LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PORTOFOLIO 2023

about me

address

16 Ranunculus court, Beeliar, 6164, Perth WA

email

nadia99long@gmail.com

phone

+61 413 244 548 (Mobile)

Linkedin

linkedin.com/in/nadia-long-250518151

I am currently in the process of completing my Masters in Landscape Architecture. Throughout my degree and work experience, I have developed a passion for working with landscapes, having found a love in promoting the beauty of its interaction with the everchanging urban environment. The importance of accomodating the urban setting whilst trying to minimise the impact on the natural environment is something I try to explore throughout my design process, aiming to balance the need for more-than-human designs within urban spaces to create an area that delicately promotes this relationship between ecosystems and humans. Working within the field has allowed me to improve not only in my ability to produce quality work and documents, but also my communication skills and exposure to the field. I do however have much to learn and many aspirations for the future, hoping to work at multiple scales that positively impact how people perceive Landscape Architecture, and how people can learn to respect the land we reside in. I hope to bring creativity and teamwork wherever I choose to go, spreading awareness for the importance of Landscape Architecture in the creation of healthy, sustainable environments.

personal interests

Landscape & Architectural Photography

Drawing/painting

Reading

Travelling

Camping

Languages

graduate landscape architect

education

BA in Landscape Architecture

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, Perth WA 2018 2020 (GPA 5.360)

Currently studying a Masters in Landscape Architecture

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, Perth WA 2022 - 2023

work experience + projects

Graduate Landscape Architect, TIM DAVIES LANDSCAPING, February 2021 - December 2022 (on & off throughout 2022 during 1st year of Masters)

Assisted Landscape Architects and Senior Landscape Architects with Design Approval documents; Issue for Approval, Review, and Construction documents; Specifications; Planting Plans, etc.

Worked on a wide range of projects; Parks/Public Open Spaces (POS) Projects; Main Street Revitalisation Project; Commercial Developments; Rehabilitation projects

volunteering membership exhibitions

Presented a Pecha Kucha for Fremantle Design Week in 2022, presenting my studio work on Termites and their impact on Climate Change

I was a Juror for UWA Design Jury week in 2022

My studio work was on exhibit at the UWA Winter and Summer Exhibitions 2022

2020 Landscape Architect Representative for ALVA (Architecture, Landscape, Visual Art) Society at UWA

Was part of a student team involved in the accreditation for UWA

Was a Landscape Architecture student representative for UWA 2023 Open Day

2020 Student Member of AILA

software skills

TERMITE AND BANKSIA

LACH5422 Design Studio - Making

Leucophyta brownii Grevillea hookeriana

Olearia axillaris Leptospermum petersonii 'Little Lemon Scents'

Rhagodia spinescens Syzgium smithii Beaufortia elegans

TERMITES AND BANKSIA

LACH5424 Design Studio - Complexity Unit Coordinator: Rosie Halsmith 2022

Within the context of the Swan Coastal Plain, the decrease in patches of remnant vegetation, in particular Banksia woodlands, is a continuous threat that is affecting the natural flow of environmental networks across the region. Termites, although small, impact the larger ecosystem on multiple scales, influencing soil condition which subsequently impacts multiple species and ecosystems. Although they can hold a negative impact to the human-dominated world, their impact within bushlands is significant, helping environments flourish by influencing soil condition which subsequently impacts flora ecosystems; bushfire prevention; and fauna habitats, re-nourishing these once biodiverse environments through recycling nutrients within the soil.

The design encompasses three strategies; Termite Haven; Banksia Highway; and Banksia Restoration. Termite Haven is a novel environment created as a space that is most desirable and ideal for termites to reside in. It is an area characterised by low points for water collection to keep the soil moist and humid, dense plantation of Eucalyptus trees as a food source and habitat for wildlife, un-removed decaying logs and branches for food source and protection for wildlife, dense undershrub plantation, and possible areas for artificial/temporal termite mounds to combat climate changes effect on soil condition. Banksia Highway focuses on the Banksia woodland and its adaptability within this ever-changing climate. The strategy aims to utilise roads as a connection between patches of remnant Banksia woodlands found in Kings Park and Bold Park, as well as opening research into species adaptability to the change in soil and environmental factors. Aiming to introduce species from different regions into Perth's woodlands, it's encouraging an increase in biodiversity within the diminishing woodlands in a hope to revitalise Perth's ecological footprint. The final strategy holds emphasis purely on restoration of Banksia woodlands to open park spaces in a hope to provide connectivity for these patched bushlands.

