ROBERT DEVOST URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN THINKING PORTFOLIO
FEBRUARY 2016 - DAAP - UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
ROBERT DEVOST CONTACT ME
FOLLOW ME
3214 Glendora Avenue #2 Cincinnati, OH 45220
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertdevost
devostrp@mail.uc.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/jake.devost
802.355.2323
Instagram: @jakedevost ISSUU: issuu.com/robertdevost
EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
KALU YALA INSTITUTE
AUG 2013 - PRESENT COLLEGE OF DAAP CINCINNATI, OHIO GPA 3.81 / 4.0 Participating in the Professional Practice Program alternating semesters of classroom study with work in the field of urban planning.
SEPT 2015 - NOV 2015 DESIGN THINKING INTERN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Strategic planning for several departments, small-scale development projects, land use planning, and tent home design. Independently created a GIS database with maps.
DALIAN URBAN DEVELOPMENT
MT. MANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
JAN 2015 - APR 2015 DESIGN INTERN DALIAN, CHINA Intern for both urban design and master planning departments. Assisted with digital and physical urban design models, GIS mapping, and case study analysis.
CLASS OF 2013 JERICHO, VERMONT GPA 3.8 / 4.0
SKILLS ArcGIS AutoCAD Excel Drafting Illustrator InDesign
WORK EXPERIENCE iOS InDesign Photoshop SketchUp Windows OS Word
HANNAFORD SUPERMARKETS
Collaboration Customer Service Organization Photography Social Media Writing
JUN 2011 - PRESENT CASHIER & CUSTOMER SERVICE WILLISTON, VERMONT Servicing customers in the front end, answering questions and providing answers to store complains and inquiries.
RECOGNITION
AFFILIATION
2015 Contributing writer for Managing the Urban Environment: Lagos, Nigeria. Chapter 4, with Amy Morgan, published February 2015.
Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity A professional co-educational college fraternity for students studying architecture and the allied arts. Student government tribunal Planning Student Organization DAAP Ambassador Cincinnati Literacy Network volunteer Clean Up Cincy volunteer
2014 EHI Consultants Scholarship Recipient 2013 David H. Peet Memorial Award for Distinguished Freshman Project
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROFESSIONAL Kalu Yala Wayfinding
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Jungle Tent Design
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Benxi Expansion
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Dengta City Revival
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Pleasant Street Connection
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Public Art Engagement
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Nigerian Ferry Network
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Hand Drafting
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Breadcrumb Application
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EDUCATION
INDEPENDENT
University of Cincinnati Ohio - USA
Dalian UD Design Dalian - CHINA
UC School of Planning Lagos - NIGERIA Kalu Yala Tres Brazos - PANAMA
KALU YALA WAYFINDING
Work
Kalu Yala Institute
Theme
Master Planning, GIS Technology & Cartography
Date
Fall 2015
Location
Tres Brazos Valley, Panama
Concept
This cartography project involved trail mapping and site analysis for the Kalu Yala Institute. Using a GPS, I collected waypoints and tracks from across the rainforest valley, including hiking trails, infrastructure, natural features, and more. The GPS data was converted into ArcMap as a database made independently from scratch. These maps are being used by the Kalu Yala Institute for research and development strategies. The final product was presented to the CEO with a two-year GIS plan for Kalu Yala.
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THE WATERFALL
CANDY MOUNTAIN
RAMON’S ROAD TRAIL
HONEYCREEPER TRAIL
CERRO PROMINENTE TRAIL
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TRAIL DIFFICULTY MAP FOR THE FIRST FIVE TRAILS SURROUNDING KALU YALA
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CARTOGRAPHY PROCESS PLAN Design Thinking: Met with directors in several departments to figure out what data to collect and to formulate a schedule. HIKE GPS Data Collection: Used the Garmin GPS to collect tracks and waypoints throughout the rainforest and base camp. Some hikes lasted over 10 hours through unmapped territory. CLICK GIS Data Input: Imported the GPS data into GIS in Panama City. Organized files for enhanced user experience.
THE HONEYCREEPER TRAIL OFFICIAL MAP
A COMBINED SOLAR, BASEMAP, AND RASTER MAP OF THE TRES BRAZOS VALLEY
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JUNGLE TENT DESIGN
Work
Kalu Yala Institute
Theme
Sustainable Tiny-home Design
Date
Fall 2015
Location
Tres Brazos Valley, Panama
Concept
To meet the future housing need in Panama’s most sustainable community, the right actions must be taken to ensure smart design and sustainability. These homes are built for investors who will one day live in Kalu Yala. All aspects of design were considered, including landscaping, structural design, materials, interior and exterior design, and infrastructural impacts. Tents are customizable and vary in price. These Jungle Tents were designed by myself and my director Anne Dillon, as well as in collaboration with CEO Jimmy Stice.
