Undergraduate folio: Landscape Architecture by Lilie Paxton-White

LILIE R. PAXTON-WHITE UNDERGRADUATE DESIGN PORTFOLIO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 2017-2020

Contents: 03

Digital Design

Construction as Alchemy

Designing Living Systems

Design Studio Beta

Installations and Happening

Public Event Design

Design Studio Gamma

Landscape Studio 3

Site Tectonics

Education: 2017 - 2020

Bachelor of Design

2015-2016

Shelford Girls Gramma

2012-2015

Dubai British School

Awards / Exhibition: 2017

MSDx Exhibition

2018

MSDx Exhibition

2019

Deans Honor Award

2020

Deans Honor Award

Skills: Rhino Grasshopper Unreal Photoshop Illustrator Indesign Fabrication Revit 3DsMax

I began my career at university studying STEM subjects with the hopes of pursuing a career in science. However not long into my first year I realised I craved something more hands on, and decided instead to look into the field of design and construction. I decided to major in Landscape Architecture, which for me is the perfect balance of creative, expressive subjects, real-world problems, and sustainability. Design for me is a way of responding to the fabric of the world – urban or otherwise – in the hopes of creating something that is functionally, aesthetically and environmentally better than what once was. I have studied a range of different subjects throughout my degree, with an emphasis on learning about the global environment and sustainability, and ways of working towards a cleaner future. I hope that after the completion of my undergraduate studies I will now be able to implement this knowledge into the the cityscape and help to create the habitable, resilient cities of the future.

DIGITAL DESIGN THE PROTEA PAVILION The brief for this design was to create a pavilion within the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, which could be used as a live music venue. It had to have a capasity of 30 people plus space for a four-piece musical ensemble. The entire structure had to fit within a 5m cube. The form of my pavilion began as three twisted sheets that created a simple interior volume. However, as my exploration continued, the shape of my pavilion changed from cuboid to a hemisphere, and its form took on something resembling a flower. The tiered seating is recessed into the ground to form a sort of amphitheatre, with access provided primarily by a ramp but also via the seats themselves, which act as steps and can easily seat thirty people. The use of a transparent material for the interior dome allows light to penetrate while also providing protection from the elements, and the metal finish of the petals was to used to reflects the surrounding, helping it to further blend into the landscape. Modelled using Rhino3D, rendered in UnReal Engines.

THE PROTEA PAVILION ISOMETRIC DIAGRAM 1:100@A3 The design centred on simple landform manipulation. Through sitting the pavilion atop a slight hill, it becomes a focal point of the park. This also allowed for recessing the seating into the ground to create a small amphitheatre. Tiered seating around a circular open space created ample room for the requisite music performances, while inclusion of a ramped entrance (gradient of 1:20) allowed for equal access and drainage in case of rain events.

Key - Entrances - Circulation paths - Circulation concentration - Turf - Concrete - Land contours

Using 3D printing and Laser Cutting through the FabLab at university, I created a sectional model of my final design. This shows more clearly the various height of the steps which can be used for seating as well as access, The onion-dome form of the interior is also best seen from this perspective, with the double layer of petal peeling back to create the effect of a blossoming flower.

CONSTRUCTION AS ALCHEMY This subject consisted of three parts - designing a deck, a brick wall and a steel shelter that were all inter-connected and created a cohesive outdoor space, while adhereing to the Australian Standards. The focus was on construction and less so on representation of ideas, so feasibility of the design was important. My final design consisted of an ‘L’ shaped deck with access via poured concrete steps, a simple butterfly roof with central box gutter, and a brick wall with canter-levered corner opening. Subtly rotating bricks along a diagonal path creates a slightly undulating texture in the brickwork. This texture is angled downwards and towards the openning in the corner which suggests to passersby a path of movement in and around the brick wall. The deck was trimmed out around an existing tree, which provides shelter on the exposed parts of the deck.

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SECTION A-A [CUTTING ACROSS THE PURLINS] Scale: 1:20

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Modified T beam 180BT22 forms a ring beam around the structure - one flange is removed to form an “L” beam 180mm tall Universal beams 173x90 run parallel to perlins and attaches to columns Top plate welded to top of column and bolted to U beam

Trimming out around column penetration of decking to support decking board ends.F14 floor timber, 150x50, hung in line with the joists.

