MARCO RANGEL MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE CANDIDATE CORNELL UNIVERSITY | MLA 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS +Design Studios - Cornell University
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Diverting the Del: Visions for the DL+W Corridor Reef Urbanism: A Future for Coney Island Metabolism + Metaphor: Dynamic Coral Ecologies Territorial Sounding: Inquiries of an Avian Nature
+Professional Work - Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
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Gift of the Rio: From Water to Wildlife in the Rio Grande Valley Carbon Cycle at Quinta Mazatlan: Producers, Consumers + Decomposers Absence of Apex Predator: Consequences in the Understory Sensory Trail at Quinta Mazatlan: Interpretation for the Blind + Visually Impaired
+Design Studios - Parsons School of Design
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A Living Arts City: Analysis of Boeung Kak Lake A Living Arts City: Return of Boeung Kak Lake Bridging Jamaica Bay: Canarsie Pier Extensions Design Research: Jersey’s Conflicting Shores Shifting Ground: Movement in the City Tactical Cartography: The Agency of Maps
DIVERTING THEDL&W DEL: Diverting the VISIONS FOR THE DL+W CORRIDOR SPRING 2019 Spring 2019 THEORY + PRACTICE II INTEGRATING CORNELL Studio 2 UNIVERSITY Cornell University
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RIVERWALK BRIDGE DEL-FEST PARK GULLY ROCK SCRAMBLE POLLINATOR PASS RED JACKET WETLAND RIVERBEND ECOLOGICAL ISLAND
GIS + CAD + RHINO + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP Project Intention: This project aimed
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to map the existing conditions along a As a designwaterfront competition by entry for Buffalo, neglected inverting the NY, this infrastructure reuse project derives traditional power of cartography using formal inspiration the makeshift diversion patterns helium balloonsfrom to loft satellites ofmade tributaries and rail lines. It links parks and with inexpensive cameras. public spaces through green were network using The resulting aerial aimages then ageoreferenced native planting and strategy to proliferate existing stitched. ecosystem services through the surrounding urban fabric Photography; while also connecting communities Medium: GIS; Digital with neighborhood amenities through planned Graphics diversions that generate public engagement and a sense of local pride.
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POLLINATOR PASS
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ROCK SCRAMBLE
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RED JACKET WETLAND C’
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RIVERBEND ECOLOGICAL ISLAND
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REEF URBANISM: A NEW FUTURE FOR CONEY ISLAND FALL 2018 INTEGRATING THEORY + PRACTICE I CORNELL UNIVERSITY
GIS + CAD + RHINO + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + LASER CUTTER This conceptual master plan design observed Coney Island’s past, current and future conditions as co-actants within an assemblage of forces concerning climate change in relation to the future of the island’s urban landscape. The notion of plugging into an existing chain of offshore artificial reefs with temperate coral became a design driver in creating a destination for the future community of Coney Island, as well as the organization and form of emerging built and natural landscape typologies inspired by coral anatomy and patch reef habit. Historical uses of the barrier island influenced the incorporation of productive aquaculture such as saltworks, clam beds, and coral farms that collectively generate adaptive economies and community-driven engagement with sea level rise. The salient amusement park identity and presence of the New York Aquarium amalgamate as a holistic experience that responds to the under-the-sea narrative with opportunities for unorthodox recreation and education.
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PLAY
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CORAL CROPS
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CLAM BEDS
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SALTWORKS
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BOARDWALK
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AMUSEMENT
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AQUARIUM
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FERRY ARRIVAL
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ARTIFICIAL REEF
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DISCOVER
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METABOLISM + METAPHOR: DYNAMIC CORAL ECOLOGIES FALL 2018 INTEGRATING THEORY + PRACTICE I CORNELL UNIVERSITY
RHINO + VRAY + ILLUSTRATOR After identifying metabolism and decomposition in coral reefs as an environmental phenomenon for exploration, I studied their processes, interactions, and both internal and external relations in an effort to create formal abstractions that could develop new ways of land planning and organization. The process elicited a striking metaphor between city and reef- a reminder that understanding active processes which make up environmental ecologies is crucial for producing design work that is responsive and adaptive over time. Using this idea as a conceptual driver resulted in a series of landscape terrain elements acting as variables within a continuing system of urbanism under the sea.