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PROJECT INSPIRATION How can Kalu Yala build shelters in the tropics that provide basic comforts and essentials for those seeking to step away from the complications of modern life and into nature?
DESIGN IDEATION EDIBLE GARDEN YARD
HAMMOCK HOOKS OUT BACK ROOM FOR TWO BEDS AND KITCHEN
SUN & SHADE PORCH
WOOD A-FRAME WITH CANVAS WALLS
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GLASS WINDOWS
FRONT GARDEN PATIO
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DESIGN PROCESS
What amenities are needed inside and out? What is public, private, and semi-private? How can the tent interact with the environment around it?
RESEARCH, PERSPECTIVE & EMPATHY
How can a livable space be design on a 9x9 platform? How can we source locally and sustainably? What other activities can be made available for investors?
MODEL IDEATION & PROTOTYPING
These tent homes will be constructed as investors commit to the company. Prototypes were constructed in November 2015 and full-size models are to be built in early 2016.
FULL-SCALE CONSTRUCTION & IMPLEMENTATION
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BENXI EXPANSION
Work
Dalian Urban Development Design Co.
Theme
Large Scale Housing Redevelopment
Date
Spring 2015
Location
Benxi, Liaoning, China
Concept
As the country's population moves to urban areas for employment and opportunity, these cities must accommodate for the rapid influx of people. This research and analysis proposal covers the needs of an industrial city in Northern China. These renderings were pitched to a developer, and physical development began in May 2015 based off these plans and research. The development consists of over twenty high-rise residential buildings, a shopping mall, and a retirement community.
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MAPPING ANALYSIS Maps were created in AutoCAD and analyzed in ArcMap
DRAINAGE HILLSHADE
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SOLAR RADIATION SLOPE DIRECTION
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Benxi Mall 3 floors of commercial space, 30 story office Residential 16 high rise apartments of at least 27 floors Office Space 21 high rise and mid rise buildings Mixed Use 15 mid rise and low rise buildings ORIGINAL BASEMAP
Benxi Retirement Home 6 building complex ranging from 3 to 6 floors
The client wanted to create a smooth and walkable neighborhood, even with the steep slope, with the retirement home and mall complexed as the center piece. The majority of the proposed buildings have a minimum of 4 floors below the surface to increase stability and maximize storage space, including an underground parking garage. The curved roadways are inviting to walk on and keep traffic at a slower pace. The roads’ slopes are kept to a minimum so the elderly can walk without worry and still be close to nature and shopping. DEVELOPMENT PLAN VIEW
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The steep slope added a unique challenge when designing the skyscrapers. Weather patters, land use, and incline were all factors to consider. The client also wanted to conserve as much of the green hillside as possible. Construction for this project began in May 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in 2016. Skills used for this project include SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and ArcMap.
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DIGITAL RENDERING WITH NEW BUILDINGS IN COLOR
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DENGTA CITY REVIVAL
Work
Dalian Urban Development Design Co.
Theme
Land Use Recoding & Urban Redevelopment
Date
Spring 2015
Location
Dengta City, Liaoning, China
Concept
Dengta City is a small industrial town in the northern Liaoning Province, China. An old warehouse district was vacant and in need of revitalization. Dalian Development Design proposed ideas for a walkable, commercial shopping area with aspects of an outdoor farmers market. Using research from worldwide case studies, the concept was presented to a developer and accepted. The plan involved remodeling the warehouse district and improving walkability to the nearby museum and hospital. Research, modern redevelopment design, and digital rendering skills were used for this proposal.
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The renovation proposes three parks to replace old trucking lots. The vast amounts of concrete will be reused to renovate the buildings. New walls, windows, and walkways must be added to allow for commercial space. The parks are designed close to the hospital so patients can be outdoors.
