DESIGN PORTFOLIO
ABOUT ME
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FLOOD, FIX, REPEAT
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Winter - Spring 2019 | Individual | Seattle, WA
APPROACHABLE MOUNT BAKER
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Winter 2018 | Individual | Seattle, WA
PARKS + RECREATION SYSTEM PLAN
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2016 - 2017 | Group | Chanhassen, MN
LABORITORIO DI ARCHITETTURA E DESIGN
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Spring 2014 | Individual | Rome, Italy
P-PATCH PARK
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Fall 2017 | Group | Seattle, WA
AN OCTOPUS’S GARDEN
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Spring 2018 | Group | Des Moines, WA
Conte nts i
CONTACT INFORMATION
+1 608 397 0116 jess.vetrano@gmail.com
BIOGRAPHY I was raised by a graphic designer and a fisheries biologist in small-town Wisconsin, and upon graduating high school moved to the closest urban area I could find: Minneapolis. There I attended the University of Minnesota, where I obtained two bachelor degrees in Architecture and Urban Studies. I took that knowledge and worked as an Urban Planner in the Minneapolis and St. Paul Metropolitan Area for three years. I discovered my desire to work in the realm of urban design while in school, but it was while working that I realized landscape architecture was my path to achieving this vision, prompting my enrollment at the University of Washington for a Masters in Landscape Architecture. My interests include green infrastructure, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, master planning, community engagement, traveling, art, and outdoor recreation.
AWARDS + PUBLICATIONS 2019 WASLA Merit Award – Flood, Fix, Repeat 2019 WASLA Merit Award – An Octopus’s Garden 2018 Richard Haag Endowed Scholarship in Landscape Architecture 2018 Lee + Rolaine Copeland Endowed Fellowship in Urban Design 2018 MN APA Excellence in Community Engagement Award – Chanhassen Parks and Recreation System Plan Sept. 2018 Landscape Architecture Magazine Article – “Inside the Student-Led Redesign of Washington’s Redondo Reef” 2018 WASLA Merit Award – Approachable Mt. Baker
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2018 WASLA Merit Award – Greener Belltown, Bluer Sound
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TECHNICAL SKILLS Hand Drafting + Drawing
AutoCAD
Flamingo
Microsoft Office Products
ArcGIS
V-Ray
Adobe Illustrator
ArcGIS Online
Lumion
Adobe Photoshop
Google SketchUp
Revit
Adobe InDesign
Rhino
Grasshopper
EDUCATION 2017-2019
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Seattle, WA »» Master of Landscape Architecture 2011-2015
Spring 2014
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Minneapolis + St. Paul, MN »» Bachelor of Design in Architecture »» Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies
ACCENT INTERNATIONAL
Rome, Italy
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE 2019-Present
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
LHB – Minneapolis, MN Spring 2019
LANDSCAPE DESIGN INTERN
GGN (Gustafson Guthrie Nichol) – Seattle, WA Fall 2018 + Spring 2019 2017–018
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT
UW Scan|Design Masters Studio – Seattle, WA
SCHOOLS + NEIGHBORHOODS INTERN
Seattle Department of Transportation – Seattle, WA 2014–2017
URBAN PLANNER
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. – Minneapolis, MN Spring 2014
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTERN
LAD (Laboratorio di Architettura e Design) – Rome, Italy Summer 2013
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTERN
Norskedalen Nature + Heritage Center – Coon Valley, WI (In collaboration with Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc.)
ACTIVITIES Winter 2019 2018-Present 2018 2016–2017 Spring 2015 2012-2015
2012–2014
Abo ut Me
2012–2015
Urban Land Institute Hines Student Competition University of Washington ASLA Student Member EXTENTS University of Washington Publication Layout Team Urban Land Institute (ULI) Member NAIOP University Real Estate Challenge – Second Place Bachelor of Design in Architecture Student Advisory Council – Event + PR Coordinator (2013–2015) American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Member Habitat for Humanity – New Orleans Home-Build Trip Leader
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COMPETITION
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
AWARD
WINTER - SPRING 2019 | INDIVIDUAL | SEATTLE, WA Interactive + engaging techniques
is altered and defined by the two
of representation were explored
seemingly disconnected activities of
to portray ironic histories +
flooding and human intervention.
