Portfolio by Raymond LaSota

RAYMOND LASOTA Design Portfolio professionalism determination adaptability leadership creativity

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. â&#x20AC;&#x153; - Confucius

Raymond.LaSota@Gmail.com

RAYM O ND L A S OTA

CONTENTS

DESIGN / BUILD

INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN

METROmorphosis - Transforming the Urban World Villanova University Master Plan Philadelphia International Flower Show Exhibit - 2010 Villanova, PA - 2011 Design Build Junior Studio Project (23 weeks)

• Construction Documentation

• Exhibit Construction

• South East Entrance & Sophomore Quad 17 3 • North Connelly 18 4

• Show Time

5-9

• Awards

Philadelphia Navy Yard - Central Green Philadelphia, PA 10

William Cramp Elementary School - Schoolyard Philadelphia, PA

HAND RENDERING

• Plants as a Line

20-23

Plants as Architecture Planting Design 2009 IMPLEMENTED DESIGNS • Plants as a Plane 11 Saint Peters Village • Plants as a Point Chester 12 County, PA

19-20

• Rear Entrance from Upper Parking Lot

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

French Creek State Park Berks County, PA Urban Retreat Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA - 2008 14-15 • Outdoor Entertainment

25-26

12 Acre Residence Restoration Private 16 Residence Warrington, PA - 2008 Kenhorst, PA

• Outdoor Entertainment 27-28 Miscellaneous Projects West Lawn & Douglasville, PA • Retaining Walls for Yard & Small Plantings 29

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Details After the final design elements have been identified and developed, each component in the exhibit was analyzed and construction documents were created. Construction was greatly streamlined and quality could be controlled through the use of the detailed constrcution documents.

METROmorphosis - Construction Documents

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Eco-Wall

Garden Walls

The Eco-Wall took a lot of patience to construct. The numerous cuts and dados required for the proper fit demanded perfection.

Much like the Eco-Wall, the garden walls required endless cutting to prepare for assembly.

The Eco-Wall frame fully assembled, burned, and starting to be filled with different materials to create multiple habitats for small animals. birds, and insects.

Water Feature The water feature started with constructing the structural wall to house the plumbing and corrugated waterfall. The water basins were constructed out of heavy lumber with a thick pond liner to ensure a leak would not occur during show time.

Once the wooden support structure was constructed, we proceeded to attach corrugated galvanized sheating.

Gabions & Trusses Referencing the construction documents, I was able to order all of the metal for the trusses and gabions already cut to size and appropriate angles. Welding the structures took many cold nights, but thanks to the plans everything fit perfectly the first time.

METROmorphosis - Construction

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METROmorphosis - Show Time

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METRO-MEADOW

METROmorphosis - Show Time

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ECO-WALL

METROmorphosis - Show Time

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RAIN GARDEN

METROmorphosis - Show Time

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VERTICAL GARDEN

METROmorphosis - Show Time

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BELOW: The cast of students tasked with designing and constructing the exhibit.

American Horticultural Society Environmental Award For an exhibit of horticultural excellence which best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment, and inspires the viewers to beautify homes and community through skillful design and appropriate plant material. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best in Showâ&#x20AC;? Award in the Academic Educational Category Awarded for highest point score - Academic Education Bulkley Medal of the Garden Club of America Awarded to a special exhibit in the fields of horticulture, botany, or conservation and must be one of exceptional educational merit, which increases the knowledge and awareness of the viewing public. Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America Award Awarded to an exhibit for outstanding use of herbs or an individual specimen herb. American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award (Awarded in 2011) Awarded for the General Design category.

METROmorphosis - Awards

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PLANE - PALEY PARK Paley Park is a relatively flat park with a few drains for water. The soil is urban an very harsh for plants. The entire park is accessible to pedestrians as well as the handicapped. The grove of honey locust create the sense of being indoors since the ceiling of the trees is low and the surrounding walls are high in relation to the width of the park.

RIGHT: Freehand plan sketch

of Paley Park to show spatial relationships and the quincunx tree layout.

