l a nds c a pe por t f ol i o
When I research and design,
as an environmental and landscape professional, I imagine myself in the kitchen: trusted tools at hand, and the visceral thrill of exploration loaded in my nerves.
Like a kitchen, the landscape architectural studio is a place that synthesizes a scientific comprehension of material components and the creative spark to put them together.
Like a good chef, I have kept a book of the tried and true recipes of my creation to refresh my memory as each new endeavor begins and to share with those with whom I would like to collaborate.
Welcome to my kitchen. Have a look around!
Prep time: 2009-2010, part-time Skills/traits required: conceptual simplification, must enjoy travel Makes about: 1/2 thesis, 1 design manual, 1 presentation Serves: Pima County Regional Flood Control District, AZ
Ingredients: Legacy of single purpose design in arid Pima County Numerous examples of multi-use design in 8 arid and semi- arid SW U.S. cities Grassroots community xeriscape and water-harvesting efforts in Tucson
Begin with the problem at hand. Assess the state of recentlybuilt detention basins in greater Tucson, and generally describe the limitations of single-purpose stormwater infrastructure design. Next, compare the local physical and design environment to similar southwestern municipal areas. Visit these municipal areas; interview regulators and designers of multi-use stormwater projects; visit exemplary sites; take pictures; sketch; take notes. Summarize findings generally into connectivity concerns (large scale), site grading, infiltration, and flow-routing strategies (medium scale), and structural enhancements (small scale). Prepare digital drawings to demonstrate site layout principles in plan view and section view design typologies. To convince the reader of feasibility, use site photos of built projects in multiple regions. Keep it simple! It’s going to be used as an off-the-shelf reference, so organize text and drawings in a consistent, easilynavigable manner. Summarize the few most important design directives into callout boxes, and refer the reader to additional resources for more in-depth explanations.
Intermediate Concepts: -- scaled up from private residence -- risk v. reward -- broad spectrum of programming goals Image (center, left of line): The Arizona Wildlife Linkages Group 2006
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Final Product: -- Design typology of 12 categories: -- Riparian Ecology -- Adjacent Parcels -- Street-side Basins -- Lot-bottom Basins -- Inflow Channels / Drop Structures -- Slope-tops -- Safety and Education -- Side-slopes -- Hydraulic Structures -- Internal Channels and Outlets -- Planting Recommendations -- Each category contains: -- Summary Intro -- 1-7 Primary Considerations, graphically illustrated -- Key Questions for Design Decision -- Permitting, Maintenance, and Monitoring Points -- List of Additional Resources
Figures (top): Recreational siting in relation to landscape ecology Figure (middle): Street-side basin siting in relation to natural drainages Figure (bottom left): Land-use factors of hydrologic condition and riparian habitat Figure (bottom right): Drainage problem areas adjacent to basin
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Figure (top left): Subdivided, sequential terracing (plan view) Figure (top right): Subdivided, sequential terracing (section view) Figure (right, second from top): Impermeable liner alternative Figure (right, third from top): Slope-top ditches, trails, and swales Figure (right, fourth from top): Planting beds as a function of side-slope grade Figure (bottom right): Flow routing through street-side detention basin with component water-harvesting basin Figure (bottom left): Separation of high and low flows, CU-Boulder Research Park (Belt Collins) Figure (bottom right): Separation of high and low flows, Las Vegas Springs Preserve (Natural Systems International)
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“The goal of microbasin design is to create multiple microclimates for diverse riparian growth without creating long-term pooling.” “Side-slopes of detention basins can either separate or connect habitat and human use depending upon hydrologic routing.”