speculative realities of colonial
Based on the true historic events,
intervention + flooding in the Skagit River Valley of Western Washington This project explores the connection between flooding and colonial intervention within the Skagit River Valley through both historic and speculative lenses, with the goal of uncovering whether humans have been successful in reducing the magnitude and frequency of the valley’s flood events, or if the permanent alternations of the Skagit River are resulting in the inverse affect. Three methods of representing time were utilized to display eight intertwined eras of social and natural history. Together, the display
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of flood magnitudes, channel
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migration, and human activity, helped illustrate a river system that
a speculative reality was developed to explore potential outcomes if the long-debated flood control project, the Avon Bypass, had been implemented. This portion of the project is depicted through the medium of View-Master reels, a representational type that situates the fictional series within the past, while allowing stories to unfold in ways that static media types cannot achieve. Grounded in similar representational and topical styles as the accurate portrayal, the two timelines build off of each other, creating parallel histories for the Skagit River Valley that can be explored, compared, and contrasted by the viewer.
Flood , Fix, R epe at
Layering human activity, hydrologic data, + representational techniques helped understand how to portray the conditions of the Skagit River Valley
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Full installation of river migration map, colonial intervention timeline, speculative reality reels, + flood magnitudes taped to their full scale along gallery walls + ceiling which was displayed for three weeks
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Flood , Fix, R epe at
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The Skagit River’s main channel has changed over the past 150 years, primarily in response to human interventions. This graphic illustrates the channel migration + was created in ArcGIS + Illustrator.
2000-2020 1980-2000 1960-1980 1940-1960 1920-1940 1900-1920 1880-1900 1856-1880
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Timeline of colonial intervention on the Skagit River, highlighting major infrastructural investments as well as relevant development proposals + events created in Illustrator + InDesign
Flood , Fix, R epe at
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The speculative reality timeline was represented through a ViewMaster, which situated the storyline in the past + allowed static images to overlay in ways that highlighted sequential changes. Slides were created in Illustrator, Photoshop, + InDesign.
Flood , Fix, R epe at 10
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Flood , Fix, R epe at
Five reels explore the alterations in the valley due to the river’s realignment 12
COMPETITION
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
AWARD
WINTER 2018 | INDIVIDUAL | SEATTLE, WA In an effort to enhance multi-
major goals include uncrossing
modal transportation + respond to
the ‘X’ road intersection, breaking
increased development pressures,
up the large blocks to mirror
this project focuses on redesigning
surrounding development,
the central corridor of the Mount
identifying community destinations
Baker neighborhood of Seattle
and making them visible to
The Mount Baker Station Area is located in the southeast portion of Seattle, WA, and is centered around one of the city’s light rail stations. Regardless of its adjacency to transit, the area is not easily navigable for pedestrians or bicyclists, and contains several underdeveloped blocks that are slotted for redevelopment with the area’s recent up-zoning. Based on existing city plans and
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community engagement efforts,
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passers-by, and creating connections between destinations and through the station area. A major driver of this project was the establishment of bicycle and pedestrian connections between schools and parks across the center of the Station Area. Not only are these important community destinations, but they are designated as Emergency HUB locations in the event of an earthquake.
IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS + TRAFFIC FLOWS
UNCROSS “X”
BREAK UP BLOCKS
IDENTIFY DESTINATIONS
Urban design goals
Ap proa chab le Mount Ba ke r
CREATE CONNECTIONS
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R A I N I E R AV E
1 IDENTITY Gateway Wayfinding Lighting with Branding Elements
McC
Pop-up Farmer’s Market
M
LK
JR
2 CONNECTIVITY
W
McC
Car-Oriented Thoroughfare
M T.
AY
LELL
BAK
ER
LEL
B LV
LAN
ST
D
AN S T
Multi-Modal Thoroughfare Minor Thoroughfare Neighborhood Greenway CH
TY
BL
M
VD
LK
JR
W
AY
R A I N I E R AV E
Protected Bike Lane
S EA
3 LIVABILITY Mixed Use Retail High Density Housing Medium Density Housing
KIMBALL E.S.