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Displa Layou Layou Scale Pan v In the will ap bold h

Welding hot rolled ring beam punched through at one end to allow water drainage Box gutter and gutter support board 250x100mm - 1 degree angle towards drainage point to allow runoff Custom blue orb roof sheeting 0.6mm BMT with 60 mm overhang Cleats welded onto hot rolled members using full strength fillet weld, and bolted onto c perlins

Gutter flashing curves around the top edge of the box gutter and over the C perlins Timber soffit lining to mirror the decking beneath. Top hats used as battons to run perpendicular to the c perlins and attach the soffit lining, spaced 450mm. Cold formed box gutter bracket for attaching box gutter adjustable for fall

DETAIL 1: BOX GUTTER DETAIL Scale: 1:5

DESIGNING LIVING SYSTEMS A DESIGN FOR BEE BOULEVARD Bee boulevard intends to present the unique lifestyle of the Australian native bee Amegilla to the public in a way that educates them apropos the vital role bees play in the natural world. This will be achieved through implementation of integrated nesting sites in the form of sandstone edifices and flowering plants, thus affording new habitat in the urban environment. Over time the sandstone will become riddled with holes due to the burrowing habit of this bee species, forming porous sculptural elements that add to the overall design. Movement through the site along the meandering paths of the boulevard engages with the lives of the bees as people view them nesting and pollinating.

The blue banded bee is a solitary, native bee, found all across Australia except Tasmania as well as in southern parts of Asia (Australian Native Blue Banded bees, 2018). It’s found in various habitats, (Teale, 2017) where rather than producing a single large hive, females create individual nests close to one another, (Fig 3). In the wild the nests are in vertical underground burrows, or horizontally in soil embankments (Greco et al, 2006), however in more urban environments they interact with soft man-made structures such as sandstone or handmade mud bricks (Greco et al, 2006). The Blue Banded Bee has a unique lifecycle and habit, making it an interesting subject for urban rewilding. Its’ solitary lifestyle makes it an ideal candidate for public engagement as it doesnt travel in swarms, thus appears less threatening. By integrating their habitat into the public urban park space, I hope to improve human relationships with the bees.

SCHEMATIC LANDSCAPE PLAN

SCALE 1:2000 @A3

Our assignment for this subject was about integrating wildlife into the urban fabric of Melbourne - specifically along Southbank Boulevard near the CBD. I chose the Blue Banded bee, or Amegilla cingulata, which is native to most parts of Australia. Populations are in decline due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, so I wanted to create haven for the species in the city. Rather than creating hives, the bees burrow into nests, so as a part of the design I included sandstone sculptures that they can turn into shelter.

The garden beds will be lush and organic, following a sinuous path similar to the image above. Paths will cut through the space to increase public engagement with the garden and the bees. Image sourced from Pinterest.

To improve thermal comfort and water drainage, paving between the paths and the garden beds will be permeable, using Dwarf mondo grass as a weed suppressing ground cover between the pavers. Passeig De St Joan Boulevard by Lola Domènech, retrieved from http://www. landezine.com/index.php/2012/07/passeigde-st-joan-boulevard-by-lola-domenech/

DETAIL LANDSCAPE & PLANTING PLAN 1:250 @ A3

This plan shows the planting at the junction of Moore St and Southbank Boulevard, outlined in the schematic plan shown previously. This is the largest planted area of my design, so I chose to detail the garden beds and path in this area. The garden planting is a naturalistic, tiered design. Larger trees are intersperces with smaller shrubs and grasses to create a dense and textural border between the footpath and road, with smaller mass plantings of lavender, daisy and silver spur. The species are a mix of native and exotic, with an emphasis on flowering plants that provide a food source for the Blue Banded Bee. The sandstone forms are set back from the footpath to protect the bees from passers-by and vice versa.

Lag ind Lagestroemia indica Crepe myrtle Spacing - 2500mm Size - 500mm (52L) Quantity - 6

Bra ace Brachychiton acerifolius Illawarra Flame Tree Spacing - 6000mm Size - 500mm (52L) Quantity - 4

Gre Grevillea ‘Moonlight’ Spacing - 3000mm Size - 250mm Quantity - 9

Hak lau Hakea laurina Pincushion Hakea Spacing - 3000mm Size - 400mm (27L) Quantity - 8 Wes fru Westringia fruticosa Native rosemary Spacing - 4000mm Size - 100mm Quantity - 15

Lav all Lavandula x allardd Allard’s Lavender. Spacing: 1500mm. Size: Quantity - 93

Ple arg Plectranthus argen Silver spur flower. Spacing: 1 Size: Quantity - 90

Sal off Salvia officinalis ‘Purp cens’ Sage. Spacing: 600mm 200mm Quantity - 27

Bra mul Brachyscome mult Cut leaf daisy. Spacing: 600 Size: 140mm Quantity - 82

Dia lon Dianella longifolia longifolia, Flax Lily. Spacing: Size:140mm Quantity - 50

Sandstone scultpures to be within the garden bed.

