people in 2020. This is a population increase of 29,124 people which is also an 18% increase in the span of just ten years. This trend of growth is projected to persist, with an estimated population of 269,000 anticipated by the year 2042. Understanding Vancouver's growth alongside Clark County's population growth is imperative when it comes to planning and designing for the city and the community's future.
ECONOMIES Vancouver, with its thriving economy, has experienced impressive employment rates in recent years. Vancouver's economy is highly driven by the work force with top industries being healthcare, education, food service, administrative, real estate, business, manufacturing, engineering, construction, transportation, and materials moving. The median income of Vancouver's residents has increased by 34% from $47,307 in 2010 to $63,617 in 2020. These trends may have changed dramatically due to the increase of population, jobs and opportunity, as well as inflation. However, the median income in Clark County is $75,253 and the state of Washington is $73,775. Despite certain positive developments, it is important to acknowledge the socioeconomic disparities and that not everyone has benefited equality. As Vancouver's employment rate being 96.5%, Vancouver's unemployment rate is 3.5% as of December 2021. This is slightly lower than the average national unemployment rate of 3.9% in December 2021. Comparatively, the average single family home value increased 129% since 2010 which has provided current and new residents great investment opportunities over the past decade. However, with the high and competitive real estate market, it has posed great difficulties for aspiring homeowners and living costs for the community. Approximately 12.7% of individuals and 8.3% of families in Vancouver are have experienced poverty, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to address income disparities and ensure economic stability for all members of the community of Vancouver.
AGE, ETHNICITY, LANGUAGE, LGBTQ+ ORIENTATION, RACE, VETERAN STATUS The city of Vancouver experienced dramatic growth in terms of age, ethnicity, language, LGBTQ+ orientation, race, and veteran status over the past decade. As the population and opportunity increases, the population of communities of color have experienced a substantial growth by 64%. 2.3% identifying as Black or African American, Hispanic and Non-White, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Native American, respectively. Asians account for 5.6% of the population, while 6% identify as Two or more races, and 71.5% identify as White. The school-aged population in Vancouver follows a similar trend, with a breakdown of 52.6% White, and significant percentages of 27.45% Hispanic and Non-White, Two or more races 8.9%, Asian 4.65%, 3.15% Black or African American, 2.7% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and 0.45% Native American. With the increase of diverse families from different backgrounds, 19.7% or 34,723 people speak a language other than English at home in 2021. The city's demographic reflects a relatively younger population with the median age being 37 years old, 22% of the population is under 18 years old, and 47% of the population under 35 years old. However, that results in a small aging population with only 6.3% being 75 years or older. It is important to note that Vancouver embraces diversity not only in terms of race and ethnicity but also in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity. While approximately 10.7% of adults in the city identify as LGBTQ+, data from the Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts reveals that a significant percentage (31-33%) of students self-report as LGBTQ+ across 8th, 10th, and 12th grade levels.
20
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY & DEI SOCIAL VULNERABILITY
The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is a crucial tool used to assess populations most at risk during highstakes situations like natural disasters and disease outbreaks. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ASTDR) utilize U.S. Census data to gauge social vulnerability on local and regional scales across the United States, identifying communities in need of assistance. To determine social vulnerability, the CDC/ATSDR employs 16 factors, such as poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing, which are categorized into four themes: Socioeconomic status, Household Characteristics, Racial and Ethnic Minority Status, and Housing Type/Vehicular Transportation Access.
HOUSING Vancouver's housing market has experienced significant changes and challenges over the past decade and in recent years. The average value of a single-family home grew from $213,400 in 2010 to $490,494 in 2020. This is a dramatic increase of 129%. The monthly mortgage payment averaged to $1,734 in March 2022 and the average market for a 1-bedroom unit in Vancouver was $1,411 in 2021 with 48% of Vancouver residents renting and 52% of Vancouver residents who own. Due to the high costs of housing, a total of 61.4% of Vancouver renters and residents are rent burdened. 39.5% are paying more than 35% of their income on rent and 21.9% of Vancouver residents are extremely rent burdened paying more than 50% of their income on rent. Vancouver had an increase of housing units by 32% from 63,620 units in 2010 to 83,868 units in 2021. However, Vancouver also suffers from a housing deficit of 13,500 housing units in greater Clark County which 4,000 of those housing units are within the City of Vancouver. 80% of new construction in the city has been prioritized for multi families from 2019-21.