M T . B A K E R PA R K L I G H T R A I L S TAT I O N
J E F F E R S O N PA R K
FRANKLIN H.S.
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JOHN MUIR E.S.
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Phasing plan created in Rhino + Illustrator (left); Illustrative site plan created in Illustrator (right)
B AY V I E W S T
FESTIVAL STREET
LIGHTS ON MAJOR STREETS
BIOSWALE M L K J R WAY
SICKS’ STADIUM SPLASH PAD
McCLELLAN ST
RA IN IE V RA
CYCLE TRACK
E FO R E S T S T
LIGHT RAIL STATION FRANKLIN H.S. TRACK
BUS TRANSIT PLAZA
GREENWAY CONNECTION
AV E
Ap proa chab le Mount Ba ke r
IER
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IN
50
RA
0
M L K J R WAY
C H E A S T Y B LV D
M T. B A K E R B LV D
200 Feet
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New multi-modal streets will have retail frontages, manage stormwater, + brand the neighborhood. Created in Rhino + Photoshop.
10’ S i d ew a l k
6’ Bike L an e
4’ Po llin ato r Strip
12’ Tra ffic La ne
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The festival street will introduce 24/7 activity to the area, such as this night market. Created in Rhino + Photoshop.
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10’ S i dew a l k
10’ Tra ffic La ne
12’ Traffic L ane
12’ Traf f ic L an e
10’ Bioswa le Buffer
6’ Bike La ne
Ap proa chab le Mount Ba ke r
10’ Tra ffi c La n e
10’ Sidewa l k
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COMPETITION
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
AWARD
2016 - 2017 | GROUP | CHANHASSEN, MN The goal of the planning process
I held an integral role in this
was to educate + raise awareness
project, from leading community
about the importance of parks +
engagement efforts to drafting
recreation while ensuring that
and laying out the final document.
future investment in Chanhassen’s
I assisted co-workers in the
system meets the needs of the
planning process; writing goals,
community
policies, existing conditions, and
Chanhassen’s Parks and Recreation System Plan outlines city policy and investment for park facilities and amenities over the long term. This planning process involved: gathering input from the community, stakeholders, city staff and officials; analyzing peer communities best practices and national benchmarking data; and an extensive system-wide evaluation
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performed by city staff and the
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consultant team.
other text for the system plan. I was also in charge of the project’s visual branding, and created all of the maps, infographics, and other graphics included in the document. This System Plan received a 2018 MN APA award for Excellence in Community Engagement. The full document can be accessed by following this link: https://www. ci.chanhassen.mn.us/1237/ParksRecreation-System-Plan
Figure 3-6. Key Findings From the Fall System-Wide Questionnaire
PLAN
75%
es a
8% few tim
month
a ce on
1 eden prairie
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66% beaches 52%
chaska
52% recreation center
Top 5 Unmet Facility & Programming Needs recreation center
31%
adult sports and classes
17%
trails
15%
youth sports and classes
14%
preserve/natural areas
21%
fields 29% rectangular skating rinks 26% ice
courts 18% tennis
11%
adult pickleball
6%
courts 6% pickleball
SEPTEMBER 2017
42%
44% 71% 20%
40%
60%
Over 50% Needs Met
80%
16% 100%
Not Utilized
Top 3 Desired Facilities
75%
natural play areas
72%
indoor pool
“We are lacking in facilities to support our population here. A larger sports complex is needed.”
“Keep up the great work and enhance our parks; one of the main reasons we live here.”
62% 78% 7%
“Improving our existing rec center would add value and encourage pride in our community. It should be a top priority.”
60%
outdoor pool
Select General Comments “While private rec facilities should fill the gaps in programming, something like an outdoor swimming pool should be seriously considered as a city run facility. Lifetime is the only option in the city and is not affordable for all.”
