Landscape Architecture Portfolio

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Beautiful sustainable landscape design involves the design of experiences as much as the design of form and the design of ecosystems. [...] Through the experience of different types of beauty we come to notice, to care, to deliberate about our place in the world.

Elizabeth K. Meyer

Katie Herman

University of California, Davis Landscape Architecture 831.535.2989 kmherman@ucdavis.edu

1. Navigating the Delta: WMT Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

2. An Urban Design Framework Broadway, Sacramento

3. Regenerative Tidal Wetlands Port of Sacramento

4. Stormwater Management Harring Hall A Street Davis Community Church

5 160

Walnut Grove

k c a m McCor n o s m a i l Wil Tract Thornton

Navigating the Delta: MWT

Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta

Galt

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

L

ocated in an area of hydrological and ecological importance along the Mokelumne River, the McCormack-Williamson Tract (MWT) is of particular significance as it is one of the few restoration efforts currently in progress.

S

ince 1955, many areas have flooded due to levee failure which results in large economic loses and threatens homes, farms, and infrastructure. The MWT is the most frequently flooded tract in the Delta.

O

verall there has been a call for integrating flood control, ecosystem restoration, and recreational activities throughout the Delta.

This push calls for an integrative approach to planning in the Delta that takes into account the multiple uses within the site

Flood Frequency Timeline Tyler Island

1900

Staten Island

Staten_Island

Canal Island

Canal Ranch

Terminous Tract Terminous_Tract 3

1904

NewNe

1958

1904

Tyler_Island 2

1902

Brannan-Andrus Island Brannan-Andrus Island

1920

1928

1940

1938

1919 MWT first reclaimed

1950

1958

1960

1964

1947 Legal Agreement requiring MWT levees are lower then the surrounding tracts

197

MWT

McCormack_Williamson_Tract

1986 1980 1980

1986

Deadhorse Island Deadhorse Island

Inundation Frequency

Flood Inundation

72

Glanville Tract Glanville_Tract

8

Subsidence

Hope Tract

ew_Hope_Tract

0

2000

1997

0

15 feet

HISTORIC Land Cover P

CURRENT Land Cover

rior to reclamation in the 1850s, the Delta was predominantly characterized by tidal marsh habitat. Today, only 3% of the Delta’s historical tidal wetlands exist today and over 1,000 miles of branching tidal channels have been replaced with agricultural ditches.

S

mall sinuous tidal channels characteristic of the historic Delta have been lost reducing both the spatial and temporal complexity of the Delta.

Wetlands Tidal freshwater emergent Non-tidal emergent Wet meadow/seasonal Pond/lake

Channels Mainstream Lower order Riparian Savanna/grassland Vernal pool

Land Cover Comparisons

Hydrology

Agriculture Urban Oak woodland/savanna Grassland Dune vegetation Vernal pool Willow riparian scrub

Wetlands

Valley foothill riparian Alkali seasonal Wet meadow/seasonal Freshwater emergent Water

100%

80%

60%

40%

Current Channels

20%

Mainstem Low order

Land Cover Urban Vegetation Water Wetlands Agriculture

Current Channels

0%

1800s

2000s 0

6,000

12,000’

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Adjacent Boat Lau

Navigating the Delta: MWT

Delta Central Hub Boating Facilities T

160

5

he increasing demand for recreation, specifically water based recreation, in the Delta provides an important opportunity to increase boating facilities in the region in order to facilitate increased tourism spending.

w do

ea

M Sa

cr am

N

en

umerous boating facilities and land-side destinations 220 surrounding the MWT draw recreational boats to the area increasing the recreational potential for the site.

to

R.

160

Loc Clampett

Walnut Grove

Marina/Boat Launch Agriculture Vegetation Urban Projected urban growth

Marina Boat Launch

0

1,000

3,000 feet

Twin Cities Rd.

unches

Consumnes River Preserve

h loug Snodgrass S gh ou l S

Information Center

m 2.5 i

Delta Meadows

1.5

McCormackWilliamson Tract

mi

ok

cke

e lu m n e R.

ws

5

M

New Hope Tract mi

Dead Horse Island

.1mi

1.1

Thornton Wimpy’s Marina

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

T

he restoration of the MWT will provide the last piece connecting the Consumnes River Preserve, creating a continuous ecological corridor. The MWT’s strategic location between the Consumnes River Preserve and Staten Island creates a unique opportunity to connect the two areas not only ecologically and hydrologically but also through recreational activities.

