Virtual Studio 2020 by khyson

design thinking for equitable + sustainable urbanism.”

around design. The mission of the Urban Studio is “to advance

Expanding how students of color are educated and engaged

Virtual Studio DESIGNING FOR DC STORMWATER

APPLICATION ID# 71404

2020 COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL

OUTPUTS + OUTCOMES

PROJECT NARRATIVE

•

the Power of Design-thinking The Virtual Studio: Designing for DC Stormwater project will harness the skills of prominent landscape architects, engineers and urban designers from across the US to teach DC High Schools students to design solutions to stormwater for a project in their own neighborhood.

20+ Partner organizations activated to deliver content

•

10+ Design Firms engaged through promotion

•

6+ College Age Students engaged as curriculum designers and module production

•

5 Online Masterclass style interactive design models (class sessions)

•

5 Landscape Architects engaged as is instructors

•

3+ Universities engaged in program development

•

2 DCPS Pilot Tests Runs of the modules

•

1 Designing for stormwater curriculum – for DOEE to use in the future

PROJECT GOAL Leveraging a broad network of partnerships including partnership with the ACAD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), School of Architecture Utah State University, AECOM, The Landscape Architecture Foundation, NC State College of Design will help us to achieve outcomes for better stormwater education and increased stormwater awareness.

Through partnership and collaboration The Urban Studio will have the opportunity to expose a broader group of young people to the transformative power of designthinking.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | NARRATIVE | 2

Empathic Understanding There is an often-reported dirty truth in environmental circles: communities of color are disproportionately affected by environmental risks. Research has proven that less advantaged communities are more susceptible to stormwater pollution, in particular.

BACKGROUND + HISTORY While there have been splashy campaigns to green

two programs: the 2018-19 Landscape Architecture

cities, urban policies and design practices still fail

Foundation’s

to fix to this pervasive problem. At its core, urban

Fellowship and the 2019 Community Stormwater

environmental risk is a result of bad urban design.

Solution’s Studio DC pilot project.

At the Urban Studio, we believe to creating equitable

In 2018, The LAF Innovation and Leadership

and sustainable cities requires better urban design and

Fellowship convened a cohort of 7 landscape architects

better urban designers. We work with communities

to dedicate a year to think deeply about how to

of color to provide much needed sustainable design

transform the field of landscape architecture and to

knowledge and to help these communities to advocate

nurture emerging ideas. As the fellowship progressed

for green design. The first step in this process is to

3 of the fellows, Maisie Hughes, David de la Cruz

raise awareness about the issue to ultimately create

and Andrew Sergeant and one LAF Board member

culture shifts that lead to systematic change.

Kendra Hyson begin to see a common theme emerging

(LAF)

Innovation

and

Leadership

in their work and in the fellowship. For designers of The Urban Studio is a Washington DC based 501(c)

color to address racial disparities both in the landscape

(3) organization created in 2019 to “advance design

architecture discipline and in the actual landscapes we

thinking for equitable and sustainable urbanism.” The

build, we need to change the way we think and teach

launch of the Urban Studio was highly influenced by

urban design.

3 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | NARRATIVE

We endeavor to make landscape architecture relevant to urban communities by using it as a tool to solve the most pressing issues of our time. Last year, in partnership with Design Virtue (Maisie’s consulting firm) and with a Community Stormwater Solutions Grant from DOEE, the team launched the

Analyze, Synthesis and Define

Studio DC Pilot project. This year, with support from DOEE, we hope to use our findings to create an online Masterclass type program that leverages what we learned in the Studio DC project to engage more students, raise more awareness, and make a bigger impact in the communities we serve.

The Virtual Studio: Designing for DC Stormwater project is series of 5 Masterclass style learning modules that will be hosted virtually using an interactive webinar format.

We have identified a

project site in Washington DC with compelling site constraints, including a steep slope and a location at the intersection of two busy streets. The project site is a residential and currently under permit review for DCRA for the construction of a home. Our stormwater design plans will be based on the existing site constrains and the proposed new building. This way, the student designs (likely to include green roofs, rain barrels, rain gardens, bayscaping and porous paving) may be used to seek funding for a built stormwater project in the future.

students to design the program curriculum in the fall as part of their course work. In the spring, we will use our partnership with the renowned Dr. Kofi Boone at North Carolina State University to record the taped portion of the 5 modules. In the summer we will engage with students in the Academy of Construction and Design here in Washington DC to test the modules

Using our partnership with Virginia Tech and our relationship with the acclaimed Dr. C.L. Bohannon, we will engage a team of landscape architecture

live and to gain feedback and refine. In the fall we will work to deliver the project remotely in partnership with two DC public high schools as part of the science curriculum or after school programs.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | NARRATIVE | 4

Identify New Solutions PROJECT LOCATION

The Virtual Studio: Designing for DC Stormwater project is series of 5 Masterclass style learning modules that will be hosted virtually using an interactive webinar format.