Existing Conditions
3-21
Infographic summarizing online community engagement initiative created in Excel + Illustrator
Pa rk s + R ecrea ti on Sy stem P la n
adult fitness
23%
21%
Under 50% Needs Met
natural areas 47% preserves/ 35% diamond fields
46%
13% 0%
family activities
%
4
victoria
neighborhood parks
parks 72% community
youth activities
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74%
a week once
community events
Top 4 Destinations For Non-Chan Parks & Recreation Facilities
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excelsior
80% trails
How Often Respondents Utilize Chan Parks & Rec
% 48
This summary includes a synopsis of some of the significant findings from all four engagement techniques.
Respondents’ Favorite Programs By Percent
34% day
Four different online engagement strategies were implemented in order to reach as many demographics as possible. Three online questionnaires captured public comments regarding the senior center, the recreation center, and the parks and recreation system in general. The fourth online strategy involved an interactive mapping software intended to collect geographic-based comments.
Respondents’ Favorite Facilities By Percent
1% never
ar
ery ev
Online Community Engagement Summary
ye
CHANHASSEN PARKS & RECREATION SYSTEM
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Summary of community engagement conducted over Social PinPoint, an interactive online mapping tool Figure 3-9. Key Findings From the Fall Social PinPoint
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SOCIAL PINPOINT Social Pinpoint is an online platform that helps users place geographically-referenced comments in the following categories: “Like it,” “Needs Work,” “Missing Facility,” and “Trail Gap.” This method of engagement received almost 170 responses distributed throughout the City, which can be seen on the map below. A selection of the most popular comments are displayed ot the right by category.
identified areas that need work
“The trails around Lake Susan need improvement. Very cracked, pitted, bumpy and uneven. Have seen people trip and fall.” “The Chanhassen Rec Center is sub-standard compared to other adjacent towns. We could definitely improve it. Aim high, add an indoor skating rink and a pool.”
“Need a safe way to cross Highway 5 at Powers. Underground tunnel?”
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identified areas they like “I love [the] walking path behind the High School and how we are maintaining the natural area here.”
“We love the proposed trails near Lake Lucy and Lake Ann but do not want any of Prince's land to be developed! Keep land as a preserve!”
“The tunnel under 41 is a great way to get to the Minnewashta trails.”
23 Like It Needs Work Missing Facility Trail Gap
Key Findings 1» The majority of comments across all categories were in reference to the trail system 2» While “Like it” contained a high number of responses, many were constructive as well as positive, pointing out missing facilities, trail gaps, and potential opportunities
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3» Many comments urged the City to maintain land around Lake Ann as natural, open space, and suggested the only development be hiking or skiing trails
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4» Tunnels were highlighted as an important amenity for respondents, and many expressed desire for more along Highway 5, especially in closer proximity to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
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Chanhassen Parks & Recreation System Plan
identified missing facilities
“[Southeast of Bluff Creek Preserve] is another wooded area that would be nice to preserve in its natural state and have public access allowed.” “Consider adding a fishing dock accessible from North Lotus Park.”
“The city already has a future trail connection planned from Lake Lucy to Lake Ann Park. Make it happen!”
“More painted/ signed crosswalks would be nice on Audubon as there is lots of fast moving traffic.”
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identified trail gaps “Bringing a full loop path around Lake Ann would be a huge advancement in running options for the city.”
“Can Chanhassen and other cities work to get a path all the way from 5 to downtown Excelsior?”
SEPTEMBER 2017
Pa rk s + R ecrea ti on Sy stem P la n
Sample of pages from System Plan displaying integration of ArcGIS analyses + community engagement findings created in InDesign
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ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION
SPRING 2014 | INDIVIDUAL | ROME, ITALY The focus of this internship
After being complied, the figures
was the creation of a library of
were printed and hand traced to
photographed + hand drawn
create both sketchy and detailed
figures for the firm to draw from to
representations, allowing for their
populate its graphics
use in renderings of various scales.
This collection of figures is the product of a four month internship at the architecture firm entitled Laboritorio Di Architettura e Design (LAD) in Rome, Italy. The first step involved capturing photographs of people interacting with both each other and their surroundings. Each figure was then carefully outlined and removed from its backdrop using Adobe Photoshop.
The sketched figures depict subtle yet important characteristics of shape and light, resulting in an expression of form that is more pure than if simply captured by camera. These tracings were scanned and also outlined in Adobe Photoshop. Placement in this program allowed for even greater versatility, as color overlays and similar functions can allow for even more
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representational opportunities.