“Inflow channels convey runoff to a detention basin, and, along with drop structures, can absorb energy, connect habitat, assist with sediment deposition, and create intriguing drama.� Figure (top left): Large basin hardscape dimensions Figure (top right): Lowry, CO structural channel bend (Wenk Associates) Figure (right, 2nd from top): Oro Valley Marketplace, AZ drop structures and sediment trap
Figure (right, 3rd from top): Las Vegas Springs Preserve, structural walking ramp along side-slope Figure (bottom right): Vista Hermosa Park, CA sideslope, including trails, planting beds, and basin Figures (bottom left): Side-slope grade alternatives
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Prep time: 2009-2010, part-time Skills/traits required: attention to detail, collaboration Makes about: 1 three-phased design proposal Serves: Granite Construction Company, Tucson, AZ
Ingredients: Severe headcutting of basin side-slopes (above left) Poor vegetative growth in unnatural topographic profile (above center) Needs for local public park; development restrictions on-site (above right)
Intermediate Concepts: - Integration with Tech Park Master Plan - Service as a regional, natural resource park - Multiple-use design 6
To begin, define the opportunities and constraints of the existing detention basin. Note that an flood inundation and airport flight paddle restricts the development of inhabitable buildings and gaterhing areas throughout much of the site. Identify erosion rills along steep side-slopes, and the limited riparian habitat supported on the flat bottom. Determine that the public property is located in a recreational needs area between existing and planned residential communities and commercial developments, and along a planned greenway. In addition, it may serve as a patch of riparian habitat along and important biological corridor. Given these refined analyses, explore conceptual alternative and settle upon a master plan design to support restored riparian habitat along the basin bottom, side-slopes and slope-tops, recreational trails surrounding these natural areas, and to create dramatic inflows of water over hydraulic structures. Be realistic! Subdivide the ultimate vision into manageable phases in order to immediately satisfy the client’s legal requirements while also setting the stage for the site’s expansion to a public park.
Figure (top): Phase 1 riparian mitigation and passive recreational master plan Figure (bottom): Phase 1 sectional profile of basin bottom, side-slope, and slope-top Section AA:
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“In phase 1, sixteen acres of xeroriparian habitat will be planted within four shallow basins excavated to a depth of 6”-1’ from the existing basin bottom. The amount of soil needed to be added to the proposed sideslope improvements of phase 2 will be available on-site from the stockpiled fill of phase 1.”
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Figure (top): In phase 1, shallow mitigation basins are created, excavated fill is stored in berms along the sideslope, and drainage is concentrated into existing gulleys. Figure (bottom): In phase 2, recreational, grading, and structural hydraulic features are enhanced.
Figure (top): Phase 2 master plan (includes side-slope improvements and structural enhancements Figure (bottom): Phase 2 sectional profile of basin bottom, side-slope, and slope-top Section AA:
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Prep time: 2008-2010, part-time Skills/traits required: persistence, inquiry, summarization Makes about: 1 in-depth analytical report Serves: Tumacacori National Historical Park, Tumacacori, AZ
Ingredients: 1 major expansion of park boundaries 2 well-researched historic periods of significance (above left and center) 3 poorly-understood, confounding eras of landscape change (above right)
To prepare a Cultural Landscape Inventory (CLI), first quickly define the historic period/s of significance (POS/s; in this case Mission and NPS Rustic Style / New Deal Era), and identify the primary landscape features characteristic of these periods. Next, analyze the extent to which these periods and features have been described by previous researchers. This is done by a review of available 2° historic sources, after which point the researcher must identify any 1° historic resources (interviews with previous residents and staff, archived reports, photos, maps, etc.), that are necessary for a complete chronologial description of change to the identified historic features of the cultural landscape. Next, divide these bodies of research into 13 landscape characteristic themes, in which you will prepare diagrams and text describing the features of the POS/s, how they have been altered, and what, today, remains of them. Further prepare a separate description of the integrity of the cultural landscape, or its ability to represent a historic POS. Combine these analyses into a summarized report that will be used as a baseline for future programming at the site.