However, the class will use a real project site located in Anacostia watershed at the intersection of East Capitol St. and 50th St. NE. as to study for project designs. Although the program will take place in online, it will be conducted from DC in partnership with the property owner the Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD) and select DC High Schools.

Online classes allow us to

use professional landscape architects, engineers, and urban planners from across the United States as mentors to help students in Washington DC design for stormwater. Green Space

COMMUNITY CONTEXT

City Boundary

This project exposes local students to national experts and emerging young professions in urban design. It will connect DC Students with professors from

three

architects,

universities, and

students

landscape who

will

Rivers MS4 CSS Ward 7 Ward 5 Target Watersheds Project Site Target High Schools

design and deliver the program. We will connect students with the LID materials and techniques DOEE uses through its RiverSmart Program, rain barrels,

stormwater practices on their current Ward 7 facility including

green roofs, bayscapes, porous pavement

a rain garden, green roofs and tree plantings. The project the

etc. We are working with the Academy

students will design is located in Washington DC. We will use the

of Construction and Design (ACAD)

Academy of Construction and Design and work with other high

on the project who has implemented

school students to refine for use in real time in the classroom.

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Prototyping Concepts METHODOLOGY

Working within our existing networks to develop our curriculum and modules allows us to activate trusted relationships while raising awareness among our partners about DC stormwater challenges. It is also a low-cost way to secure experts to help develop the skills of 16+ year old DC residents, our targeted audience. We will work with ACAD to test the program with students who are likely to enter the construction trade, providing us an opportunity to work in the watershed. In addition, our partnership with ACAD gives us access to a real design challenge (designing a landscape for a future house that is ACAD will build in the Anacostia watershed). Our landscape designs for stormwater can be used to future funding to install the landscape. Working with DC Public Schools to deliver the completed modules takes our project directly to the audience we seek to influence, 16+ DC high school students who may have an interest in landscape architecture, urban planning and engineering. By teaching them that design can solve challenges in their own neighborhood and watershed, we can open up new opportunities to improve their communities, increase their education and create a ladder into careers in sustainability.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS PROJECT AREAS Engage communities, raise awareness, and bring about behavior change on issues impacting water quality, including stormwater management, trash, pollution prevention, and watershed restoration. Provide pathways to green jobs focused on stormwater solutions. CREATIVE SOLUTIONS Students in the program will learn to develop design concepts and visually articulate the function and features of their designs using 2-D digital and hand drawn renderings. Students will learn to express their design concepts using plan, section, elevation and diagrams.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | NARRATIVE | 6

Testing and Prototyping PROJECT CONTEXT The mission of the Urban Studio is to “advance design thinking for equitable and

sustainable

urbanism,”.

The

Virtual Studio will help to achieve this mission by using the skills of landscape architects to design and teach design of stormwater in a local DC site in Anacostia. This advances our mission

There will be recorded portions of the program that can be used independently by teachers and portions of the program that will be presented live by our experts. Using a multimedia approach allows the program to live on as a static set of videos DOEE can use to promote CSS Grants and to raise awareness after the grant period is up.

because by teaching key populations how design can be the solution to pollution.

PRIORITY AUDIENCE •

District Residents and Students: This project

•

Our program will specifically target students of color

is focused on teaching design-thinking to

who are looking to participate in programs that offer

16+ year old high schools’ students so they

project-based learning approaches that can be applied

can learn to design for stormwater solutions.

to real-life challenges in their communities and

Because this program will transform how

environment.

these students think and solve problems, students will become more connected to their watershed and communities. Next, students

We have deep experience as outlined in our attached

share their new knowledge with their families

portfolio of projects. The Urban Studio is engaging young

and communities, thus amplifying the impact

people of color in the transformative power of design to

of their individual projects. If we hope to see

better their communities. We are designers of color working

behavior change, that can help improve the

in communities of color. As life-long residents of the

environmental health of the watershed and the

District and design professionals we are the most familiar

communities in them, it is important that we

with communities most vulnerable to environmental

begin engaging future generations of citizens.

degradation because those are the communities, we also

Especially, those who live in communities at the

call home.

greatest risk for environmental degradation.

7 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | NARRATIVE

“

MESSAGING Our stormwater challenges can be solved by smart design. The Virtual Studio: Designing for DC Stormwater will teach students how to design for stormwater and open them up to sustainable design careers. We will connect students with high profile engineers, landscape architects and urban planners as mentors and to universities seeking design students from diverse backgrounds. Together we can transform DC’s landscape.

