christian morgutia landscape design portfolio
mission statement i have always found myself pulled towards more creative fields and aspects of design. as a landscape design student, i challenged myself to go against the norms of what is expected from landscape architecture and urban planning, while still being grounded in reality. one of my main goals has to always pull people out of what they’re used to, and immerse them in unusual and memorable experiences. being a los angeles native, i find the urban landscape to be a common thread to tie together people through narrative, emotion, experience, and discovery. throughout my portfolio, i have compiled work that ranges from small scale landscape design to larger scale urban/regional planning projects, as i hope to showcase my ideals and ambitions to continue evolving and become a well rounded designer.
index
1) mojave water agency
2) santa fe heights
3) los angeles river outfitters
4) installation series
1) mojave water agency
mojave water agency
landscape design /apple valley, ca
climate
mojave water was a student design competition that was overseen by the mojave water agency of apple valley, california. the objective was to provide a new vision for the landscaping on the grounds of the mojave water agency headquarters that would also double as an example/demonstration of drought tolerant landscaping suited to the high desert climate. using an existing program, “cash for grass,� the mwa wanted to show high desert residents that they could sacrifice their turf grass lawns and save water, while still maintaining aesthetically pleasing and varied lawns. the project was executed in a way that made it easy for the general public to understand.
13846 conference center drive apple valley, ca 92307
california high desert (sunset climate zone 10 + 11) elevation- 2,900 ft. winter high/low: 31f - 61f (dec), rec. low -1f summer high/low: 62f - 99f (july), rec. high 116f avg. precipiation: 2 in. (dec - mar) avg. sunshine: 340 days avg. wind: sw to ne, 5 mph - 7mph
objectives -reduce heat island effect by increasing amount of shade -use plant material that thrives in highly alkaline conditions -reduce evapotranspiration rate -make site more welcoming by using plant palette to invite visitors and encourage them to stay -increase safety by placing dangerous plants (cacti, etc.) further away from paths -have plant material of varying heights to break very low horizontal plane -create a spot to bring local wildlife closer to humans
1) mojave water agency
rear retention basin
pomegranate
blue fescue
lavender
dwarf pomegranate
front parking lot conceptual mwa site plan
mesquite sp.
nashville deer grass
blue grama grass
strawberry tree
chuparosa
deer grass
demonstration garden
crape myrtle
texas ranger
front retention basin mexican hat
2) santa fe heights urban design /arts district, los angeles, ca santa fe heights was a purely conceptual project that aimed to create a new urban district on a platform spanning the metro red line service yards in downtown los angeles. located adjacent to the los angeles river, 1st and 4th streets, the project planned to incorporate retail, office, and residential spaces along with open public spaces. due to its proximity to downtown, the site incorporates sustainable metabolic systems such as reliance on solar energy and stormwater catchment and reuse for irrigation. despite being a realistically impossible vision, santa fe heights was an investigation through trial and error to offer a glimpse into the future of high density development in los angeles while integrating it into the existing urban fabric.
conceptual site plan - nts
section a - east-west
section b - north-south
detail plan a - ground level plaza
detail plan b - commercial zone
detail plan c - open space terraces
detail plan d - residential zone
2) santa fe heights
open space terraces commercial area plaza
commercial area
detail section a
detail section b
residential area bridges
2) santa fe heights
layer diagram tree massing
zoning
underground parking
base plan/layout
model photos
3) los angeles river outfitters urban design /los angeles, ca undertaken during the walt disney imagineering bobby brooks memorial studio, the los angeles urban river lodge was an interdisciplinary studio project between landscape architecture and architecture students. the urban lodge consisted of the main lodge and 2 field stations among 3 sites, my group’s concept was to create a “guidebook” to expose the different subcultures and sides of los angeles that isn’t portrayed in media or experienced by non-locals. my portion of the project: the los angeles river outfitters, an urban forest flanking both sides of the l.a. river that served to outfit people in preparation for los angeles’s urban jungle. tying back to the group’s main themes, the l.a. river outfitters served to highlight the film, camping, and wilderness aspects of los angeles.