High albedo asphalt paths flect solar radiation.

White concrete paving with grass between

Oph jap Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’, Dwarf mondo grass Spacing: 300mm. Size: 50mm Quantity - 333

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ntatus 1500mm.

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DESIGN STUDIO BETA The task for this assignment was to create a pleasure garden with public amenities and short-stay private accommodation. I was especially interested in creating an eco-haven, so looked at inclusion of a greenhouse, green roofs and semi-permeable paving across the site, as well as theshowing use of sustainable materials EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC activities such as timber, recycled insulation and double glazing. I also looked at passive design principles, namely in accomodation at various times of day the intentional orientation of buildings and windows to allow for light penetration in winter and sun protection in summer.

DESIGN STUDIO BETA

WIND PATH DIAGRAM - predominantly northerly wind on site. Orientation of buildings reduces through-flow, while still allowing for a breeze.

PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY - the greenhouse is the lowest point on site with the edges raised above surrounding ground level. The steep slopes are populated with native flowering shrubs to reduce erosion of the soil as water runs downhill, and to encourage the local bee population.

WATER MOVEMENT - I noticed that most of the water gathered at the base of the buildings. To prevent pooling of stagnant water on site I planted creepers along the base of the walls, which, along with the turf roofs will decrease the temperature within the buildings.

SUN-PATH DIAGRAM - The topography was created to reduce the shadowing across the site, increasing sunlight hours and allowing the plants to thrive.

SITE AXONOMETRIC 1:400@A4

I approached this project with the intent of creating a low impact, sustainable complex which fosters individual conection to nature and the environment. One way I hoped to achieve this was through use of sustainable materials – I used timber for the construction and cladding of the structures as this material is renewable and has a low embodied energy compared to steel or concrete. The cladding is finished with a Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban, which weather proofs the timber through burning it, to create a natural veneer from the resins in the wood. It also creates a lovely charred colour while enhancing the grain. Most windows are north facing with steel awnings for shading, in accordance with passive solar design in order to enhance solar gain in winter and control light penetration in summer. The roofs are covered in native tussock grasses and turf which reduces the ambient temperatures in the buildings through evaporative cooling.

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PLAN

Scale 1:10

INSTALLATIONS AND HAPPENINGS The design was inspired by the use of bamboo and the utilization of recycled materials. We wanted to create a space people could walk into, that also serves a functional purpose in that plants were hung from the bamboo scaffold. The above-ground foundations were necessary as we couldn’t dig into the ground on site. we used second-hand plywood and offset two sheets about 100mm, into which we slot the bamboo verticals. The plants themselves were also rescued from landfill and given a new home through our adoption process. We asked participants to choose a plant then write it a love letter to leave behind in its place, to make them think about the importance of the plant and what it would mean to them to care for another living thing. Overall it was quite successful, and of the 40+ plants we had, only 8 were left.

1. SECTION

2. ELEVATION

Scale 1:10

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

The construction process was a steep learning curve however it resulted in an inclusive and collaborative process that involved problem solving and revising our design as we went. However, once we got started, the actual construction process of the installation was more straightforward than had been anticipated – as we were unable to dig into the turf on site, we created above-ground foundations through offsetting two layers of 12mm plywood with timber batons then cutting openings into the top sheet for the bamboo to slot into. The spiral design was cut using a CNC router based on our Rhino model, in order to ensure accuracy. We then cut the slots with a jigsaw to account for variation in the widths of the bamboo. The pillars were placed far enough apart so that one could look through the installation and see people engaging with the space, however it was enclosed enough that a sense of seclusion could be created as you moved further into the space. We had intended to attach diagonals in both directions however after screwing in the first set the structure was rigid enough that we didn’t feel we had to. Once of site, we bolted the final supports into place and the result was a strong, upright structure that supported the weight of the plants easily, and created a beautiful art-piece for the public to enjoy. While we had initially decided to create pots out of the bamboo offcuts, using the knodes as the base with holes cut for drainage, we realised that ths would use a lot of bamboo. Instead, we decided to collect used coffee cups from around campus to re-pot the damaged plants that had been saved from being thrown out. Some of the plants were too large, so those we kept in their plastic pots, however those that we could we repotted, and we also used the cups for propogated succulents. This meant that the majority of the materials used in our installation were recycled or sustainable, such as the bamboo.