ORGANIZATION EXPERIENCE We have extensive experience completing similar projects. Here are three examples: •

2019 Studio South Central | David de la Cruz Project Lead | 15 Highs school students, 8 Saturdays, Environmental Design Through Art.

PARTNERSHIPS Virginia Tech University, Dr. CL Bohannon, Curriculum Development

•

2019 + 2020 The Digital Studio’s VR Week with Utah State University | Andrew Sargent Project Lead | 20 College Students, 1-week, Using Virtual Reality to communicate site design.

NC State University, Dr. Kofi Boone, Curriculum Development Utah State University, Dr. Benjamin George, Program

•

2019 Studio DC: Designing Community Stormwater Solutions |

Maisie Hughes + Kendra Hyson | 10

High school students, 10 Saturdays, Stormwater designs using BMPs. However,

have

not

previously

received

Community Stormwater Solutions Grant directly.

Mentors AECOM, Clare Badet, Program mentors The Academy of Construction and Design (ACAD), Shelly Kareem, module testing

We have collaborated in the past with Design Virtue on the Studio DC project that was funded by a 2019 Community Stormwater Solutions Grant. COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | NARRATIVE | 8

OUR TEAM

the Urban Studio

BIO Maisie of

MAISIE HUGHES Landscape Architect

brings

decades

leadership

management

practice.

2019

Leadership

and her 2018and

Innovation Fellow with

the Landscape Architecture Foundation, she explores identity in a documentary series that records how variety of people interpret the

The leaders of The Urban Studio have crafted a compelling project that will offer high school students the opportunity to engage more

same five urban landscapes. The honest and unvarnished insights

deeply with their communities

provide a framework for people centered design. Maisie won the

and the local ecology of their

National Capital Area Chapter of the American Planning Association

own backyards. They bring a

2016 Fredrick Gutheim Award for Distinguished Leadership by a Professional Planner and the 2014 Award of Merit for the “Citizen

deep passion for environmental

Advocate Handbook”. Maisie is an urban designer and Certified

stewardship and a personal

Arborist with a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from

understanding of the challenges

Morgan State University and a Bachelors of Arts in Afro American

facing some of the District’s

Studies from Howard University. 9 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | OUR TEAM

declining watersheds.

KENDRA HYSON

ANDREW SARGEANT

Landscape Architect

Kendra

Hyson

trained

landscape

architect and urban designer working as a Senior Planner with the Montgomery County Planning

Department – a division of the

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Kendra has a deep commitment to community-based planning and passion for social and environmental equity. As a native Washingtonian, she continues to pursue her passion for equity and inclusive in the design profession right in her own backyard, through the facilitation of the Studio DC program. Kendra serves on the Board of Directors for the Landscape Architecture Foundation and is a 2015 University Olmsted Scholar. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Spelman College and a

Master’s of Landscape Architecture

Andrew Sargeant is a landscape designer and innovative new member of the Lionheart Team in Austin Texas. Andrew’s design sensibilities, combined with his technical abilities, allow him to work on some of the most complex projects. His technical proficiency using various software has been instrumental in the coordination between multiple consultants and his internal design teams. Andrew is the recent recipient of the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Research Fellowship. His research will focus on immersive technology’s role in landscape architecture today and its effect on the client and public engagement within the design process.

from the University of Arizona.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, the occupied territories of the Tongva People. Daví is the first of his family to pursue higher education. Daví de la Cruz studied at Cal

DAVÍ DE LA CRUZ Landscape Architect

State Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, territories of the Tataviam people, and in the Pacific Northwest at the University of Washington, Seattle, territories of the

Duwamish people. Today, Daví is working with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust to address park justice and green space access as a Project Manager. He currently manages three projects throughout Los Angeles at various phases of development, from early community design to construction. In these projects, he brings his commitment to hearing from community voices and fulfilling those expectations through built projects. He looks forward to contributing to the LA Neighborhood Land Trust and also expand the work of Studio South Central in his own neighborhood.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | OUR TEAM | 10

MAISIE HUGHES

Co-Founder | Board Financial Officer | Certified Arborist E: maisie@theurbanstudio.org | W: theurbanstudio.org | P: 202.230.9788

EXPERIENCE Principal

Design Virtue Jan 2018 - Present

Planning for people, plants and places based on core design principles: empathy, introspection, generosity, responsibility, and innovation. Develop and nurture customer and professional relationships, and manage business direction. Lead the design, development scheduling and delivery of customer solutions. Supervise contractors, manage and manage contracts.