Intermediate Concepts: -- historic, local landscape events -- technological evolution -- regional trends of landscape change
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Images (from left): TumacĂĄcori NHP; City of Tucson 1977; A. Konieczki and J. Heilman 2004
Final Product: -- Statement of Significance -- Chronology and Physical History Narrative -- Seven aspects of Integrity Description -- 13 Landscape Characteristic Descriptions (with graphics)
“Tumacacori is a nationally significant site in two ways. First, it is one of the northernmost Spanish mission settlements of New Spain, and, through the Jesuit and Franciscan religious orders of the Catholic Church, was instrumental in changing the culture and environment of what became Southern Arizona and the Southwest U.S, as a result of exploration and settlement...”
Figure (top right): Tumacácori Mission system land grants Figure (right): hydraulic function of Mission POS weir device (base image: J. Moss 2010) Figure (left): Mission compound circulation (base image: J. Ivey 2007) Figure (bottom): Mission POS regional spatial organization
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“Second, the Tumacacori mission site contains Rustic Style structures built by the NPS in the 1930s that represent a unique era of NPS design in historic monuments that emphasized the style and craftsmanship of the historic structures.”
Figures: Design evolution, cluster arrangement, and feature changes of NPS Rustic Style / New Deal Era POS (base images: C. Colby 1999; Tumacácori NHP)
Figure (bottom right): Feature change from NPS Rustic Style / New Deal Era POS to recent years Figure (bottom left): Small-scale feature change in Museum and Visitor Center pathways
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“Because the lands on the first and second riparian terraces of the Santa Cruz River between the river channel and the mission compound, as well as those irrigable lands to the north and south of the mission, continued to be used as a productive agricultural landscape for much of the time since the abandonment of the mission, the design of the Mission Period agricultural landscape retains a low level of integrity. ”
Figure (top right): Alluvial Systems of Tumacácori Figure (bottom right): Constructed Water Features of Tumacácori Figure (bottom left): Reuse and naturalization of Mission POS fields, via drawing/photo series (base images: C. Schudard 1853; Tumacácori NHP) Figure (top left): Mission POS and contemporary farm unit layout (base images: M. Kay 1986)
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Prep time: Spring 2009, intensive studio project Skills/traits required: community engagement, street-smarts Makes about: 1 master-plan with modules of development Serves: Alice and Roberto Valenzuela, Fronteras residents
Ingredients: 1 deteriorating Sonoran pueblo (above left) 2 residents dedicated to the town’s recovery (above center) 2 guiding professors, & 8 enthusiastic students (above right)
Intermediate Concepts:
Fronteras, Sonora, MX presents the designer with an exciting and completely set of opportunities and constraints. Among these are a forgotten heritage of colonial history; the replacement of legitimate commerce by narcotraffic, corruption, and bypass by travelers; and stunningly beautiful, but neglected natural wonders. In order to develop a diversified economy, the ingredients of this analysis must be combined to create two cultural nodes announcing the town at its edges along the higways, drawing visitors inward to a prominent, centralized East/West axis. Design streetscapes along this junction, in order to welcome visitors into the town’s commercial heart. Place two educational/recreational nodes at the ends of this axis to further encourage visitors to explore the recreational, historical, and environmental resources surrounding the town. Locate pedestrian corridors, emanating from the central junction and activity nodes, along historic and contemporary canal alignments and breathtaking natural features. Selectively remove buildings along the east side of the highway to create “plazas miradores” or commercial gathering areas oriented to accent views across the agricultural and natural landscape.
- junction function - pedestrian laces - inner and outer radiance
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All images of this project collaboratively developed by: O. Alicea, C. Alcala Avila, M. Bossler, D. Bradshaw, A. Foye, N. Sweeney, A. Wood, W. Wood
“The ‘back porch’ of Fronteras would connect landscapes of agricultural and economic productivity.”
“‘Punched out’ placitas could introduce passersby to the rich natural heritage of productive pastures, a beautiful river, and impressive background mountain views.”
