A PORTFOLIO BY
OMAR DE MESA
ii | OMAR DE MESA
SELECTED WORK
00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
RESUMÉ ACADEMIC AND CAREER
p. 1-2
INTO THE LOOP: MAPLE GROVE PARK REDEVELOPMENT M. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - FALL 2015
p. 3-8
REGROWING TOGETHER: STRATEGIES TOWARDS A PERMANENT & SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENT FOR A HEALTHY LIVING IN THE KOBE REFUGEE CAMP M. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - WINTER 2016 TARGET HABITATS: A GAME WITH NATURE M. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - SUMMER 2016
p. 9-10
PHILANTHRO•TREES EXTRA CURRICULAR - DESIGN COMPETITION
p. 15-16
PARK(ING) DAY 2016: POKÉ PLACE EXTRA CURRICULAR - DESIGN COMPETITION
p. 17-18
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION BOARDS SELECTED STUDIO WORK
p. 19-20
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE CONSTRUCTED WORK
p. 21-22
PERIPHERAL PARKSCAPE: CHIEF PEGUIS TRAIL EXTENSION, WINNIPEG M. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - PRACTICUM WORK (EXCERPTS)
p. 23-34
p. 11-14
OMAR DE MESA e-mail: odemesa@gmail.com phone: 204.771.9571 add: 207 Leila Ave., Winnipeg, MB www.facebook.com/omar.demesa www.instagram.com/odemesa/
Hello! I am a designer and an emerging landscape architect with a passion for designing spaces that positively contribute to the well-being of people and communities. As I near the end of my academic endeavor in landscape architecture, I look forward to contributing my skills, knowledge, and passion to the profession while continuing to grow where the opportunities await. With an interest in parks, health and well-being, I also enjoy staying active through exercise, playing sports, listening to music, and entertaining my peers/colleagues with my sense of humour.
TECHNICAL SKILLS AUTOCAD GOOGLE SKETCHUP HAND-DRAWING RHINO VECTORWORKS VIZTERRA
EDUCATION SEPT. 2015 OCT. 2018
University of Manitoba | Master of Landscape Architecture • Projected graduation date: October 2018 • GPA: 4.29 as of May 2018
SEPT. 2009 MAY 2014
University of Manitoba | Bachelor of Environmental Design • Landscape + Urbanism Option • GPA: 3.77
ACHIEVEMENTS SEPT. 2017
Award (University of Manitoba): Department of Landscape Architecture Graduate Fellowship recipient
SEPT. 2016
Award (University of Manitoba): Faculty of Architecture Endowed Scholarship recipient
SEPT. 2016
Park(ing) Day 2016 | Poké Place (Group Project) • International Design Competition
SEPT. 2016
Park(ing) Day 2016 | A Cloud of Thoughts (Group Project) • Recipient of MALA Student Submission Award • International Design Competition
MAY 2016
Urban Arboreta: Transforming Ground | Philanthro•Trees (Group Project) • International Student Design Competition • One of four winners selected for an international design proposal for an urban arboretum within two vacant lots in Philadelphia • Includes community involvement meetings, design collaborations, and construction development in Philadelphia
OCT. 2015
Award (University of Manitoba): Corrigill Scholarship Landscape Architecture recipient
ARCMAP (ARCGIS) ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE MICROSOFT OFFICE 1 | OMAR DE MESA
EXPERIENCE AUG. 2014 PRESENT
SEPT. 2017 MAR. 2018
JAN. 2017 FEB. 2017
SEPT. 2016 MAR. 2017
MAY 2013 AUG. 2013
B. Rocke Landscaping - Studio b | Designer & Project Coordinator • Experience in project management, contract administration, and residential + commercial design • Conducted site surveying and documentation, photography, data input, layered construction drawings and architectural details, 3D renderings, and project estimations • Responsible for presenting concepts/designs to clients, communicating with clients, suppliers, and fabricators University of Manitoba | Teaching Assistant (3) • Landscape Arch. Construction & Practice - LARC 7002 (f) • Studio 5: Tree Sanctuaries in Perimetric Landscapes - EVLU 4012 (f) • Studio 3.2: Teepee + Castle + U - EVIE 3010 (w) City of Winnipeg - Parks and Open Space (term) | Graphic Designer • Worked in collaboration with the web developer to design and produce an interactive parks website • https://parkmaps.winnipeg.ca/ • Designed and produced a new department logo, graphic icons, screen layout on multiple platforms, colour scheme, while retaining consistency with current City of Winnipeg website University of Manitoba | Teaching Assistant (3) • Landscape Arch. Construction & Practice - LARC 7002 (f) • Studio 5: Possible Urbanism(s) - EVLU 4012 (f) • Site Planning: EVLU 3002 (w) Todd Stefanyshyn Landscaping & Nursery | Labourer • Involved in the construction of residential landscapes with the installation of landscaping elements such as patios, sidewalks, and plantings