Director, Design + Advocacy Casey Trees 2009 - 2017

Collaborated with policy-makers, developers, designers, and business leaders to ensure plans, designs, and construction techniques protected existing trees and created spaces to grow healthy trees. Created and disseminated best practices for sustainable urban landscape design. Presented at conferences, workshops and trainings for professionals and volunteers (taught 60+ continuing education classes 40+ LID Tours). Lead design projects that reforest urban areas or feature trees in Low Impact Development. Coordinated urban design grants and Fee For Service projects. Developed Casey Trees’ Citizen Advocate Handbook” and “Urban Tree Selection Guide.”

Landscape Architect + Environmental Designer

Morgan State University 2007 - 2009

Supervised the Environmental Design, Grounds, and Recycling sections of the Physical Plant Department. Implemented the university’s landscape master plan and coordinated landscape architectural services for university projects. Developed schematic studies, preliminary plans, working drawings and specifications. Provided guidance, design and programmatic framework for the restoration of Herring Run in conjunction with community partners and conserved 8.5 acres of university forest.

11 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | OUR TEAM

Program Associate DC Parks and Rec 1999 - 2004

Directed the operations for an environmental education summer camp, after-school program and a mentoring and training program. Created environmental education and leadership curricula and trained staff and program participants. Taught adult education classes in computer literacy, career development, and sustainability. . Served as a State Facilitator for Water Education for Teachers (Project WET), Project Learning Tree (PLT), and Project Wild environmental education training programs.

EDUCATION Master of Landscape Architecture | Urban Planning Concentration Morgan State University Goldsecker Scholarship 2008

Bachelor of Arts | African American Studies Howard University 2001

AWARDS Frederick Gutheim Award for Distinguished Leadership in Planning | National Capital Area Chapter American Planning Association 2016

Award for Merit in Outstanding Social Commitment Casey Trees’ Citizen Advocate Handbook | National Capital Area Chapter American Planning Association 2016

Trees & Power Lines Design Competition | Austin Energy $10,000 Prize Winner

SKILLS

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | OUR TEAM | 12

DAVI DE LA CRUZ

Founding Member | Board Administrator | Urban Planner E: davi@theurbanstudio.org | W: theurbanstudio.org | P: 323.213.9227

EXPERIENCE Project Manager

Oversee and directly manage design process, community engagement,

Los Angeles

contractor bidding and construction for 3-million dollar portfolio of non-

Neighborhood

profit organization. Engage with local residents to understand goals for

Land Trust 2017 - Present

renovations at local park projects. Manage permitting with City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles Building and Safety Departments Oversee architectural consultants and provide direction to responses, often as owner’s representative, or agency representative.

Teaching Assistant

Assisted with landscape architecture course LARCH 361: Human

University of

Experience of Place. Provided students critical feedback on assignments,

Washington | Dept. of

holding office hours to address student needs. Tracked student progress

Landscape Architecture

and relay information to professor related to student. Provided outreach

2016 - 2017

materials for information sessions about the major.

Layout Editor

Assisted professor with final edits before printing an Award Winning

Green Futures Lab 2016

document related to Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture. Produced the publication: Open Space Strategies in the Central Puget Sound. Finalized design, layout and document formatting into both electronic and printed format.

FELLOWSHIPS Landscape Architecture Foundation

Developing curriculum for youth engagement. Formulated non-profit amongst colleagues. Establish organizational goals and mission for youth development related to career exposure. Completed monthly check in calls

Fellowship for Leadership + Innovation 2017 - 2018

amongst cohort and program directors.

Informal Urban Communities Initiative Fellow

Collaborated with Khmer Speaking Students during community

International Fellowship 2016 - 2017

workshops. Provided graphic work to present at community meetings. Lead Photographer and Videographer for program duration. Lead presentations in Spanish related to Student produced Fog Collection manual. Facilitated workshops, working closely with Spanish-speaking community members.

13 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | OUR TEAM

Ronald E. McNair

Fellowship 2013 - 2014

Accepted into a highly-competitive program engaging students from underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies. Conducted original funded research under faculty mentorship (stipend: $2,800). Collaborate with peers on research and scholarship exchanging ideas in workshop setting. Wrote funding proposals for research and travels.

Urban Planning and Sustainability

Project Fellow 2011 - 2012

Granted funding for research, language learning, and travel expenses to Brazil from Funding for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education [FIPSE] (stipend: $5,000). Attended classes in Urban Geography, Regional Environmental Planning, Introduction to Brazilian Architecture, and 4 month intensive language learning course for Brazilian Portuguese. Engaged in research of Uberlândia related to themes of walkability, safety, and public space. Participated in Language and Cultural Exchange Program with Brazilian Students.