CLIMATE As Vancouver looks to mitigate its environmental impact and promote sustainability, it is crucial to address the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. Of all the contributors to greenhouse gases in Vancouver, the largest sectors are Transportation 36%, Buildings 28%, Aviation 25%, and Industrial Processes 8%. Efforts to transition to renewable energy sources are underway, with roughly 9% of energy used in Vancouver and greater Clark County coming from renewable energy sources. The city also aims to achieve a tree canopy of 28% by 2030 from a tree canopy of 6,066 acres, covering only 19% of Vancouver land in 2020.
Understanding the SVI is critical for emergency planners, city officials, public health authorities, state and local health departments, and non-profit organizations. Together, they analyze municipalities at risk and provide support to the most vulnerable populations in the event of a disaster. This involves estimating the required supplies like food, water, medicine, and bedding, as well as the number of emergency personnel and shelters needed to assist people effectively. According to the CDC/ATSDR census tracts, the city of Vancouver exhibits a high social vulnerability index, particularly along Vancouver Lake and Columbia River. Areas with medium-high and high social vulnerability are concentrated along major interstates and arterial roads. The greater Vancouver areas, on the other hand, display a lower level of vulnerability, ranging from low to low-medium vulnerability. Public investment and private development can bring numerous benefits, but if equity considerations are not prioritized, it can lead to severe consequences for vulnerable communities, including pressures on the housing market and involuntary displacement. Maplewood and Meadow Homes demonstrated vulnerability in various aspects, such as people of color, lower educational attainment, higher child poverty rates, more households with lower incomes, higher proportions of rental households, and lower median gross rents. These areas are especially susceptible to the impacts of public investment, given their low educational attainment levels, higher representation of people of color, higher median gross rents, and larger number of renter households. Public investment and private development can bring numerous benefits, but if equity considerations are not prioritized, it can lead to severe consequences for vulnerable communities, including pressures on the housing market and involuntary displacement. Maplewood and Meadow Homes demonstrated vulnerability in various aspects, such as people of color, lower educational attainment, higher child poverty rates, more households with lower incomes, higher proportions of rental households, and lower median gross rents. These areas are especially susceptible to the impacts of public investment, given their low educational attainment levels, higher representation of people of color, higher median gross rents, and larger number of renter households.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
HEALTH
Over the past few decades, Vancouver has experienced a significant increase in diversity. However, this has also brought to light various socioeconomic challenges and the need for cultural awareness and inclusivity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are vital, particularly for historically underrepresented groups and individuals. Vancouver aims to promote fair and full participation regardless of race, gender, sexuality, identity, or disability.
Clark county faced many challenges related to mortality rates due caused by various diseases. In 2018, heart disease accounted for 176 male deaths and 118 female deaths per 100,000. Chronic lower respiratory diseases, which includes asthma and chronic obstructive disease account for 210 deaths per 100,000. Diabetes was another prevalent issue causing 507 deaths per 100,000. Furthermore, in 2021, it was observed that 20,955 Clark County residents receive food stamps or SNAP benefits, indicating a significant number of individuals who rely on food assistance programs.
To incorporate DEI into the city's development, a long-term vision and policy direction have been established to merge DEI principles into the built environment. Understanding current DEI concerns is crucial for developing an equity framework that addresses privilege imbalances and interconnected issues faced by different communities.
The health and well-being of Vancouver residents have been a subject of concern. 9.7% of Vancouver residents live with a disability in 2020. Disability being defined by serious difficulty with four basic areas of functioning - hearing, vision, cognition, and ambulation.
These statistics highlight the importance of addressing health issues, concerns for accessibility, and providing the necessary support systems for Vancouver residents.
SAFETY & MOBILITY The city also faces transportation challenges with an average of 2,200 vehicle crashes per year between 2015 and Spring 2022 and 80 that have been fatal or 0.5% of all crashes reported. In 2020, Vancouver's daily average miles traveled (VMT) per person was 14.48 which was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, the daily average was 17.48. 47,679 Vancouver residents live within a quarter mile of the Mill Plain Bus Rapid Transit and the Vine BRT. Of Vancouver workers ages 16 and over, 75% drive alone to work, 10% to work, 9% work from home, 3% take public transit, 2% walk to work, 1.1% take other transport, and 0.5% bike to work. The city might be struggling with accessibility of local public transportation as only 3% mostly take public transit. Walkable spaces and walkability may also be a reason for concern as only 2% walk to work. Understanding the ridership information about the city of Vancouver, accessibility within the city causes concern due to the low percentage of public transportation users.