REFERENCES Dietmar Straub - Practicum Advisor Associate Professor, University of Manitoba 204.474.6116 Dietmar.Straub@umanitoba.ca Dr. Richard Perron Professor, University of Manitoba 204.474.6449, 204.291.9939 Richard.Perron@umanitoba.ca Byron Rocke - Employer Lead Designer, B. Rocke Landscaping 204.999.2512, 204.615.2512 BRocke@brockelandscaping.com
2018 PORTFOLIO | 2
MAPLE GROVE PARK MASTER PLAN 0
1,000m
KING’S PARK
INTO THE LOOP: MAPLE GROVE PARK REDEVELOPMENT
CHILDREN’S PLAY MEADOW
M.L.A. FALL STUDIO 2015 - LARC 7330 - JEWELS OF THE CITY
RED RIVER
OFF-LEASH DOG ZONE
OFF-LEASH DOG ZONE
IVE
R
SPORTS & PLAY ZONE
PE
RIM
RO AD
ETE
AY HW
AR Y’S
OFF-LEASH DOG ZONE
IG RH
ST .M
The proposal aims to relocate or modify existing programs for Maple Grove Park through the development of a master plan. The design aspects include providing a new circulation system, increasing the size of the existing off-leash dog area by designating areas outside of the primary pathways for dogs, and providing new athletic fields that become areas for more than one type of field-sports. A detailed development plan for an area within the proposed master plan is explored followed by the creation of a set of construction drawings for the area of study and a 1:1 constructed detail of site furnishing.
THE LOOP
DR
WINNIPEG, MB - Maple Grove Park, located at the corner of Perimeter Highway and St. Mary’s Road, contains many exciting features that offer enjoyment to specific social groups such as organised sports enthusiasts, and dog owners. However, it can be seen that the park strictly focuses on the accommodation of football players, rugby players, disc sports and a dog organisation. Road circulation is limited, as they only serve access to the rugby fields, football fields, and dog area. What can be done to bring outsiders into the park other than for those belonging to each group? The proposal for the park aims to solve the issues of circulation and social belonging with the development of a network of intersecting pathways and roads to connect visitors to various activities and programs. Pedestrians may choose to challenge themselves by running/walking within specific routes associated with certain distances and allows for different spatial experiences. The current vegetation remains as an important factor in the spatial organisation of the newly defined areas, with selective trimming and new additions; trees that are in smaller clumps will be removed and reclaimed into the design, while new trees are planted where necessary. As visitors engage with the different pathways, the existing and newly proposed vegetation will provide various spatial experiences consisting of ‘enclosing’ and ‘revealing’ new spaces while allowing them to watch or participate in events, family gatherings, athletic matches, and performing arts movement held at Maple Grove Park.
RE
01
500
INSTRUCTOR: ANNA THURMAYR (T.A. STEPHANIE KIRKLAND) INDIVIDUAL WORK
3 | OMAR DE MESA
ST. MA A RY’S RO
MASTER PLAN DESIGN STRATEGIES
D MEADOW FO
GE ED
ST
FOREST
RIP AR
IAN
RIPARIAN EDGE
RE
FOREST
THRESHOLDS T S RE FO
E AV
NU
E
AVENUE PLANTING LIST:
FOREST
PLANTING DESIGN TYPES
FROBISHER ROAD
CIRCULATION SYSTEM
THRESHOLD
FOREST
RIPARIAN EDGE
Acer ginnala, Acer negundo, Acer saccharinum, Betula papyrifera, Betula platyphylla, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Quercus macrocarpa, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Fraxinus nigra, Fraxinus mandschurica, Picea glauca, Picea abies, Pinus ponderosa, Populus tremuloides, Salix pentandra, Ulmus americana, Ulmus pumila
ACTIVITY ROAD
THE LOOP
MEADOW
LAWN
Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’
HALO TRAIL
PERIMETER TRAIL
400M
2100M
1000M
1400M
3400M
4.8 MINUTES
25 MINUTES
12 MINUTES
17 MINUTES
41 MINUTES
3 MINUTES
16 MINUTES
8 MINUTES
10.5 MINUTES
26 MINUTES
1 MINUTE
6 MINUTES
3 MINUTES
4 MINUTES
10 MINUTES
2018 PORTFOLIO | 4
S1
INTO THE LOOP: SITE PLAN 0
10
50
100m
PLANTING BED
CLEARING
STAGE
PLANTING BED AMPHITHEATRE
PLANTING BED
S1 HILL +3.5 m
THE LOOP
5 | OMAR DE MESA
0m
AMPHITHEATRE
-2.0 m
THE APPROACH A wooden boardwalk (reclaimed timber from site construction) guides visitors from one end of ‘the loop’ to the other side where different spatial experiences within the space entertain the pedestrian. The selected plantings create a more intimate relationship with the pedestrians while displaying stunning fall colour.
