KAYLA MURGO
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN PORTFOLIO MLA I
kayla murgo RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Co-Works at Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Instructor Providence, RI Sep 2018-Present Provide training sessions to RISD community on use of digital fabrication machinery Ensure proper use and maintenance of all fabrication equipment Maintain an open and inclusive interdisciplinary environment on campus
MLA, Master of Landscape Architecture, exp. 2020 Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design Teaching Assistant Providence, RI Feb 2019-Present Assist professor with the collection of research materials to meet course objectives Work as liaison between students and professor on a variety of course-related topics
AutoCAD Rhino V-Ray ArcGIS
Design Under Sky 10,000 Suns Installation Landscaper Providence, RI Jun 2018-Aug 2018 Maintained a half acre sunflower garden/ park including; thinning, weeding and watering Engaged the public in conversation regarding the installation and importance of open space in the public realm The Nature Lab at Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Research Assistant Providence, RI Jan 2018-May 2018 Trained students on use of imaging technologies and weather measurement devices Utilized imaging techniques to visualize micro-environments and surfaces Worked as liaison between landscape architecture department and other graduate programs
COVER: SITE ANALYSIS WATERCOLOR INTERPRETATION OF VARIATION IN TEMPERATURE, CONTOUR OVERLAY
p: 347.466.3889 e: kmurgo@risd.edu
B.S. Biological Sciences, 2011 University of Rhode Island Fellowship: Coastal Fellows Program, 2009
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite including: Photoshop Illustrator Indesign Bridge Laser Cutting UV Printing
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Senior Research Coordinator Boston, MA 2013- 2017 Independently coordinated six Phase I cancer research trials Provided on-boarding and ongoing training to new team members Managed team communications including leading multi-site teleconferences
eResearch Technology Solutions Design Associate Charlestown, MA Jan 2017-Aug 2017 Worked collaboratively with many stakeholders to meet deadlines and exceed client expectations Functioned as subject matter expert to advise internal and external clients on system functionalities Designed mobile-based healthcare software solution to meet needs of individual clients
Partners In Health Executive Assistant Boston, MA 2011- 2013 Professionally managed communication with highlevel donors and other executives Created briefings and assisted in preparing materials for public presentations
Wild Folk Studio Designer, Studio Operations Somerville, MA May 2016-Sep 2017 Executed the construction of large-scale installations Calmly led team while working with delicate materials in a time-sensitive environment
Hiking Cycling Analog photography Gardening Cooking
INTERESTS
CONTENTS 1
HISTORY + BUILT FORM: urban design
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ADAPTATION: ecological design
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DISRUPTIVE INFRASTRUCTURES: site analysis
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SITE + DYNAMICS: outdoor classroom
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HISTORY + BUILT FORM: urban design INDIVIDUAL WORK + GROUP ANALYSIS ADVISOR: JACOB MITCHELL FALL 2018
SITE: CHURCH STREET GARAGE DOWNTOWN SALEM, MA
SALEM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER The intention for this studio was to design a new live/ work community in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. This community was to be mixed use, with a certain proportion of the building capacity being reserved for retail units. Per our studio requirements, no more than 50% of the ground cover could be open space. Beginning in teams, we worked through many iterations of building massing and open space plans. Based on analysis of current circulation patterns and interviews, we decided that a strong northwest to southeast movement through the area was needed and would help to enforce the purely pedestrian, yet untraditional cross-block movement. The program was based around a hypothetical offshoot of the nearby Peabody Essex Museum and a connected community arts and food marketplace. This program ties into Salem’s unique culinary history, beginning with the trade of spices in the 18th century and continuing today. Salem’s strong history in the arts was referenced throughout the site.
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SITE PLAN 1”=8’
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SECTION A - A
VIEW 1
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SITE MODEL 1:8
VIEW 2
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SECTION B - B
OPEN SPACE
While the space is filled with vendors and restaurants, the open space remains public domain. With the nearby gallery spaces and community center, the inhabitants of this space and of the city of Salem are invited to use this space as they would their own backyards.
PLANTING STRATEGY
The planting plan on site helps to create an indoor/ outdoor atmosphere and blend the line between built form and landscape. Pedestrian corridors are located outside, in front of the built space, with a thick canopy of Eastern Red Cedar creating an awning overhead. A parallel pedestrian zone is located within the building, allowing for ease of passage during cold winter months as well as offering room for vendors to expand outward when the physical awnings of the structure are lifted and the canopy creates the necessary shade.
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ADAPTATION: ecological design INDIVIDUAL WORK ADVISOR: KARLI MOLTER SPRING 2018
SITE: SOUTH QUAY EAST PROVIDENCE, RI
1770 | 1112’ 2018 | 375’ 1908 | 436’
1770 | 2354’
The site at South Quay was not formed naturally. It was built between the 1970s and 1990s as dredge material was removed from the inner river. Initially this land was sited as an oil holding facility, but plans fell through when significant instability in the dredge soils was found. The site has remained vacant since.