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see figure, bottom, this page
see figures, previous page
“A public trail can stretch along the acequia that would nourish much of the Green Heart.�
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see figure, bottom, this page
“The untouched vistas and rural quality of the east of town, near the banks of Rio Fronteras, make in an ideal location for hte development of tourist facilities. The proposed equestrian center and ecolodge on the eastern edge of Fronteras mirror possible development on the west, each side functioning as an anchor - drawing visitor into and througout town.�
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Prep time: September/October 2009, intensive studio project Skills/traits required: the imagination of a child Makes about: 1 three-phased master-plan, 1 promotional video Serves: University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ
Ingredients:
Oftentimes, though a client may have decided upon a concept they have developed before consultation with a landscape design professional. In these cases it is important to refocus their attention upon their primary programming goals, develop alternatives that 1 expansion and will accomplish these, and give the client a new, improved vision for reorganization development. of hospital building At Tucson’s University Medical Center, hospital staff (above left) requested a re-design of the landscape surrounding a Children’s 1 poor circulation Hospital extension of the medical campus. Specifically, they requested a ‘healing garden’ in a small, forgotten space surrounded by network (above imposing hardscapes designed by the project architect. Additionally, center) views from a neighboring boulevard were to be opened towards the Numerous constrained form and signage of the extension. Delivering upon these specific or negative viewsheds requests, the design further proposes to create a welcoming place of (above right) community, connection, and wonder through the rearrangement of 1 specific client request: circulation patterns for safety, the placement of abstract forms of the therapeutic garden desert grasslands, and the construction of a public health and wellness center.
Intermediate Concepts: -- sense of community -- sense of connection -- sense of wonder
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All images of this project collaboratively developed by: M. Bossler, D. Bradshaw, A. Wood
Figures (top): Final concepts; Figure (bottom): Master plan (note section A and enumerated viewpoints)
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“The ‘Health and Wellness Campus Extension’ transforms the northeastern campus gateway into a walkable, restful, refreshing, and playful outdoor experience for patients of Diamond Children’s Medical Center, hospital staff and medical professionals, and the neighboring community.”
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Figure (top left): Urban plaza; Figure (bottom left): Monumentation; Figure (center): Section A; Figure (top right): Children’s inspiration garden; Figure (bottom left): Green roof
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Prep time: 2008-2010, periodic involvement Skills/traits required: patience, negotiation, inspiration Makes about: 2 presentations, 1 installed design Serves: Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association, Tucson, AZ
Ingredients: 1 traffic flow analysis (above left) 1 element of local cultural tradition (above center) 1 vernacular material (above right)
Intermediate Concepts: -- revolution -- ascension -- leading of the eye
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Occasionally, opportunities to improve the communities to which I belong come in the form of pro-bono service projects. In this instance, under the guidance of neighbor and landscape architect Jessie Byrd (Desert Green Design), and with financial support from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation, I developed a traffic circle design for the downtown neighborhood of Jefferson Park, in which I lived. The goal of this project was to create a safe, low-maintenance, locally-appropriate piece of public art. Inspired by a group of neighbors who practiced and performed flamenco dancing, this design captured the concepts of revolution, ascension, and the leading of the eye in an abstraction of the triumphant, twisting form of the “bata de cola”, or ruffled dress train, of a flamenco dancer. Local vernacular materials, including oxidized, corrugated sheet metal, traffic reflectors, and native xeriscape plants, were chosen for the design, and the sculpture was constructed by neighbor Jerry Harris, aka “The Village Blacksmith”.