AMPHITHEATRE The amphitheatre provides users with different opportunities and functions. People are free to perform, watch events, relax on the lawn or seating areas, and gather to mingle with others.
CLEARING 0m
EXISTING FOREST
2018 PORTFOLIO | 6
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
7 | OMAR DE MESA
SITE FURNISHING The amphitheatre incorporates various areas for seating. Inspired by the fold-down chairs within the traditional theatres, the design of the space translates the movie theatre experience into an outdoor setting. Each bench is composed of reclaimed timber construction and weather resistant cushions to provide comfort all year round. Users have the option of folding the seat up or down to suit their comfort needs.
BENCH TYPE-A (OPEN)
RECLAIMED WOOD WITH OUTDOOR CUSHION SEATING
BENCH TYPE-B (OPEN)
RECLAIMED WOOD WITH OUTDOOR CUSHION SEATING
C.I.P. CONCRETE SEATING
BENCH TYPE-A CONSTRUCTION
2018 PORTFOLIO | 8
02
REGROWING TOGETHER: STRATEGIES TOWARDS A PERMANENT & SUSTAINABLE SETTLEMENT FOR A HEALTHY LIVING IN THE KOBE REFUGEE CAMP M.L.A. WINTER STUDIO 2016 - LARC 7340 - MAPPING MIGRATIONS
EXISTING REFUGEE CAMP ETHIOPIA, AF - The Kobe Refugee Camp is one of five camps within a large refugee complex located in Ethiopia. Situated near the border to Somalia, the camp contains over 43,000 refugees (2016) and has become home to many Somalians fleeing civil war, famine, and drought since the opening in 2011. Through the help of various organisations as well as the surrounding bioregion, the refugees can live semi-comfortably. Their shelters are currently constructed using metal roofs and bamboo walls which provide a temporary solution to the house, water is supplied to the refugees by a river 4-km away, while the land is sparse and bare due to the hot and dry climate which makes it difficult for plant life to grow.
225
PROPOSED FUTURE EXPANSION AREA
What would happen to the refugees if external aid organisations were no longer able to provide the camp with help, support or food? How can the landscape be used to help provide the refugees with a more sustainable and longterm solution to living while becoming independent from the external aid?
INSTRUCTOR: DR. RICHARD PERRON (T.A. SCOTT IRVINE) INDIVIDUAL WORK
9 | OMAR DE MESA
220
The intention of the design for the Kobe refugee camp is to improve the conditions of everyday life through a circular economy. This includes the rebuilding of shelters using the earth extracted from the immediate surroundings (soil harvesting), the processing of human waste into compost to increase soil fertility, and the reorganisation of the settlement pattern with greater emphasis on the establishment of microclimates, community garden spaces, localised waste management and improved recreational potential. While the overall neighbourhood configuration remains the same, simple design gestures of including more green spaces for gardening and play help to create an environment that is more permanent, sustainable, and supports a healthy living lifestyle.
KOBE REFUGEE CAMP REDEVELOPMENT 0
500
1,000m
205
Featured in: University of Manitoba 2017 GISday Event; The Faculty of Architecture NETWORK 2016 publication: https://issuu.com/network2016/docs/np_2015-16_network_download 2016 Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies
215
BRICK MANUFACTURING FACILITY + SOIL HARVESTING
220
FOOD PRODUCTION
DWELLING RECONSTRUCTION
WASTE PROCESSING/COMPOSTING FACILITY + FOOD PRODUCTION
2018 PORTFOLIO | 10
INSTRUCTOR: PROF. DIETMAR STRAUB GROUP WORK: WITH TYLER YAKICHUCK (ALL RENDERINGS COMPLETED BY AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)
11 | OMAR DE MESA
~0.25 m
The intention of the project is to develop a productive landscape through an interactive activity that allows people to play a game of basketball with nature. Through a series of strategically designed and located rock hoops, the players can master their skills by throwing/shooting smaller stones into the basketball nets. As the hoops become filled over time, as well as the progression of natural sedimentation and human interaction, the hoops will one day produce vegetation similar to the plants that have grown across the site through natural succession. These spaces would then become habitats for plant growth, animals, and insects. Not only would the landscape become an imagined basketball court, but it would also serve as an educational tool over the course of the community’s growth revealing fossils and different colours from the several rock formations.