1908 | 744’ 2018 | 726’
1770 | 4794’ 1908 | 3894’ 2018 | 2430’
Providence, RI has a long industrial history as a working waterfront. Due to the protection afforded by Narragansett Bay, it has served as an active port since the 17th century. During this time, the channel in front of the South Quay site has been continuously reshaped to accommodate growing shipping vessels.
1865 | 422’ 1901 | 920’
This analysis mapping utilizes historical marine charts to show the change in coastline shape as well as channel depth over time.
1997 | 1980’
By looking to the river’s past and current conditions we can see how it has been utilized over time and we may begin to see how it might be used in the future.
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1770 | 3960’ 2018 | 2828’
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KAYLA MURGO LDAR 2257: SITE ECOLOGY DESIGN SITE: SOUTH QUAY SCALE: 1” = 100’
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CONCEPT: CREATING QUAHOG HABITAT COULD ALLOW FOR INCREASED WATER FILTRATION WHILE ALSO CREATING A MORE TEXTURAL UNDERWATER SURFACE THAT COULD SOON BE UTILITZED BY OYSTERS AS WATER QUALITY IMPROVES.
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WHILE OYSTER ARE ABLE TO FILTER 3X AS MUCH WATER PER DAY, THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO GROW SUCCESSFULLY IN POLLUTED WATERS.
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THE PROVIDENCE RIVER SERVES AS THE MAIN SPAWNING GROUND FOR THE QUAHOG, A LOCAL HARD SHELL CLAM.
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SUCCESSIONAL MARINE LANDSCAPE
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HARD & SOFT SHELL CLAM HABITAT SANDY DREDGE MATERIALS SEEDED WITH QUAHOG
LOW TIDE SHELLS ACCUMULATE & BEGIN TO FORM MORE TEXTURAL SURFACE
OYSTER & EELGRASS HABITAT MORE COMPLEX UNDERWATER SURFACE MAY ALLOW OYSTERS TO ATTACH & GROW
UNCAPPED AQUATIC CONTAINMENT CELLS
EAST PROVIDENCE GATEWAY PARK The design of the vacant 70 acre South Quay site utilizes and improves upon an existing public transportation system including buses, ferries and bicycles. This proposal would not only connect to the small, but growing state ferry system, it would also make East Providence a major destination. An exciting new gateway terminal would be incorporated into the landscape to house shops and restaurants. The gateway would also provide alternative transportation to the adjacent concert venue while reinvigorating the historic, yet forgotten, Watchemocket Square district. Tying into the existing bike path and pulling it across the site, rather than over the bluff above, provides direct access to Providence and other East Bay communities for those traveling by multi-modal transport. A new vehicular circulation pattern would bring public buses and provide access to retail and restaurant facilities on site. A boutique hotel, nestled against the bluff, would be provided with secluded accommodations and direct water views, in exchange for grounds maintenance. The area can be thought of as a set of rooms within which different programs and circulation patterns can be found. The dunes provide space for play and exploration. The sweeping lawns create wide vistas for viewing the sunset over downtown Providence and a chance for sledding in winter.
BIKE PATH CONNECTOR
BOLD POINT PLAZA CONCERT VENUE
SUNSET STEPS
FOREST
PLAZA
HOTEL
URBAN BEACH DUNES
WETLANDS
SALT MARSH
SUNSET LAWN E. PVD GATEWAY FERRY
CIRCULATION PLAN
PLANTING STRATEGY BIKE PATH CONNECTOR
BOLD POINT PLAZA
BIKE ROUTE
BICYCLE
LAWNS OUTDOOR PLAZA BOLD POINT PLAZA
BIKE PATH CONNECTOR BIKE ROUTE
LAWNS OUTDOOR PLAZA
PEDESTRIAN PROMENADE DUNES WALKING PATHS
PLANTING STRATEGY
PARKING
PROMENADE PARKING
AUTOMOTIVE
ON-SITE PARKING ACCESSIBLE DROP-OFF NEW VEHICULAR ROUTE
DUNES
BEACH DUNES BEACH DUNE GRASSES DUNE GRASSES FORESTED UPLAND FORESTED UPLAND WETLAND WETLAND
FORESTED WETLAND
FORESTED BLUFF FORESTED WETLAND FORESTED BLUFF
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
GATEWAY PARK E. PVD GATEWAY LAWNS FORESTED BUFFERS
FERRY RIPTA BUS SERVICE
PARKING FERRY
RIPTA BUS STOP
LAWNS FORESTED BUFFERS
LANDSCAPE ROOMS BOLD POINT PLAZA SHOPS RESTAURANTS OFFICE SPACE
BOLD POINT PLAZA SHOPS RESTAURANT
OFFICE SPACE DUNES
EXPLORATION GATHERING THE DUNES BESTEXPLORATION VIEWS TO DOWNTOWN GATHERING BEST VIEWS TO DOWNTOWN
WETLAND
HOTEL THE WETLANDS BIRDHOTEL WATCHING BIRD WATCHING TRANQUILITY GARDEN TRANQUILITY GARDEN
THETHE LAWNS LAWNS
PLAYFIELDS PLAYFIELDS GATHERING GATHERING BEST SUNSET VIEWS BEST SUNSET VIEWS
E. PVD GATEWAY
FERRY TERMINAL E. PVD GATEWAY PVD, NEWPORT, PAWTUCKET
FERRY TERMINAL -> PVD, RESTAURANTS RETAIL NEWPORT, PAWTUCKET RESTAURANTS RETAIL
LANDSCAPE ROOMS
The landscape of the 70 acre site would be broken up into discrete zones with different programming. The Dunes would provide areas for play and exploration while also buffering the built environment from storm surge and rising sea levels. The main buildings on site would be located inland, but elevated to allow views out to the water. The areas closest to the water would be flexible spaces that could accommodate flood waters.