The aeolin sandy soils of the Spearwood dunes (Karrakatta soils) are transported from the ocean to the coast, which are then transported by wind to the dunes. Represented and formed primarily from Bassendean, Spearwood, and Quindalup geomorphic units, these soils are characteristed by percolation into the groundwater from the rainfall and lack of water retention and the percolation.

The predominate ecological identity within Shenton Bushland and among key areas of the site is a low open forest of Tuart, Jarrah, Marri, and Banksia sp. Currently the area is an isolated patch, surrounded by the Army Barrack, Shenton College, commercial and residential buildings, as well as being enclosed by a road and the bridge.

PROTECTION?

The protection and restoration of Banksia woodlands is a key sanctuary for native species of the Perth Coastal Plain

Significant decrease in the ecological community, listed as endagered in 2016 under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Caused by numerous impacts, the main being deforestation for developents.

Termites are found all over the world, living in a range of environments that shift in climate, soil quality, and biodiversity. Although small, termites impact within the environment is significant; influencing soil condition which subsequently impacts flora ecosystems; bushfire prevention; fauna habitats; and the rich biodiverstiy of a bushland and/or environment it resides in due to it's rich cellulose-diet that recycles nutrients.

They do however hold a negative impact to the human-dominated world, with termites being associated with damage of homes and the cause of drainage leaks. There are over 2700 species of termites wordwide, with around 360 of them being found in Australia. Out of those 360, only a small handful are responsible for the damage to timber in homes, while the other large quantity stay within bushland and help ecosystems flourish. Termites thrive where moisture is high, and depending on this factor within its given environment, termites may create habitats that suite their livability. They are found within 3 known habitats depending on the soil condition and climate; tunnels and nests underground; termite mounds; and nests within trees. I explored these 3 habitats, studying how and why they change and how I can implement that within my design. When walking through Shenton Park and surrounding areas, these indicators allow us to assume they are in the area.

HEALTHY REMNANT BANKSIA WOODLAND Banksia woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain bioregion

CURRENT ENDANGERED WOODLAND COMMUNITY

Nest within trees made by arboreal termites

Termite mound

Termite mud tunnels underground

contours and water levels

LAND & STRATEGY MAPPING

From completing site analysis from a larger point of view in combination with problem mapping, the key important strategies that could be addressed within my design were those surrounding water levels and ideal environments, especially for the termite. This step involved looking at moves to make and the best places to make them i.e. where is there moist soil for termites, and how could I connect these nodes through vegetated corridors.

species within a Banksia-Jarrah woodland strategy plan E. marginata

B. marginata

C. calophylla

B. attenuata

Focus areas

Revitalisation/replanting of Banksia woodland

Ideal environment for termite location for termite nodes

Location of 'Banksia Highway' to test adaptabilty of Banksias from around W.A and see if we can utilise them in Perth

Hypothesised location of termites

01. Termite Haven

02. Banksia Highway

03. Restoration & Revitalisation

The first strategy, 'Termite Haven', is a novel environment created as a space that is most desirable and ideal for termites to reside in. It is an area characterised by low points for water collection to keep the soil moist and humid, dense plantation of Eucalyptus trees as a food source and habitat for wildlife, un-removed decaying logs and branches for food and protection, dense undershrub plantation, and possible areas for artifical/temporal termite mounds to combat climate changes affect on soil condition.

The planting within this area is aimed to be a hybrid of Banksia woodland, the vegetation suitable for the Karrakatta complex, and planting found within the current site. Due to the levels and contours playing such an important role within this environment, the planting palette is based around contours, with the three main planting groups; moderate/excessive wet sites, moist sites, and dry sites. There are also transitional zones where these species cross to create a more natural bushland area.

