Academic Portfolio 2007-2010 by J. Thomas Grubbs

J. Thomas Grubbs

Academic Portfolio Masters in Landscape Architecture 2007-2010

193 Schermerhorn Street, Apartment 4-B Brooklyn, New York 11201 347.563.3049 tomgrubbs1@gmail.com

Table of Contents Curriculum Vitae

Zachary, Louisiana

Treme

Florida Boulevard

The Great River Road

Design & Build Project

J. Thomas Grubbs tomgrubbs1@gmail.com 347 563 3049

193 Schermerhorn Street, Apartment 4-B Brooklyn, NY 11201

Objective: To obtain a position as an entry-level Landscape Architect in an environment that

Software Proficiency Mac/Windows AutoCAD Arc - GIS

Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop

Sketch Up Pro 3DS - MAX Microsoft Office

stimulates my creativity, fosters my design skills and pushes my professional growth.

Recognitions Global Design Competition, 2011 - First Place, “CURE(D)”, a project by Source-X Studio for an international architecture competition asking entrants to design a carbon-free restaurant

Education Masters in Landscape Architecure

Bachelor of Arts

May 2010 - GPA 3.7 Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Alternative K-3rd Education May 1999 Hampshire College, Amherst, MA

Experience

Venice Biennale, 2010 - “Mississippi Delta: Constructing with Water” a project by the LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio featured in the exhibit, ‘Workshopping: An American Model of Architectural Practice’

Design Week, LSU 2009 - Second Place, “Totally Fluxxed”, Baton Rouge Waterfront Design Week, LSU 2008 - First Place, “A Slice of Water”. Toronto Waterfront

Freelance LWH Architects/Source-X Studio

Teaching Assistant LA 4301 - Landscape Technology IV

February, 2011 - June, 2011 New York, NY

August, 2009 - December, 2009 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Competition Intern Anna Klingmann Architects

Graduate Research Assistant Professor Bruce Sharkey, FASLA

October, 2010 - December, 2010 New York, NY

August, 2008 - May, 2009 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Partner T-Square Designs

Intern Scape Studio

July, 2010 - Present Brooklyn, NY

October, 2006 - March, 2007 New York, NY

Graduate Assistant Coastal Sustainability Studio

Manager The Greene Grape

August, 2009 - May, 2010 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

October, 2005 - June, 2007 Brooklyn, NY

Best in Studio - Final Project, LA 7001 - Hilltop Arboretum

Organizations Class Representative, 2007 - 2010 Student ASLA Member, 2007 - current

Invited Studio Review Critic Louisiana State University, Pratt University, Southern University, Tulane University & University of Massachusetts

Interests Urban Scale Design, Transportation, Green Roof Technology, Landscape-Urbanism Theory, Hybrid Spaces, Kinetics, Photography, Travel, Urban Gardening & Live Music

References Available upon request

Zachary, Louisana Zachary is a city located 8 miles north of Baton Rouge that serves as a bedroom community to the

Zachary, Louisiana scale.Urban Design date.Fall 2009 instructors.Elizabeth Mossop & Aron Chang

state capital. Its population is projected to double to 25,000 by the year 2030. The town’s unmanaged growth became sprawl, resulting in two separate commercial areas and erasing any semblance of a town center or identity. Subdivisions being built on once fertile farming lands expedited the further disconnection of Zachary from itself both physically and socially via cul-de-sacs and gated communities. Further suburban development led by transportation infrastructures that are only devoted to the automobile will prevent Zachary from growing in a sustainable manner. Doubling the population will lead to more developed land, less open green space and a heat island effect. Due to its history of development and non-restrictive zoning laws, Zachary’s growth pattern is anticipated to follow current trends of subdivisions and isolated neighborhoods. If towns facing Zachary’s concerns react with stricter zoning laws rather than implementing smart-growth principals, developers will simply move to the next town that upholds fewer planning codes with less stringent zoning laws. Clustered development would structure Zachary’s growth in a positive fashion, allowing it to grow both quickly and sustainably. It would result in agglomeration economies, reduced fuel consumption, easier access to shopping and public facilities, increased walking and biking, preservation of green spaces and increased opportunities for socialization. In addition to clustered development, a green framework within which ecologies are protected and neighborhoods are connected is also proposed. Although the concept is an older one in the realm of sustainable development, it would be a radical proposal to a town such as Zachary, considering its lack of creative and sustainable development over the past 20 years. Clustered development would create smaller communities that can function on their own and yet, belong to the larger suburban identity.