EDUCATION Master of Landscape Architecture University of Washington National Olmsted Scholar 2016

Urban Studies + Planning and Chicano Studies California State University | Northridge 2011

AWARDS

National Olmsted Scholar | Graduate Winner The Landscape Architecture Foundation 2016

Fellowship for Leadership + Innovation | 25, 000 Fellowship Award The Landscape Architecture Foundation 2017

SKILLS

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | OUR TEAM | 14

KENDRA HYSON

Co-Founder | Board President | Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional E: kendra@theurbanstudio.org| W: theurbanstudio.org | P: 202.203.8427

EXPERIENCE Senior Planner

Responsible for developing and implementing community plans,

Maryland -

neighborhood revitalization programs and planning throughout Montgomery

National Capital

County Maryland. Assisting with the implementation or the county’s

Park and Planning

Design Excellence and Sustainability programs. Working to develop design

Commission Present

standards for all future urban development.

Lead Instructor

Working with Ward 7 high school students interested in design professions

IDEA Public Charter

to build an elective that will help develop skills in critical and creative

School | Academy for

thinking, sustainable design, problem solving, analysis, evaluation, and

Construction & Design

teamwork.

2018

Board of Directors

Collaborate with leading professionals in the fields of planning, landscape

Architecture Foundation 2016 - Present

profession of landscape architecture, climate change initiatives and work to

The Landscape

architecture and finance to develop strategies that advocate for the promote innovation and leadership within the profession.

Project Coordinator

Managed multiple community development projects focused on issues

Design Center 2016 - 2019

stormwater management best practices through community engagement,

The Neighborhood

surrounding neighborhood planning, streetscaping, landscape design and and participatory design methodologies. Coordinated with volunteer design professionals, community stake holders and partners to develop concept design plans for a variety of project typologies. Facilitated community driven visioning workshops and developed community engagement strategies for neighborhood development projects, to gain insight into community wants and needs. Supervised the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment Arbor Day Every Day program. A PG County school based program that provides free native trees and shrubs to schools. Working with school administrations and green teams to coordinate projects.

15 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | OUR TEAM

Landscape Designer

LandDesign Inc. 2015 - 2016

Gained knowledge of District and Federal laws and codes regarding zoning and redevelopment in order to deliver site construction documents for a variety of city wide projects and clients. Assisted in the development of stormwater management plans and strategies in compliance with all Virginia, District and Maryland codes and regulations.

Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

DC Parks and Rec 2012 - 2015

Scheduled and managed participant activities, prepared and disseminated posters, fliers and other information for events, activities and service availability. Day-to-day management of programs and activities, staffing, and safety of recreation participants. Conducted swim instruction and facilitated camp and subsequent activities with youth ages 6 - 13 years old.

EDUCATION Master of Landscape Architecture | Sustainable Urban Design Concentration The University of Arizona Olmsted Scholar 2015

Bachelor of Fine Arts | Environmental Art Concentration Spelman College 2011

AWARDS University Olmsted Scholar | The University of Arizona The Landscape Architecture Foundation 2015

ASLA Honor Award | American Society of Landscape Architects Arizona Chapter 2015

Spelman College Research Day | First Place in Sustainability in Art Spelman College 2011

SKILLS

ANDREW SARGEANT

Founding Member | Board VP | BIM/VR Specialist

E: drew@theurbanstudio.org | W: theurbanstudio.org | P: 210.290.2645

Andrew Sargeant, ASLA, is a tech enthusiast looking to pioneer the use of design technology for the field of landscape architecture. Andrew conducted research on the use of immersive technology in the field of landscape architecture through the 2019 Landscape Architecture (LAF) Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership. Andrew would like to continue to conduct research in the documentation and dissemination of design technologies, including but not limited to immersive technology, parametric modeling, and building information modeling (B.I.M.).

WORK EXPERIENCE Landscape Designer + BIM/VR Specialist

Worked in all phases of design process including construction observation.

Landscape Designer

Worked on competition proposals, packages, and submissions. Facilitated

Lionheart Places Present

OLIN 2016 - 2019

Created a variety of visualizations for marketing and design review. Work with consultants of various disciplines.

teaching of design technology tools for staff. Participated in all phases of design processes.