EDUCATION As the city of Vancouver holds a large younger population with a strong academic enrollment, 44,825 students enrolled for the 2021-22 school year. Overall, 91% of Vancouver residents hold a high school diploma and 29.2% of Vancouver residents hold a bachelor's degree. Alternatively, 62% of ninth graders in Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts passed all their courses and 90% of the senior classes at Vancouver and Evergreen School districts graduated. As evidenced by these statistics, the city of Vancouver strives to provide a conducive environment for students to thrive academically.
Vancouver utilizes equity principles and guidelines to create a more inclusive city and protect underrepresented citizens. The comprehensive framework plan outlines key outcomes, metrics, policies, and strategies, all assessed through an equity lens. Communities at risk, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, People with Low Incomes, People with Disabilities, Renters, LGBTQ+ individuals, Homeless individuals, and small business owners, will be prioritized in the city's efforts to ensure equity and inclusion for all.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ACCESS
The city of Vancouver faces disparities in park access, particularly in the eastern parts like East Mill Plain and the far western region between the Columbia River and Vancouver Lake. Existing parks tend to be smaller, and there are common gaps in access within the city, especially in the mentioned areas. Vancouver's tree canopy coverage is significantly lower than recommended, with only 19% coverage, while other cities in Washington maintain an average of 32%. The ideal canopy for maximum benefits is 40%. Notably, certain groups of people of color experience less tree canopy coverage, falling below the city's average by 2.4%. However, dense tree canopies are prevalent in specific residential neighborhoods in central Vancouver.
HOUSING & MOBILITY In relation to housing, people of color in Vancouver tend to be more concentrated in urban areas compared to the overall distribution in Clark County. Between 2011 and 2021, the housing stock in Vancouver increased by 15%, making homeownership increasingly challenging for many. Currently, 51% of residents own homes, while 49% are renters. This is notably lower than the Washington state average of 64% homeownership. Affording a home valued at $474,617 in Vancouver would require an average household income of over $110,000. Rent burden is a prevalent issue in Vancouver, with 46% of renting households facing this challenge, and 20% experiencing severe rent burden. Black and Hispanic/Latine populations are particularly affected and are at high risk of displacement. Asian and white households have higher rates of homeownership opportunities compared to other people of color. Asian residents are twice as likely to live in owner-occupied housing.
EDUCATION
SPOTLIGHT ON THE CULTURE & ARTS
EVERGREEN AND GRAND COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS STRATEGY
The city of Vancouver is served by two school districts: Vancouver School District and Evergreen Public Schools, which extend beyond the city's boundaries into portions of Clark County. However, the accessibility to high-quality education and childcare systems varies depending on the location within the city.
As Vancouver is continuously growing and evolving, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to a variety of artists, arts, and cultural organizations. This rich artistic landscape not only provides vibrancy to the city but also contributes to its economic prosperity, health, and over well-being. The arts play a vital role in enhancing the unique character and identity of Vancouver.
The Evergreen and Grand Commercial Corridors Strategy describes a citywide initiative in Vancouver that began in 2019 aiming to enhance major commercial corridors and adjacent areas where residents live, work, shop, and travel. The initiative seeks to improve existing commercial corridors, expand transportation options, ensure access to services and amenities, support job growth, and increase housing opportunities.
The city of Vancouver consists of multiple public art installations throughout the city in open spaces and along sidewalks giving Vancouver a sense of place and culture. The city of Vancouver defines culture being transmitted through language, customs, knowledge, cuisine, institutions, music, dance, theater, and embodies the characteristic features of everyday existence. Art is a powerful medium to communicate and evoke emotion and the transfer of ideas. The city of Vancouver acknowledges and appreciates the beauty and emotional impact of art.
The initiative focuses on specific areas, including the St. Johns/St. James couplet, the Fourth Plain and Mill Plain corridors, and the Evergreen and Grand study area. The Evergreen and Grand boulevards serve as commercial corridors with small business districts, currently zoned as Community Commercial (CC).