Zachary, Louisiana

analysis.Perception Map

Zachary, Louisiana

town growth

watershed

Zachary, Louisiana

Focused D evelopment r esults i n a gglomeration e conomies, i ncluding r educed f eul c onsumption, easier acces to shopping and public facilities, increased walking and biking, preservation of green spaces and increased opportunities for socialization.

OBJECTIVE:

To create a sustainable cluster that forms a symbiotic relationship both among the neighborhoods within the cluster as well as the adjoining clusters of Greater Zachary.

GOALS:

CONNECTIVITY

DENSITY

NATURAL SYSTEMS

SHARED SPACE

Create connections for pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles within the cluster and to Greater Zachary.

Develop higher density residential and commercial areas in order to preserve green space and foster a greater sense of community within the neighborhood and greater cluster.

Preserve the existing ecologies, especially the critical systems including flood plains and water systems.

Create spaces that allow for the development of symbiotic relationships both between the clusters of Zachary and between the neighborhoods of the cluster to occur.

Zachary, Louisiana

PREMISE:

CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAMS:

Zachary, Louisiana

perspective.Medium to High Density Clusters

perspective.Medium Density Clusters

Treme Located in central New Orleans, the Treme has been historically significant to the advancement of African-American culture in both

Treme scale.Urban Design date.Spring 2010 instructor.Wes Michaels

New Orleans and America since its creation in the late 1700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. It is home to Congo Square, the Treme Market, Armstrong Square and is considered by many as the birthplace of jazz. In the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the I-10 corridor was built over North Claiborne Avenue. Live Oaks that once lined the street were torn up and replaced by an elevated interstate, dividing the Treme in half. In time, businesses left the area, crime rose and blight set into the neighborhood. The city is now considering the removal of the overpass due to unjustifiable maintenance fees. This design proposal removes the overpass from the Superdome to St Bernard Avenue, leaving a section from Ursaline Avenue to Esplanade to serve as an elevated park and connection for neighborhoods on either side of Claiborne. The primary goals of the design are to create a market, a residential infrastructure and green space for residents of the Treme. The hospital zone under construction to the west will bring a great deal of jobs and new residents to the city. Building denser housing alternatives with retail space along Claiborne will allow the new residents the ability to live close to amenities and a new BRT system whose main hub would be located at Canal and Claiborne. The prime location and transportation hub would allow for an easily accessible hub of activity for both residents and tourists in New Orleans.

N. Claiborne Avenue

I-1 0

Treme, New Orleans

Tula ne

Av en ue

Aven

Treme, New Orleans

re ss w

Str ee

e enu Av

Ca na l

Av en

ard

Airline Hig ghwayy

rn Be St

Es pla na Or lea ns

ue A en Av rne aibo S. Cl

Treme within New Orleans

ue A en rk Av ty Pa City

To New Orleans International Airport

2010

Interstate 10

E in rtra

1947

The BRT system costs anywhere from $200,000 to $55 million per mile compared with Light Rail Transit (LRT) which begins at $12 million and peaks at $118 million per mile. Experts estimate the cost of moving a person one mile equals $1.59 via the bus and $2.75 via LRT.

To East New Orleans

tcha Pon

The introduction of a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) working symbiotically with a local bus sytem and trolleys can connect New Orleans in a way it has ever experienced. A dedicated BRT system can connect the airport andsuburbs to central New Orleans.

Proposed Bus Rapid Transit System Destinations

Proposed Bus Stops

Proposed Bus Rapid Transit System Destinations

Proposed Bus Stops

The BRT would have a dedicated lane during rush hour traffic that would yield to special event traffic such as events at the Superdome.

