PHILOSOPHY
I believe that Landscape Architecture is something that should transcend time and space to enrich the lives of humans, animals, and the planet we inhabit. It is my goal to design landscapes that will make a difference in the lives of its users and leave a long-lasting impact on its surroundings. Through thoughtful and creative design, I strive to conserve our essential natural resources while leaving behind a healthy, engaging place for future generations to enjoy.
Lucas Tucker
Stone Gate Drive, Coventry, Rhode Island lucastucker@my.uri.edu 401.397.9004
RELATED SKILLS
ASLA Student Member
Adobe CS6 AutoCAD ArcGIS SketchUp Shaderlight Twilight Lumion Microsoft Office Windows Movie Maker Hand Drawing Land Surveying
Sigma Lambda Alpha
EDUCATION
Landscape Architecture Honor Society URI Chapter
The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Minor: Community Planning
AWARDS
AFFILIATIONS
Class of 2015 Centennial Scholarship Cumulative GPA: 3.87
Phi Eta Sigma
National Honor Society URI Chapter
URI Landscape Architecture Department - 2015 Academic Excellence Award RIASLA Student Awards Competition - 2015 RIASLA Merit Award Winner
RELATED EXPERIENCE Katherine Field and Associates, Newport, RI Landscape Design Intern Rendered site plans with Photoshop
5/14 - Present
Created SketchUp models to communicate design intentions Drafted and altered site plans and details in AutoCAD Developed client presentations for proposed landscape elements Researched specific zoning and development regulations for various towns
University of Rhode Island Department of Landscape Architecture, Kingston, RI Research Assistant
WORK EXPERIENCE
11/14 - Present
5/14 - 9/14
Alpine Country Club, Cranston, RI Greens Staff Intern
5/13 - 8/13
Provided customer service as a cashier and supervisor Trained new employees Maintained and replenished store inventory Asset protection
Conducted project-related research for professors Compiled report for senior class outreach project in Providence, RI
Department of Planning and Development, Coventry, RI Planning Intern
BJ’s Wholesale Club Coventry, RI 8/10 - 5/14 Front Line Associate
Reviewed developers’ plans for compliance with zoning regulations Assisted with enforcement of town zoning and ordinances Attended meetings regarding major projects in the town
Performed maintenance and construction tasks on an 18-hole golf course Aided in the planting of native species mitigation area bordering pond Proposed new layout and planting plans for pavilions at tee boxes
Greene Tree Farm Coventry, RI 10/09 - 12/09 Field Worker Maintained farm specializing in evergreen trees for Christmas season Cut, baled, and transported trees for customers Learned how to identify and differentiate between different species of evergreen trees
contents URBAN GREEN BELT
2-7 GRANITE POINT PARK
8-15 SOFTENING THE CITY
16-23 ACCLIMATE
24-33 ADDITIONAL WORK
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URBAN GREEN BELT Providence, Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island Senior Planting Design Studio September 2014 to October 2014
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CONCEPT STATEMENT This project required students to evaluate and design a stretch of the Woonasquatucket River, directly in the center of downtown Providence, RI.The river is home to a variety of native species of birds, fish, crabs, mammals, and other animals rarely seen in the center of a dense urban city. Much of the space along the banks of the river is overgrown with invasive species, blocking the view of the riverway from the roads. The clients asked for students to develop a planting plan that would restore a healthy, natural environment and increase awareness of the valuable natural asset the city has in the river. The following design proposes extensive removal of invasive species.The selective thinning of the plant life will allow pedestrians and passers-by to visually connect with the river that is often overlooked. It will also give native plant materials a healthier environment in which they can thrive. Infrastructure improvements include increased lighting and more seating options along the space.This proposal also calls for the implementation of engineered logjams that will reduce erosion and improve habitat.
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PLANTING PLAN This plan shows the potential results of removing invasive species and implementing new native plant materials. Aquatic and riparian plants form the understory along the water’s edge, while the higher elevations are planted with a variety of shade-loving ferns.
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The sketch to the right shows an early concept of what the new plantings might look like. In this vignette, a tupelo tree is underplanted with highbush blueberry and a carpet of native ferns. These combinations will provide visual interest in all seasons, especially in the fall.