~0.30 m
STONY MOUNTAIN, MB - The Stony Mountain Quarry provides the surrounding community of Stony Mountain with an enjoyable place for recreation within a derelict landscape. In its current state, the landscape presents 39 hectares of beautifully exposed limestone rock formations, varying elevations leading to a series of cliffs, low points, and limestone ground cover - one of the only landscapes that show the different formations from different geologic eras. The Stony Mountain formation consists of several rock members which can be differentiated through different colours: The upper layer is known as the Gunton member (dolomite), followed by the Penitentiary member (argillaceous dolomite), then the Gunn member (calcareous and dolomitic shale). It is the defining landscape for the nearby community and has been an exciting destination for families, children, and off-roading vehicles throughout the year.
~0.35 m
M.L.A. SUMMER STUDIO 2016 - ARCG 7102 - DIVING IN THE ORDOVICIAN SEAS
~0.45 m
03
TARGET HABITATS: A GAME WITH NATURE
3.66 m
1.40 m
4 ISLANDS
24 HOOPS
DESIGN The project is organised through a diagonal grid, parallel to the existing wetland vegetation. Each of the hoops and islands occurs at the intersections of the grid with a distance of 7.24m (on centre). The grid stems from the distance between the hoop and the three-point line in the NBA, the area worth the most points.
S1
ROCK PILE
PLATFORM
COURT /PLAYING FIELD
WETLAND
The four islands were inspired by the way a typical game is structured (4 quarters), while the centre circle in an NBA court defines the size of these interventions. The 24-second shot clock inspired the number of smaller hoops. Additionally, the size of each hoop represents approximately the same diameter as the existing fire pit rings found on site. As the four islands are constructed, they will be filled with smaller sediments of limestone and earth to help initiate the growth of woody shrubs and trees. The smaller hoops will contain no growing material and will be initiated by the players of the game (the community of Stony Mountain). The process of slowly filling the hoops will be long enough for natural succession and help to initiate plant growth within the islands, while micro-wetlands are being created. Each island and hoop will be constructed with rocks of a single member found within and around the quarry, giving each rock its own sense of identity and character.
S1 SITE PLAN 0
25
50m
2018 PORTFOLIO | 12
TIME YEAR 1
YEAR 5
YEAR 10
Produced by Tyler Yakichuck; Edited by Omar De Mesa
GROVE GROWTH PEOPLE INTERACTION
YEAR 10+
SECTION OF THE COURT 13 | OMAR DE MESA
PLATFORM
HOOP
ISLAND (LARGE HOOP)
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
AUTUMN
Snow covers the playing field, burying the hoops and stones. Visible vegetation is limited to larger plantings present within the hoops, as well as the existing grove. During this season, Target Habitats is in intermission. The season brings many ‘all terrain vehicles’ to the site where they are free to drive over the landscape. Although there is a risk of destruction of the hoops, the benefit of people roaming the area brings sediments which would potentially aid with the growth of vegetation as the snow melts.
Water reaches its maximal extents the out of bounds area, with a depth of approximately 40 cm. Only the four islands are visible during this time. The slow reveal of the islands evoke a mystery to the community, and they can soon begin to make the connection between the stones and the hoops, a game of basketball with nature. As the season progresses, the leaves of the plantings within the islands start to grow. The water runoff from the out of bounds area continues to bring sediments to the site, giving the vibrant red color.
The depth of the water continues to fluctuate (0-35cm) depending on the precipitation levels. The smaller hoops and stones become more visible with decreasing water levels allowing for the game to start. As the players start to shoot the rocks at the series of hoops and islands, the rings become filled with the limestone sediments which add to the growing material of the plants, creating new micro-climates and habitats. Wetland vegetation begins to develop within the hoops.
The depth of the water is at its lowest point, ranging from 0-15cm. The smaller hoops are completely visible during this season, with the addition of more growing materials from the game. The vegetation within the field have reached maturity. The game enters its final moments of playing time as winter approaches and hoops gain more sediments. The game reaches its last days of playing time before returning to intermission once again, a continuous process of natural succession.