Final Product: -- sculptural form rising from the earth -- skirts of corrugated steel -- riffles marked with reflectors -- frame of lowmaintenance, native, xeriscape trees, accent plants, and groundcover
Figure (top right): Final concept sketch of sculptural elements Figure (middle right): Final graphic of complete design used for presentation to neighborhood association Figure (bottom right): Design installed in traffic circle, Autumn 2010 Figure (bottom left): Sculpture installed and adorned with roses by a neighbor NOTE: (reflective material not yet installed)
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Prep time: Spring 2008, two weeks intensive Skills/traits required: collaboration with architectural design Makes about: 1 master plan, 1 planting plan Serves: Coronado National Forest (educational exercise)
Ingredients: 1 abandoned gravel pit (above left) Multiple outstanding valley views (above center) 1 diverse native plant palette (above right)
Intermediate Concepts:
When given a short timeline for preparation, quickly inventory the site and identify areas for preservation (excellent viewpoints, surface natural features of distinction), and development opportunity (previously disturbed sites, monocultures of common plants). Next, formulate a few primary programming goals (gateway entry, interpretation of natural resources from the ground and above, universal accessiblity). Working with a 3-D working contour model, locate site parking and the building envelope within development opportunity areas, and conceptually regrade the surface in order to site a system of trails, picnic areas, overlooks, and plantings centered around previously located preservation areas. Create two trail networks for varying levels of engagement: one universally accessible and formal, the other strenuous and rustic. Design elevators, stairways, and ramps to lead the visitor through a procession of points of discovery. Between designed viewpoints, concentrate visitor attention on a variety of plant forms native to biotic communities at or near the site. Integrate built form with landscape through an interconnected greenroof ribbon rising from the earth to the sky.
- Development according to slope - Biotic community planting zones - Procession of vistas
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All images of this project collaboratively developed by: M. Bossler, Y. Kim
Figure (top): Master site grading and planting layout Figure (right): Plant list
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Figure (top left): Architectural scheme of observation tower Figure (top right): Portal views along tower stairway Figure (center left): Observation deck oculus views Figure (bottom): Arboretum entryway, green-roof ribbon courtyard
“The spiral course of the tower leads the visitor from the bedrock of the site to the open sky.’”
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Figure (top): Elevation and plan of northern portion; Figure (bottom): Elevation and plan of southern portion
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Prep time: Summer 2005-Summer 2007, full-time Skills/traits required: independence, leadership, consensus building Makes about: multiple ecological reports and NEPA documents Serves: Bureau of Land Management & National Park Service
Ingredients: Various ecosystems (above left) Various planning frameworks (above center) Various ecological challenges (above right)
The process of natural resource management requires, first and foremost, the perception of major natural system processes. In order to understand the effect of land management practices upon a certain biological system, one must first define the independent factors of causation of a dynamic lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and human systems, and the dependent factors of the target population or ecosystem. Adhering to a predefined experimental design, findings can lead to better management strategies and techniques for ecosystem restoration. Based upon the available science, appropriate environmental policy can be developed within available planning frameworks (Environmental Assessments, Categorical Exclusions, Resource Management Plans, etc.) In the process of development, consultation with program area specialists within the Department, Native American tribes, and the Fish and Wildlife Service should lead to a consensus and result in a strengthened piece of policy.
Intermediate Concepts: -- Ecological Assesment -- Natural System Description -- Native Habitat Restoration
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Image (top right): W. Shattil & B. Rozinski 2007 Image (bottom left): Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area 2007 Image (bottom center): Pima County Flood Control District, 2008
Final Products: -- Geostatistical elk herbivory and fire effects study, Cerro Grande (Bandelier National Monument; this page) -- Ecological Assessment of Sonoran Pronghorn critical habitat (BLM, Phoenix Field Office, page 30) -- Categorical Exclusions for Invasive Species Removal along Colorado River (BLM, Lake Havasu Field Office, page 30) -- Environmental Assessment for programmatic herbicidal control of invasise species along Lower Colorado River (BLM, Colorado River District, page 31)
Management Recommendation: “Land managers should consider creating ‘jackstraw’ in order to deal with the combined effects of fire and ungulate browse in areas where fuel reduction is a high priority.” 29
GIS Analysis:
Figure (top): Sonoran Pronghorn Critical Habitat range assessment, Ajo, AZ Figure (right): Fuel break proposed location, Needles, CA Figure (left): Tamarisk removal proposed location, Lake Havasu, AZ
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Figures (below): excerpts, Programmatic Herbicide Application Environmental Assessment, Lake Havasu, AZ
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