Sarah Barker
Landscape Architecture Portfolio 2012-2013
Contents [Castle Market]
[Sheaf Sq
Sarah Barker Landscape Architecture with Ecology This portfolio exhibits examples of projects undertaken in my time as an undergraduate at The University of Sheffield. It shows my wide range of skills which vary from urban planning and sustainable design to technical construction drawings and written reports.
Email: sabarker23@gmail.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sarah-barker/4b/711/127 Website: http://cargocollective.com/sarahbarker
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quare]
[Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital]
[Psalter Lane Housing Development]
[Castlebeck Playspace]
[Sketch Book]
[Reports] Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment Howbrook Open Cast Coal Mine
Produced by SAB consultants on behalf of Cobex Ltd. Registration: 100182420
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Fig. 7 Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Map
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[Library Courtyard]
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Site Photos
Castle Mark
Masterplan
Vision
ket Masterplan
Section
The area of Casltegate is located next to the confluence of the River Don and River Sheaf. The city has largely ignored these assets and the Sheaf is culverted throughout much of the city. The main focus of the area, Castle Markets, is due to be demolished and moved to a separate part of town. A unique opportunity of reattaching the rivers to the city is presented. My vision for the site is, ‘Visible Dynamics’. Rivers are characterised by constant change, activity and processes. Historically, rivers existed before the city developed and were often the defining factor in creation of the urban structure. It’s time this dynamic force was brought to the forefront in the Castle Market area.
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A sponge’s structure is adapted to allow for maximum absorbency of water.
Pools of varying topography will have maximum biodiversity potential.
Sheaf Square
A third year module focusing on revealing Sheffield’s Porter Brook River, which has been heavily culverted in the city centre. The aim was an emphasis on ‘Ecological Urbanism’ to integrate natural processes within the city environment. My concept was to create an ‘Urban Sponge’; an area that maximises the capture of surface water run-off while also providing a relaxing city getaway. Water is an element to be celebrated and is allowed to be absorbed as part of the city.
Visualisation
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3D development model
A second year module to provide an introduction to AutoCAD and the construction side of landscape design. The brief was to create a practical, sustainable design for a courtyard located adjacent to the University Library. This area is a key linking route for Western Park and various university buildings. I chose to create an ergonomic design that would reduce overall material wastage. The concept is inspired by the strong linear architecture of the adjacent library building. A series of spaces is created by the use of varying elevations and the materials chosen reflect the surroundings. I particularly enjoyed experimenting with the detailing of retaining walls to create a unique gabion design.
Librar y Cour tyard
Site Photos
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Librar y Cour tyard [Details]
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This was a module coordinated by Nigel Dunnett (London Olympic Park 2012), with the aim of creating a Chelsea Garden green roof design. The project initially involved detailed research into green roofs and the management of sites for invertebrates. It then moved on to creating a design for a client of our choice. I chose the Sheffield Children’s hospital with the aim of creating an interactive, child friendly space. It was particularly interesting to gain detailed knowledge on the practical construction of green roofs and their workings.
Advanced ecological design
Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital logo
Plant substrate Filter sheet Drainage layer Protec tion mat R oot resistant water proofing
D visuals
Te c h n i c a l s e c t i o n s These are sections through the green roof to show different habitat creation techniques and edging details.
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This module was focused on creating a sustainable housing development in a derelict site that was once a former Sheffield Hallam Campus. The main challenge of this particular site was incorporating the listed building located central to the site. I took inspiration from Lanxmeer, a high quality environmental town. My vision for the site was to create an ‘Ecological Oasis’
Sustainable Housing
existing trees
new trees
fruit trees
herbaceous planting
Vision oasis [oh- ey - sis] noun ‘A pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult, troubled or hectic place or situation’ For nature, the city is a hectic place where it is hard to break the tough concrete boundaries and flourish. The new Psalter Lane development will be an oasis for nature, its own area to thrive in the midst of a difficult situation.
shrub planting
hedges
a l lot m e n t s
p r i vat e g a r d e n
pav i n g
s e at i n g
b i n s h e lt e r
b i k e s h e lt e r
p l ay e q u i p m e n t
Trellace
Sections through residential space
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Det
Castlebeck Playspace
tail
Castlebeck Playspace
Logo
This was a second year module entitled ‘Social Aspects.’ The aim was to create a space based around the needs of a real life client. Castlebeck Playspace is located in the Manor Estate in Sheffield. Numerous issues had to be considered when designing this site. These included likely vandalism, no high energy play equipment and no formal seating. I wanted to present the design in a manner that was accessible and understandable to children as well as the local residents so chose a very lively and simple approach.
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Development work
Observational drawings
Development through models
Sketch Book
Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment
1.0 Introduction 1.4 1.1
SAB consultants has been appointed by Cobex Ltd to provide a Landscape and Visual impact assessment (LVIA) of proposals to extract coal by open cast mining at a site located in Howbrook, north of Sheffield.
Howbrook Open Cast Coal Mine Environmental Impact Assessments 1.2
1.3
The LVIA is one of many elements that make up an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is used as a process to identify, predict and evaluate any direct and indirect impacts a proposed development would have upon the environment. The procedure helps determine areas for mitigation and whether development consent should be granted. UK EIA regulations dictate that any Schedule 1 project must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment. According to these, an open-cast mining site that exceeds 25 hectares is designated as a Schedule 1 project. ‘Quarries and open-cast mining where the surface of the site exceeds 25 hectares, or peat extraction where the surface of the site exceeds 150 hectares.’ [1]
The proposed development at Howbrook covers approximately 47 hectares and consequently falls within this category.
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1.6
1.7
Introduction
Castlegate
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment The LVIA is used to determine the significant effects that a proposed development will have on the landscape. This tool determines the scale of change and the ability of the landscape to accommodate to it. It is a process that ultimately helps avoid or reduce negative outcomes to the landscape. This assessment covers two aspects which are considered separately but are closely associated; landscape and visual effects.
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Castlegate is located north of the city centre and is one of the oldest areas in the city. It is in a unique position on the confluence of two rivers; the Don and the Sheaf. In the past, these rivers once created protection for the medieval Castle that provided the area with its name.
Management Plan
Entrance to Castle Market
For the last 700 years, markets have been operating in this area and have defined its character. Now that the markets are being moved, and the main Castle Market building being demolished, a unique opportunity is presented to create a new gateway to the city centre. This management plan will outline a masterplan for the area that has an overall aim of creating a ‘green oasis’ for nature, to better connect the rivers and the city. Details of how to manage a specific point within the site will provide key information of how to upkeep the area for years to come.
Landscape effects deals with physical changes that effect the landscapes character and quality, with the landscape being viewed as a resource. This includes taking into account changes the proposed development will have on individual components as well as the overall genus loci of the site.
Castle market: To be demolished
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Location plan
Visual effects focus on changes to the way people perceive a landscape, concentrating on the alteration of visual amenity. In particular this pays attention to people’s views of a proposed development area.
The River Don: Little vegetation remains
This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been undertaken incorporating the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (GLVIA). This document was published by professionals within the Landscape institute to provide an industry standard guide to producing LVIA. It offers detailed advice and identifies principles of good practice that the methodology for this assessment is based upon.
Focus of Masterplan
Key Connections
Culverted River Sheaf
Produced by SAB consultants on behalf of the University of Sheffield
Produced by SAB consultants on behalf of Cobex Ltd. Registration: 100182420
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Registration:100182420
[1] The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011, SI 2011/1824. London: The Statutory Office.
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[H4] Water Meadow Establishment. -
[H2 +3 ] Wetlands
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Establishment -
Surface should be treated with herbicide to get rid of existing vegetation. Optimal time for seed sowing is late summer/ early autumn. If particular area is prone to winter flooding seeds can be sown in March/April. Seed mix can be bulked up with sand to help with even dispersal when sowing by hand. Roll or tread once sown to give the seeds good soil contact.