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L ab ori to r io di Archi te tt ura e De sign
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COMPETITION
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
AWARD
FALL 2017 | GROUP | SEATTLE, WA Starting with a three week study
we have proposed using the site’s
tour to Copenhagen, Denmark
close proximity to the Combined
+ Malmo, Sweden, this studio
Sewer Outfall 069 and the steep
aimed to integrate the innovative
elevation change to accommodate
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
a subterranean combined sewer
+ climate resilient designs of
vault to mitigate the occurrence of
Scandinavia within the Belltown
outfall events. This infrastructure is
neighborhood of Seattle
concealed beneath an open, public
Working as part of an interdisciplinary group composed of planning and landscape architecture students, we identified the Belltown P-Patch and adjacent lot as an important site to be protected as some of the only remaining open green space within the Belltown neighborhood. With storm water management
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as the overall goal of this project,
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green that expands gardening area and manages surface water. Stepping into a leadership role within the group, I provided design guidance to the planning students, and contributed my design capabilities to the creation of several graphics for the project. The entire studio, Greener Belltown, Bluer Sound, received a 2018 WASLA Merit award.
P-Pa tch Pa rk
Sketched original ideas
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Exploded axon illustrating each concept layer made in Illustrator
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Wall Street
Vine Street
Wall Street
Vine Street
Elliott Avenue
Site master plan + grading/drainage plan created in AutoCAD, Illustrator, + Photoshop
P-Pa tch Pa rk
Elliott Avenue
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Activity is introduced within the retrofitted building while the plaza negotiates the site’s intense grade change. Made in Rhino + Photoshop.
P-Pa tch Pa rk 30
COMPETITION
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
AWARD
SPRING 2018 | GROUP | DES MOINES, WA This complex, undulating reef
This project involved collaborating
design supports both diver
with stakeholders, biologists,
experiences + marine life +
politicians, barge construction
was presented in the form of a
companies, as well as my seven
master plan to help guide the
fellow classmates. I took on
project through construction in
a leadership role throughout
Spring of 2020
the project by acting as the
Working in collaboration with the Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) in Des Moines, Washington, this studio focused on designing a new recreational reef for Redondo Beach. While the client’s focus was enhancing the experience for divers, we also aimed to improve habitat for giant pacific octopus, wolf eels, rockfish, and other targeted species native to
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the area. Due to the interconnected
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communication point person for the class, as well as spearheading the creation of a master plan document to hand off to the client, the DNR for construction permitting, and future reef designers. Along with the final document text and layout, I also created diagrams, context maps, concept sketches, upland designs, and perspective renderings and helped with creation of the illustrative master plan and
nature of environments both above
several physical models.
and below the water, we moved
This project has received national
beyond the project scope and
attention, and was published in the
developed concepts for the upland
September 2018 issue of ASLA’s
as well.
Landscape Architecture Magazine.
An Octo pus's Ga rden
Initial concept sketches for reef structures that support diver experience + ecological function
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An Octo pus's Ga rden
This master plan document was developed in InDesign as both a deliverable to the client and a guide for future projects involving reef design
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Arterial Road
Parking Lots Polluted Runoff
MaST Pier
Arterial Road
Stormwater Treatment
Eel Grass Beds
MaST Pier
An Octo pus's Ga rden
Part of a larger series diving reefs, the site is separated from upland social + ecological function by a major road (left); activities occurring upland from the reef directly effect its functionality, resulting in our expanded design scope containing the upland area (right)
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Casting natural materials that decompose over time results in complex surfaces that support maximum marine life
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An Octo pus's Ga rden
Final physical model made from plywood + rock with Rachel Wells, Julia Brasch, Fatema Maswood + Ellie Lange
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The deepest reef structure would contain the largest materials enabling it to support the large creatures found at these depths. Rendering created in Photoshop.
An Octo pus's Ga rden
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*The cover art is a collection of hand-drawn figures that were the product of a four month internship at the architecture firm Laboritorio Di Architettura e Design (LAD) in Rome, Italy. The intention was to create a new library of figures to populate the firm’s renderings.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION