MARLEE FINESTONE Landscape Architecture PORTFOLIO
This portfolio contains a sampling of my work completed while earning my undergraduate BLA at the University of Maryland, College Park. I learned a vast array of skills during my time at UMD while gaining an even deeper appreciation for both the natural and built landscape. My studies have only contributed to my eagerness to continue learning and exploring. I hope these projects can help demonstrate my passion and dedication toward the profession. My journey has only begun and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Continuum Park
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Buzzard Point
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Pershing Park
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Vera Cope Weinbach Park ............................................................. 24
Mckeldin Mall
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Additional Work
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CONTINUUM PARK CAMBRIDGE, MD Community Team Project
Emerging from the rubble of a post-industrial landscape, CONTINUUM PARK creates new sensory and cultural experiences by providing a healthy, natural ecosystem within the core community of Cambridge. As the headwaters of Cambridge Creek, the site is showcased as a cornerstone in Cambridge’s Greenbelt Plan to mitigate the effects of potential problems associated with sea level rise through the use of stormwater techniques. This plan was developed with team member Stephanie Marino during our 4th year Community Design Studio. Our vision provides Cambridge with an environmental corridor for stormwater management, flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The design derives its form from the natural swirling motions of water. Users are able to connect with each other through an appreciation of heritage and ecology. Multiple opportunities are available for active, thoughtful, and spiritual immersion in nature.
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SURVEY 72 Community Responses Over 50 respondents found safe-
ty, walkability, and ecosystem restoration very important to include in the new park vision.
Under 25 respondents found
amenities, including a skate park, dog park, and water feature very important to include in the new park vision.
“It is important to keep this as green as possible since this is currently the only greenway in this heavily developed part of town.”
“Education about the importance of headwaters to the health of community, ecosystem, and economy should be a focal point and drive the design.”
“Since it is the headwaters of the Cambridge Creek, having clean water emerge from that area is important.”
LOCATION IN CAMBRIDGE, MD
SURROUNDING WILDLIFE HUBS
Linkwood Wildlife Mngt Area
Site
Taylor’s Island Wildlife Mngt Area
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Fishing Bay Wild- Ellis Bay Wildlife life Mngt Area Mngt Area
Chesapeake Bay
High Street 1 Mile Radius
RESOURSE CONSERVATION CORRIDORS AND GREENWAY TRAIL
US 50
Greenway Trail
Site Site Drainage Area
Proposed Trail
Multiple features made the site a prime location to showcase stormwater management. As the headwaters of Cambridge Creek, the site drains 50 acres of urban land. With close proximity to downtown, three major roadways, and the planned Rails-to-Trails pathway, the site is highly visible. This context enables the site to lead stormwater 5 management efforts and bring people closer to nature.
SITE PLAN & PROCESS
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Improve overall water quality of Cambridge Creek
WILDLIFE HABITAT Enhance ecosystem biodiversity
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Create an active and educational hub A’
Site Analysis and Concept:
Wetland
Physical and qualitative analyses was performed to determine development opportunities and feasibility. Specific zones for preservation and program development was identified, along with potential restoration locations.
Arbor Children’s Discovery A
The Overlook Stream Restoration Historical Structures Meditation Meadow P1
Central Walk
B’
Bog Filtration Gathering Space B
Riparian Buffer Tree Grove Rails-to-Trails
Site Amenities Key:
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Historical Education
Recreation
Reforestation
Biking
Dog Walking
Ecological Restoration
Gathering
Views
Stormwater Management
After
Before
1. Swales collect runoff from footpaths
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2. Native wildflower and grass meadow
Supports biodiversity Protects surrounding streams Increases groundwater infiltration Prevents flooding Cost saving - minimal maintenance Environmentally sustainable Aesthetically attractive 3. Forested riparian buffer
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Protects habitat Maintains stream habitat - temperature Increases groundwater infiltration Stabilizes floodplains
PERSPECTIVE 1 : HISTORICAL LANDMARKS AND MEADOW 7
DETAIL
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4
3
2
5
1 Rails-to-Trails
2 Repurposed Cafe
3 Bog Filtration
4 Meadow
5 Stream
SECTION A-A’ 8
The Overlook
Path
Children’s Discovery
SECTIONELEVATION B-B’
Stream
Meadow
Forested Riparian Buffer Bog Filtration
Arbor
Path
Wetland Habitat
Stream
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BUZZARD POINT
THE ANACOSTIA WATERFRONT, WASHINGTON D.C. Senior Urban Design Project BUZZARD POINT is part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), which strives to rescue the Anacostia River from its status as one of the country’s most polluted rivers to one that is healthy and open to fishing and swimming by the year 2025. With development projects underway and planned, the Anacostia Waterfront is the District of Columbia’s fastest growing area of employment, entertainment, and residential growth. Substantial improvements to the Anacostia Waterfront’s transportation network will improve access to the new and existing destinations while appropriately linking adjacent communities within the Washington metropolitan region.
SITE LOCATION
Washington, D.C.
Chesapeake Bay Area
Anacostia River
Taking nearby developments into consideration, Buzzard Point is designed to connect with Riverfront parks, by creating a system of interconnected and continuous waterfront spaces that attract residents and visitors to gather and play. The plan highlights a strengthened waterfront boardwalk and park, that performs a variety of ecological and infrastructural functions.
Site Location
known as “Buzzard Point”
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U.S. Capitol
& National Mall
SITE ANALYSIS & INITIAL CONCEPTS
CONCEPT SKETCHES
A PART OF THE ANACOSTIA WATERFRONT INITIATIVE
The 30-year, $10 billion dollar Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) is transforming the shores of the Anacostia River into a worldclass waterfront. Led by the District of Columbia government and embraced by 19 regional and federal agency partners, the Anacostia Waterfront initiative area straddles the Anacostia River and weaves through District Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8, stretching from the Tidal Basin to the District’s northeast border with Maryland. It is important for the Buzzard Point location to connect to the adjacent communities along the Anacostia such as Florida Rock Development to the northeast.
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SITE PLAN RECREATION CENTER FLORIDA ROCK DEVELOPMENT
RY
RA
LIB
BOARDWALK PARK SHOPPING CORE
DESIGN GOALS CONNECT Buzzard Point to adjacent communities and to the Anacostia Waterfront system. Make connections between buildings to create outdoor public space for the community.
ARTIST MARKET FORT MCNAIR
ARTIST’S ALLEY
HOTEL MARINA
MUSIC HALL
PLAY Create a playful and enjoyable boardwalk park for residents and visitors to gather and play.
PROTECT Use LID techniques to improve stormwater runoff and design for future sea level rise along the waterfront.
LIVE
Promote sustainable economic development with mixed use neighborhoods for opportunities to live and work. Create great urban boulevards with landscaping and great civic places.
TRANSFORM Existing buildings into destinations along the waterfront. 12
PRIMARY STREET SECTION
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Main goals: Promote sustainable economic development with mixed use neighborhoods for opportunities to live and work. Create great urban boulevards with landscaping and great civic places.
LAND USE residential institutional
boulevard cafe
sidewalk
tree planting
parking
vehicular lane
streetcar & vehicular lanes
stop and shelter
vehicular lane
cycle lane
parking
tree planting
sidewalk
boulevard cafe
commercial
Primary roads Secondary roads Streetcar
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retail center core
music hall artist’s market
artist’s alley
swimming area 14
scale: 1”=40’
WATERFRONT BOARDWALK PARK SYSTEM A SUSTAINABLE WATERFRONT The waterfront park is designed with sustainability in mind. The projection of future sea level rise was taken into consideration along with adaptive reuse of existing buildings on site. The boardwalk, engineered specifically for future flood protection along with a riverfront cistern, is designed to welcome sea level rise and allows for flooding to occur. The new waterfront network, capable of absorbing, containing, and directing increased amounts of flood water from the Anacostia River, becomes a new spine to promote cultural, recreational, ecological, historical, and economic opportunities along a river thats healthy and thriving.
SECTION B-B’
WATERFRONT MUSIC HALL & BOARDWALK PARK
The land along the waterfront is widened to allow for sea level rise. It features a playful boardwalk design that spans the entire length of Buzzard Point. The retail core features new and historic buildings with restaurants and shopping on the bottom floors and office space on the upper levels with parking underground.
The Music Hall is one of the highlights along the waterfront. It is built with an underground cistern which makes it a sustainable choice for the future sea level rise predicted for Washington DC.
BIRDS EYE VIEW OF BUZZARD POINT
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PERSHING PARK DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON D.C. Senior Urban Design Project
Pershing Park is currently a memorial park in Washington, D.C., dedicated to General John J. Pershing. It was designed by landscape architect Paul Friedburg and opened in 1981. The design included a sunken plaza which also served as a pool basin that was filled with water during the summer or frozen in winter for skating. In addition, the design also included amphitheater style seating, movable chairs, and a small structure that housed a cafe, restrooms and changing area for skating. Once a lively square in Washington D.C., the park no longer has operating features that made it so popular in the past. Water no longer fills the pool basin, movable seating has been removed, and the small building is closed. The design explored for Pershing Park improves upon the current design by Friedburg, but adds new elements to create a thriving destination spot in Downtown Washington, DC. With its proximity to the national mall, popular hotels, and its location along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, it can develop into a prime location for visitors, workers, and residents.
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CONTEXT & LOCATION PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
The Nations “Main Street”
WHITE HOUSE
PEN
NSY
LVA NI
A AV
EN
W
CAPITOL
SITE LOCATION
It was important to look at Pennsylvania Avenue as whole because it is considered the nations main street. Pershing Park is an important link along Pennsylvania Ave, with its proximity to the National Mall and White House. It is also adjacent to popular hotels along with the White House Visitors Center. By improving connections across E street and Pennsylvania Ave, more people will have access to the site.
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INVENTORY & ANALYSIS Pershing Park lies in a prime location in the heart of Washington D.C. along Pennsylvania Avenue NW. It is adjacent to the Willard and Washington Hotels, which offer a variety of sidewalk cafe’s. The connection between the park and these high-end hotels can be improved and more dining options can be offered. The White House Visitors Center lies to the South, where no southern connection currently exists. Improving accessibility to Pershing Park along the South will not only create a greater connection to the Visitors Center but will also improve safety in the park.
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1 3
1
Pennsylvania Avenue NW
2
Willard and Washington Hotels
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White House Visitors Center
only was it important to make connections with local residents and workers, it was even more important to make conVISITOR STATISTICS Not nections with visitors. 2011 statistics showed the following:
Distribution of Visitor Spending: 17.9 MILLION VISITORS
6.03 BILLION DOLLARS
Visitors spend more than 25% of their money on food and beverages. It was important to take into consideration the opportunity for restaurants or cafes on site. This money generated from visitors helps with DC tax revenue.
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CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
SITE PLAN WILLARD HOTEL
GOALS:
IMPROVE accessibility and visibility to create a safer, more comfortable area TRANSFORM Friedbergs design to work in a new way
ET N W
15TH STREET
CREATE a memorable public space that provides amenities for visitors, residents, and workers
E ST RE
PERSHING MEMORIAL
GREEN SPACE
B
GREEN SPACE
B’
CAFE CAFE
14TH STREET
CONNECT the site with locations along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the Willard and Washington Hotels, and the White House Visitor Center
FREEDOM PLAZA
CAFE
SITE AMENITIES DINING RESTROOMS SEATING
A
PENNSYLVANIA
GRASS AREA WATER FEATURES PERSHING MEMORIAL 20
WHITE HOUSE VISITORS NORTH
DESIGN CHANGES The current design for Pershing Park by Paul Friedberg had some positive elements that were incorporated into the new site plan and vision. Some of the main changes that were made include:
FRIEDBERG
NEW VISION TOPOGRAPHY
By decreasing the grade change the site is more accessible and visible, thus creating a safer environment.
MEMORIAL LOCATION
By moving part of the existing memorial to the street corner, it becomes both an entrance sign and gather space that continues throughout the whole site.
BUILDINGS
The new design removes the existing building that is no longer in use and introduces three small cafe & restaurant areas.
STREET & HOTEL Rear end parking is removed to provide a greater connection to the adjacent hotels. A new drop off area is created in front of the Willard Hotel.
SOUTHERN CONNECTION Closed
Open
A southern entrance is created to open up the park and create more accessibility and safety.
IMPERVIOUS TO PERVIOUS Impervious
Pervious
PERSHING MEMORIAL
+An enhanced experience, continued through the site. A steady progression of memorial elements further defines the site as Pershing Memorial Park. The corner entrance further defines the space with signage, information about the memorial, and a water feature and statue that commemorate General Pershing. The center stair is a continuation of the memorial with the same stone material element and flowing water in a terraced stair design. Lastly, the water wall is created from the original standing stone, and mirrors the corner entrance signage but introduces the element of water along the wall to create a peaceful atmosphere away from the city noise.
In contrast to Friedbergs high impervious design, the new vision has two central green spaces that improve on site stormwater management.
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SECTION A-A’
SECTION B-B’
SCALE: 1/8”=1’ PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW
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SOUTH ENTRANCE
ARBOR SEATING
WATER STAIR WALL
PERSHING TREE BLVD
E STREET NW
GREEN SPACE & OUTDOOR SEATING Contrasting the impervious, hard center of Friedbergs plan, the new design features two open lawn spaces that invite people to gather, relax, and play.
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VERA COPE WEINBACH PARK BRIER’S MILL RUN WATERSHED, MD Regional Design with ArcGIS
WATERSHED ANALYSIS
Suitability for Park & Greenway
This project proposal dealt with locating and developing a public park within the regional focus area of Brier’s Mill Run Watershed in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The design also explores a Greenway Proposal for the watershed community that integrates new programs and connects to important sites within the area. Physical and cultural features were analyzed and used to allocate suitable sites for the park system. Upon calculations, Vera Cope Weinbach Park was chosen as the location for park redevelopment. The site is currently a public park in moderate to poor conditions with future redevelop in mind by the state park service.