GATEWAY TERMINAL
The southern edge of the site would be anchored by a new ferry terminal, activating the edge of the site at night. The terminal would house restaurants and shops and be a connection point to Rhode Island’s bus transport system as well as the existing East Bay bike path. Building up the landscape on this corner would also help block some of the prevailing winds off of Narragansett Bay and protect the large sunset lawns behind.
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DISRUPTIVE INFRASTRUCTURES: site analysis INDIVIDUAL WORK - in progress ADVISOR: SUZANNE MATHEW SPRING 2019
SITE: JONES FALL EXPRESSWAY BALTIMORE, MD
MULTI-SCALAR ANALYSIS This urban systems studio is investigating the dynamic connection between infrastructure and urban fabric. Through mapping and on-site observation, we are working as a class to compile a set of drawings that begin to describe the condition on the ground in Baltimore. Baltimore is a historic, industrial city. The Baltimore of today is a highly segregated, predominantly African American metropolis. The systemic racism in Baltimore, beginning with legal housing segregation, through redlining and community disinvestment, has left many communities without the necessary services. This studio is tackling these social issues headon. We are specifically looking at the Jones Falls Expressway corridor to understand how infrastructure may have been used actively divide communities and what it’s role may be in the future. Our goal is to create site-based design strategies that engage transportation systems, infrastructure, social issues and city fabric and begin to initiate change throughout the city. VISUALIZING SUBSIDY This mapping is juxtaposing two types of government housing subsidy, public housing and FHA insured mortgages. The color coding of the 1937 redlining map is overlaid on this image to show that public housing still remains primarily within areas marked with the lowest grades, while most home mortgages still exist within the areas marked “safe” for development.
Public Housing vs. FHA Insured Mortgages in a Once Redlined City
UNDERSTANDING CONTEXT
FIGURE GROUND
CONNECTIVITY
This neighborhood scale analysis of social conditions highlights the extreme divide between adjacent areas and points to the heterogeneity that defines Baltimore. Understanding the conditions along the highway corridor are essential to spatially positioning oneself to deal with the social issues at hand. AN UNEQUAL CITY: Comparing Adjacent Neighborhoods AN UNEQUAL CITY: Comparing Adjacent Neighborhoods and Vacancies Along the Jones Expressway Corridor and Vacancies Along theFallsJones Falls Baltimore, MD Expressway Corridor 32% WHITE
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These systems scale diagrams are investigating the fragmentation in the urban fabric caused by the spatial divide of the Jones Falls Expressway as it moves through the city center. The parti diagram to the right suggests a combination of reconnecting the city fabric over the existing highway at specific locations as well as rejoining streets that have been purposefully severed.
PARTI
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SITE + DYNAMICS: outdoor classroom INDIVIDUAL WORK ADVISOR: SUZANNE MATHEW FALL 2017
SITE: TILLINGHAST FARM BARRINGTON, RHODE ISLAND
SITE SECTION A - A
Tillinghast Farm is located in Barrington, RI and is situated on the eastern shores of Narragansett Bay. This space is open to the larger RISD community. The goal of this studio was to utilize a phenomena of your choice to highlight the uniqueness of this place and bring an outdoor classroom to life.
SITE SECTION B - B
For this studio project, I chose the existing salt marsh as the point of intervention. The woods directly behind the marsh exhibited a tranquility unmatched elsewhere on the site.
Using the forested edge as a wind break as well as grading to direct fresh water to the area, a series of runnels and marshes reveal changing vegetation conditions as one moves from the freshwater condition uphill to the brackish water marsh found among the phragmites and finally out on a series of boardwalks to reveal the spartina in the middle of the salt marsh.
Current Parking Area
Current Path
Proposed Parking Area B
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Proposed Tiered Marshes Current Riparian Pool High Tide Low Tide
High Marsh Saltwater Inlet
Dunes
SITE PLAN
Water
SITE ARMATURE MODEL