The entire park is made from natural materials, which creates a warm inviting feeling when you are walking past and looking in. The waterfall is extremely loud since the space is so small, but it drowns out the noise of the city very well. Although there is a lot of hard materials in the space and the locust create a hard and sharp feeling, the excellent use of vines on the walls softens the feel of the park visually and physically. You can sit down and lean back against the soft vines as you relax. The potted plants add a sense of relief to the park by introducing splashes of color. Despite all of the aforementioned details of the parks structure, once you enter the park there is no sense of crowding even when the park is at capacity. This is largely due to the long visual sight lines within the park itself. No matter where you are you can see clear across to the other side or out the front gates.

ABOVE: Freehand sketch of Paley Park in New York City

ABOVE: Freehand section through the the park.

Planting Design - Plants as Architecture - PLANE

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POINT - BENTLY WOOD Bently Wood is generally flat throughout. The soil is most likely moist and well drained since the top beds are on a terrace. The entire landscape is accessible to pedestrians except for the small planting bed and water feature. The wall adds a slight sense of enclosure without becoming overwhelming. In addition to a sense of enclosure, the wall segments the planting beds into smaller areas to create a sense of transition when walking along side.

RIGHT: Freehand plan sketch

of Bently Wood to show spatial relationships and the strong focal point created by the large oak.

All of the hardscaping materials are natural to soften the feeling of the space. The plant palette is extremely limited in theis case, but it works well. The point of attraction is a medium sized oak tree that dominates the garden in both vertical and spatial presence. There are multiple trumpet vines and a butterfly bush to add much needed color as well as texture. Finally there is a small pond cypree next to the wall which will also add another strong vertical element.

ABOVE: Freehand sketch of Bently Wood

ABOVE: Freehand section through the the yard.

Planting Design - Plants as Architecture - POINT

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LINE - BRITISH CANAL

BELOW: Freehand section of the canal illustrating the difference in

elevation change from one side of the canal to the other.

This wooded edge along a canal slopes gently from the bottom of the sketch away from the viewer. All of the areas surrounding the canal slope towards the water so the soil is moist, but not hydrolic. The plant community consists predominantly of a variety of maples such as red and silver. The area is still in the pioneer stage, but the occasional climax species such as a beech may be found. The only areas easily accessible to the pedestrian are the stone paths along the canal, since the vegetation is too thick to easily move through the woodline.

ABOVE: Freehand sketch down the canal.

ABOVE: Freehand plan sketch showing the major trees and swaths of vegetation.

Planting Design - Plants as Architecture - LINE

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URBAN RETREAT

Stainless Steel Espalier

Water Canal

Bluestone Bridge

PrivateSeating Area

Vegetated Basin

French Doors B’ A

A’

Fountain/ Spring

Statue/ Fountain Fieldstone Staircase

Garage

Waterfall Stairs

Seating Area

Bronze Statue w/ Bluestone Base

Residential - Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA

Wrought Iron Spiral Staircase

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URBAN RETREAT RIGHT: Section drawn and rendered by hand from a self made CAD base. This section shows the filtered sunlight provided by the fastigate pines surrounding the seating area along the wall, which faces the statue and adjacent tree. Additionally, this section includes a view of the spiral staircase used to create both an artistic element and space saving way to the garage roof. Also included in this view are both fountains, which feed the canal from along the house and down to the vegetated basin against the garage. SECTION: BBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

LEFT: Section drawn and rendered by hand from a self made CAD base. This section shows the shade provided by the trees planted around the patio and upper walkable sections of the yard. The neighboring home provides a trellis for boston ivy to climb the brick while not causing damage to the structure. The statue, which is centrally located in the yard, is positioned to appear as if the model were sunbathing in the light filled half of the yard. This location is easily viewed from all locations in the yard.