SEDIMENTATION CLAY, SHALE, & LIMESTONE
HOOP
HOOP HYBRID CATTAIL 2018 PORTFOLIO | 14
04
PHILANTHRO•TREES
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION - ONE OF FOUR SELECTED WINNERS
PHILADELPHIA, PA - West Philadelphia is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, innercity neighbourhood. However, the area suffers from crime, rising drug usage, unemployment, poverty, and deterioration of housing and physical infrastructure. This produces contagious vacant lots that become neglected spaces. It became evident that urban revitalisation revolves around not only landscape improvement but also shaping neighbourhoods. Philanthro•trees combines the acts of philanthropy and cultivation to inspire landscape change that addresses the social, economic, and environmental problems in the inner-city. Philanthropy - the love of humanity, in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing, and enhancing what it means to be human - and cultivation the act of growing - Philanthro•trees transforms the site into a productive, habitable, performative landscape that is deeply rooted in the improvement of the environment where the people live, work, and play. The economic reality of urban reclamation such as the cost of regenerating vast acreages of potentially toxic land and the public’s desire to see immediate progress led our decision to implement Philanthro•trees to the Merion Ave Site first in order to act as a catalyst to drive future development. The Merion site was chosen as the initial phase of the project due to its close proximity to the existing neighbourhood. Overlooked by a block of row houses, this vacant lot is used as a dumping site for trash and construction debris. By creating a stark contrast to the surrounding neighbourhood, it’s immediacy and progression aims to inspire and catalyze further landscape enhancement. URBAN ARBORETA: TRANSFORMING GROUNDS ADVISORS: DIETMAR STRAUB & ANNA THURMAYR GROUP: OMAR DE MESA, VINCENT TANG, ERIC WONG JURY: TOM DALFO (PHILADELPHIA INDUSTRIAL DEV. CORP.) PROF. SEAN BURKHOLDER (U. OF BUFFALO) PROF. KAREN M’CLOSKEY( U. OF PENNSYLVANIA) PROF. ANNE SPIRN (MIT) SKIP WEINER (PHILADELPHIA URBAN TREE CONNECTION)
15 | OMAR DE MESA
Philanthro•trees is about shaping neighbourhoods by providing a place where to community can enjoy and have self-expression through invention, energy, and enterprise. The urban arboretum is designed to reveal the systematic process of cultivating. Composting, Soil Mixing, etc., anchor the west side of the site with food production on the other. By providing a landscape that can be read in a systematic, categorized manner, the landscape is legible and helps the community educate themselves and others about the arboretum process. The materials used on the site range from permeable surfaces and hard surfaces that divert water to cisterns. The large square provides an inviting flexible open plaza that allows for pop-up markets, interaction with neighbors, and other communal activities. In the end Philanthro•trees transforms the vacant lot on Merion Ave into an urban arboreta that cultivates the importance of combining landscape improvement and community development, fostering a carefully crafted and cost-effective surface to for the neighbourhood to grow upon.
SHIFTING FOREST (COMPOSTING + CUT & FILL LANDSCAPES) SHIFTING FOREST (POT-IN-POT GROWING AREA) & A ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY EQUIPMENT STORAGE
PENN
SYLV
SHIFTING FOREST (BARE ROOT)
ION
Shrubs Cornus alba - Red osier Dogwood Daspihora fruticosa - Bush Cinquefoil Ilex spp. - Holly Early Blooms Oenthera spp. - Sundrops Iris versicolor - Blue Flag Iris Late Season Blooms Monarda didyma - Bee Balm Perovskia atriplicifolia - Russian Sage Agastache rupestris - Threadleaf Giant Hyssop Tree Quercus r. ‘Fastigiata’ - Fastigiate English Oak (Nursury Stocks To Be Determined Not including Existing Tree Species In Wild Forest)
MER
ION
RAIL
LINE
WILD FOREST (EXISTING)
MER
RAIN GARDENS & MEADOWS
ANIA
AVE
COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY GARDENS
AVE
Grasses and Groundcovers Andropogon spp. - Bluestem Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ - Feather Reed Grass Juncus spp. - Rush Panicum virgatum - Switch Grass Pennisetum spp. - Fountain Grass Schizachyrium scoparium - Little Bluestem Sporobolus heterolepsis - Prairie Dropseed
RAIN CATCHING PROMENADE
SITE PLAN
Produced by Vincent Tang 0
50
100m
2018 PORTFOLIO | 16
05
PARK(ING) DAY 2016
INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION - ONE OF THE SELECTED WINNERS
WINNIPEG, MB - Pokémon Go is a global phenomenon. It has become the most downloaded app in history and is currently the most active app today. Many urban and public areas are now populated with many users who play the game. It has become a catalyst for the active pursuit of quality public places. Poké Place aims to continue the success of using digital technology, communication, augmented reality, and interactive entertainment to create a platform that engages the public to allow people to play and interact with one another. In consideration of the game’s own dynamics and its influence upon the public realm it relies upon, Poké Place not only benefits itself but it allows to bring new visitors to other Park(ing) Stall installations, bringing a new audience to other transformed metered parking spaces. The location of Poké Place is primed for success because of its proximity to Poké Stops. Through this constant engagement of players placing lures and refreshing Poké Stops, the place can be a constant draw for people. Laser cut Pokemon will be placed and hidden throughout Poké Place with a Poké Stop sign asking users if they can ‘catch ‘em all!’. Users can also help themselves to refreshments that match the colors of the team pallets! In the end, Poké Place is a new approach, emphasizing how digital technology and augmented reality can positively bring us together and push the boundaries to how we experience and interact with our surroundings.
