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NATHAN J OWENS Urban Planner & Designer Professional Portfolio
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PRINCIPLES • UNDERPIN PLANNING INTERVENTIONS WITH STRONG EVIDENCE & INPUT • DO MORE WITH LESS: USE SYNERGISTIC SOLUTIONS TO SATISFY HUMAN & ECOSYSTEM NEEDS • STRIVE FOR TIMELESS & RESILIENT URBANISM • DEFEND THE DIGNITY OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED • ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL ISSUES WITH INNOVATIVE & LOCALLY RELEVANT STRATEGIES • AFFIRM LIFE: MAKE THE HEALTH & WELL-BEING OF HUMANS & OTHER LIFE FORMS THE TOP PRIORITY
CONTENTS
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•CURRICULUM •DOCUMENTS •ARCGIS
VITAE 1
& POSTERS 5
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•GRAPHICS
13
•PHOTOGRAPHY
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1
CURRICULUM VITAE Contact Information
Areas of Special Interest
Nathan John Owens 720.345.7674 natejowens@gmail.com 1280 Humboldt St. #24 Denver, CO 80218
Urban Design Ecological Approaches to Environmental Design Public Spaces, Complete Streets, & Greenways Environmental Psychology Tactical Urbanism Standards, Design Guidelines, & Form Based Coding
Education
Infrastructure Green Infrastructure & Climate Change Adaptation Highway Removal & Adaptation Renewable Energy Tech & Smart Grid Infrastructure Urban Agriculture & Food Systems Planning
MA Urban and Regional Planning 2010 - 2013 Focus in Sustainability & Urban Design University of Colorado Denver | Denver, CO BA English Literature, Minor in History 2003 - 2007 Focus in Creative Writing, Non-Western History Ohio University | Athens, OH High School Diploma 2003 Advanced Placement in English & Calculus Centennial High School | Columbus, OH
Land Use Planning & its Social Outcomes Environmental Health & Justice Land Use & Transportation Connection Incumbent Upgrading Community Resilience Public Engagement Public Outreach for Area & Comprehensive Planning Web-Based Comment & Prioritization Platforms Data-Driven Web-Based Community Dashboards
Employment & Volunteer History Graphic Design Volunteer 10/13 Downtown Colorado Inc. | Denver, CO Worked on graphic templates for the organization’s workbooks. Also participated in the Georgetown Technical Assessment, helping formulate recommendations for urban design and wayfinding improvements. Catering Bartender 8/13 - Present Denver Merchandise Mart | Denver, CO Set up and tended bar, kept track of sales and inventory, ensured guest satisfaction and safety. Comprehensive Planning Intern 5/12-5/13 City of Boulder | Boulder CO Supported the Comprehensive Planning and Sustainability Division on a variety of tasks, including: research, report writing, editing, data entry, graphic design, public engagement, program development, event planning, and public meeting set-up and tear down. Participated as a team member on the Civic Area Project and the Sustainability Indicators Project. Was responsible for deliverables that informed and solicited feedback from public officials, key stakeholders, and community members.
Banquet Bartender & Server 4/08 - 3/13 2 The Westin Westminster | Westminster, CO Prepared for and serviced guests at banquet events, receptions, and parties. Kept track of cash sales and ensured guest satisfaction and safety. Restaurant Server & Server Assistant 1/11 - 9/12 O’s Steak and Seafood | Westminster, CO Set up tables, greeted and sat guests, discussed food and beverage options with guests, took food and beverage orders and delivered meal courses at the appropriate time. Ensured high quality guest experience. Web Editing Volunteer 1/10 - 6/10 PlaceMatters | Denver, CO Assisted staff with reviewing web site content and made recommendations for content changes. Supported staff at several public meetings. Grant Writing Intern 1/09 - 7/09 Working With Artists | Lakewood, CO (now Colorado Photographic Arts Center) Collaborated with the Grant Writer to craft responses to grant applications and write letters of intent to funding organizations. Helped develop and revise marketing materials.
3 Editorial Intern 9/08 - 1/09
The Bloomsbury Review | Denver, CO Proofread, fact-checked, and edited book reviews. Communicated with publishers to order review copies of books and corresponded with authors to discuss article issues. Maintained comprehensive and up-to-date information on subscribers and advertisers in Microsoft Excel. Substitute Teacher & Teaching Aide 1/08 - 3/08 Board of Cooperative Educational Services | Fort Edward, NY Stood in for absent teachers and teaching aides. Worked for an extended period in a classroom with autistic children. Provided group and one-on-one assistance, guiding activities and scoring performance. Server Assistant 9/07 - 3/08 East Cove Restaurant | Lake George, NY Set up tables, greeted and sat guests, served rolls and butter, assisted servers with delivering food and beverages, cleared tables. Sales Associate 12/04 - 8/06 Oakland Nursery | Columbus, OH Greeted customers, discussed their needs, made product recommendations.