SECTION: AAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Residential - Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA

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12 Acre Site Restoration Existing Drive

Restored Lawn

New Garden Plots

Restored Barn

Playground

Cut Meadow Play Area

Pathway

Spring w/ runnel

Buffer Planting

Existing Woodland

Food Crop Arbor Metasequoia Allee

Spring w/ runnel

Intermittent Creek

Existing Woodland Pathway

Multi-Use Court

Restored Meadow

Boat Launch

New Pond w/ GatheringIsland

Residential - Warrington Township, PA

Restored Meadow

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South East Entrance/ Sophomore Quad ENTRANCE AND SOPHOMORE QUAD SITE OBJECTIVES • • • • •

Unite dormitories and Bartley hall Provide spadce for social and physical activity Maintain privacy of lower level rooms Maintain view to the Oreo and beyond Emphasize main entrance between Bartley and Sheehan

SITE CHARACTERISTICS • Pedestrian only pathway to waynding station • Quad turned into four gathering spaces with a central feature • Dormitory entrances strengthened • Service road with parking added • Drop-off area added to Bartley • Pervious paving kept in quad

SEY

IVA

V2 - PERSPECTIVE FROM BARTLEY STEPS

BIGGER SERVICE

RIN WATER FEATURE

TREE

LINE

WAYFINDING

E FF

O P-

RE SH

GR E CE EN A NT RA REA/ LF EA TU R

GA T

VED

PERVIOUS PAVING

SITE CONCEPT

MEADOW BUFFER

R BA M

A YH

WAYFINDING AND CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

-O

E RE

ST DE PE ES

R LA

A LY

N LI EE

AN RI

CE ON

V1 - PERSPECTIVE UP NEW ENTRANCE WALK

Institution - Villanova University

Scale: 1”=20’- 0”

Southeast Entrance and Sophmore Quad

Dave Corrigan, Kurt Hoffman, Adam Howetll and Ray LaSota - Professors Stuart Appel and Lolly Tai - LA4147 - December 8, 2010

RAYM O ND L A S OTA 18 NORTH CONNELY SITE OBJECTIVES • Address accessibility issues within the space • Create a sense of place through function and aestheics • Provide an improved connection between Driscoll Hall and Connelly Center

North Connelly SITE CHARACTERISTICS

• • • • •

Kennedy parking lot removed for angled parking Wetland retention basin added in place of Kennedy parking lot Kennedy loading dock expanxded Handicapped parking added at the top of the access road Access road terminates with a view into a planting bed Pedestrian crossings are raised to create speed bumps for vehicles Drop-off area has been re-designed to create a bus stop area as well as allot for more vehicles at once. Obelisk and waynding signage added in direct sight of drop-off, student path and Connelly access Plantings are used to seperate spaces while allowing them to retain an open Truck access to the conference room is kept, but buffered by plantings A large gabion wall follows the student path creating a semicircular area adja cent from the doors of Connelly The space crreated by the gabions is a walkable pond with tables for gathering or studying.

ES EMERGENCY ACCESS BOLLARDS

W ET LA ND

A’

• • • • • • •

GA RD EN T

V1 - PERSPECTIVE INTO WALKABLE POND

-R

R VE RE

-A

P ED GL

AL LS

-OF OP F

ION AT

TIG

WALKABLE W AL L POND D

-OF

GA BIO

POND EN EX TRA IT N

GREEN SWALE

SITE CONCEPT

PERMEABLE PAVING E V

ELL

RAISED A BEDS D

TER

SECTION AA’

SCALE: 1” = 10’-0”

Institution - Villanova University

Scale: 1”=20’- 0”

Connelly Center Service Entrance , Plaza and Drop-Off

Dave Corrigan, Kurt Hoffman, Adam Howetll and Ray LaSota - Professors Stuart Appel and Lolly Tai - LA4147 - December 8, 2010

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Central Green ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN & CALLOUTS SCALE= 1” : 40’ - 0” SUBWAY STOP

PROJECT GOALS FORMAL GARDENS

• Create a seamless composition of landscaped and open spaces providing a variety of public and private outdoor experiences.