The second strategy, 'Banksia Highway' focuses on the Banksia woodland and its adaptabilty within this ever changing climate. Inspired by the National Arboretum in Canberra, this idea/concept looks at the Banksia species of Western Australia and their adaptibility to the rise in soil heat and groundwater depletion within the Swan Coastal Plain, specifically Perth region. Currently there are only few Banksia woodlands within the Perth region and a wide range are patches, slowly decreasing in health and biodiversity. Also, the rise in overall heat could significantly impact species more common within the South-West region, used to significant rainfall and cooler Mediterranean weather. This 'Highway' aims to utilise roads as a connection between these patches of remnant Banksia woodlands found in Kings Park and Bold Park, as well as opening up research into species adaptability to the change in soil and environmental factors. Aiming to introduce species from different regions into Perths woodlands, its encouraging an increase in biodiversity within the diminishing woodlands in a hope to revitalise Perth's footprint.

The final strategy holds emphasis purely on restoration of Banksia woodlands to open park spaces in a hope to provide connectivity for these patched bushlands. Future endeavours could explore the findings of the Banksia Highway into this strategy, planting more regionally diverse Banksia species to create new environments for biodiversity to thrive in.

Currently there are large areas of turfed verges, open parklands that hold no ecological value, and the creation of unnecessary patches for infrustructure and the human enjoyment. This strategy aims to revegetate these such areas with a mix of planting found within Bold Park, Kings Park, and Banksia woodlands, in order to connect and revitalise these key connections.

PASSAGE AS PLACE

LACH5422 Design Studio - Making Unit Coordinator: Gillian Rodoreda 2022

Located on the east end of Perth, the Fire Station car park is an area characterised by its lack of native vegetation, context to its surrounding area and history, and inviting, safe spaces to pause and gather. In an area where cultural history and heritage is high, the potential for meaningful movement is underutilised. Exploring the idea of 'passage', this project aimed to create a green urban space that reflects elements of movement whilst also creating spaces that consider the ecological context and significance of the Derbal Yerrigan. Designed to reflect the organic movement of water, this passage was designed with three main strategies; the inclusion of a planted swale which forms the main element of the site; formal and informal pathways that snake around the swale to create a relationship and interaction between passages; and heavy vegetation between surrounding spaces to bring biodiversity into an urban setting.

The design incorporates 3 types of passage; informal passages which are designed to allow areas of pause and contemplation separate from the fast paced movement of the city environment; a formal passage acting as an area of swift urban movement to cater for the busy travel between Hay street and Murray Street; and water as a passage to reflect the environmental context of the site, bringing water back into the urbanised landscape as was once seen before the built city. The planted spaces are to have a mixture of existing trees that frame the formal passage and thoroughfare, and newly planted trees that increase canopy and act as a buffer to the harsh urban edge, reducing urban heat. The planting follows the form of the pathways, reflecting the moment of water and Perth's unique range of biodiversity, with the inclusion of waterwise planting that also aims to bring colour and more-than-human species back into the site.

Designed to reflect the organic movement of water, this passage has three main strategies; planted swale which is the main element within the site; formal and informal pathways snaking around the swale; and heavy vegetation in the between spaces to bring biodiversity. The planted spaces are to have a mixture of existing and newly planted trees, not wanting to remove the current canopy but in stead increasing it to reduce urban heat and to give shade to seated spaces. The site is to follow the natural slope of the existing contours, however the main communal space frames within the proposed mixed use built form is to be level, with stairs to be placed to create more seating and to counteract the change in contours.

open spaces for gathering

informal passage

formal passage

water as passage

A path that allows for areas of pause and contemplation, surrounding ones self with the proposed nattural and waterwise planting. Main path within the design, acting as an area of swift urban movement to those not wishing to linger.

This planted swale creates an area that reflects the environmental context of the site, bringing water back into the urbanised landscape.

MIXED US

stories, 8.4m high MIXED US

stories, 8.4m high

accessibility sun dial

Easy accessibility for cars and pedestrians, however not as safe for pedestrians due to lack of appropriate path.

land use

Large mix of land use, from hospitals, schools, hotels, apartments, heritage sites, offices, and Universtiy buildings. This means there are lots of stakeholders that have potential use of the area.

water movement wind rose

Sun diagram shows that it can be quite exposed in the middle of the day due to lack of tall buildings (except for the large hotel to the west of the site).

ecosystem mapping water analysis

Contours show that the site slopes at a south angle towards the river, making water flow head in a similar south direction.

Wind diagram shows majority of the wind coming from a north easterly direction.

urban mapping

SWAN RIVER

SECTIONS & MATERIALS

The design encompassed and explored two sections; 'areas of movement' and 'areas of gathering'.