HEALTHY REEF
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FLUORESCENCE
CORAL BLEACHING
ECOLOGICAL COLLAPSE
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TERRITORIAL SOUNDING: INQUIRIES OF AN AVIAN NATURE FALL 2018 ADVANCED WORKSHOP IN DIGITAL REPRESENTATION CORNELL UNIVERSITY
GIS + RHINO + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP This set of exercises saught to explore and reveal the patterns of bird sightings in Tompkins County, New York made possible by eBird, the premier citizen science and birding app from Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology. An investigation into the movement of priority species of significant conservation need through time, space and across territories led to conveying both seasonal sightings and popular birding destinations as a means to expand the range of inquiry.
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GIFTS OF THE RIO: FROM WATER TO WILDLIFE IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY SPRING 2017 TOPOGRAPHIC WATERSHED MODEL QUINTA MAZATLAN WORLD BIRDING CENTER
GIS + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + HAND MODELING This large exhibit and interactive model was produced to demonstrate the system and movement of water in the region. Working closely in partnership with Solid Terrain Modeling, Inc. for fabrication, I guided all aspects of the cartographic design including boundaries, labels, major roads, color schemes and the legend. The model is used for secondary education curriculum as part of the state standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and can be found on display in the Discovery Center at Quinta Mazatlan. As an extension of teaching with the model, a hands-on lesson was designed to illustrate the spectrum between water and wildlife by buliding layers of topography, examining soil samples according to physiographic province, and learning about their associated plant and animal communities. Size: 84” x 44.25” x 4.5” 25.81 sq ft
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CARBON CYCLE AT QUINTA MAZATLAN: PRODUCERS, CONSUMERS + DECOMPOSERS FALL 2016 5TH GRADE CURRICULUM TRAIL GUIDE QUINTA MAZATLAN WORLD BIRDING CENTER
ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP This project was produced as an educational tool for 5th grade students learning about the carbon cycle as part of the state standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Following a sequential order of associated organisms found at the nature center, students utilize the guide to cross-reference across the outdoor classroom. Size: 4.25” x 5.5” x 0.5”
3. Producer - ANACUA
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7. Decomposer - FUNGI
Flower
Fruit
Altamira Oriole
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
15. Secondary Consumer - OCELOT
Plain Chachalaca (prey)
Woodrat (prey)
ABSENCE OF APEX PREDATOR: CONSEQUENCES IN THE UNDERSTORY FALL 2015 3RD GRADE CURRICULUM GRAPHIC POSTERS QUINTA MAZATLAN WORLD BIRDING CENTER
ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP These graphics were created for 3rd grade students as part of the state standard Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to convey the integral relationship between predators, prey and understory habitat. In the absence of the apex predator, an increase in herbivorous prey occurs causing an imbalance in the ecosystem with a scarcity of native plants in the understory. The images are actively used at Quinta Mazatlan’s Discovery Center in the form of two large posters that supplement interpretive lessons. Size: 27” x 36”
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SENSORY TRAIL AT QUINTA MAZATLAN: INTERPRETATION FOR THE BLIND + VISUALLY IMPAIRED SPRING 2016 MULTI-SENSORY TRAIL SCHEMATIC QUINTA MAZATLAN WORLD BIRDING CENTER
ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP The objective for this design was to fulfill a grant-funded project geared towards making the nature center both more universally accessible and enjoyable for visitors. Incorporated elements meant to activate senses of touching, smelling and listening include fragrant native flora and scultpures of fauna that provide a variety of textures when touched. Safety features for enhanced trail paving and signage in Braille were emphasized.
SAFETY - NAVIGATION
smooth paving
safe seating
guide rope
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potato tree leaves I
white brush
hackberry bark II
smell the white brush
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anacua leaves
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low croton
anacua bark
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smell the low croton
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anacahuita bark
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mexican oregano
granjeno bark
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turtle
smell the oregano
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water
bird w/ hatchlings
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coyote
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do you hear water?
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indigo snake
birds feeding
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do you hear a bird?
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horned lizard
plain chachalacas
urban
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do you hear the city?