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SCHEMATIC PLAN This plan focuses on the massing of plants and optimizing visual access to the river.There are three focal points of the design: (A) Engineered logjams - logs and brush stabilize the river banks, provide natural habitat, and slow the flow of the river along the edge, reducing the filling of the basin farther downriver with sediment (B) WaterFire dishes - the popular Providence attraction is extended farther out from the city (C) River access - steps lead to the river, allowing people to fish or access the water via kayak/canoe
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THE RIVERBANKS ... are densely planted with low-growing grasses and ferns that will thrive in the shady, moist understory, and allow people on the road or sidewalk to view the river without obstruction. The above sketch, on the right, shows a strategy for improving the aesthetic appeal of the site.The concrete CSO’s along the river are screened with shrubs and flowering vines. New birdhouses are built to mimic the ones already existing along the river and attract song birds to the space.
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sidewalk riverb
ank
logjam
ENGINEERED LOGJAMS ... are put in place in various locations along the river.The locations were determined by identifying the areas of the river where the water moved at the highest velocity.These logjams are secured deep into the banks to ensure stability of the soil. These areas provide habitat for aquatic plant growth and other animals. Additionally, the logs slow the flow of the river along the banks.This makes it easier for people to access the water safely, and it also prevents suspended sediments from being deposited further down the river.
waterfire dish
water acess point
sidewalk k
riverban
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GRANITE POINT PARK Westerly, Rhode Island University of Rhode Island Junior Design Studio March 2014 to May 2014
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CONCEPT STATEMENT This project required students to study and redevelop a series of properties along the Pawcatuck River in downtown Westerly, Rhode Island.This area is a historic community with many mill buildings lining the riverfront.The project site was mainly composed of large, paved parking lots and is abutted by buildings of varying uses. The clients asked for a design that could maintain or improve upon the existing parking use, while also adding a public green space that would take advantage of the riverfront location. Additionally, the low-lying site is often flooded in extreme rain events or when a large amount of snowmelt causes the river to breach its banks. The following design proposes the creation of an urban pocket park that makes visitors feel as though they are in a larger, rural green space.The proposal uses native materials in the hardscape as an ode to Westerly’s rich history in granite. Also, the parking layout is completely overhauled to provide a safer, more intuitive flow of traffic for cars and pedestrians alike.
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SCHEMATIC PLAN This plan aims to unify three separate properties that are only used for parking. It also incorporates a public green space to provide a tranquil escape from the urban environment. (A) The pocket park - consisting of a birch grove, winding paths, and a walking labyrinth (B) Parking - spaces are paved with permeable materials and pedestrian connections are improved C
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(C) Storefront - expanded seating and entryways for the abutting businesses
CONCEPTUAL PHASE The drawings below outline the early phases of the design process. The sketch to the right shows a vision of what the birch grove could look like. Paths wind in and out of the native trees and pedestrians are sheltered from the urban environment around them. To the left of the sketch is a conceptual plan showing the organization of the park and the pedestrian circulation throughout. Nodes are located along the river and the paths meander through the birch grove, mimicking the flow of the water.To the right is the layout of the labyrinth used in the central pedestrian space along the river.This pattern is incorporated into the paving and is meant to be used for contemplative reflection.
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THE RIVER WALK ... brings visitors closer to the water, where overgrown invasives and litter had once created a barrier between people and the river. Mature native trees are protected and incorporated into the site design.The path leads to the central walking labyrinth and the stairs back to the parking. A sloped, linear lawn follows the river walk and provides visitors with enough open space to rest and watch the river. It can also be used for limited recreation space.
RIVERFRONT SE
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PAWCATUCK RIVER
LABYRINTH AREA
THE GROVE PATHS ... meander about through the bosque of native birch tree species. Due to the parking requirements, the bosque is limited to a small area, but the long, winding paths create a feeling of a much larger space. Drainage swales flow through the pocket park and direct water runoff from the paved areas farther up the slope.
ECTION
The walking paths are meant to foster a relaxed, contemplative experience for the visitor to escape from the busy urban environment of the surrounding area.
TO PARKING LOT WALKING PATH
WALKING PATH
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THE PARKING LOT ... was a unique challenge in the design of the space as a whole. Many parking layouts were considered in an attempt to find the most efficient use of space.The client requested that the designs allow for as many, or more parking spaces than in the existing lots. In addition, polluted runoff and summer heat were issues that needed to be addressed. The concept plan to the right shows an early idea of how the vehicular circulation might flow. Planted islands provide shade to the space and also absorb some of the stormwater before it reaches the river. Parking is oriented in a way that allows pedestrians easy and safe access to the park and the stores.