Port Fa Boat La Bridge 0

acilities aunch

Cosumnes River Preserve Landholdings

99 5 160

MWT

Urban

Protected Areas Private Public 3,000

6,000 feet

The Nature Conservancy Other protected lands Urban

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

Existing Project Components

Existing Communications Tower

Historic Tidal Channel Densities Pearson District

Degrade east levee to function as a weir and construct access road

Historic MWT

Breach Mokelumne River Levee and construct starter channel

Construct wildlife friendly levee

Historic Wetlands Current MWT

Tyler Island

Area (km2)

Historic MWT

High and Low Tide Elevations

.5

1 mile

Channels Mainstem Low order

0

Completely degrade southwest levee to allow floodwaters into the MWT

0

Staten Island

Tyler Island Staten Island Pearson District

8

Channel length (km)

35 37 37

12.67 58.25 35.53 26.65

1

3 miles

Channel densities (km/km2)

1.63 1.66 .96 .69

High Tide Mean Tide Low Tide

Permanent Deep Water

6.4 feet 4.84 3.28 0 -2.72

Low Tide

Existing Typography

T

High Tide

idal effects play a large role in the current hydrodynamics of the MWT. Currently the MWT interior topography creates a gradient that ranges from 0 to 6 feet in elevation. The site as it remains today is dominated by shallow water with upland areas concentrated around the levee.

This existing topography lacks the necessary habitat diversity and spatial complexity to support the broad range of species.

Elevation

20

Contour Interval

0

0

2,000

4,000 feet

0 0

490

980

Elevation

20

490

980

1 2

0

Feet Interval 1,960Contour 2,940 3,920

1 2

0

750 1,960

1,500 2,940 0

3,000 feet Feet 3,920

750

1,500

Feet 2,250

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

Existing Habitat Types

Proposed Habitat Types

20 acres

0

1,000

3,000 feet

Legend (acres)

Legend (acres) 74.6 Upland

287.7

Upland

466.6

Mudflats

738.4

368.1

Shallow water

249.6 137.5

High tide deep water

0

800.8

Mudflats 670

1,340

Feet 2,010

Permanent water

Low tide deep water

Low Tide

2 ft Contour Map T

he redesign of the MWT involves regarding the site to create not only a more varied experience that offers multiple opportunities for recreation, but also to improve the variability of habitat types. Thus, the Tract will support a complex mosaic of habitat types to meet the requirements of many sensitive species while maintaining the dual goal integrated recreational opportunities.

18

Elevation

18

Elevation

High Tide

0 -4

0

2 5

Contour Interval 2 5

-4

0

Contour Interval

750

1,500

3,000 feet

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT Proposed Campsites

Acres within 100 feet Po

Potential Campsites

te

n ti a

l

13.14 Proposed

154.22

en ot

tial

286.94

Pro

P

Acres within 200 feet

posed

37

Camping within 100’ Camping within 200’ Potential, undeveloped 0

1,500

3,000 feet

High Tide Low Tide

Potential camping above tidal zone within 100 ft of low tide

100’

Potential camping within 200 ft of low tide

100’

Navigable Water Trails T

he network of boating trails form the basis for incorporating boat-in campgrounds which were identified as deficient in the Delta. This will allow canoers and kayakers overnight facilities near existing destination spots, integrating the landside resources with the new boating opportunities 20 acres

B

oat-in campsites along the islands of the tract will be located within walking distance of the shore and above the daily inundated tidal zone. In order to allow for islands of sensitive habitat and provide upland refugia for wildlife, camping will be concentrated within specific areas of the site, as indicated through illuminated “reeds�

0

1,000

3,000 feet

Boat Launch Transient/Courtesy Dock Floating Campsite

Acre

Navigable Water

0

200

500 feet

s

772

Paddle boats

481

Small motorized boats

22.87

289

Medium motorized boats

16.79

30.2 linear miles

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

I

n response to the need for additional buoy fields for overnight mooring in the Delta, the MWT will contain rows of buoys that line the channels. This will expand the existing mooring facilities in the Delta Meadows that are in currently in high demand.

T

he new meandering tidal channels mimic the historic waterways which may disorient novice boaters in the Delta. However, the proposed buoys will act as an interactive guide to the MWT’s waterways, guiding boaters through the complex network of channels. These “smart buoys� will respond to the tide, changing color based on the depth of water.