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RELEVANT PROJECTS

2019: Plum Creek Town Center Park and Cultural Trail, Landscape Designer – Kyle, TX 2019: Austin Green, Landscape Designer – Austin, TX 2019: James Avery HQ2, Landscape Designer – Cedar Park, TX 2019: Rodney Square, Landscape Designer - Wilmington, DE 2018-2019: Multiple Corporate Campus, Landscape Designer - Bay Area, CA 2018: Vista Tower, Landscape Designer - Chicago, IL 2018: Mill River Park and Greenway, Landscape Designer - Stamford, CT 2016-2018: Red Hook Housing Renewal, Landscape Designer - Brooklyn, NY 2016-2017: University of Washington North Campus Housing, Landscape Designer - Seattle, WA 2016-2017: Bill and Melinda Gates Center,, Landscape Designer - Seattle,

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science | Landscape Architecture Temple University 2016

AWARDS

2018: Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership 2016: Olmsted Scholar, Temple University 2016: American Society of Landscape Architects, Pennsylvania Delaware Chapter: Honor Award 2015: American Society of Landscape Architects, Pennsylvania Delaware Chapter: Honor Award 2015: Solomon’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Landscape Architecture 2014: John Collins Academic Scholarship 2014: Jan R. Martin Memorial Scholarship 2014: Horticulture/Landscape Architecture Alumni Scholarship

SKILLS

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | OUR TEAM | 18

PORTFOLIO

the Studio DC Project The Studio DC program received a $20,000 dollar Community Stormwater Solutions Grant from DOEE, to conduct a 10 week youth program that would teach teens how to develop design solutions to some of the DC areas pressing stormwater issues.

The Studio DC programs 10-week challenge focused on addressing stormwater and water quality issues in the in the student’s neighborhoods. Neighborhoods, that are located in some of the most polluted watersheds in the city according to DOEE. For 10-weeks we exposed this bright group of young people to the principles of green infrastructure, sustainable design, community engagement, and landscape architecture. In such a short time - these brilliant students developed a comprehensive landscape plan that included some muchneeded community amenities and green infrastructure strategies to capture and clean the stormwater on their perspective sites. The grant - not only allowed us to facilitate the program but it also allowed us to pay our students for their time and dedication.

19| COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | PORTFOLIO

“

PROJECT REFLECTION FROM STUDIO DC PROGRAM ASSISTANT

This type of learning atmosphere epitomized the design-thinking and colearning processes that I consider to be a condition crucial to good design: a team composed not merely of a group of students, but of unique individuals with their own perspectives to contribute. The ability to participate in such a program would be a great benefit to any aspiring design student, but to grant the opportunity to a group of young black students creates the potential for an even greater set of benefits. Being a minority in the workplace (especially in a homogeneous environment) can contribute to a sense of alienation that dampens one’s willingness to participate. This is especially detrimental in the design professions, where having a strong, confident voice is not only beneficial but crucial. In Studio DC’s students, I could see that condition fade away before it ever had a chance to take hold.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | PORTFOLIO | 20

PHOTOGRAPHIC

EXPLORATION

SELECTED WORK

I have a great interest in the waterways of the Los Angeles Basin. This has manifest into a long range photo exploration of the ecologies along the Los Angeles River. This is an ongoing project, and these small thumbnails capture the scope, temporally and spatially, of this photographic exploration. This collection of photos are compiled to capture a moment in time. There are proposed developments along the Los Angeles River; many communities along the Lower Los Angeles River have found their way into steering commitees to ensure equitable development is proposed addressing housing, access to recreational space, as well as addressing the contamination challenges proposed by this river. Some of these photos have been gathered during the East Yard Communtiies for Environmental Justice’s annual Los Angeles River Bike Toxic Tour, along with trips throughout the day. I intend to continue documenting the ongoing changes along the Lower Los Angeles River as a personal project.

Maisie Hughes CASEY TREES CITIZEN ADVOCATE HANDBOOK

The Handbook arms Casey Trees volunteers with design, urban planning and arboricultural principles. Using clear language and graphics, the Handbook arms advocates with an understanding of how to advocate for trees in developments, community plans, laws, and policies. The Handbook won the 2015 American Planning Association - National Area Chapter Award for Outstanding Social Engagement.

photo on right: Community member participating in mapping activity during youth action. This activity helped demonstrate the impact of property seeking entitltement for development. This mapping activity looked to

Photo above taken during Dreamers of South Central Action, on July 16th.

COMMUNITY 21| COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | PORTFOLIO

SELECTED WORK

Davi de la Cruz COMMUNITY OUTREACH

In collaboration with local grassroots collectives, a range of events have been hosted throughout Los Angeles. Initially, in 2016, these collectives help stir up and catalyze an art’s oriented “Lot Liberation” event that looked to bring together artists and local entrepreneurs.

This “pop-up” event was made up of local South Central based artists spreading a unified message of community cohesion across South Central. The graphics represented on this spread were created by me by listening to rhe various unique needs and goals of these collectives to strive for individual branding. Recently, in the Spring of 2019, I lead a mentorship program for youth intersecting self expression in relation to the arts. This will be a yearly youth program, with a focus on intersecting careers in the built environment through STEAM, Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math for youth in the neighborhood I was raised. In 2020, the youth participants of this

photo on right:

“Studio South Central” program will have an opportunity to take a week long university

field trip. Logistical Community member participating in mapping activity during youth action. This activity helped demonstrate the already underway. impact of property seeking entitltement for development. This mapping activity looked to

planning for this trip is

PROJECTS COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | PORTFOLIO | 22

Photo above taken during Dreamers of South Central Action, on July 16th.