Lifeguard & Swim Instructor OU Aquatic Center | Athens, OH 2/05 - 5/06 City of Worthington | Worthington, OH 2/02 - 13/03 City of Columbus | Columbus, OH 6/00 - 8/04 Instructed students in swimming technique. Provided supervision over pool area, performed rescues in shallow and deep water, and practiced firstaid and emergency care as needed. Attended yearly skills reviews and maintained certifications.
Organizations & Honor Societies American Planning Association Colorado Chapter Executive Board Member: Student Representative 2012-2013 Outreach & Communication Committee Member Emerging Planning Professionals Committee Member American Planning Association Colorado Student Chapter Board Member 2012-2013 Tao Sigma Delta Member 2013-Present Sigma Tao Delta Member 2006-2007
Honors & Publications ROOT v5 (UC Denver Graduate Journal) Ecological Thresholds as Tools for Policy Formulation and Design published 10/13 University of Colorado Denver Graduation with Special Honors Dean’s List 2011-2013 Working With Artists | Lakewood, CO Co-authored 2009 Tier-3 SCFD Grant Application, organization awarded $19,000 Sphere (Ohio University Literary Journal) “Nightswimming” published 4/07
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5
DOCUMENTS & POSTERS RESOURCE INVENTORY and OTHER PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
City of Boulder- Boulder Civic Area Resource Inventory
Updated Aug 29, 2012 (additional information to be added as it become available)
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3 PLANNING AREA AND BOUNDARIES ..........................................................................................3 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT...........................................................................................................4 Hydrological Features ............................................................................................................. 4 Stream, Wetland and Water Body Protection ......................................................................... 4 Trees...................................................................................................................... Significant Trees ...................................................................................................................... 4 FLOOD ZONES .............................................................................................................................4 INTRODUCTION LAND USE ...................................................................................................................................6 A clear inventory and understanding of the resources in the Boulder Existing Uses ........................................................................................................................... 6 Civic Area will help support the decision-making process in two ways. First, existing resources6 may constrain future Uses.................................................................................................................. Planned Land Uses .................................................................................................................. development in the area if they are protected (e.g., wetlands, landmarks), or if they pose health Zoning and Development Standards ....................................................................................... 6 and safety risks (e.g., flood zones). These protections and restrictions Ownership....................................................................................................................... Land Ownership ....................................................................................................................... 7 mean that not just any vision should become reality. Second, understanding resources may Parking .................................................................................................................................... 7 allow for selecting new ideas that complement or showcase the area’s resources. DISTRICTS....................................................................................................7 STRUCTURES AND DISTRICTS ....................................................................................................7 City Buildings ........................................................................................................................... 7 This inventory describes features and restrictions for the following categories: Structures...................................................................................................................... Other Structures ...................................................................................................................... 9 Landmarks................................................................................................................. Historic Landmarks ................................................................................................................. Planning Area and 9Parks, Art, and Culture CULTURE.....................................................................................................10 PARKS, ART, AND CULTURE ..................................................................................................... Boundaries 10Transportation Parks and Recreation .............................................................................................................10 Natural Environment Major Events and User Flood Zones Patterns Gardens ..................................................................................................................................10 Land Use Public Safety Art ...........................................................................................................................................10 Structures and Districts The 1910 Olmsted Plan and the 1923 Olmsted Associates Report ........................................10 ...................................................................................................................10 TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................... 10 Major Corridors ......................................................................................................................10 Additional items are attached to supplement the information that follows. Intersections and Level of Service .........................................................................................11 Bus Stations and Bus Stops ...................................................................................................11 PLANNING AREA AND BOUNDARIES System......................................................................................11 Bicycle and Pedestrian The Pathplanning System ......................................................................................11 area is approximately 65 acres, excluding public rights-of-way, and is roughly ....................................................................................12 MAJOR EVENTS AND USER bounded PATTERNS 12 Avenue. The land near by .................................................................................... 9th and 17th Streets and Canyon Boulevard to Arapahoe Events .....................................................................................................................................12 Boulder High School football field is also included, as the land is publicly-owned and should be User Patterns and Social Groups ...........................................................................................13 considered as part of the long-term vision. The primary focus of the planning effort will address ........................................................................................................................13 PUBLIC SAFETY ........................................................................................................................ 13 approximately 30 acres of city-owned land roughly from to 9th to 14th Street, and from Canyon Boulevard to Arapahoe Avenue, shown on the figure below. 1
See Map Aerial View. Figure 1:1:Boulder Civic Area - Areas of Focus
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I was tasked with researching, collecting, and organizing the Boulder Civic Area Resource Inventory during Phase I of the Public Engagement Process for the 2013 Civic Area Master Plan Update. With guidance from Planning Manager Lesli Ellis and Planner Marie Zuzack, I collected, organized, and formatted relevant information, maps, and graphics representing the Civic Area in Boulder, CO. I wrote the introduction and adapted technical descriptions (e.g. existing city zoning and floodplain regulation language) so the general public could easily understand any restrictions on developable land.