PARKING LOT S
TO RIVERFRONT
14100’
CENTER WALKWAY
THE MATERIALS ... used in this proposal reflect the rich history of Westerly, where the project is located.The town has deep roots in granite quarries and the mill industry. All paved surfaces utilize native, natural stone materials and the design fits seamlessly into the industrial character of the region. THE STOREFRONT ... along the eastern edge of the site is expanded out onto the sidewalk, encouraging pedestrians to enter the buildings, and allowing restaurants to spill outdoors for more dining options.
SECTION PARKING
MAIN DRIVEWAY
STOREFRONT AND SEATING
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SOFTENING THE CITY Providence, Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island Senior Planting Design Studio October 2014 to December 2014
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CONCEPT STATEMENT This project required students to develop a master plan for the campus of the Rhode Island State Offices in Providence, RI.This landscape is currently dominated by expansive parking lots, large office buildings, and pockets of open lawn.The three main buildings are situated around a central plaza that serves as an entrance to the offices and a space for employees to enjoy their break time. The clients asked for a design that would utilize plant materials in creative ways to enhance the look, functionality, and comfort of the campus. Also, the design would have to make use of plants that would require little-to-no maintenance, due to the lack of irrigation utilities and the absence of skilled maintenance workers. The following design proposes the creation of a sustainable, functional campus for the employees and visitors of the RI State Offices.This plan includes revitalizing the empty concrete plaza with new shade structures and additional seating. It also calls for the construction of a rain garden in an otherwise unused area of the site.The implementation of this green infrastructure will show the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and design excellence.
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MASTER PLAN This master plan provides a complete vision for the entire urban campus. Focus areas were narrowed following client meetings and class discussions. (A) The central plaza rooftop terrace - a paved courtyard with raised planters located above the subterranean parking garage (B) The rain gardens - a shaded portion of lawn that was originally used for a daycare playground
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These sketches outline the development of the master planning process.The section below shows an early sketch of the rooftop terrace. Above is a concept plan for the rain garden and adjacent paths.The other two drawings show alternatives for sculptural pieces.
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THE CENTRAL PLAZA ROOFTOP TERRACE ... will become the main node of the redesigned landscape. It is a vital part of the site, acting as the gateway to all three office buildings, and as a social gathering place for employees. While maintaining the existing layout of the plaza, this design breathes new life into the space with dense, colorful plantings and custom shade structures that create a series of outdoor rooms. The central walkway allows for direct pedestrian circulation and connections from all of the surrounding parking lots.The addition of unique sculptural pieces will add visual interest and help to reduce the imposing scale of the open area, making it more personal.
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These images illustrate the proposed layout of the outdoor rooms. Additional seating encourages socialization and interaction.The shade structure reduces the negative impacts of the urban heat island effect during the hot summer months in the sunny space.
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THE PLANTING PLAN ...was developed through careful research and analysis of growing conditions on the site.The image at the right focuses on the plantings of the plaza, which is a particularly difficult space for plants to succeed.This is due to a subterranean parking garage located directly below the plaza, with very little soil and dry conditions in the raised planters.
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Hardy, adaptable plant species were selected for use in this space. Hawthorn trees provide an element of verticality to the flat space, while spreading groundcovers and tall grasses fill the understory and soften the hard, gray landscape.
THE RAIN GARDENS ...will be built in the area adjacent to the Department of Administration’s South entrance; mainly open lawn, but it also includes a children’s playground along the main walkway.This playground was used for a daycare that is no longer in business. This plan proposes removing the unused playground and replacing it with a series of rain gardens that will collect and treat runoff from the site.This space is currently at a lower elevation than the surrounding landscape, and encourages water to flow and collect here. The redesigned landscape will take advantage of the existing topography to address stormwater issues. It will also become a quiet resting place for employees to visit on their breaks, rather than the busy social space of the plaza.
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ACCLIMATE
Newport, RI University of Rhode Island Senior Capstone Project February 2015 to April 2015
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CONCEPT STATEMENT The following work showcases a design for the redevelopment of two parks located at the ever-changing coastal edge of Newport, RI. King Park and Spencer Park border Newport Harbor at the southern end of the city.These parks are heavily used by the public throughout the year, and especially during the summer months.With rising sea levels and more intense storms, the green spaces are often being inundated and eroded by the force of the ocean. As a senior capstone project, these sites challenged students to design a landscape that will have function and value immediately, and many years into the future.The coast currently is made up of a deteriorating sea wall and eroding beaches, creating a need for a change in the way the edge functions. Also, stormwater solutions were required through the use of green infrastructure techniques. This proposal displays a pair of parks that are seamlessly connected and provide recreation space for the public, as well as restored habitat for the wildlife.Visitors will connect to and interact with the water through the use of a new floating boardwalk, constructed marine habitat, and restored tidal marsh.