Conservation Landscaping Paisaje para la Conservación Crittenden Green Street Initiative

SELECTED WORK

Kendra Hyson

Introduction

Crittenden Green Street is the second Green Street constructed by the Town of Edmonston, a certified Maryland Sustainable Community. Decatur Street, the first Green Street, was designed and built in 2009 to help solve flooding and create safer passage for pedestrians and bicyclists. Green Streets provide environmental benefits by slowing stormwater and capturing pollution in streetscape rain gardens. Green Streets also improve neighborhood quality of life by creating a safe and pleasant street environment.

Conservation Landscaping

Introducción

Crittenden Green Street es la segunda Calle Verde construida en la ciudad de Edmonston, certificada en Maryland como comunidad sostenible. Decatur Street fue la primer Calle Verde, diseñada y construida en el 2009 para ayudar a resolver inundaciones y creando cruzes seguros para peatones y ciclistas. Calles Verdes proporcionan beneficios ambientales al disminuir la velocidad del agua de la tormenta y capturar la contaminación en los jardines de lluvia.Calles verdes también mejoran la calidad del vecindario creando una calle ambiental, segura y placentera.

Paisaje para la Conservación

Conservation landscapes are all about planting the right plant in the right place! So look closely at your planting site and ask a few basic questions: is it shady or sunny? Wet or dry or in-between? Flat or hilly? Plants that grow naturally in Maryland – called native plants - are often the best choice since nature has already made the decision for us!

¡Los paisajes de conservación tienen que ver con plantar la planta correcta en el lugar correcto! Por lo tanto, observe detenidamente su plantación y formule algunas preguntas básicas: ¿está a la sombra o soleado? ¿Mojado o seco o en el medio? ¿Piso o montañoso? Las plantas que crecen naturalmente en Maryland, llamadas plantas nativas, a menudo son la mejor opción ya que la naturaleza ya ha tomado la decisión por nosotros.

51st Place Conservation Landscaping

This area at the end of 51st place is usually a place for over grown grass and weeds. Native trees, shrubs, and perennials have been planted to help restore habitat and biological diversity in the Crittenden neighborhood. Planting small areas with a mixture of native trees, shrubs and perennials can be done in the backyard, bringing shade, seasonal color and wildlife habitat to a local community.

51st Place Paisaje para la Conservación Esta área al final del lugar de 51st Place suele ser un lugar para pasto crecido y malas hierbas. Se han plantado árboles, arbustos y plantas perennes nativas para ayudar a restaurar el hábitat y la diversidad biológica del vecindario Crittenden. La plantación de áreas pequeñas con una mezcla de árboles nativos, arbustos y plantas perennes se puede hacer en los patios traseros, trayendo sombra, color de temporada y hábitat de vida silvestre a una comunidad local.

EDMONSTON RAIN GARDEN DESIGN + EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE

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Introducción

and bicyclists. Green Streets provide environmental benefits by slowing stormwater and capturing pollution in streetscape rain gardens. Green Streets also improve neighborhood quality of life by creating a safe and pleasant street environment.

y ciclistas. Calles Verdes proporcionan beneficios ambientales al disminuir la velocidad del agua de la tormenta y capturar la contaminación en los jardines de lluvia.Calles verdes también mejoran la calidad del vecindario creando una calle ambiental, segura y placentera.

This rain garden captures water from 51st Avenue and nearby houses. Water flows into the garden from openings in the street curb and fills the garden space during a rainstorm. The rainwater gradually soaks into the soil, providing water for plants such as iris, cinnamon fern and cardinal flower.

Este jardín de lluvia captura agua de 51st Avenue y casas cercanas. El agua fluye hacia el jardín desde la aberturas en el bordillo de la calle y llena el espacio del jardín durante una tormenta. El agua de lluvia se empapa gradualmente en el suelo proporcionado agua para las plantas como el helecho de cinamon, iris y flor cardinal.

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Esta área al final de Crittenden Street es donde el agua de lluvia desembarca en una zanja al costado del Río Anacostia, Northeast Branch, la plantación aquí se hizo como un ejemplo de plantas nativas que podrían ocurrir en un entorno natural, mientras que proporciona un color vibrante a un paisaje hogareño, el brote rojo el cornejo de ramita roja traen un color estacional. Mientras que las plantas perennes como el gay feather, la bergamota silvestre y la hierba de joy-pye proporcionan un hábitat de polinizador.