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A LIVING ARTS CITY: ANALYSIS OF BOEUNG KAK LAKE SPRING 2013 URBAN DESIGN SENIOR STUDIO PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
GIS + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + PHOTOGRAPHY This project aimed to investigate a force of globalization in the form of infilling lakes in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A land-use patch analysis drawing set was created to illustrate the rapid change occurring at Boeung Kak lake. Contemporary art practices were studied by consulting with local artists that were using their work as a form of activism in response to the degradation of natural spaces. Influence for a subsequent intervention was drawn from one performance piece in particular that depicted a ‘cow taxi’ returning sand from Boeung Kak Lake to its original home in the riverbed.
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BOEUNG KAK AQUACULTURE
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ROYAL PALACE
MEKONG RIVER
URBAN CANAL
BOEUNG KAK LAKE
SAND
BOEUNG KAK LAKE
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ROYAL PALACE
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MEKONG RIVER
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PERFORMANCE ART
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MUSIC
IMPERVIOUS STRUCTURES
PERVIOUS OPEN SPACE
IMPERVIOUS OPEN SPACE
DANCE
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A LIVING ARTS CITY: RETURN OF BOEUNG KAK LAKE SPRING 2013 URBAN DESIGN SENIOR STUDIO PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
SKETCHUP + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + PHOTOGRAPHY Inspired by the cow taxi artist’s reverence for nature and giving through action, the design of a new unit of aggregation for future urban growth pertaining to wetlands was imagined. The performative nature of the artwork itself illustrated the process of counter-form. After removing sand from the existing site to make space for water, the displaced sand would be formed into urban dunes of public space indicative of iconic structures in Phnom Penh. These sand forms became the unit of aggregation that could be replicated in other sites with a similar fate.
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URBAN DUNE TYPOLOGIES
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BRIDGING JAMAICA BAY: CANARSIE PIER EXTENSIONS SPRING 2012 URBAN DESIGN STUDIO 2 PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
SKETCHUP + ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP In order to provide a scope of intervention that would address notorious highway divisiveness in New York, this dual design of overpass connector and light installation envisions reimagined circulation between Brooklyn’s Canarsie community and the Jamaica Bay waterfront. In conjunction with existing pier programming, the public space provides additional recreational uses while visually engaging with the Belt Parkway both above and below.
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PUBLIC EVENT SPACE
BOARDWALK
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT
COMMUNITY CENTER
KAYAK + KITE RENTAL
OBSERVATION DECK
BICYCLE SHARE
PICNIC TABLES
PLANT BED + SEATING
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DESIGN RESEARCH: JERSEY’S CONFLICTING SHORES FALL 2011 URBAN DESIGN STUDIO 1 PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + HAND DRAWING + HAND MODELING The usage of mapping as a design tool was explored to uncover and understand hidden and visible elements that make up Kearny Marsh, a wetland site in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Ecological systems and other forces were researched including rivers, marshes, landfills and superfund sites to identify conflicts in the landscape. Size of Model: 24” x 36”
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KEARNY MARSH
KEARNY MARSH ABANDONED RAILROAD
ABANDONED RAILROAD STORMWATER RUNOFF
STORMWATER RUNOFFF
EDGE CONDITION - PREVALENT
EDGE CONDITION - FRANK’S CREEK
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SHIFTING GROUND: MOVEMENT IN THE CITY SPRING 2011 IDC COLLAB: WATERLOGGED PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
PRINTMAKING This set of intaglio printmaking iterations were created to explore the action words “intersect; disrupt; divert” which were derived from observations of traffic circulation at Cooper Square in New York. Etching and sugar lift techniques were used to experiment with possibilities in form. Individual Print Size: 9.5” x 3.75”
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TACTICAL CARTOGRAPHY: THE AGENCY OF MAPS FALL 2010 DESIGN 1: DESIGN ELEMENTS + DIGITAL TOOLS PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
ILLUSTRATOR + PHOTOSHOP + AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY This project aimed to map the existing conditions along a neglected waterfront in Newark, NJ by inverting the traditional power of cartography using helium balloons to loft makeshift satellites made with inexpensive cameras. The resulting aerial images were then georeferenced and stitched.
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