conceptual site plan scale: 1” = 150’
L.A. River Outfitters is located on the Los Angeles River adja District and Boyle Heights sides of the river, as well as the r Located in the middle of a concrete jungle, the Outfitters in provides a transition from the city to the river channel, ma River culture. The Outfitters also serves as a gathering spot, a place for v safely explore the surrounding areas to visit filming spots o it is for the open-minded and bravely curious who wish to s
acent to the 6th Street Viaduct. The site spans tracts of land on both the Arts river channel itself. ncorporates an urban forest to help serve as a point of interest. The Outfitters aking the trek into the river much more easy and accessible while engaging in L.A.
visitors and locals to congregate to exchange and absorb information. One can of many TV ads, TV series, and film, while making their own memories.. Ultimately, step foot into a side of Los Angeles that many have yet to experience.
3) los angeles river outfitters
outdoor outfitter + kayak plaza
program diagram nts
lodging/camping -traditional tent camping - 7 campgrounds -container hostels - 14 1-a class shipping containers, 4 10’x10’ units each (56 total units)
kayaking/cycling film outfitter + amphitheater
-access from la river outfitters -bike path extension connecting los feliz to lynwood -bike path bridge for access from east
film outfitting + opportunities -film studio/screenings with accessible parking -minimal alteration to river channel for filming/events
container hostels
3) los angeles river outfitters
primary users
audio/video equipment
food + hiking supplies
good times projectors + media accessories
swimming apparel + toiletries
hiking apparel + footwear
backpackers
flimmakers/photographers
adventurers
section a - la river island + bike bridge scale: 1” = 50’
section b - kayak launch tunnel scale: 1” = 50’
4) installation series landscape design/ interaction study /pomona, ca a series of installations were proposed to double as interactive art pieces that allowed individuals to interact with their surroundings in new ways and immerse themselves into the landscape. the installations were conceived to bring up and address problems with a level of critical thought behind their execution while employing the use of affordable and everyday materials. the first, superfuntimeballoons, consisted of 200 clear latex balloons and 4 lb. fishing line to occupy an existing space and see how users interacted and traversed the space. parasitic shelters, on the other hand, used many different materials to create easily deployable emergency shelters that integrated into the landscape, using salvaged wood from shipping pallets, black garbage bags, seran wrap, twine, and burlap.
superfuntimeballoons concept occupy a well-traversed open space with 200 hanging clear balloons of varying heights invite passersby to interact with installation through discovery, and curiosity. notes were put in the balloons to catch interest. if a balloon is popped, the participant must respond to the prompt inside through several social interactions
4) installation series landscape design/ interaction study /pomona, ca a series of installations were proposed to double as interactive art pieces that allowed individuals to interact with their surroundings in new ways and immerse themselves into the landscape. the installations were conceived to bring up and address problems with a level of critical thought behind their execution while employing the use of affordable and everyday materials. parasitic shelter’s main focus centered around the design and deployment of several kits, made with easily obtainable/recyclable materials in case of emergencies and natural disasters. the shelters were designed to be put together with minimal tools and energy use. materials and kits vary depending on location and shelter needed, but can be repurposed after use.
[ PARAS ITI C ]
S H E L T E R S
TYLER PAGE ANDREW LYTLE
#RAPIDLYDEPLOYABLELOWCOSTSITESPECIFICINFINITELYCUSTOMIZABLETEMPORARYSHELTERKITSFOREMERGENCYRELIEF
CHRISTIAN MORGUTIA
[PARASITIC] LANDSCAPE
MATT KIZU | LA 402 | MARCH 2015
EMERGENCY CONDITIONS | FLOOD EARTHQUAKE WILDFIRE
TERRAIN |
STEEP HILLSIDE SEASONAL FLOOD PLAIN
HABITAT |
OAK WOODLAND / GRASSLAND / CHAPPARAL
WEB | POST |
CAMP NETWORK COMMUNITY
ORGANIC SHELTER
BURROW |
GATHERING HUB
LANTERN | CONNECTIVITY
NEST |
SUSPENDED SHELTER
SAFETY
SUBTERRANEAN SHELTER
QUICKIE | O V E R H E A D SHELTER
A-FRAME SHELTER
RESILIENCY
OPPORTUNISTIC
christian morgutia
chrismorgutiadesign@outlook.com cargocollective.com/morgutia 323.369.5007