Regarding the educational attainment of Vancouver's population, more than one-quarter of residents have completed their education at high school graduation or earlier, and another quarter have some college experience but no degree. Notably, there is a significant disparity in kindergarten readiness among elementary schools in Vancouver, which are predominantly neighborhood-based. By 8th-grade standards, White students are overrepresented in the highest-performing schools. Asian and White students in both Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts are more likely to meet the 3rd and 8thgrade standards. On the other hand, Hispanic/Latinx and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students are still disproportionately attending lower-performing schools, particularly based on 3rd-grade reading and math standards.
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Most may associate the city of Vancouver, Washington part of Portland's identity. However, the city of Vancouver, which is situated on the north bank of the Columbia River possesses a rich historical legacy that dates back centuries and is unique to city and its current cultural heritage. Vancouver has long been inhabited by numerous diverse indigenous groups such as the Cascades Chinooks, Clackamas, and Multnomah, as well as interior Klickitats, Kalapuyas, Cowlitz, and many others. The city was known for its abundant resources and being located along the Columbia River advancing trade and shared goods. In the late 18th century, Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy and other European explorers, ventured into the area. In the early 19th century, the Lewis and Clark Expedition set foot on the site of Vancouver when exploring the west coast of North America. They then established Fort Vancouver in 1825 as a major trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company. This was a significant moment in history as this promoted the fur trading business and the economic development in the region. Around the mid-19th century, there were many settlers, primarily attracted by the Oregon Trail and promise of fertile lands. Vancouver was a major transportation hub enabling agricultural products to reach broader markets along the West Coast. This period of rapid growth led to the congressional approval of the formation of Vancouver as an official city in 1857. Throughout the 20th century, Vancouver has experienced significant industrialization, urban development, and population growth. It's established various industries such as shipbuilding, lumber, and manufacturing. Many historic sites and buildings have been revitalized to preserve its unique architectural characteristics while embracing Vancouver's history. The city of Vancouver is popularly recognized for its historical site, Fort Vancouver. Fort Vancouver has a rich and evolving history being a major trading post but also serving as an Army post supporting the second world war. Currently, Fort Vancouver and its surrounding historical sites are preserved to educate and inspire the history of how the city of Vancouver developed into what it is now. Today, Vancouver is a spirited, and vibrant community known for its beauty, artistic scene, and communal efforts to preserve, educate, and celebrate its history through past initiatives and organizations. With its natural attractions, thriving economy, and proud sense of community, Vancouver continues to grow keeping in mind its roots while adapting to the city's needs for the future.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Vancouver, Washington, sits on the north bank of the Columbia River, is a city with its own unique characteristics and conditions. As the city of Vancouver was founded in 1825 with different groups and tribes of people consisting of existing and early settlers, the existing conditions of the city comes from a rich and diverse history with numerous historic properties, archaeological maps, and cultural landscapes. As the city is part of the larger Portland metropolitan area, Vancouver has a key role as both an educational and cultural hub in the region. Multiple organizations and services in the city of Vancouver like the Historical Trust and the National Park Service aid to preserve the city's deep heritage and its historical landmarks. The Historical Trust is an organization that manages several city-owned historical properties and educates residents and visitors through celebrating Vancouver's community and history as mentioned by the organization's mission statement. Fort Vancouver and its surrounding areas offer several fascinating places to explore and delve into the region's history. Fort Vancouver is the city's main National Historical Landmark and is culturally significant to the city of Vancouver. The National Park Service, which overlooks this land, aims to preserve and educate the evolved history of Fort Vancouver and its existing conditions. Gaining insight into Vancouver's existing conditions plays a critical role towards understanding Vancouver's history and present circumstances to ensure that both current and future generations can fully appreciate and utilize the city.
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION DESIGN GUIDELINES
The city of Vancouver prides itself on its communal efforts to preserve significant historical sites in and around their local neighborhoods. Preservation and education efforts are key to the livability for its residents and visitors. The city's Historic Preservation ordinance facilitates the recognition, assessment, and safeguarding of cultural and historic assets within Vancouver. It actively promotes the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of these resources, ensuring their conservation for the benefit of current and future generations. The Vancouver Municipal Code 17.39 lists properties in Vancouver to eligible as a historical or cultural resource for Clark County and allows further registration for the National Register of Historic Places.