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Ideas Competition
Building Locale
SCALE: 1” = 60’
‘Locale’ is defined as a place with specific references to the particular events connected with it. This proposal establishes three distinct districts within the downtown Civic Area while organizing civic functions, cultivating specific and spontaneous events and generating a sense of locality in the Civic Area. This flexible and adaptable proposal unifies the existing elements, maximizes green space, creates multiple connections to downtown and the surrounding areas, and fosters unique and varied experiences for the residents, workers, and visitors to Downtown Boulder.
N
NEW ART DISTRICT ENFORCES THE 13TH ST. CORRIDIOR TO DOWNTOWN BOULDER AND THE PEARL ST. MALL
A NEW SCIENCE & ART MUSEUM
P NEW PARKING STRUCTURE
A NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: THE CULTURAL & ART CENTERPIECE FOR DOWNTOWN BOULDER TEA HOUSE
P NEW PARKING STRUCTURE
A
M
An Overview of the January 2013 City of Boulder Ideas Competition
EXPANDED BMOCA
NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING: THIS NEW BUILDING AGGREGATES THE CITY FUNCTIONS CURRENTLY IN THE PARK CENTRAL AND NEW BRITIAN BUILDING THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HIGH HAZARD FLOOD AREA. THIS BUILDING MAKES UP THE WESTERN TERMINUS OF THE NEW MUNICIPAL DISTRICT.
P EXPANDED SURFACE PARKING FOR NEW AMENITIES AND FARMERS MARKET
THE FUNCTIONALITY OF A LARGE AUDITORIUM HAS BEEN SHIFTED TO THE NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. GROUP MEETING AREAS AND A LECTURE HALL HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING (C1) ATTACHED TO THE LIBRARY.
Building Locale There is plenty of beautiful greenery that surrounds the creek, however, it could serve as a restriction to the creek. There are some areas that could have floodplain management issues, but this project has a lot of potential.
P PARKING FOR MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES BELOW.
A
C NEW COMMUNITY BUILDING: EXPANDING ON THE SOCIAL FUNCTIONALITY OF THE LIBRARY THIS NEW BUILDING WOULD HOUSE AN EXPANDED SENIOR CENTER, COMMUNITY MEETING ROOMS, AND LECTURE HALL.
ARTS DISTRICT 1 Performing Arts Center 2 Science and Art Museum 3 Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
P
COMMUNITY DISTRICT
PARKING FOR LIBRARY PATRONS.
Boulder Vision
1 New Municipal Building 2 Future Municipal Expansion 3 Existing Municipal Building
Building Locale
Airworks Studio
CONNECT BOULDER
bldg.collective architecture & design
Courthouse
Pearl
Cultural Core
Promenade
Year-round indoor farmers’ market at ground level of civic buildings
Museum
Boulder Library
Civic Office Building
Protective Berm
The Children’s Experience
Open Air Structure/ Movie Background
Bandshell
Boulder
P
Farmer’s Market Promenade
k
Cree
Tea House
Multi-Level Parking Structure with Green Roof
Farmer’s Ditch BMOCA
P
Boulder Library
P P
Civic Office Building
Parking Access Art Pavilion Public Restroom Playground
Programmed park plazas for art Low grading for natural landscape
Connect Boulder
Parking under landscape “lid” Lawns re-graded above flood zone
Olson Kundig Architects
Library
Civic Center buildings concentrated at urban end, out of flood hazard zone
Cultivate, Educate, Celebrate
h er’s Ditc Farm
0’
60’
Parking Retail Wrap
Year-Round Farmer’s Market/Creative Class Incubator Office Space
Educate/Cultivate Zone
N
Tea House BMOCA
Civic Center Green
Urban Agriculture
Expansion/ Community Space
oe Arapah
Performing Arts Center
Arapahoe Avenue KEY P
Parking New Senior Center 9th
New Senior Center
Broadway
9th
Large Gathering Space
14th Street
Street
Gardens Boulder Creek
Performing Arts Center
Overlook Bridge
Outdoor Sculpture Garden Central
Outdoor Sculpture Garden West (Existing)
Cultural Center
Sister City Plaza
Outdoor Sculpture Garden East
The Grand Lawn
120’
Residential Wrap
14th
Museum
Plaza extends into closed 13th street for an expanded farmers’ market
P
Sister City Plaza
Transit Center Expansion Area
City Hall
Brick paving similar to Pearl Street
CIVIC CENTER
Municipal Building
c Publi ng Parki
lien St. Ju Hotel
Close 13th Street to Traffic
Landscaped bridge links parks
PARK
Canyon Boulevard
Walnut
13th
Berms protect park from traffic noise
Development site along Civic Axis
Vision Project Canyon
y Broadwa
Civic Axis links to commercial core
Our approach connects Boulder’s existing urban gathering areas, open spaces, icons and events to each other and to nearby areas by a series of pedestrian bridges and walkways that draw the surrounding City into the project area. Shaped earth berms defend the site from floods while reinforcing a more connected and protected heart of Boulder.