(a) Campsite Access

(b) Directional Navigation

(c) Main Channel

(a) Small elevated orange lights mimic the form of the wetland vegetation and are used to indicate islands with campsites available for boaters. (b) The buoy fields will line the channels creating a blue-purple gradient that indicates the direction of the main channel. (c) The elevated purple lights will signal the location of the main channel. These will be visible from a distance, allowing boaters to locate themselves within the Tract.

sacramento-san joaquin delta

Navigating the Delta: MWT

T

he MWT would provide a network of recreational opportunities that complement the Delta’s surrounding areas. With 30 acres of land above the tidal influence, this space could be developed to provide dayuse facilities such as picnic areas and small walking trails for boaters who wish to stop and explore the wildlife. This would then cluster multiple recreational activities, while maintaining some isolated habitat islands for sensitive species.

U

nique floating campsites will attract visitors, allowing them an isolated personal experience of the MWT and its dynamic water surface.

Upland Trails

with interpretive signage and day-use facilities

Transient/Courtesy Dock Upland Trails

with transient dock and day-use facilities

Boat Launch

for non-motorized paddle boats

Main Access Road & Connecting Bridge Upland Trails

with waterfront access and views

Boat Launch

for motor boats and paddle boats

Boat-Access Campsites Floating Campsite Ferry Access

connecting the MWT with Locke and the Delta Meadows

Upland Trails

with waterfront access and views

Bridge 12 acres 0

1,000

3,000 feet

Boat Launch Transient/Courtesy Dock Floating Campsite

connecting the MWT with Dead Horse Island

West Sacramento 50

Planned Unit Development

Southside Park

Broadw ay

5

Land Park

y Corri dor An Urban Design framework

Broadway, Sacramento

Downtown Sacramento

T

he implementation of the proposed X Street Bridge and streetcar line along Broadway necessitates a critical examination of the existing conditions and potential affects of these projects. Comparing current land uses with zoning requirements reveals deficiencies of commercial and higher density housing and a surplus of low-density residences. Vacant and under-utilized lots can be targeted for infill development as public investment in these areas would facilitate greater mixed use and residential development.

0.0

5.3

Sa cra m 0.0

1.8

Community

3.80

0.5 Acres

Religion

0.0

0.9

5.3 Acres

Recreation

9.9

2.9 Acres

Single-Family

0.9 Acres

Multi-Family

Commercial

0.6 Acres

ent o

Current Zoning / land use comparison 0.0 0.5

1 Acre Current Zoning Existing Land Use 28.6

28.0

e s U d n a L g n i t Exis

er

An Urban Design framework

Zonin g ma p

Co-designers: Jeremy Kollar, Ashley Lemay, Zaw Toe, Shu Yan

Riv

Broadway, Sacramento I

5

Commercial Office Buildings Industrial Light Industrial Heavy Residential Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Transit Corridor Hospital Water Vacant Parking Lot 50

Food Bank Car Repair %

Vacant Convenience Store 0

.5

1

2 miles

Gas Station

Fire House Temple Residence Car Wash Community Center

Broadway, Sacramento I

Co-designers: Jeremy Kollar, Ashley Lemay, Zaw Toe, Shu Yan

An Urban Design framework

W T

ide streets that promote high traffic speeds, poor sidewalk design, and an insufficient number of crosswalks create significant safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

Existing Streetscape

he proposed urban design framework focuses on improved transportation infrastructure to accommodate multiple modes of transportation. Redesigning X Street as a boulevard and incorporating traffic calming devices will create a safer, walkable community and improve connections to downtown by promoting more travel on the north/south streets.

Existing Traffic Volumes X Broadway 3rd 5th 6th 8th 9th 10th

Riverside 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th

Transportation Modes

Automo

b il e

Bus

Wa lk in g

Strategic Development

Infill Development Areas

Vacant Lots

23,609’

Sidewalks in good condition

1,000' Sidewalks in poor condition

7,728’

Cross walks

0

Low Traffic Volume

High Traffic Volume

.5

1 mile

Broadway, Sacramento

An Urban Design framework

d e s o rop

n a l p r e t s ma

P C

urrently vacant land, this block has to potential to become fulfill demand for housing through the implementation of higher density mews housing. Between the new development and the existing neighborhood, a series of “living alleys” will function as community space that includes seating, landscape planting, and outdoor patios to serve adjacent to restaurants. Defined by paving patterns these allies will promote more a livable and walkable neighborhood.