The city also understands the importance of Heritage as an integral part of Vancouver's cultural fabric, encompassing traditions, traditions, languages, buildings, and other historical contexts that have been passed through generations. Vancouver preserves its history in sites like the Clark County Historical Museum, Clark County Historical Preservation Program, and the Historic Trust. As part of the city's dedication to preservation and creation of its culture, arts, and heritage plan, the city has proposed design guidelines with a new plan in 2018 detailing existing cultural assets and the art need of the community. The city also provides 13 specific objectives with several associated actions to achieve the plan's vision.
FACILITIES & ORGANIZATION As historical preservation is crucial to community's fabric of Vancouver, numerous organizations, and services like the city of Vancouver, The Historical Trust, and the National Park Service all individually and together to maintain, preserve, educate, and inspire residents and visitors of Vancouver. All organizations have online resources to briefly educate people on the city's history and current historic buildings and provide a substantial introduction for people looking to explore and learn more about Vancouver.
ZONING & PLANNING ZONING
Given Vancouver's significant cultural, demographic, and economic transformations, it becomes crucial to comprehend the existing zoning designations within the city's communities to foster a prosperous and equitable future for all residents. In response to substantial population growth, Vancouver is actively revising its comprehensive plan to conduct a thorough and comprehensive assessment of its current assets and potential, aiming to realize its vision for the next two decades. As part of this comprehensive plan update, the city is actively engaged in formulating key strategies and goals that align with both environmental and community requirements. This process involves amending the existing municipal zoning code, Title 20, and undertaking an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The comprehensive plan review brings forth numerous inquiries regarding zoning, emphasizing the significance of housing, land use, development, equity, opportunity, climate, and the environment. Concerns encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from ensuring infrastructure safety in the face of changing environmental conditions and natural disasters to safeguarding vulnerable communities affected by socioeconomic disparities. The city of Vancouver employs zoning to guide and allocate various types of development across different communities. The city relies on Vancouver Municipal Code Title 20, known as the Land Use and Development Code, for reference and guidance.
PLANNING
The Vancouver comprehensive plan offers written and visual guidance regarding desired public infrastructure improvements and suitable development/redevelopment within the city. The plan covers future land use, transportation, and other infrastructure requirements. Sub area plans provide detailed planning for specific geographic areas, neighborhoods, corridors, urban reserve areas, special districts, and joint planning areas. The adoption plan integrates subarea plans into the comprehensive plan, enhancing the level of detail, guidance, and predictability for future development.
CENTRAL PARK PLAN The central Park plan highlights the parking, access issues, the unique significance of the area, its geographical boundaries, and the goals related to parking management. The Central Park planning area encompasses 692 acres, located east of the Vancouver city center. It is bounded to the west by Interstate 6 and to the south by the Columbia River, while residential neighborhoods lie to the north and northwest. The Central Park area is home to significant public destinations of national, state, and local importance, serving educational, recreational, social service, and historic purposes. The goal of the plan is to ensure that parking is not the dominant feature of the area and that it does not detract from the visitor experience.
The vision for the initiative is to promote equitable and diverse corridor development that is vibrant, sustainable, and mixed-use. It aims to foster development that acknowledges and builds upon unique characteristics. Specific areas highlighted within the initiative are the Grand Boulevard Commercial Mixed-Use Corridor, the Evergreen Boulevard Residential Mixed-Use Corridor, and the Mill Plain/Grand Intersection Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Hub.
LOWER GRAND EMPLOYMENT AREA-WIDE ACTION PLAN The Lower Grand Employment Area Wide Action Plan focuses on improving conditions for existing and new industrial businesses in the Lower Grand Employment Area (LGEA) located east of Pearson Airfield and north of SR-14 in Vancouver. This initiative is largely funded through a US EPA brownfield grant and aims to collaborate with businesses to enhance family wage employment opportunities and promote redevelopment to the area. Various actions have been undertaken as part of the initiative, including conducting an existing conditions report and market analysis, surveying properties in the northwest quadrant of the LGEA, developing a 30% stage design for new roads and water quality features, and securing a $1.1 million water quality grant for construction and final design of road and stormwater projects. The LGEA Subarea Plan serves to amend and supplement the Vancouver Comprehensive Plan specifically for the LGEA region. It establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures tailored to the area, providing a common vision for future investment and development. The LGEA Subarea Plan addresses various aspects such as critical environmental areas, economic development, public facilities and services, transportation, land use, and community development.