it Trans r Cente
Boulder Civic Area Design Competition January 2013
· Public Library Building (w/ addition) and Municipal Building become museums. · Retain Promenade and the Grand Lawn. · Anchor these areas with outdoor sculpture gardens that supplement the existing sculpture garden west of 9th. · Retain surface parking in this area-50 Spaces. · Retain Sister City Plaza. · Build Performing Arts Center (38,800 sf footprint), retain landmark music shell as icon. · New overlook bridge near Broadway across Boulder Creek. · Improve edge of Farmer’s Ditch.
11th
COMMERCIAL AXIS CIVIC AXIS
Pearl Street
Pedestrian bridge to mid-block link
1 Performing Arts Center 2 Science and Art Museum 3 Public Green & Band Shell
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
NEW PUBLIC GREEN & HISTORIC BANDSHELL: THIS NEW PUBLIC SPACE IS SCALED FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES AWAY FROM BUSY STREETS. THE NEW ENLARGED AND CENTRALIZED BRIDGE BRINGS ACTIVITY TO THE MIDDLE OF THE PARK SPACE AND ALIGNS THE CIRCULATION PATHS FROM DOWNTOWN.
· Library expansion area (11,200 sf footprint) provides community meeting space / public rest rooms. · A new south grand promenade provides the framework for the Farmer’s Market. Availability for over 90 ground level vendors. · Re-use of New Britain and Park Central buildings for year-round farmer’s market booths and affordable office space for ‘Creative Class’ start ups. New entry and face lift for buildings. · The Children’s Experience is created along the south edge of Boulder Creek. (See Catalytic Project for more detail and information.) · Urban Agriculture is available at the edges of the Civic Center transitioning to residential uses. · A new two-story Senior Center as southwest Civic Center gateway. · Parking: new parking structure-234 spaces; short term/handicap off-street between library and Senior Center; curb side drop off for library; on-street parking on Arapahoe; 56 spaces w/in Farmer’s Market Promenade (for use during non-event times).
Government Zone
Cultivate, Educate, Celebrate This project has a great draw with the children’s experience along the creek which would create synergy with the nearby farmer’s market. This plan could improve by addressing the buildings that are in the floodplain.
· Retain Atrium Building or remove and build all new three-story City Hall. 100,000 sf, city vehicle parking on-site. · New parking structure, access on 13th and 14th. Two story structure / three levels parking-390 spaces. · Parking structure wrapped with retail and residential. · 13th to two-way street with on-street parallel parking and bike lanes in both directions - connecting w/ Boulder Creek trail. · Better pedestrian environment along Farmer’s Ditch. · Adequate outdoor seating for Tea House.
Link to Boulder High
Cultivate, Educate, Celebrate CEC Collaborative
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City of Boulder- Civic Area Ideas Competition Summary Book After the conclusion of the Boulder Civic Area's Ideas Competition, I worked with the Senior Urban Designer, Sam Assefa on presenting the winning and finalist proposals in book form. I wrote an introduction providing a synopsis of the Ideas
Competition process and used Adobe InDesign to achieve a clean, minimalist layout that allows the reader's attention to gravitate toward the ingenuity of the proposals. I integrated the jury's comments into the layout so readers could understand the jury's selection criteria and thought process.
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Potential New Program Ideas and Site Capacity Museum
10,000Ͳ30,000
50,000Ͳ80,000
between 90,000 and 210,000 SQ FT
St.
10,000Ͳ20,000
Potential New Parking* ay Bradw
20,000Ͳ80,000
SQ FT TOTAL
City Facilities
* Assumption based on an average 1 parking space per 400 sq. ft. of new uses, and approximately 325 sq. ft. per parking space. New parking space demand could significantly be reduced through shared parking and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies.
St.
USE
Farmers' Market / Market Hall
13th
Performing Arts Facility
14th
POTENTIAL NEW PROGRAM IDEAS
32,500 Ͳ 105,000 (100Ͳ325 spaces)
70,000
m Atriu Bldg.
2 s.f.)
Band Shell
(12,39
4
d. on Blv Cany
ipal Munic Bldg. s.f.) 657
0-
111,00
(23,
ouse Tea H s.f.) (3,895
f.