STOREFRONT MB OMAR DE MESA, VINCENT TANG, & INGI KIM
17 | OMAR DE MESA
COMPONENTS x39
CONCEPT
Produced by Vincent Tang & InGi Kim
HOW TO PLAY PLAYERS GO OUTSIDE TO DISCOVER AND CATCH POKÉMON!
PLAYERS CONGREGATE AT POKÉ STOPS TO GET POKÉBALLS USED TO CATCH POKÉMON!
20 FT
PROTECTIVE FENCE 4 FT HIGH
8 FT
BUILD, PAINT, + PLAY!
x3
POKÉ STOP SIGN PLAYERS HELP EACH OTHER BY PLACING LURES TO ATTRACT POKÉMON TO POKÉ STOPS!
MORE PLAYERS JOIN AND COME TO THE AREA TO PLAY AND CATCH POKÉMON!
2018 PORTFOLIO | 18
06
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION BOARDS SELECTED STUDIO WORK
The work represents presentation boards from the studio projects completed throughout the first year of being enrolled in the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Manitoba. Each project was graphically presented to portray the work in a visually appealing format.
LARC 7330 - JEWELS OF THE CITY FALL 2015 INSTRUCTOR: ANNA THURMAYR (T.A. STEPHANIE KIRKLAND) INDIVIDUAL WORK
ARCG 7102 - DIVING IN THE ORDOVICIAN SEAS SUMMER 2016 INSTRUCTOR: PROF. DIETMAR STRAUB GROUP WORK: WITH TYLER YAKICHUCK
122CM X 91CM ( X2 )
200CM X 50CM ( X3)
19 | OMAR DE MESA
LARC 7340 - MAPPING MIGRATIONS WINTER 2016 INSTRUCTOR: DR. RICHARD PERRON (T.A. SCOTT IRVINE) INDIVIDUAL WORK 166m X 50cm ( x6 )
2018 PORTFOLIO | 20
07 NORTH ST. BONIFACE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE CONSTRUCTED PROJECTS
BRIDGWATER FOREST
The above work represent projects I carried forward and managed throughout the time spent working at B. Rocke Landscaping - Studio b as a designer. As a benefit to working for both a design and construction company, I have gained valuable knowledge in how different landscaping elements are constructed ranging from walls, walkways, patios, planting beds, carpentry, and architectural products.
21 | OMAR DE MESA
The intention for the project was to transform the front yard and porch into a living space for future social gatherings and relaxation areas. This work was a multi-year project in which I was heavily involved with - from initial consultations, site surveying, cost-estimate preparation based on team design development, material selection, 3D modelling, construction drawing production, and management. This is a project that received excellent feedback from the clients and the community and is an example of work I am extremely proud to have been part of.
RIVER HEIGHTS
RIVER HEIGHTS 2018 PORTFOLIO | 22
08
PERIPHERAL PARKSCAPE: CHIEF PEGUIS TRAIL EXTENSION, WINNIPEG MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - EXCERPTS FROM PRACTICUM WORK
WINNIPEG, MB - The northern area of Winnipeg is currently in the process of undergoing urbanisation: the westerly extension of the Chief Peguis Trail, and the inevitable transformation of rural land into new communities to support population growth. Each component of development provides challenges and opportunities for the existing landscape conditions with public health implications. The Chief Peguis Trail Extension West imposes a physical barrier onto the landscape discouraging pedestrian access across and within the corridor to provide and encourage efficient vehicular transportation for drivers utilising the inner ring road. This ultimately fragments existing and planned neighbourhoods while becoming a significant source of air pollution and noise from vehicular traffic that has health consequences for surrounding communities. Not just a landscape for people, the new roadway also threatens adjacent wildlife habitats, existing vegetation, and water movement within the area. What can
ADVISOR: DIETMAR STRAUB INTERNAL EXAMINER: ANNA THURMAYR EXTERNAL EXAMINER: DONNA BEATON
23 | OMAR DE MESA
be done to mitigate the effects of implementing a major roadway into the landscape and instead become an inviting space that connects people, communities, and wildlife together? While the northern urban fringe also contains hot spots for new development such as suburbs, there becomes a concern with urban sprawl and the relationship with public health issues. The aim for the practicum is to explore and apply concepts and design solutions for optimising the development of the Chief Peguis Trail Extension West and its adverse effects concerning the landscape and the quality of life for the surrounding people. The practicum seeks to design a landscape for the Chief Peguis Trail Extension West that attempts to resolve the issues associated with the highway through fundamental landscape architectural interventions, with the notion of a park playing a key role in the design. (excerpt from practicum document)
SCHEMATIC PLAN - CHARACTERS PEOPLE’S PARK PRAIRIE RING FOREST PARK HILL PARK PRAIRIE HILL PARK WETLAND PARK
04
COMMUNITY GARDEN
01 02 03 04
02 01
LINEAR PARK PRAIRIE RING PEOPLE’S GARDEN PEOPLE’S PARK
04
02
01
02 01 03
01
PERIPHERAL PARKSCAPE SCHEMATIC PLAN - LANDSCAPE CHARACTERS 0
1,000
2,000m
2018 PORTFOLIO | 24
SIX DESIGN DRIVERS The central design aspects that need to be addressed according to the issues related to the new highway and existing/planned suburban development are: connections between people and communities, noise and air pollution mitigation related to public health, urban sprawl and the effects on public health, wildlife habitat accommodations, and water management. Thus, the design aspects become the framework for the concept resulting in six drivers for the development of a new park system along the future Chief Peguis Trail Extension West.