SHADE STRUCTURE WITH WATER LOUNGE AND BENCH SEATING

• Prepare a design; which, incorporates, expresses and educates the public about green building, Best Management Practices, and energy conservation.

CAFE AND OBSERVATION DECK SLOPED FLOWERING MEADOW

VE A

ALLEE WITH CAFE SEATING

MODIFIED RAIN GARDEN CURB CUTS

TRAIL

•Create a plant palate, which recognizes the parks existing conditions, provides opportunities for wildlife habitat and reflects the sites history.

O G IA D L VA

O B

SEATING NOOKS

LA C

12TH STREET

D Y

SLOPED HILL

NATURAL WOOD EDGE

AMPHITHEATER

RAIN GARDEN CUT-OUTS

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• Drawing from case studies and inspiration, create a park with a unique sense of place while staying with the vocabulary of the Corporate Core.

• Create spaces for both public and private use throughout the year by utilizing proper planting plans and solar orientation.

NORMANDY PLACE

•Continue the LEED building theme in all structures.

RECEIVING STATION COMMUNITY GARDENS

•Provide placards for visual reinforment of the sites Best Management Practices.

CENTRAL GREY WATER FEATURE

ALLEE

GREAT LAWN

LOOKOUT STRUCTURE

•Create a cool climate away from the heat is land effect of the dense Corporate Core.

Institution - Philadelphia Navy Yard

Philadelphia Navy Yard • Central Green • FINAL DESIGN

Temple University • School of Environmental Design • Department of Landscape Architecture & Horticulture LA 4198 • Professors: Stuart Appel & Lolly Tai • Produced By: Raymond LaSota

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Central Green PERSPECTIVE V-1

PERSPECTIVE V-5

PERSPECTIVE V-2

PERSPECTIVE V-6

AXONOMETRIC V-3.

PERSPECTIVE V-4

PERSPECTIVE V-7

Institution - Philadelphia Navy Yard

Philadelphia Navy Yard • Central Green • FINAL DESIGN

Temple University • School of Environmental Design • Department of Landscape Architecture & Horticulture LA 4198 • Professors: Stuart Appel & Lolly Tai • Produced By: Raymond LaSota

Mosaic Wall - One of the most critical points to consider in implementing and maintaining the new schoolyard is generating a sense of ownership and pride in the schoolyard. By including students and community members in its construction, they will be more likely to keep an eye out for vandals and help restore an element if it does become vandalized.

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Schoolyard Mosaic Wall

Extensive roof garden

Solar Education Solar Array

Extensive Green Roof

N. D

AR W

ST.

MA S

. ST

Institution - William Cramp Elementary TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

WILLIAM CRAMP ELEMENTARY GREEN SCHOOLYARD DESIGN

•

DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSORS STUART APPEL, FASLA AND LOLLY TAI, FASLA SPRING 2011 • RAYMOND LASOTA

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Schoolyard Climbing Boulders

Perspective • B • Pick-up/Drop-off Area

Stormwater Runnel

Bioretention Area

Perspective - C - Gardens, Outdoor Classroom, and Bioretention

Institution - William Cramp Elementary

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Bioretention Area Schoolyard

Perspective - C - Gardens, Outdoor Classroom, and Bioretention

Greenhouse & Storage

Gardening Plots

Educational Bioretention

Educational

Wildlife Meadow

Outdoor Classroom

Institution - William Cramp Elementary TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN WILLIAM CRAMP ELEMENTARY DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE • PROFESSORS STUART APPEL, FASLA AND LOLLY TAI, FASLA GREEN SCHOOLYARD DESIGN

R AY M O ND L A S OTA 24

Saint Peters Village

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French Creek State Park

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French Creek State Park

R AY M O ND L A S OTA 27

Kenhorst, PA

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Kenhorst, PA

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West Lawn & Douglasville

RAYMOND LASOTA 1308 Commonwealth Blvd Kenhorst, PA 19607 cel: 610.790.5164 e-mail: Raymond.LaSota@Gmail.com