1947

2010

Interstate 10

Treme/Lafitte French Quarter Marigny

Airline Hig ghwayy

Aven

Ca na re ss w

Tula ne

lS tre e

de Av en

ve nu e

N. Claiborne Avenue

I-1 0

Tula ne

Es pla na Or lea ns A

N. Claiborne Avenue

I-1 0

re ss w

ve nu e

p Ex

Aven

lS tre e

ue A en rk Av ty Pa City

e enu

Ca na

Airline Hig ghwayy

in tra char Pont

N. Claiborne Avenue

de Av e

e enu Av

Tula ne

Es pla na Or lea ns A

p Ex

ue A en rk Av

in tra char Pont

re ss w

Navarre

Str ee

ve nu e

p Ex

Mid City

Ca na l

enu

Airline Hig ghwayy

City Park

in tra char Pont

Bayou St John

ty Pa City

ard

Fairgrounds

de Av en

rd rna Be

Es pla na Or lea ns A

rd rna Be St

ue A en rk Av

ty Pa City

Seventh Ward

rn Be St

St Roch

Aven

Tulane/Gravier Iberville Central Business District

Treme and surrounding neighborhoods

1947

2010

Proposed Interstate and Highway Access Points - 2 exits removed

ue A en Av

Claiborne Corridor of I-10 South Claiborne Avenue

enue

1943

Main Roads

A en Av

Interstate

rne aibo S. Cl

Parks

A Av rne aibo S. Cl

rne aibo S. Cl

Port Area

Access Routes to Tourist areas

Access Routes to Commercial and Industrial areas

Treme, New Orleans

plan.North Claiborne Corridor

plan.Elevated Park

Treme, New Orleans

section 2

section 3

Treme, New Orleans

section 1

section 4

Treme, New Orleans

section 5

perspective.North Claiborne Street

perspective.Eastern Great Lawn

Florida Boulevard

TRANSPORTATATION CONCEPTUAL MATRIX

Florida Boulevard scale.Urban Design date.Spring 2008 instructor.Jeffrey A. Carney

Florida Boulevard was formerly the primary connection between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, pushed aside years ago by the construction of Interstates 10 and 12. The former activity of the corridor was replaced by a pronounced sense of abandonment, yet as the region grows, the corridor is once again becoming viable as a connection to neighboring communities as well as a linear community into itself. Both function and dysfunction of the sprawling suburb were examined in order to propose change from the inside-out. This project investigates transportation systems and their relationship to sprawl in such as an automobile-centric community. It was determined that the introduction of a BRT system could introduce substantial mobility, reduced traffic and benefit air quality as well as becoming a catalyst for street re-organization. The main bus stops along Florida Boulevard could anchor a re-development of Baton Rouge in which denser development and other smart-growth principles are encouraged over suburban sprawl.

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Goals and Objectives

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

diagram.Evolution of Florida Boulevard

Community Infrastructure

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

FLORIDA BLVD

Primary Connection

Institution surrounded by Park Space

Ecological Connection CHOCTAW

Neighborhood Connection

Every neighborhood block will be based around the Institution based in the middle of the block. Institutions will work symbiotically with the instituons based in other neighborhoods, for example Elementary, Middle and Secondary Schools as well as Libraries and Museums.

Choctaw Drive

The institutions are the heart of the axis created by the plan for the neighborhood. Strong pedestrian connections exist between neighborhoods

Residential Housing and Commercial Opportunities

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Overall scheme with all Rules being applied

Along the main thouroughfares, the houses (shown in lighter grey) will be multi-unit and multifamily housing. Florida Boulevard

The lots along the inside of the block and off of the main roads will be single-family homes.

Government Street

The Commercial Areas (shown in darker grey) will line the busier streets. The four corners will tend to be open air shopping areas. These areas are meant to provide residents with their daily neccesities. The stores along the smaller street are smaller scale and meant to serve the neighborhood more so than not. Stores along the busier streets are meant to serve the trafﬁc along Florida Boulevard. When neighborhoods are closer to “Big-Box” retailers, the commercial zones along the side streets will not exceed 20% of the property. Neighborhoods further away will allow up to 40% of property to be used for Commercial Areas.

FL OR

ID A

BL VD

Commercial Areas

I-110

Pedestrian Connections Florida Boulevard

W TA

CH I-10

I-12

I-10

diagram.Connectivity

Connections for pedestrians are a main focus both within the neighborhood and connecting the neighborhoods. Strong connections run between the Institutions at the middle of each neighborhood. Residents can easily access stores along the perimeter of their neighborhood and should never need a car to do so.

diagram.Neighborhood Goals

Sections

Community and the Median Skyway

Green Spaces Wetlands to span at least 40’ from the water’s edge to the Industrial Areas. Residential Areas will be at least 20’ from water’s edge. Commercial Areas will have at least 30’ seperation from the water’s edge.