Crittenden Street Conservando el Paisaje

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This area at the end of Crittenden Street is where stormwater flows into a ditch alongside of the Anacostia River, Northeast Branch. The planting here was done as an example of native plants that might occur in a natural setting while providing vibrant color to a home-like landscape. Redbud and red twig dogwood bring seasonal color, while perennials such as gayfeather, wild bergamot and Joe-pye weed provide pollinator habitat.

23 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | PORTFOLIO

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Hispanic population throughout the town.

Crittenden Street Conservation Landscaping

and bilingual to accommodate for the large

wanted the signs to be welcoming, colorful

water management. The town administrator

Paisaje para la Conservación

Conservation landscapes are all about planting the right plant in the right place! So look closely at your planting site and ask a few basic questions: is it shady or sunny? Wet or dry or inbetween? Flat or hilly? Plants that grow naturally in Maryland – called native plants - are often the best choice since nature has already made the decision for us!

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vation landscaping and natural systems storm

inform the public of the importance of conser-

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Conservation Landscaping

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placed in each of the rain gardens as a way to

Crittenden Green Street es la segunda Calle Verde construida en la ciudad de Edmonston, certificada en Maryland como comunidad sostenible. La calle Decatur fue la primer Calle Verde, diseñada y construida en el 2009 para ayudar a resolver inundaciones y creando cruzes seguros para peatones y ciclistas. Calles Verdes proporcionan beneficios ambientales al disminuir la velocidad del agua de la tormenta y capturar la contaminación en los jardines de lluvia.Calles verdes también mejoran la calidad del vecindario creando una calle ambiental, segura y placentera.

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requirements interpretive signage is to be

Introducción

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strategically placed along the towns main roads to highlight native plants and manage

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Stormwater Stewardship grant, have been

Los jardines de lluvia están especialmente construidos y plantados para absorber y limpiar las aguas pluviales que salen de nuestros edificios y calles. Los jardines de lluvia reduce la escorrentía sucia al capturar cantidades más pequeñas de agua cerca de donde cae la lluvia antes de que pueda contaminar nuestros arroyos y ríos. Los jardines de lluvia se pueden plantar en patios al final de una bajada del techo, o al lado de un área pavimentada como los que están a lo largo de la calle Crittenden.

51st Avenue jardín de lluvia

throughout the town, 4 large scale rain

Rain gardens are specially constructed and planted to soak up and clean stormwater that runs off our buildings and streets. Rain gardens reduce dirty runoff by capturing smaller amounts of water close to where the rain falls before it can pollute our streams and rivers. Rain gardens can be planted in yards at the end of a roof downspout, or next to a paved area such as the ones along Crittenden Street.

51st Avenue Rain Garden

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sites, tree trenches and small rain gardens

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Located in a significant flood plain, the town of Edmonston has implemented a number of rain gardens throughout the township to help mitigate stormwater.

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Crittenden Green Street Initiative

Native Planting for Rain Gardens

Concept Inspiration Images

Concepts were formed based on programming compatibility and three key thematic narratives, the historic railroad, hill country ranch, and local geology.

SELECTED WORK

Concept Inspiration Images

Andrew Sargeant

Concepts were formed based on programming compatibility and three key thematic narratives, the historic railroad, hill country ranch, and local geology.

Initial Concept Site Plans

From left to right Concept 1 - Historic Railroad, Concept 2 - Hill Country Ranch, and Concept 3- Local Geology.

Programming such as seating and an entry plaza take advantage of a higher vantage point. Stormwater plantings and the playground take advantage of the low point in the site.

TOWN CENTER PARK + CULTURAL TRAIL

Initial Concept Site Plans From left to right Concept 1 - Historic Railroad, Concept 2 - Hill Country Ranch, and Concept 3- Local Geology.

The Central Park provides a wide range of amenities unique to the city, making it a destination for visitors in and outside Kyle. It includes opportunities for events such as performances, movies

Final Town Center Park Plan

in the park and markets that

The final plan combined all of the elements that received positive feedback from online survey.

will bring visitors to the area to support surrounding businesses. The design promotes and reflects the social and economic interests of city and community that lives there.

Final Town Center Park Plan The final plan combined all of the elements that received positive feedback from online survey.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | PORTFOLIO | 24

PRESS

On-Ramps, On Time

25 | COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT | PRESS

The Urban Studio featured in the May 2020 issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine. Article written by Tim Schuler.

PRESS

the Next Generation of Landscape Architecture Leaders

The leadership of the Urban Studio was featured on the ASLA Blog THE DIRT in June 2019. Article written by Ian Dillon.

COMMUNITY STORMWATER SOLUTIONS GRANT PROPOSAL | PORTFOLIO | 26