REFERENCES Image 1 - https://vk.com/mysterious_dreams?z=photo-94006680_456242252%2Fwall-94006680_5096 Image 2 - Fen Court, 120 Fenchurch Street London, https://lookup.london/the-garden-at-120/ Image 3 - The High Line, Manhattan, https://www.thehighline.org/ Image 4 - https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/95/5b/a0955b9e8e1d7bf3c30537c057bf34e1.jpg Image 5 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnito/5749865639/lightbox/ Image 6 - https://pixabay.com/photos/moss-wall-green-rock-texture-457387/ Image 7 - http://googlechrome2016.ru/index.php?s=jayceegardenmagazine.chicloth.ru&p=343336-garden-urban-city-roof-terraces-45-ideas. html Image 8 - Decor, by Johanna Mårtensson, http://www.johannamartensson.se/my-product/decor/ Image 9 - Tres Birds Workshop, https://karmatrendz.wordpress. com/2011/10/23/natural-systems-domination-by-tres-birds-workshop/ Image 10 - http://lalafauxbois.com/wp-content/themes/lala-woodtheme/images/tile.jpg Image 11 - Sky Garden, London https://skygarden.london/ Image 12 - Smökers,, Mark Reigelman, http://www.markreigelman.com/ smokers

PUBLIC EVENT DESIGN DESIGN INTENT Asiatopa | Nature | Installation | Federation Square A developing installation art piece that grows and changes over time, my design “Moss” looks at the juxtaposition of the hard, geometric built surfaces in the city with the organic forms of nature. The high traffic location in Federation Square where this is to be built allows for people to witness the structure changing over time as moss grows across the surface, referencing the transience of human society, and exploring the Japanese idea wabi-sabi, which celebrates the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. The structure is painted with a mixture of buttermilk and blended moss, which if kept moist will develop into a covering of greenery, highlighting the contrast between the built and natural structures within the square.

Drawing on the bread city by Johanna Mårtensson I thought it would be interesting to make 2-3m tall models of iconic buildings in Melbourne such as Luna Park and the arts centre, creating an immersive copy of our city that slowly becomes overcome by moss, creating a message about the impermanence of our city. These structures could be 3D printed using wood powder, making them lightweight but sturdy. The location of the installation is in the atrium of federation square to provide the correct conditions for moss growth, for example indirect sunlight. I played around with a few layouts of building placement and decided on one that allowed to visitors to ambulate through the space and interact with each building individually. It also places more upright buildings such as the Arts Centre and Eureka tower near the edges to invite people into the space and create dramatic thresholds.

DESIGN STUDIO GAMMA

NEXUS HOUSE The brief for this subject was about creating a multi-generational home STUDIO on an existing site in MelDESIGN BETA bourne - 4 MacArthur Place North. I chose to do this by creating two dwellings on the small block EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC showing activities that both look inwards onto a central courtyard, which allows for both communal and seperate in accomodation at various times of day living dependent on the needs of the residents. An important part of this design was also creating connection with nature in an inner city suburb, through creation of large outdoor spaces (or as large as possible on the constricted block), as well as views of nature. Studies have shown a simple outlook onto vegetation can reduce stress significantly, as well as being beneficial to reducing the Urban Heat Island effect, improving stormwater drainage and encouraging biodiversity. An important aspect of this in the design was the green roof, which provides cooling benefits and increases vegetation cover on site. However, it can only be experienced on the balcony; addition of the dormer window means it can be enjoyed by those in the main living space as well. I also explored the use of light coloured materials (white brick, zinc roofing) f to decrease UHI on site. This resulted in the development of a low-impact, comfortable family home with ample garden space and views of nature.

NICHOLLS LANE

CANNING STREET

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MACARTHUR PLACE NORTH

As this is a narrow block, I wanted to try and bring as much light into the interior as possible without compromising on space. I did this through the implimentation of a lightwell that cuts across the middle of the main building, above the staircase. Rather than using glass, I chose to use polycarbonate, which allows for some privacy while also filtering the light to reduce overheating in summer. I used this material on the facade of the main house (bottom left perspective) which means that at night the entire front of the building will glow. The angle of the roof towards the courtyard also aims to prevent overshadowing of the limited outdoor space, allowing more light into the block.

ELEVATION I

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VIEWS FROM THE STREET The dialogue between the new building and the surroundings was an important part of the design for me, as I wanted to maintain the heritage of the northern suburbs as much as possible. The use of a perforated double facade system, using vertical timber along the streetfront created semi-private yards at the front and back which can be used for services such as bike storage. It also references the street wall created by terrace house typologies, common in the area. This serves to break down the front facade into something more in scale with the neighbouring buildings, rather than having an imposing double-storey structure immediately on the footpath as I explored in earlier iterations. The use of the setback also allows for more privacy for the residents; this is particularly important for the main house which looks onto MacArthur Pl. The smaller flat at the rear of the property opens onto a laneway, and this more private road allows for more engagement with the outdoors through a large window which projects out.