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Waterway

Pathways Walkway varies between 10-12’ in width.

Neighborhood Community

A constant path runs along the water’s edge. The path splits into two, running closely along the rear of Residential Areas and a bit closer to the water when it runs along Commercial Areas. A pathway also connects the two sides of the waterway

Overlapping Spaces Space between Residential and Industrial Areas will be alternate access routes for Industrial Areas and serve as “Service Areas” for Resdential Areas. Space shared between Commercial and Residential Areas will open into areas that create outdoor retail opportunities as well as inviting social spaces.

Waterway Neighborhood

Park Space Park space is created in between Residential Areas and the water. The border is created by the “Green Spaces” rule (20’ from water’s edge) and the edge of the houses.

Waterway Plantings

The River will be planted with species that aid in ﬁltration and remediation. Plantings will be thicker near Industrial and Commercial Areas and lighter in Residential Areas to allow water to ﬂow.

diagram.Neighborhood

sections.Neighborhood

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

TRANSPORTATATION CONCEPTUAL MATRIX

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

concept diagram.Land Use

perspective.Florida Boulevard Transportation Corridor

concept diagram.Land Use

plan.Florida Boulevard Corridor

section.Florida Boulevard

concept diagram.Neighborhood

perspective.Florida Boulevard Commerce Corridor

Florida Boulevard - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

plan.Transportation Hub

perspective.Florida Boulevard Commercial Hub

section.Transportation Hub

diagram.Florida Boulevard Transportation

River Road

The Great River Road scale.Landscape Planning & Development date.Fall 2008 instructor.Kristi Dykema

The Great River Road is an historic byway running the entire length of the Mississippi River. Yet when following the highway through Louisiana it is rarely, if ever, apparent that the river is on the other side of the levee that blocks the view. This studio challenged students to create a living museum along the River Road to attract people to this historic stretch of forgotten highway. Students were challenged to create exhibitions for their imaginary museums to be displayed in the Louisiana State Museum. Through these exhibits, students were to develop the aesthetic for their new museum and to place the museum within the landscape of the River Road. All models built for this studio were crafted without the assistance of glue or adhesives. Using jazz rhythms as a design concept, plantings are used to create both steady and syncopated rhythms within the landscape. Different rhythms signify places of interest or activity for explorers along their journey. The design culminates with a Jazz museum and amphitheatre overlooking the Mississippi River reclaimed from an abandoned wharf just south of downtown Baton Rouge, La.

The Great River Road, Louisiana 44

The Great River Road, Louisiana

The Tale of the Cottage Plantation

Steampunk ViewMaster

The Great River Road, Louisiana

diagrams.Light and Exposure

model.Study of Symbiotic Relationships Amongst Layers Within the Landscape

diagrams.Bloch Buildings

The Great River Road, Louisiana

model.Mississippi River as it runs through Baton Rouge, Louisiana

plan.The Great River Road Jazz Museum

The Great River Road, Louisiana

regional plan.The Great River Road

collaborative drawing.The Great River Road 30’ x 60’

The Great River Road, Louisiana

collaborative drawing.The Great River Road 30’ x 60’

CUBED Our studio was approached by the Allstate Foundation to design and build a mobile seating structure for students in an otherwise

Design/Build Landscape Technology: Design Detailing date.Spring/Summer 2009 instructor.Jeffrey A. Carney

barren parking lot at the Priestley School. The area would be utilized during studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lunch breaks and free time. As the Priestley school is a charter high school for Architecture & Design, we held charrettes with the students to gather their input. We processed their desires and decided to create a series of modular units capable of being arranged in any number of ways, allowing for the maximum amount of possible arrangements. Construction and installation was carried out over a two-week summer course led by myself and our design studio professor.

CUBED - New Orleans, Louisiana

construction drawings.CUBED at Priestley School

plan and conceptual renderings.CUBED at Priestley School

CUBED - New Orleans, Louisiana 58

CUBED - New Orleans, Louisiana

perspectives.CUBED at Priestley School

installation.CUBED at Priestley School

CUBED - New Orleans, Louisiana 60

CUBED - New Orleans, Louisiana

installation.CUBED at Priestley School