UPTOWN PARKING PLAN The Uptown Parking Plan recognizes that parking is an essential component of the city's economic development efforts but must be effectively managed to support priority land uses and cater to the needs of key users. The Uptown Village parking zone encompasses the area between 15th Street (south), 28th Street (north), Columbia Street (west), and D Street (east). The plan acknowledges the challenges and opportunities associated with parking and access in the area, emphasizing the importance of attracting new businesses and residential growth. Key objectives of the plan include better control of parking within the Uptown Village area, coordination with traffic management initiatives, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment, supporting the growth of healthier businesses, and fostering an understanding of how parking benefits the community.
WESTSIDE MOBILITY STRATEGY The Westside Mobility Strategy is a planning initiative focused on enhancing the transportation network in the neighborhoods, industrial areas, and mixed-use centers on Vancouver's westside. The study consists of two phases. Phase 1 involves analyzing the transportation needs and conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and freight delivery in Vancouver neighborhoods and the industrial areas near Interstate 5. Phase 2 focuses on developing recommendations and an implementation strategy guide to address the current and future mobility requirements of these areas, with a particular emphasis on supporting the economic growth of downtown and industrial uses. The study area is bounded by Interstate 5 to the east, the city limits to the west, the Columbia River to the south, and 78th Street to the north. The Westside Mobility Strategy aims to identify strategies that can improve transportation within this defined area, considering the specific needs and characteristics of the neighborhoods, industrial zones, and mixed-use centers.
VCCV - THE GOVERNMENT PARKING DISTRICT PLAN The Government Parking District Plan consists of unique uses and amenities, where people come to conduct business with governmental agencies and experience a diverse mix of street-level businesses and community-based institutions. The purpose of the study is to establish overall parking policy guidance for this district, considering stakeholder involvement and addressing known parking constraints. The district encompasses approximately 49 blocks and includes all on-street parking within the boundaries, primarily along W. Mill Plain Blvd.
Additionally, the plan calls for the development of a master parking management plan specific to the Central Park sub-area. This plan aims to optimize the limited land available and cater to the needs of priority users, considering the efficient utilization of parking resources.
The district is home to various government facilities such as the Clark County Courthouse, Public Service Center, county jail and juvenile detention center, a US port office, federal building, and a City of Vancouver fire station. Additionally, there are industrial uses in the eastern part of the district, along with several churches and social service organizations. Commercial activity in the district is generally limited to small businesses.
FOURTH PLAN FORWARD
VCCV - THE GOVERNMENT PARKING DISTRICT PLAN
The multi-year initiative called "Fourth Plain Forward" aimed at improving a specific section of East Fourth Plain Boulevard, which serves as Vancouver's international business district. The geographic focus of the initiative lies between I-5 and 65th in central Vancouver.
Section 30 is a planned urban employment center in Vancouver, aiming to become one of the city's largest in the 21st century. Its focus is on attracting emerging technologies and fostering the growth of well-paying jobs for families. The vision for Section 30 includes the integration of unique urban neighborhoods, where residents can live and shop, alongside innovative workplaces. The area offers convenient access to shopping, recreational activities, and a network of attractive trails and tree-lined plazas for the benefit of workers and residents.
The initiative's primary goals are centered around strengthening and supporting small businesses, creating opportunities for growth, enhancing safety and appearance along the corridor, and promoting equitable and inclusive development. This effort involves collaboration with partner organizations to achieve these objectives. The overall vision of the initiative is to cultivate a vibrant and prosperous Fourth Plain corridor that benefits residents, workers, and visitors.
Spanning 553 acres, Section 30 is bounded by subdivisions and NE 172nd Ave to the west, NE 192nd Ave to the east, SE 1st St to the south, and NE 18th Street to the north. Previously utilized for gravel and mining for four decades, it served as a significant economic resource for Clark County. The City of Vancouver sees Section 30 as a significant urban employment center situated on the eastern boundary of the city.