FOUNDATION
EXPAND
LOOP
The last piece of the inner ring is the first step in the process for laying out the groundwork for the new park system along with plans for new urban development to the north and south of the Chief Peguis Trail Extension West. The design of the practicum follows the current proposed alignment of the roadway while taking into consideration dwellings that have been removed and dwellings to remain according to existing documentation from the City of Winnipeg Chief Peguis Trail Extension West website. It is calculated that approximately 51,000 people can be expected to occupy the remaining land precincts based interpolated densities of existing suburban developments established around Winnipeg.
To mitigate noise pollution from the highway, it is essential to provide the necessary space to implement various sound attenuation control measures through landscape design. The analysis of noise levels on public health revealed that the current Winnipeg standard, 65dBa, still poses negative health effects to surrounding residents. Therefore, the design action works towards meeting a higher standard of 55-dBa by extending the space between the roadway and the property limits to 120-m according to interpolated engineered sound analysis and space requirements for earth berms, dense forest bodies, and minimal wall interventions.
The design action utilises future active transportation corridors and open space within the study area that intersects with the Chief Peguis Trail Extension West: the hydro corridor to the east, and Pipeline Road to the west. The continuous ring aims to invite and connect adjacent communities throughout the corridor while supporting physical activity and a positive relationship to public health.
25 | OMAR DE MESA
FOCUS
CHARACTERISE
CONNECT & INTEGRATE
Two public open spaces anchor the loop to invite people to the proposed park system. To the south of the new inner ring is a new park, or People’s Garden, while the to the north is a proposal for a new regional park - the People’s Park. The People’s Garden aims to provide a space for the mixed demographic within the surrounding community and proximity to medical facilities to gather, socialise, and take part in gardening activities to enhance the overall health of the people. Due to the anticipated population growth of over 51,000 for the designated precincts within the study area and the lack of regional parks in the north side of Winnipeg, there is a need to address the impacts of urban sprawl and public health by integrating a new regional park within the park system.
The extent of the proposed park system is composed of specific landscape characters that are designed to attenuate noise by the highway corridor, mitigate air pollutants in the environment adjacent the roadway, while providing new habitats for wildlife within the area. The integration of wetlands and swales aim to control water movement throughout the park system, while programmed spaces aim to invite people to engage in different community gardening activities. By incorporating simple landscape architectural techniques for manipulating topography to address noise, integrating vegetation for air purification, habitats, and noise attenuation, basic water systems, and the provision of pathways, the result becomes an adventurous, unique, and unifying landscape for the surrounding communities.
Movement within, around, and across the highway corridor is essential to the new park system. Additional bridges, pathways, and integration with current and proposed communities aim to connect people through and across the roadway barrier that initially disconnected the landscape.
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PRAIRIE HILL PARK
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
HILL PARK
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY GARDEN
PARK SYSTEM COMPONENT 1: LINEAR PARK 0
27 | OMAR DE MESA
1,000
MEDICAL FACILITIES 2,000m
LINEAR PARK
The future addition of the Chief Peguis Trail Extension West will become a major source of unwanted noise and air pollution while becoming a strong physical barrier between existing and future communities for people, communities, and wildlife. The intention for the proposed Linear Park aims to bridge communities through a series of parks while serving functional purposes to mitigate the presence of the high traffic roadway. Noise attenuation methods are strategically integrated throughout the corridor while enriching the people with seasonal recreational activities, communal gathering spaces, experiences with green or gold meadows, quiet areas, forest bathing, and opportunities to interact with various wildlife species within different habitat conditions.