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First Year Description
Timing
Frequency
Notes
Cutting
Cut meadow to 4075mm high, remove all cuttings
Every 2 months or when meadow reaches 15cm
3-4 times with a break in Jun-Aug (allows wildflowers to seed) As and when deemed necessary
Minimises competition from dominant annual weeds arising from the seed bank. Use a weed killer based on glyphosate to prevent killing of wildflowers
Spot treat/ Weed by hand.
At first appearance of unwanted species. (Often start of spring)
Maintenance Description
Timing
Frequency
Notes
Cutting
When weeds become visible
When deemed necessary
After sowing
During first Year
Minimises competition from dominant annual weeds arising from the seed bank. Minimising areas of open water in early stages will discourage water birds and prevent damage
Cut back weed growth to establish the perennial ground cover. Fence off and use plastic netting to protect newly planted area.
Long Term
Maintenance Description
Timing
Frequency
First Cut
Cut meadow to 40-75mm high, remove all cuttings Cut meadow to 40-75mm high, remove all cuttings
March
Annually
Monitor to determine changing requirements for weed control.
July
Monitoring
Heavy machinery may be used for construction primarily. For fine grading, smaller equipment should be used to prevent unnecessary soil compaction. Islands/areas above maximum winter water levels should be included within the wetland. This provides a burrow area and a winter diet of roots and rhizomes for the water vole (RSPB, 2004). Seeds should be sown on bare ground by hand in spring or summer when the land is drained as plants need time to mature to survive flooding. Ideally seeds should be located from a local wetland site.
Damage control
Long Term
Second Cut
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First Year
Maintenance
Weed control
Castlegate Management Plan
Castlegate Management Plan
Yr 1-5
Yr 5-10
Yr 10-15
Yr 15-20
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September Annually
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Frequently in first 5 years, then at longer intervals.
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Notes Takes place just before the first wildflowers (often cowslip) Leave cuttings to dry for up to 7 days to reduce weight when removed. Turn to assist in seed dispersal. If grasses are deemed to become too dominant the annual wildflower Rhinanthus minor can be sown in Aug. This is semi parasitic on grasses.
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Maintenance Description
Timing
Frequency Yr 1-5
Cutting
Cut one third of ecological wetland area [H2]. Cut back all of [H3] to maintain neat and tidy appearance. Remove cuttings. De-silting of one side of bank. Work upstream in small stretches. (Encourages plant seeds to be carried downstream and recolonize bank). Around a third of the ditch should be left untouched.
SeptNov
2 year rotation
Vegetation removal/ cutting in patches. Dense stands of single species (such as iris’) to be thinned by hand.
SeptNov
3-5 year rotation
SeptNov
2 years
Ditches: dredging
Ditches: vegetation Selective thinning
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* NovMarch
Yr 5-10
Yr 10-15
Yr 15-20
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Rotating cutting in patches creates a variety of vegetation structures beneficial to wildlife
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Vegetation removal should take place at the end of the water voles previous breeding season (April-Sept) to encourage them to move away before bank disturbance occurs.
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Use of herbicides should be avoided.
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3-5 rotation
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Notes
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Legend
Castlegate Management Plan
Proposed river course Ecological area (restricted human access)
Fig. 7 Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Map
Parkland area
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Existing Riparian vegetation
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Proposed bank reprofiling Human access points down to river New key circulation routes
Planting Journal
Re-directed traffic Fish pass Potential otter holts Visitor centre
Reports
Landscape Management Plan
SAB conSultAntS
Castlegate Masterplan Scale: Schematic
Date: April 2013
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Sarah Barker
Landscape Architecture Portfolio 2012-2013 Email: sabarker23gmail.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sarah-barker/4b/711/127 Website: http://cargocollective.com/sarahbarker
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