Areas of movement are characterised by continuious organic paths that encourage movement along the vegetated swale, primarily focused on ones place within the landscape and reflecting the ecological context of the site.

The area of gathering is characterised by a large open space within the centre of the site, encouraging people to pause and engage with the community, reflecting the urban context of the site itself.

SOFTSCAPE DETAILS

HARDSCAPE DETAILS

MAIN STREET REVITALISATION

Tim Davies Landscaping Team: Grant Donald, Andrea Feher & Nadia Long 2021

This project focused on community engagement and analysis of two towns within the Shire of Kent; Pingrup and Nyabing, with the main goals being improving and upgrading the aesthetics of the main streets while slowing down traffic, encouraging visitors to stop at both towns. We prepared a concept booklet and a master plan that looks at ideas and moves on how to revitalise the mains streets in each town, hoping to encourage the development of businesses and help improve the character of the Shire. We were tasked with 11 key design objectives, the main key objectives being the enhancment of adequate landscaping and streetscaping to create attractive spaces, suitable shaded areas, enhancement of the entry statements and street furniture, encompassing and promoting the historic and cultural values of the towns, and improving the safety of the main road with the addition of lights and parklets to decrease the width of the road and slow down traffic. Me and the team were involved with the carrying out of the community site visit, where we developed an understanding of the area and its community, engaging with them to gage what they wanted for their town, leading us to the current draft concept. I created a 35 page booklet that was to be presented to the Shire council, consisting of site analysis, SWOT, design from SWOT, results from our community consultation, concepts, planting palette, materials, concepts for the entry statements, and a landscape overview/draft masterplan.

COMMUNITY ANALYSIS

After site analysis we began looking at the community and what makes them who they are. We asked them what they want us and the public to know about them, and how the sense of community has found its way within the Shire of Kent.

Further expose the towns neathness with low maintenance vegetation and the increase of spaces for sitting and eating with readily available bins and amenities

The design and enhancment of the median strip between the carpark and the main road, enlarging the green turf area to provide a more noded space for events (CWA markets andboot sale) and picnic areas, as well as the inclusion of trees for shade and vegetation for colour and awesthetic

Increase engaging signage indicating spots of interest to tourists

Create open spaces/pockets along the main street to encourage connection between the community as well as the communities connection to tourists

Increase coloured elements that represent both towns, from its salt lakes to the silks of the Pingrup Jockeys. Design in a way that utilises colours to expose elements of the town i.e. to indicate entries or points of significance, or to expose connections from the carpark to the shops e.t.c

Include artistic statements throughout both towns that show the history and present elements of the town, from old to new farming equipment, art works from locals, photographs that portray the Shires unique landscape i/e/ farming patterns, salt lakes e.t.c

Addition of lights, whether using hard elements of accent lighting to provide unique indicators of the key sites of the towns i.e. the old school, the Salmon gums, old farming equiment, the entry statements e.t.c

New entry statements that share characteristics of the Shire of Kent, possible inclusion of the farming industry, the kids of the area, and the key importance of the community

Narrowing of the road to slow down speed and provide more safe connections beetween the carpark and the towns amenities, whether through...

- Nodes of vegetation, seating and shade

- Visual elements that deceive drivers to slow down when coming through town i.e. trees & lights along the path/street and the median

- Formalise parking through line work indicating parking spots

Addition of more accessible pathways, with adjacent slops for those in gophers and wheelchairs enabling them to safely cross between the road to the carpark

Utilise the space at the back of the parking spot, adding pockets of shaded paved areas with seating and amenities, each with signage of what is in the town and what the community do for a living i.e. farming, business owner, including facts of each unique to the country

Fix/enhance the road and include elements that diminish flooding in the main street, either through introduced shrubbery and/or swales

Create more accessible and appeaaling pathways that encourage movement through the town, with additional vegetationn to create an aesthetic and welcoming connection, whie also lowering urban heat during the Summer

Enhancing the carpark and caravan entry area with signage, colour, shade and vegetation to indicatte a key spot of interrest to tourists

Low maintenance shrubbery that allows all year round vegetation and colour to create an aesthetic mainstreet, using vegetatioon to indicate key spots of interest to create a visual pull rather than an over use of signage

Create open spaces along the street and in arreas off the street to providee spots for the community to gather and interact with tourists, whether through additional green space defined by vegetation or formal connections leading to areas of interest within the town