0 s. 260,00
30,000
5
CA BMO f.) 5 s. (10,96
7
(5,750
r Boulde Library Public
s.f. - 70,000
f.
000 s.
- 160,
33,000
s.f.)
6
1 New Britain f.) 1 s. (13,85
00 s.f.
- 90,0
M
s.f.) (2,080 8,000 s.f. 20,000
Park l Centra f.) 0 s. (20,91
0 s.f.)
(84,76
90,000
3
f.
000 s.
- 200,
r Boulde Library Public
Senior Center
28,000
00 s.f.
- 65,0
e. oe Av
ah Arap
8 s.f.)
(16,18
POTENTIAL BUILDABLE AREAS 2
50 feet
LEGEND 100 Year Flood Zone
North
High Hazard Flood Zone (No New Habitable Structures Allowed) Historic Structure in Civic Area Potential Buildable Area 6
Reference to a Buildable Area - See Chart Focus Area Boundary
100 feet
250 feet
MAP ICON
1
SITE LOCATION
Canyon and 9th¹
RANGE OF ALLOWABLE BUILDING SQ FT **
30,00070,000 70,000
2 Arapahoe and 9th
3 South Library Wing Parking Lot²
4
5
6
7
Canyon between 13th and 14th³
Behind & Next to BMoCA³
13th & Arapahoe
Central ParkϺ
8,00090,000-200,000 90 65,000 33,000 90,000 33,000-90,000 ,000 200,000 28,000 28,000-65,000 70,000 160,000 70,000-160,000 20,000 20,000 BUILDABLE SPACE GRAND TOTAL - between 260,000 and 605,000 SQ FT
** Allowable area based on current zoning 1. Potential area for Library expansion 2. Any repurposing of the area must identify replacement of lost parking
111,000260,000 260,000
3. Any repurposing of the area must identify replacement of lost parking and building square footage 4. Park land could be exchangable/expandable within the Civic Area 5. 50,000 SQ FT of private properties occupy the corner of 14th and Arapahoe
City of Boulder- Civic Area Public Meeting Handout I developed this handout with guidance from Senior Urban Designer, Sam Assefa. We aimed to show estimated land area required for the community's preferred programs in relation to the developable land available.
City of Boulder- Urban Form Matrix I developed an evaluation tool for scoring the performance of neighborhood centers with guidance from Sustainability Planner, Jean Gatza. Green, Attractive, & Distinct Public Realm a scoring sheet developed by Nate Owens (DRAFT 1/30/13) Categories & Criteria
Score of 1
Score of 2
Score of 3
Security, Comfort, & Aesthetics Adequately Spaced Street Lights for Street Width
City of Boulder- Bandshell Options This City Council handout shows how Ideas Competition entries addressed the controversial issue of moving or adapting the historic Bandshell.
Too far apart to feel safe
Minimal shadows, does not feel dangerous
All spaces are well lit, feels safe
Pedestrian Buffers to Automobile Traffic
No buffers
Some buffers, or buffers are not wide enough, or excessively wide
Buffers of necessary width, containing amenities
Near 1:1.5
Close to 1:1
Little blank vertical wall space
None, Art or plantings present on walls without windows or entrances, historic brick okay
Building Height/Street Width Ratio
1:2+
Blank walls/No visual stimuli on building fascades
Considerable amount of blank wall space
Building Conditions
Poor, sense of building being unsafe
Fine, Gritty Aesthetic
Nice
Presence of Historic or Architecturally Significant Buildings
No
A few
Many
Adequately Spaced Street Trees for Street Width/Sidewalk width
Far Apart, Not There
Somewhat Close, Influences Aesthetic
Close, Creates sense of enclosure
Absense of Trash
No, A lot of waste
Some
None
Legible Street Layout?
No, Isolated feeling, can get lost easily
Somewhat legible
Easy to navigate
Any Acoustics Issues?
Too Loud or Too Quiet
Not Pleasant, but not abrasive or isolating
Pleasant Sounding
Wayfinding Signage Uses and Social Activity Mixed Use Context
None
Some, need for improvement
Performs well
Single Use
Few Uses
Mixed Use
Integrated into Surrounding Urban Fabric
Somewhat Isolated by lack of linkage or elevation change
Connected to Surrounding Paths
Innovative Connections to Highly Utilized Paths
Accessible for all users?
Generally does not meet ADA requirements
Some difficulty for some disabilities, easy to solve
Highly accessible and Inclusive
Space is Appropriately Loose, Not Too Open-‐ Ended
Public Space Under Tight Control, or Dangerously Loose Space (Crime)
Some Freedom of Activity, Some Control
Open and Used for a Variety of Purposes, but safe
Sidewalk/Path Width
Minimum Requred
Three to Six people wide
Supports Patios and/or Street Furniture
Places to Sit: Sun and Shade?