PRAIRIE HILL PARK
HILL PARK
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
EXISTING FERRIER FOREST
COMMUNITY GARDEN
FOREST PARK
WINTER ACTIVITIES
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FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
4-TOWER HYDRO CORRIDOR EXISTING RURAL DEVELOPMENT
2-TOWER HYDRO CORRIDOR OFF-STREET PATHWAY SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT PEOPLE’S GARDEN EXISTING RURAL DEVELOPMENT
EXISTING HIGH DENSITY APARTMENTS
PARK SYSTEM COMPONENT 2: PRAIRIE RING & PEOPLE’S GARDEN 0
200
29 | OMAR DE MESA
1,000
2,000m
MEDICAL FACILITIES
PRAIRIE RING & PEOPLE’S GARDEN
Utilising plans for the City of Winnipeg to transform Pipeline Road and the northsouth hydro corridor into active transportation routes, the Prairie Ring is the heart of the new park system that connects existing and future neighbourhoods together through a corridor of tall grasses below existing hydro power lines. The south is anchored by the People’s Garden which helps to complete the circuit within the threshold between high-density apartments, existing and future neighbourhoods, and various medical facilities. Within the Prairie Ring is a public space surrounded by the character of the tall grass prairie called the People’s Garden. The various areas within the People’s Garden aim to improve the well-being of people and the community through different forms of engagement with the landscape while supporting the services offered by the nearby medical facilities. The Seven Oaks General Hospital and Seven Oaks Health & Social Services Centre currently provide the community with many types of medical services to assist with health and wellness for all ages including community development, mental health programs, spiritual care services, wellness facilities, physical rehabilitation programs, and geriatric services. The People’s Garden is intended to support these services and provide different experiences for people in need of medical attention or serve various wellness programs, while encouraging people to recognise the importance of the landscape, working together, simply being outdoors, and urban agriculture.
PRAIRIE RING
PEOPLE’S GARDEN
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FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT EXISTING RURAL DEVELOPMENT
PUPPY PEN PARKING
PIPELINE RD
OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
MOLLARD AVE
PARKING FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT STAGE SPORTS PARK CENTRAL LAWN AREA
COMMUNITY GARDEN FUTURE SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
PARKING
PARKING
RD
PARKING RIE
RD
ST
PIPE
LINE
STO
BEACH PARK
31 | OMAR DE MESA
ILL 1,000m
PH
500
MC
0
IPS
PARK SYSTEM COMPONENT 3: PEOPLE’S PARK
PEOPLE’S PARK
One of the major components for the park system is the proposed new regional park located within Precinct D. The 125-ha People’s Park offers the surrounding community a wide variety of programs for all ages, eliminating the need for travelling long distances to engage with specific activities while supporting a physically active lifestyle. Occupying vacant land designated to eventually become a new development for suburbs, the People’s Park aims to reactivate the space through carefully designed environments while utilising existing meadows, aspen forest habitats, and declining farmland.
ENTRANCE - STORIE RD
Being inside the park provides citizens with a different perception of being away from the city. Through careful articulation of landscape elements, various sceneries and atmospheres can be experienced. Meadows, tall grass prairies, and forests provide pleasant backdrops while increasing the biodiversity of the existing landscape. People, terrestrial and aquatic animals, and insects can interact with one another creating a unified landscape. Vehicular access is limited to the outer edges of the People’s Park, creating a safer environment for the citizens without having to worry about car safety while promoting physical activity . The Chief Peguis People’s Park is characterised by four main areas offering different activities and experiences accessible through the main pedestrian circulation ring: the Off-leash Dog Park, Sports Park, Beach Park, and the Central Lawn area. Other spaces include community gardens, wetland areas, picnic shelters, tables, and hills.
MAIN CIRCULATION LOOP
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FRUIT ORCHARD
ASPEN FOREST WETLAND ASPEN FOREST
MIXED WOODLAND
PUBLIC WASHROOM CAFE AND PICNIC PAVILION MAPLE FOREST BEACH
GREEN MEADOW +1.5m HILL
PICNIC AREA
SWIMMING POOL
LAWN
SPLASH PAD PARKING
PUBLIC WASHROOM PICNIC PAVILION
PICNIC AREA
LAWN
ASPEN FOREST
VOLLEYBALL AREA ASPEN FOREST
TALL GRASS PRAIRIE
OFF-LEASH DOG PARK 0
50
33 | OMAR DE MESA
100m
PICNIC AREA
BEACH PARK 0
50
100m
PLAY AREA
TALL GRASS PRAIRIE BADMINTON FITNESS AREA LAWN
ASPEN FOREST +4.5m HILL
BASKETBALL LAWN
ASPEN FOREST ASPEN FOREST
ASPEN FOREST
SKATEPARK LAWN BOWLING
LAWN FOOTBALL RUGBY SOCCER
HOCKEY WETLAND
SPORTS PARK 0
LAWN
CENTRAL LAWN AREA 50
100m
0
50
100m
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN 2018