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Mean Sea Level
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+ 1-2’ SLR
+ 3-4’ SLR
+ 1-2’ SLR
+ 3-4’ SLR
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SITE EVOLUTION This plan creates a landscape that will be dynamic and evolve over time. The graphics to the left demonstrate how the ocean will interact with the site, changing its context and use over time. Low elevations that will often be inundated are planting with marsh species that thrive in wet sites rich in salt and the floating boardwalk provides continued access to these spaces, even when the water level rises in the future.
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PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN (A) The floating boardwalk - built on wooden pilings, the boardwalk follows along the existing sea wall. Large boulders stabilize the boardwalk, absorb wave energy, and provide marine habitat (B) The entry plaza and streetscape - a formal central node for the park, including seating and a gathering space, buffered from the street by bioswales that filter water from the paved surfaces
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(C) The baseball fields - this space will be preserved with its current use and raised above flood elevations to ensure many years of use in the future (D) The breachway - the space being used for construction staging will be excavated to mimic historic morphology and allow tides to flow in and out of the site (E) Spencer Park - this landscape provides recreation space and collects stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods while also transforming into a tidal marsh habitat
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This image shows what the redesigned waterfront would look like if implemented today.
THE FLOATING BOARDWALK ... is built on tall wooden pilings, so it may remain in use despite the rising sea levels. Large boulders stabilize the eroding shoreline and provide marine life with a healthy habitat. Behind the boardwalk, low elevations are planted with marsh species and become inundated in flood events or, over time, with sea level rise.
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This image shows how the elevated sea levels change the landscape and its uses.
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THE ENTRY PLAZA ... will provide visitors with a formal gathering space and additional seating. Improved site lighting will enable the public to use the space at all time of day, safely and comfortably. Along Wellington Avenue, bioswales capture runoff from the street, and help to filter pollutants before the stormwater reaches Narragansett Bay. Also, the planted strips provide an attractive buffer between pedestrians and the busy roadway.
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SPENCER PARK ...will transform from an empty, unused green space into a thriving habitat fit for both wildlife and human use.The excavated breachway allows tides to flow into and out of the constructed wetland in the center of the park.This space will collect runoff from surrounding streets and provide natural habitat for native plants and wildlife.
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At the higher elevations, native species are planted and open recreation space is preserved. Cobble paths and stone bridges throughout the park improve the circulation and help this landscape fit into the Newport vernacular.
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ADDITIONAL WORK
Construction Drawings, Miscellaneous Graphics, and Site Planning University of Rhode Island Multiple Courses September 2013 to December 2014
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CONCEPT STATEMENT The following work is an abbreviated look into other projects undertaken as part of courses at the University of Rhode Island. The projects range in scope of work as well as level of complexity. Drawings are generated from projects in construction, site planning, and conceptual design.
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THIS CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT ...was designed during a site planning course, focused on residential developments, land conservation, and sustainable planning practices.This site plan required students to maximize open space, fulfill parking requirements, and provide attached housing units with private individual outdoor space. The section above cuts through the central street of the development and shows the streetscape, housing units, and the private outdoor spaces. Below is a section of the nature trail that will provide residents with an opportunity for exercise and recreation.
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THIS CAMPUS LANDSCAPE ...was designed as a part of a sophomore-level design studio.The project addresses the landscape around one of the main dining halls at the University of Rhode Island. It also focuses on the stream running through the heart of the campus, with a design proposing daylighting the stream for better drainage and increased aesthetic appeal. The drawings on the opposite page detail an area of the landscape where the stream will be daylighted and appear in a state that replicates its natural features. Above is a drawing showing the busy stairway leading to the dining hall, and the water cascading down the steps.
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CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS ... demonstrate various projects focused on the way landscape elements are built and composed. On the left are two drawings from a grading and drainage project, showing the horizontal and vertical alignment of the driveway. Below is a section of an existing bridge located in China, which was studied in order to understand forces acting upon structures. The two drawings to the right show custom details.The far right drawing details a retaining wall, and the closer drawing is an isometric view of a custom pergola structure.
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