None to Little
Some seating, little balance between shade and sun
Ample Choice of Seating
Places to Sit: Comfortable height, depth?
None to Little
Some seating, but comfort is a concern
Comfortable seating opportunities
Art, Activities? Drinking Fountain?
None to Little No
A few Yes
Richness Yes, with dog bowl
Is the space well-‐used?
No
Used by a few, but not usually by groups. Little to moderate diversity
Well-‐Used. Presence of Groups, Women, Children, & Elderly.
Part of an Urban Place Sequence
No
Linked to another space
Linked to more than one other public space
Green Walls and Rooves
None
Some-‐ Thermal Performance at Building Scale
Stretch along Street Corridor-‐ PM reductions, reduced heat island effect
Presence of Clean Energy Generation
None
Some-‐ Performance for Building Scale
A lot-‐ Neighborhood Energy Consumption Reductions
Xeriscape Vegetation
No
Some
Most Plants adapted to ~19in /year
Bioswales & Permeable Surfaces
None
Some
A lot-‐ Neighborhood Scale Performance
Ecological Performance
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9 MAP DEFINITIONS
reasonable cost, and would help make the area more inviting and functional, while the city works toward the community’s
s lvd on B improvements: Some ideas for near-term Cany longer-term vision.
Bandshell
al Boulder Cr
Develop more programming in the
Add new amenities like
area like music in bandshell, art
seating, sculptures/ art, water
exhibit in park, etc.
features, gardens, or play areas
Boulder High School
1
Pl
9th S t
7th St
unless it from Description: Theallowed photos belowin arethis basedarea on comments received the community. West demonstrates that the development Senior will not create a rise in flood water.
Center
www.BoulderCivicArea.com
Photo ideaPlanning Area
High Hazard
Hydrology
Conveyance
Creek
100 Year
Ditch
Improve access to and enhance
Add a cohesive design theme (e.g.
Provide temporary solutions for
Boulder Creek and the Farmers
signs, lights, landscaping, etc.) to give
the Farmers' Market such as
Ditch identity to and unite the area ideas your comments and refinements here... your
www.BoulderCivicArea.com Ditch (Underground)
architypes.net
Remove some of the buildings and expand open space
Provide more connections to Boulder Creek
www.BoulderCivicArea.com
Remove some, perhaps all parking
6
Photo idea
76
I created the layout and content, with guidance, for 18 public meeting boards over the course of the outreach effort. I used Adobe Illustrator.
9 Expand the natural setting of Boulder Creek
Photo idea credit: tradnor
Remove buildings and parking found in the high hazard flood zone
Photo idea fhwa.dot.gov
cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com
Create a kids and adults recreation area
Photo idea Leave the area as it is now
Make Civic Area walkable, slow traffic
Photo idea Improve bike and transit access, install bike parking
expansion, circulation, and
What other ideas do you have?
Photo idea
Photo idea
your comments and refinements here...
improved space configuration or
This map represents a composite of service/delivery City of Boulder flood improvements zone information. Boulder Creek flood zones are in progress. For complete flood information and zone descriptions please refer to http://gisweb.ci.boulder.co.us/website/pds/pds_floodbase.
9 6
Restore ecosystem next to Boulder Creek
2
Athens St
St
Please respond with comments and additional ideas for the civic area. What kind of place do you envision for the future?
your comments and refinements here... Primary Focus Area
e
gardenvisit.com
etc.
Conveyance Zone The area of the 100-year floodplain that willCommunity be reserved to convey Has Shared So Far... Ideas the floodwaters. Development is not
The process has been crafted to produce a comprehensive vision for the civic area that will embody Boulder’s values; respect the city’s environmental, social, and economic goals; and establish a framework for future decision-making.
City of BoulderCivic Area Board Design Scheme
Park family-friendly, safe and more
mnprarieroots.wordpress.com
Gregory Creek
What will the process accomplish?
m
Grove St
Make the area (or a specific site)
enew amenities welcomingA with oeparkvfurniture, lighting, ahas such
Library
ar rF de l u N Bo
t
The area of the 100-year floodplain with high velocity and/or water depthLibrary causing life safety concerns. As a result of safety concerns, new development intended for human occupancy and parking lots are not allowed in this area.
t
High-Hazard Zone
explore the potential for new activities, capital improvements, and possible expansion of the Boulder Farmers’ Market.
S 15th
flood zones; and
• Our community has expressed desire to
and seating. These “catalytic” ideas are improvements that could be done fairly quickly (e.g., within 2 years), for a
S 14th
• A lot of the land and buildings are within
Boulder Transit Center
of Boulder. However, the community has also expressed a lot of interest in seeing near-term solutions, such as lighting, art
t
u t St Waln
Why is this happening now?