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BEFORE
AFTER
The left rendering is a land use representation for the renovated buildings. Uses include commercial, mixed use, storage, security, and a community hall. The Before & After renderings were made in Photoshop. The new designs use a variety of materials and have large sidewalks to sustain pedestrian traffic. 3D LAND USE MAP
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PLEASANT ST. CONNECTION
Work
University of Cincinnati, School of Planning
Theme
Neighborhood Redevelopment & Community Engagement
Date
Summer 2015
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Concept
Over-The-Rhine is Cincinnati's most historic neighborhood and is currently undergoing major redevelopment and regeneration. The focus of this development concept is on Pleasant Street: an urban spine linking local landmarks Washington Park and Findlay Market. Issues were addressed such as safety, mobility, housing, community engagement, cultural resources, and neighborhood identity. Steps involved include data collection, participating in direct observation, and undertaking research in physical, functional, and social infrastructure to reach a comprehensive understanding of the study area. The class collaborated with community members who will be affected by the plan; residents, stakeholders, and property and business owners. The following project represents the Connectivity team, who primarily focused on repairing the congested Liberty Street and improving walkability for the neighborhood.
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Z CROSSWALK DESIGN CONNECTING PLEASANT STREET
PARKING
PARKING
Liberty Street is currently unsafe for pedestrians to cross and the area lacks pedestrian traffic. As Over-the-Rhine experiences this vast amount of change, it is important to keep the existing infrastructure, and especially preserve the historic architecture. Constructing high-density infill for Liberty will create a new feeling for the area. With the proposed infill, crosswalk enhancements, and street dieting, Liberty Street will become more walkable, livable, and inviting for everyone.
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SKETCHUP RENDERING OF THE Z CROSSWALK
SKETCHUP RENDERING OF THE ROAD DIET AND INFILL
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This high-density mixed use development on Liberty Street will maintain similar land use patterns that exist now. The mostly-commercial area will convert to mixed use commercial with residential units above. Since OTR needs amenities like laundromats and pharmacies, those may be implemented on Liberty. Liberty Street can act as a connector between Findlay Market and Washington Park with a dense and walkable commercial strip, filled with local and affordable businesses. The residential unit atop the businesses provide a safer feeling for the area, as there are more eyes on the street. The physical layout of Liberty’s infill will accentuate the stoop culture and neighborly characteristics of Over-the-Rhine. Tall buildings with the sporadic inlet for public seating, restaurant patios, or small green spaces can be found throughout Liberty’s new plan. The new development must also complement the existing architecture of Cincinnati’s historic district. The look of the development will be similar to Vine Street, just with wider streets and more vegetation. The final presentation for this class-wide project took place at People’s Liberty in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. Professionals critiqued designs and offered more solutions. An open house was held afterward for the public and other design professionals to view the proposals for improving Pleasant Street.
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PUBLIC ART ENGAGEMENT
Work
University of Cincinnati, School of Planning
Theme
Public Art & Community Engagement
Date
Summer 2015
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Concept
As part of DAAP’s IMPACT studio, students worked with the community on a variety of different public art projects. The Cincinnati Reds partnered with the School of Art to create a giant public art piece to display at the 2015 All Star Game. Students worked with the City of Cincinnati and the Corporation at Findlay Market to turn an abandoned lot into a wiffle ball field and community garden for the local community in Over the Rhine. Other projects include Pleasant Street Steps, a pathway of on-street stickers displaying residents’ footprints and a quote sharing their story of Pleasant Street.
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146 YEARS, GAME ON! To commemorate the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati and the 146-year history of the city’s baseball team, students were invited to create an interactive art piece. This sculpture is made of 3,884 baseballs — 1,869 for the founding of the Cincinnati Reds in 1869 plus 2,015 for the year of the game. The balls form a 20-foot-wide by 14-foot-high arc. Fans were able to purchase a ball and locate it on the sculpture with their name. On July 24, Mayor John Cranley dedicated the sculpture in Fountain Square, where it was on display until late September. The piece was part of the collaborative studio class, IMPACT: Public Art and Planning.
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FIELD OF GREENS Field of Greens is a Public Art project incorporating the design and construction of a wiffle ball field in a vacant lot on Pleasant Street in Cincinnati. The lot includes an urban farm in the configuration of outfield stands that can also be used for spectators. In collaboration with the Corporation for Findlay Market, the garden grew in plastic milk crates. Half wiffle ball field, half urban farm, the Field of Greens became a working garden and play area for families. Pleasant Street residents participated in the construction and were invited to a neighborhood-wide opening night to kick off the summer. The project was sponsored by the Haile Foundation and was led by artist and professor Joe Girandola.
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NIGERIAN FERRY NETWORK
Work
University of Cincinnati, School of Planning
Theme
New Urbanism & Public Health Design
Date
Fall 2014
Location
Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
Concept
The objective of the project was to prepare students to work overseas in data-poor environments as professional consulting planners. The following project covers the transportation sector, preparing a 5-year plan to help solve the urban environmental problems of Lagos, Nigeria, the largest, most environmentally complex metropolitan area in Africa, utilizing a real-world data base and a limited budget. Other sectors of this master plan included Waste Management, Energy Consumption, Poverty Alleviation, and more. This project formed the majority of class work culminating in the completion of this professional quality document. This dissertation was published in January 2015 by Lambert Academic Publishing.