21
06
COUNTRY CLUB HILLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Country Club Hills, Illinois Internship
The following work completed under the Country Club Hills Comprehensive plan consisted of the creation of visual diagrams and section perspectives to ignite community engagement. The following Green Ring Diagram is a circulation diagram highlighting a proposed green network around the majority of the neighborhoods in Country Club Hills. This proposed network trail would connect the major corridors such as the Neighborhood Corridor, Stream Corridor Trail Opportunity, I-57 Green Buffer, and the Pulaski Avenue Activation Corridor. A key aspect of supporting a more livable CountryClub Hills is the recommendation to develop a “Green Ring." This Green Ring identifies travel for bicycle and pedestrian routes both within and around Country Club Hills. Figure 17 identifies the Green Ring around the city, envisioned to be a path specifically maintained for pedestrians and cyclists. The Green Ring links together natural assets, neighborhoods, and community amenities (See Figures 1-2). The ring also considers land within the city that has been identified as regional and local preservation priorities (CMAP). The land provides ecosystem services and contains wetlands, wetland buffers, 100year floodplains, protected open space, and unprotected Illinois Natural Areas Inventory (INAI) sites, oaks, prairies, and savannas.
22
EN RING
of supporting a more livable Country he recommendation to develop a ” This Green Ring identifies travel for pedestrian routes both within and around b Hills. Figure 17 identifies the Green Ring ty, envisioned to be a path specifically or pedestrians and cyclists. The Green gether natural assets, neighborhoods, nity amenities (See Figures 18-20). The siders land within the city that has been regional and local preservation priorities land provides ecosystem services gwetlands, wetland buffers, 100-year protected open space, and unprotected al Areas Inventory (INAI) sites, oaks, savannas.
Legend Country Club Hills Boundary Green Ring
Figure 18: Neighborhood Connections
Neighborhood Connections Interstates Forest Preserves Parks
GREEN RING SECTIONS NORTH
Figures 18 and 19 display illustrative sections of the proposed Green Ring. These are provided to show a variation in design approaches that could be considered to support the different development and environmental contexts that are within Country Club Hills.
Figure 19 shows the Green Ring along Pulaski Avenue, A wide multi-use path provides connections to mixeduse developments as well as space for seating, dining, and art.
Figure 18 below displays a potential cross section for the Green Ring within a neighborhood. A landscape Figure 1 displays a potential cross section for the Green Ring within a neighborhood. A landscape Figure 19: Activation Corridor buffer thethe roadroad fromfrom a wide bufferseparates separates a sidewalk, wide sidewalk, creating a low-stress environment for walking or creating biking. a low-stress environment for walking or biking. Country Club Hills Comprehensive Plan
Country Club Hills Comprehensive Plan
Current Conditions | 44
Example of this concept implemented through the Lafitte Greenway.
Legend Country Club Hills Boundary Green Ring Neighborhood Connections
Figure218: Neighborhood Figure shows the GreenConnections Ring along Pulaski Avenue, A wide multi-use path provides connections to mixed-use developments as well as space for seating, dining, and art.
Interstates Forest Preserves Parks
NORTH
23
07
OAK PARK STREETSCAPE Oak Park, Illinois
In the Oak Park Streetscape project, the design team faced the challenge of creating a comprehensive visual representation within strict time and budget constraints. Despite these limitations, a detailed singleperspective rendering was meticulously crafted using Photoshop, showcasing the streetscape transformation from a unique aerial viewpoint. Alongside this primary rendering, additional perspectives from various designers were also developed, enriching the project with diverse viewpoints and creative insights. This collaborative effort resulted in a multifaceted representation that captured the essence of the envisioned streetscape changes, demonstrating the team's adaptability and creativity in overcoming constraints.
24
Internship
08
ZARA'S CENTER
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Internship
Zara’s Center stood as a heartfelt pro bono initiative, aimed at creating a nurturing environment for children impacted by AIDS. The project involved a series of pivotal renderings, carefully examined and deliberated upon by the landscape architect project manager and the architect, especially concerning the design of a significant water fountain. In this collaborative effort, my specific role emerged as the one responsible for refining intricate details using Photoshop. This included meticulously working on elements such as paving patterns, incorporating lifelike representations of people, and enhancing other essential features. Through these efforts, the renderings were transformed into immersive visualizations, capturing the essence of the envisioned youth center with a level of detail that resonated deeply with the project's humanitarian mission.
25