Thanks to community input, the Boulder Civic Area project is beginning to develop a long-term (20+ year) vision for the heart
S 16th
Municipal Building
Feet 400
200
ll t Ma
way
• To determine best uses for city parcels,
0
rs D itch
t
t 8th S
The area of a drainageway that will be inundated by a S t annual chance l 1% flood. Development Pear is allowed in this area subject to incorporating structural flood protection measures.
cilities currently in high hazard flood zones.
ee l Str
d Broa
Pear
100 Year Floodplain
• To guide decisions for the future of city fa-
and develop an urban design vision for public and private properties in the area.
S 10th
c e St Spru
Civic Area and better define its role in the larger city.
Flood Areas
19th St
• To develop a comprehensive vision for the
Near-Term Improvements
18th St
Flood Zones
What is the purpose?
17th St
PROJECT PURPOSE & GOALS
6/19/2012
University of Colorado Denver - Denver Metro HSR Feasibility Study: Downtown Alignment Option
10
ALIGNMENT FOR CROSSHAIRS OPTION
My Studio II Group STATIONS & MAINTENANCE FACILITY focused on designing a Denver Union Station Golden Station high-speed rail alignment that avoided generating greenfield development, located stations at regional activity nodes, and ensured fast service by limiting sharp turns. Englewood City Center DIA Phillip Gritzmacher and I digitized our alignment in ArcGIS to allow easy estimation of the total cost. I used Illustrator and InDesign for poster layout and Illustrator to show how we thought Maintenance Facility 162nd & Colorado future land uses could catalyze positive change for several station areas we identified. Group Members: Christine Bruins, Phillip Gritzmacher,Jake Sacks, and Allyssa Knutson. Denver Union Station
SH-7/162nd Avenue
G ld d n
Street Bridge/Path
Denver International Airport
Mixed Use
Commercial
Mixed Use
Parks/Open Space
Institutional
Medium/High Density Residential Golden Station
Parks/Open Space
• Destination of statewide significance • Well connected to major destinations • Multimodal transportation hub • High costs to reach station • No Parking
RTD Light Rail
Parking Structure
• A new TOD in Golden, with a great view • 2000 parking spaces for stations, 1000 for TOD • Street grid offers a unique urban design opportunity • A focus on connections: between modes of transit, between neighborhoods, between businesses.
Denver International Airport
DIA Station
Parking Structure
Surface Parking
Mixed Use
Structured Parking
Parks/Open Space Low/Medium Residential
Airport
Light Industrial
• 26 acre station • 1,200 parking spaces • Partnership opportunity with local governments to build pedestrian bridges • Multimodal connections
$
Mixed Use
HSR Maintence Facility Light Industrial
Low Residential
• Compatible industrial land uses in this area • Easy access from all directions
$
Golden
CityCenter Englewood
CityCenter Englewood
Bridge Station
• Destination of statewide significance • Partnership opportunity with tram expansion to future D, E concourses • No additional parking
Denver Union Station
Agricultural
Parks/Open Space
Medium / High Density Residential
State Highway 7 and 162nd Station
Parking Structure
• 25 acre shared station with RTD Light Rail • “Urban Agriculture” TOD integrates with surrounding landscape • Land use arrangement mitigates impact to natural resources • 1,500 parking spaces
$
Maintenance Facility Stations At-Grade Track Elevated Track Underground Track Quarter Mile Radius Half Mile Radius HSR Study Area
Ü 0
Engineering Constraints • Existing and planned runways at DIA • Planned development near Airport City • Existing development / tracks north of DUS • Existing development in Downtown Denver • HWY 6 and existing development west of Downtown Denver • Existing rail maintinance facilities south of Downtown Denver • Multiple road crossings south of Downtown Denver
1.25
Miles 5
2.5
Alignment Statistics Alignment North/South
Elevation At‐Grade Elevated Underground TOTAL
Length 52.6 Miles 8 Miles 9.8 Miles 70.4 Miles
Cost 5.3 Billion 1.6 Billion 3.9 Billion 10.8 Billion
Alignment East/West
Elevation At‐Grade Elevated Underground TOTAL
Miles 25 Miles 16 Miles 4 Miles 45 Miles
Cost 2.5 Billion 3.3 Billion 1.6 Billion 7.4 Billion
Length 115.4 Miles
Cost 18.2 Billion
Totals
Cost/Mile 157.7 Million
11
ARCGIS Mapping Environmental Injustice in Vancouver, BC The Issue
Vulnerable Populations
The concept of Environmental Justice (EJ) is not new, but it is challenging to address. While Vancouver, BC is regarded as a model for sustainable development, and progressive with its policies on housing the homeless, there is still work to be done regarding equity in the distribution of environmental assets
Concentrated Seniors census tracts with at least 1.5 times the national percentage of those 65 years and older. Critically Concentrated Seniors- census tracts with 30% or more of the population being over 65 years old.