a. Alley

0

100’

300’

A. Community garden

Residential Infill Development

Residential infill development

Riverside

10th Street

X Street

a A c

b

B

Broadway

0

50’

150’

Broadway, Sacramento

An Urban Design framework

B. alley

b. Mews Housing

0

100’

300’

c. Community Garden

0

100’

300’

80

Por t of Sac ram ent o

Regenerative Tidal Wetlands

50

Port of Sacramento

West Sacramento

Port of Sacramento I The Inland Sea: Regenerative Tidal Wetlands T Regional Context Co-designer: Ashley Lemay

Sacramento Weir

Davis

Rive

r

his subwatershed is prone to flooding due to the current inadequate flood control system. The majority of the levees are in poor condition which magnifies the probability of a more devastating flood event as the majority of the area is within FEMA’s 100yr flood zone. Future investment in flood protection programs and proper maintenance of infrastructure is necessary to protect this subwatershed from severe flooding.

ca n Ameri

Sacramento County

nel

Ri v r e

han

ip C

ass

e nto

am

De ep

Sh

Byp

Vacaville

Yol o

Sacramento Flood Control System

Port of Sacramento

Sa c r

North Bay Region Aquaduct

Rio Vista Solano County

Rivers Groundwater Elevation Contours

Levees:

Flood Recurrence:

Good Condition Medium Condition Poor Condition

100 yr Flood 200 yr Flood 500 yr Flood

0

5

10mi

Local Context 80

ain

r eD

To

50

Lake Washington

Ship Locks Turning Basin

ep De

nel han C p Shi

Lake Washington

Canal

Flood Depths:

Levee Contour Lines

1-3ft

9-15ft

9-6ft

15-18ft

6-9ft

100 yr Flood 0

.25

.5 mile

Port of Sacramento I

Co-designer: Ashley Lemay

The Inland Sea: Regenerative Tidal Wetlands Fenced Wetlands

Existing Wetland

Levee intervention

Low Plant Diversity

Existing Conditions

T

oday, areas of the Port are routinely flooded and the existing wetland, located behind the levee, is enclosed by fences and lacking plant diversity. However, it provides an opportunity to connect the wetlands hydraulically to the channel through tidal influences and to facilitate human interaction with the constructed wetlands.

Restricted Access

T

he design will educate the public through the display of water quality and tidal influences. The impact of tidal influences creates the basis for a terraced design which will enhance the temporal variation of the site as some zones can be occupied at various levels of inundation.

Wetland Pool Typologies 1. Sedimentation Basin

Reeds

Cattails

Bulrush

2. Anaerobic Pond

Constructed Wetlands Fence High Tide Water Edge Water Edge Within Levee

Pickerel

Tall Flatsedge

Microorganism

3. Rock Reed B

Steep Unvegetated Slope

Gradual Vegetated Slope Proposed Improvements

ms

Bed

4. Flora and Fauna Wetland

Port of Sacramento I

Co-designer: Ashley Lemay

The Inland Sea: Regenerative Tidal Wetlands to Degr Phy

Phytoremediation Process

ngaging ambulatory paths will promote movement through the wetlands, encouraging ecological awareness of restorative natural processes.

Harvest

(Compost or Biofuel)

Plants sequester or immobilize contaminants and convert the contaminants to a less toxic state

Expe Biomass Accumulation

Sediment Buildup

Sediment Removal

Phyto

Polluted Water Input

Growth-Yield Cycle Water Inputs

Plants accumulate large quantities of contaminants within their stems and leaves

Plant enzymes and metabolic processes degrades pollutants

biliza Sta tio

E

Phyto

tion ada

c Extra tion

ncorporating phytoremediation, the new constructed wetlands will extract chemicals and pollutants from the water before it is discharged into the turning basin. The process consists of moving water through a series of ponds, sediment, anaerobic, reed, and vegetative ponds, which incrementally cleanse the water.

n

I

Resprouting Harvest Vegetation

High Nutrient Soils

Compost

Water Movement Anaerobic Pond

Winter

Rock Reed Bed

Summer

Riffle

Flora & Fauna Wetland

1. Sediment Basin

2.