This analysis was taken into consideration when developing the Greenway Master Plan and location for a neighborhood park.
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GREENWAY MASTER PLAN
MISSION
Brier’s Mill Run Watershed, MD
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MAKE A CONNECTION OVER/UNDER 295
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CREATE A PARK TO THE NORTH OF GOOD LUCK ROAD
3
EXPAND PATTERSON PARK
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REDEVELOP ANNAPOLIS RD.
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CONNECT TO NEW CARLTON METRO STATION
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RESTORE STEAM ALONG WESTBROOK DR.
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REDEVELOP VERA COP WEINBACH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
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MAKE A CONNECTION OVER/UNDER 495
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PROVIDE EASY ACCESS FOR SCHOOLS
DESIGN FOCUS REDEVELOP VERA COP WEINBACH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Surrounded by a residential community, the redevelopment of Weinbach Park would increase use and give an opportunity to use the recreational facilities offered. People will be more motivated to use this space once it is redeveloped.
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FOCUS: VERA COPE WEINBACH PARK Inventory & Analysis
Site Plan
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Site Detail: Pool & Plaza
Recreational Pool
Green Roof
Open Plaza
Tennis Courts
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MCKELDIN MALL
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, MD Campus Team Project In this team led project, we re-envisioned the heart of the University of Maryland’s campus, with primary focus on the area surrounding Mckeldin library. Our vision incorporated three main goals: Connectivity, Functionality, and Sustainability. This proposed redesign for the campus establishes a cohesive pedestrian infrastructure for the heart of campus, anticipating the establishment of the Purple Metro Line. New modern design features such as plazas, pathways, and buildings are proposed, embracing the continuing urbanization of Campus with the development of East Campus. The design showcases sustainable practices, thereby becoming a model for the local community and beyond.
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FOCUS: MCKELDIN LIBRARY
To improve conditions, we expanded central circulation routes, increased seating, and extended the existing stage. There is now a more direct walkway to the front of the library where pedestrian traffic is high. Seating has been increased on the side of the library, the center walkway, and stage area. A plaza with a fountain is located below the stage, where students and staff can cool off on hot days. The fountain ties in to the existing water feature located at the center of the mall. The loading dock is screened from view and the allee of trees extend to the back of the library. 30
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ADDITIONAL WORK HAND DRAWINGS & GRAPHICS
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MARLEE FINESTONE 585.478.4676 | marlee@terpmail.umd.edu
EDUCATION
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture • Graduated: May, 2014
SKILLS
Design & Planning • •
Site design and planning on both small-scale and large-scale projects Hand and digital illustration, graphic design, digital rendering and drafting, and photo editing
Computer skills:
AutoCAD Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign GIS Google Sketch-Up Microsoft Office
Additional skills:
Hand drafting Hand graphics ink, pencil, charcoal marker, colored pencil
Written and Verbal Communication •
Thorough research ability, oral and written communication skills, organization skills, and attention
to detail
EXPERIENCE March 2013 - May 2013
Intern, Department of Capital Projects at the University of Maryland • • • •
June 2011 - August 2011
Landscape Gardener, Our Gardening Angel Co., Fairport NY • •
February 2012 - Present
Arranged plants and flowers for installment for clients Enhanced beauty of properties with weeding, deadheading, trimming, and mulching
Owner, MFjewels • •
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Primarily responsible for aiding in design solutions through conceptual drawings & analysis Drafting and AutoCAD support Regularly collected detailed site information to ensure an accurate site analysis and feasible design Prepared drawings for submittal to the review board
Handcrafted clothing & jewelry design found online @ MFjewels.net & MFjewels.etsy.com Developed communication skills, inventory & financial management, and marketing skills
LEADERSHIP, AWARDS, & ACTIVITIES May 2014
Award Recipient, The Homeland Garden Club of Baltimore Award
2011 - 2014
Student Member, American Society of Landscape Architecture
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Based on creativity and performance
Attended LABASH workshop and conferences, 2013 & 2014
Spring 2013, 2014
Academic Honors - Dean’s List, University of Maryland, College Park
Summer 2013
Study Abroad, Italy: Landscape Architecture, Architecture, and Music • •
Fall 2010 - Spring 2014
Summer course traveling throughout Italy, sketching and investigating the culture Study of historical town planning & plazas, landscape architecture, music, and architecture.
Assistant Captain & Player, University of Maryland Women’s Ice Hockey
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Thank you for your time.