Vancouver Zoning
potential areas of concern, so planners can target policies and resources where they are needed most.
Concentrated LowIncome - census tracts with at least 2.5 times the national percentage of low-income individuals. Critically Concentrated Low-Income- 50% or more of the census tract is low-income. N
Historic Special District
Higher-Density Residential
Industrial Uses (Darker shade not compatible with residential uses)
Commercial
Park
N
Environmental Risk
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
Hazardous Industrial Zones, Truck Routes, and Housing in Need of Major Repair present the Vancouver community with a number of health risks, which include asthma and cancer. I’ve established two levels of risk based on where environmental burdens overlap.
N
1
2
3
Vulnerable Populations Legend Concentrated Seniors Critically Concentrated Seniors Concentrated Low-income Critically Concentrated Low-income City Block Park City Boundary
N 1
2
3
4 Kilometers
Legend Low-Density Residential
by Nate Owens
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
Environmental Justice Concern: Where Environmental Risk and Vulnerable Populations Meet
4 Kilometers
The proximities to Truck Routes and M2 Industrial Zones considered 250m from Truck Routes hazardous in this study are informed by a variety of literature; however, ease of legibility and memorability were also factors in determining these distances. These proximities should be considered conservative ranges,
1km from M2 Industrial
Areas of Concern Legend Critical Environmental Justice Concern Environmental Justice Concern
N 1
2
3
4 Kilometers
Concentrated Seniors
levels of risk. Environmental Risk Legend Critical Risk Area (three overlapping hazards) Risk Area (two overlapping hazards)
Concentrated Low-Income Critical Risk Area
Truck Route
Risk Area
M2 Industrial
Park
10%+ Housing Needs Major Repair
City Block
City Boundary
City Block Park
N
1
2
3
4 Kilometers
City Boundary
Sources: City of Vancouver, Statistics Canada, Truck Route Proximity- Booth & Shendell (2008), Industrial Proximity- Benedetti, Lavarone, Comba (2001), Johnson et at (2003). Map projection: NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_10N
University of Colorado Denver- GIS for Planners Final Project
N
12
City of Boulder- Concepts for Community-wide Sustainability Indicators Alongside Sustainability Planner, Jean Gatza, I researched best practices for sustainability indicators and developed concept indicators that measured aspects of Boulder's urban form especially critical to sustainability.
13
GRAPHICS Downtown Colorado Inc.Streetscape Improvements in Georgetown, CO During this technical assessment, I photographed and visualized streetscape and wayfinding improvements along Argentine St. in Photoshop.
University of Colorado Denver Plan View Rendering of Sunrise Village Mall Redevelopment
Rendering of Our Grand Plaza/ Public Space
In Planning Studio I, several classmates and I proposed a mixed use development to replace a large, dead strip mall in Thornton, CO. Our design sought to combat the residential disinvestment of southern Thornton, address the lack of pedestrian-oriented infrastructure, and provide a new destination for families living in the area. My rendering shows the public square, proposed land uses, parking configuration, and the pedestrian-oriented street design we felt was necessary to attract retail, recreation, and civic activity. Group Members: Eric Ross, Drew Wisely, Ryan Sagar, and Emily Collins. Redevelopment Specifics
25’
51
50’
100’
14
15
University of Colorado Denver Sunrise Village Mall Redevelopment Photosimulation I used Adobe Photoshop to show how our Studio I group's phased development approach would attract retail opportunities and people to the area.
PHOTOGRAPHY I've been an amateur photographer since high school. I feel that through developing my photography skills over the years, I've also developed an awareness of what elements and patterns in the built environment contribute to the sense or identity of a place. While my hobby has nurtured the urban designer in me, I am beginning to see how valuable well-composed, intriguing photographs are in accomplishing the everyday tasks of an urban planner. Planners must compose Powerpoint presentations, plan documents, public meeting boards, brochures, handouts, and make all of these products meaningful and attractive. My photographer's eye and awareness of place has been a great asset to me in the planning and design work I've accomplished so far. I'm excited to apply these skills in my next professional endeavor.
16
In Reverse- Istanbul, Turkey
Under the Shade of the Blossoms- Washington, DC
17
Cloud Gate on a Cloudy Day- Chicago, IL
Galata Tower- Istanbul, Turkey
Hanging Lake- Glenwood Canyon, CO
Roots- Unknown, NC
Man Revealed on Opposite Subway Platform- New York, NY
18
Broken Sprinkler- Denver, CO
Shadows- Unknown, CO
Repurposed Bus (Road Block) Outside Gezi Park- Istanbul, Turkey
Hudson Falls Hydroelectric Project- Hudson Falls, NY
Feeder Canal- Hudson Falls, NY
Hagia Sophia- Istanbul, Turkey