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PROJECT PRIORITIES Rail System Improvements - BRT System Improvements - Ferry System Improvements - Encourage Public Transportation - Promote Economic Opportunities from Public Transportation
5 YEAR PLAN The Lagos Master Plan was broken down into specific steps for the first five years. Expenses, timetables, and further explanations can be found in the publishing.
Year 3 Build Ports 5 & 6 Purchase 1 passenger speed boat Assess the BRT and the Light Rail
Year 1 Build ports 1 & 2 Implement bus stations near ports Purchase 1 water taxi and 1 steel ferry Lease out port property to small businesses
Year 4 Purchase 1 steel ferry Assess the ports and usage Expand port spaces, more investment
Year 2 General assessment of usage Build ports 3 & 4 Purchase 2 water taxis
Year 5 Reach out to private investors for private taxis which will integrate into the larger system Increase integration with land travel
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GULF OF GUINEA
DOWNTOWN CBD LAGOS ISLAND
SMALL PORT $ 50,000 LARGE PORT $ 100,000
Steel Ferry (1) 70 Passengers & 11 vehicles $ 350,000
Fiberglass Passenger Speed Boat 30 Passengers, 22 knots speed $ 85,000
Aluminum Pontoon Water Taxi 30 Passengers, 12 knots speed $ 40,000 35
HAND DRAFTING
Work
University of Cincinnati
Theme
Architectural Drafting Technique
Date
Fall 2013
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Concept
As part of an introductory course on hand drafting, using standard drafting tools and illustrating techniques. The following illustrations demonstrate various textures, perspectives, and script. Sketches were complete both inside and outside the studio, as well as both freehand and tool-based drawing. Final drafts were presented in front of and critiqued by local professionals. During this studio course, I received the David H. Peet Memorial Award for Distinguished Freshman Project.
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BREADCRUMB APPLICATION
Work
Independent Project
Theme
Public Safety Design, Graphic Design
Date
Fall 2015
Location
Anywhere
Concept
Breadcrumb is an app design concept created independently during my time in Boston in late 2015. This app is designed to use GIS technology to track lighting, businesses, and other characteristics that make walking home safer. Routes are tracked and rated by users, and there are many emergency features on the app for added safety. This app is intended for college students who commute at night, those who want to exercise at night, young urban school children, and those who are new and unfamiliar to the area. By working with city officials and the police department, Breadcrumb can be used by all urban dwellers to make the city streets a little safer at night.
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CONNECT TO YOUR STREETS. . . Let Breadcrumb light the way
GIS maps which areas are the most well lit.
Users can rate their walks based on lighting, similar to a restaurant rating app. If the lighting isn’t the best, users can pinpoint where improvement is needed.
Track what’s going on around you.
GIS technology tracks open businesses, public events, nearby public transit stations, and recent crimes. Breadcrumb makes sure you avoid unsafe areas on your commute.
Breadcrumb watches out for you.
With built-in tracking, you can alert others of your location when you are feeling unsafe by simply sending a text to your emergency contact, or using the emergency 9-1-1 button.
We work with your city for the safest commute.
Breadcrumb works with both your town officials and the local police department. Current crime data is added regularly, and recent crimes are displayed on the tracker.
Breadcrumb connects you to your streets and your community.
The Community feature allows users to pinpoint streets, alleys, or parks that attention and can organize community clean-ups.
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BREADCRUMB
BREADCRUMB
BREADCRUMB Cancel
Set Time
EMERGENCY
Title
Alley Pickup!
COMMUNITY
Date
Saturday, Feb 2
Location
Hart Alley
Crew
3-4
Post
GO HOME GO TO . . .
PATH HISTORY
COMMUNITY Plan a clean-up or community event near you!
ETA 4 min Report
Emergency
> > > >
Cancel
I believe it is essential for urban residents to take ownership and feel connected to the place that they live, down to the sidewalks and lamp posts. My intention for this app is to bring people together through the Community feature to open discussion about street and pedestrian safety in their city. “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody” - Jane Jacobs.
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THANK YOU CONTACT ME
FOLLOW ME
3214 Glendora Avenue #2 Cincinnati, OH 45220
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertdevost
devostrp@mail.uc.edu
Facebook: facebook.com/jake.devost
802.355.2323
Instagram: @jakedevost ISSUU: issuu.com/robertdevost