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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’