4. Flor

Port of Sacramento I

Co-designer: Ashley Lemay

The Inland Sea: Regenerative Tidal Wetlands Kayak Storage

A

Sedimentation Basin

Mud Flats Existing Boathouse

A. Marsh High Tide

Central Plaza w/ Public Dock

B

A. Marsh Low Tide

Port of Sacramento I

Co-designer: Ashley Lemay

The Inland Sea: Regenerative Tidal Wetlands

B. Public Dock

100 yr Flood 10yr Flood High Tide

Mud Flats

g n i l e d nt mo

e v E d o nd Flo

Tidal a

100 yr Flood

Low Tide

10 yr Flood High Tide

Elevated Plaza Lower Plaza

Storage Buildings

3. Da UC Davis Central Campus

2. A-Stre 1. Harring Hall

eet Stormwater Management

Downtown Davis

Davis, California

avis Community Church

1 Harring Hall Stormwater retrofit UC Davis, Central Campus I

Co-designer: Shadi Formoso

Water Circulation

H

arring Hall is an isolated building due to the poorly designed courtyard and surrounding circulation paths. The large concrete courtyard creates a “no mans land� surrounded by overgrown junipers and empty turf grass.

T

his design is based on a careful examination of the current drainage patterns and existing utilities as well as an analysis of the current (mis)uses of the site. To improve the function of the site, the design includes clear pedestrian and bicycle paths and crossings, small intimate seating areas, and a gathering space near the Silo food court and transit center.

A

series of terraced stormwater planters drain into a large rain garden framing the entrance of the building and creating a more inviting environment while daylighting stormwater facilities on campus.

Elevated walkways cut through the rain garden drawing attention to the treatment of stormwater on the site.

Pedestrian

Bicycle

Site Plan Inaccessible ADA Ramp

Pedestrain-Bike Conflicts

Excess Turf Grass

Excess Impervious Paving

Clogged Drain Inlet

Drain Outlet

Street Curb Catch Basin

0

20’

40’

1 Harring Hall Stormwater retrofit UC Davis, Central Campus I

Existing Main Entrance

Main Entrance: Summer

Co-designer: Shadi Formoso

Main Entrance: Winter

etrofitting A-Street will improve circulation and stormwater catchment. The current oversized road increases impervious surfaces and encourages automobiles to drive at higher speeds. Narrowing the street and implementing a chicane will calm traffic.

Site Analysis

No Parking Zone

Existing Tree

Fire Hydrant

Underutilized Impervious Surface

Existing Trees

Fire Hydrant

Raised Planter

2nd St.

Site Plan

Utility Pole

12’ Road Minimum Width

I

n addition, shorter crosswalks and designated paths for pedestrians, bikers, and automobiles improves the safety for all users. Vegetated swales, curb extensions, and green gutters will slow down the movement of water allowing for more infiltration.

et 30’

ge Stre

Overlar

Rice Ln.

R

Existing Conditions

2nd St.

2“A” Green Street Retrofit A Street, Davis

Proposed Tree

Vegetated Swale

Existing Turf Gr

rass

Pedestrian Circulation Underutilized Road

Typical Section

0 20’

50’

15’

100’

Parallel Parking: Permeable Paving

Utility Pole

Green Gutter

Rice Ln

0

5’

0

20’

50’

3 An Urban Stormwater Retrofit

Davis Community Church, Downtown Davis

R

edesigning the area adjacent to the Davis Community Church as a functional landscape will allow for improved stormwater management within the site. Maintaining the existing turf grass consumes large amounts of water and is an ineffective use of the space. Converting this underutilized area into stormwater planters that catch and treat the runoff from the roof will provide water quality improvement, flow velocity reduction, and total stormwater volume reduction services. Implementation of this design will capture stormwater, reduce the runoff from the site, and promote the water infiltration.

Existing Conditions Excess Impervio

us Paving

Site Plan

Stormwater Allocation Plan Seating

Permeable Pavers Drain Inlet

Planted Area (ft2) 1,392.5 53 152 327

Impervious Area (ft2) 6,479.5 120.5 99 1.419

Percentage Landscape 21.5 44 153.5 23

0

10’

20’

30’

Check Dams

4:1 Slope

16.5’ Rain Garden

5’ Pedestrian Path

3’ Planter

6’ Landing

17’ Angled Parking Stall

0

Planters with Pea Gravel

Clean Out

0 2

2’ 4

4’

8

8’

Utilities

Utility Pole 0

5’

10’

20’