The decision in the final presentation to keep the hip roof as a solid structure was influenced by the fact that north-facing windows heat up in summer much more than a wall, which blocks solar radiation and has insulation within it. However, looking at the roofline on the main house in more detail, it became apparent that the hip roof shaded almost the entire second floor, as well as much of the kitchen, even with the central lightwell. There is a need for a window of some sort on this face as it is directed northward and has ample access to light. It would also improve passive heating in winter, A repeated motif throughout this design is the use of square openings in the facade that project out from the wall to blur the boundary between inside and outside. To continue with this theme, a cuboid dormer window will be used to allow light into the second floor and provide views of the green roof on the rear residence. One of the solutions is to utilize a material already used in this buildings’ palette - translucent polycarbonate. By making the top and sides of the dormer window out of a semi-transparent material, it filters out some of the harsh summer sun, while still allowing light and heat in in winter*. Making the glass face operable means it can be opened to release hot air in summer, and can act as a means of night air purging, wherein air is drawn through the home by natural eddies, rising as it warms and eventually being expelled by a vent or window near the ceiling. In this way, the house has an additional means of passive climate control. * The angle of the sun in summer is 75 degrees at noon, and in winter it’s 29 degrees.

ROOFLINE ALONG MACARTHUR PL

LIGHT ACCESS

PROGRESSION OF SPATIAL QUALITY

CREATION OF VIEWS

summer sun winter sun

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET RENEWAL PROGRAM: CREATING A MODERN MELBOURNE LANDMARK This assignment looked at redesigning the QVM to create a more functional and green space in Melbourne’s inner city. During the analysis stage, the disconnect between the two sides of the market and the disuse of the parking lot were highlighted as areas that needed improvement. I chose to focus on the carpark, as it allowed me to create larger gardens, as well address some of the concerns of vendors and locals. My design idea was to update and modify the carpark in its current location, while creating an urban park above it that was raised on gothic-like arched pillars, reminiscent of the famous Melbourne University undergound carpark. This form allows for more soil and larger trees to grow atop it. Through creation of this dual-layer space, I was able to take advantage of the beautiful city views and engage with the surrounding urban environment.

Manipulating plane to engage the ground level

Chosen landform

Offsetting surface in Grasshopper to create a parametric surface

Resulting surface with pillars

Simplified road network of surroundings to be super-imposed onto surface

PED. ACCESS

PARKING

COURTYARD

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The primary function of the ground floor is that of a car park, which responds to the concerns of the vendors who fear moving parking spaces to other sites – such as the Munro site – will reduce the maximum volume of customers at peak time - including the night market - and impact traffic flow. Additionally, it provides much needed parking spaces for traders, who must arrive at the market before public transport begins in the mornings. However, as the carpark is often a dead zone in off-times, it is important to rethink its current use and update it to meet the demands of modern Melbournians. During times when the market is closed, (Mondays and Wednesdays) or in the evenings, the cathedral-like space can be used for events such as weddings or music concerts; it can also act as over-flow space for pop-up shops or stalls for other events such as the night market. The times when the carpark may be used for its original purpose are shown below.

These collages show the form of the carpark and the courtyard at its centre, both of which can be us

sed for functions or music events outside of peak times.

section 1

The above-ground park plays multiple roles in the redesign of QVM. While not undermining the heritage and beauty of the nearby Flagstaff gardens, this space aims to create a playful, modern space, that is low-maintenance and hardy. By increasing the amount and types of plants used in the space, the park aims to reduce UHI on site and increase biodiversity, thus contributing to a slightly greener and more sustainable Melbourne. Hardy native plants were selected for their drought and exposure tolerance.

PLAN OF SITE AND SURROUNDINGS 1:10000 @A3

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This subject was looking just at creating landforms and then using equal access paths to traverse it. A simple river was our original landscape, which we altered in 3DsMax. I chose to create an undulating form that projected out into the river, creating steep banks. I then chose to use curving paths at a grade of either 1:14 or 1:20 to connect the provided house to the existing paths north and south of the site. This design is quite organic and playful, and the path follows the flattest part of the landscape, sinking into the ground at points and jutting out over drop-offs in others. I tried to minimise the cut and fill, however due to the dramatic landforming it still requires 731.89m ³ of soil to be removed from site, mostly due to the cut platform the house is sitting on. I chose to keep the bridge at grade as it is 31.89m long, and would have required many landings along its length. Kepping it flat also meant I could sit it just below the water level. I was inspired by the Moses Bridge in the Netherlands, which creates an interesting experience when walking across the river when the water level is high.

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