Chad So
portfolio of landscape architecture
greatness is when everything before you is obsolete and everything after you bears your mark chappelle
linkedin.com/in/chadso vimeo.com/chadso issuu.com/sochad
Chad So
850 West 148th Street Gardena, CA 90247 310-630-9214 cso@here.la
Education Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture Cal Poly Pomona, June 2016 Pomona, CA Study Abroad Program Santa Chiara Study Center, Aug - Nov 2015 Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany, Italy
Experience HereLA | Los Angeles, CA
Urban Designer | Full Time: January 2017 - present • translate dense planning topics into eye-catching digestible graphics and visual stories • develop graphic illustrations, plans, maps, infographics, and presentation and outreach materials • utilize, integrate, and introduce ArcGIS Online and web app capabilities to enhance community outreach experience
Los Angeles Department of Transportation: Active Transportation Division | Los Angeles, CA
Design Architect Intern | Part Time: April 2016 - December 2016 • collaborate with data analyst, transportation engineer, and GIS Specialist to produce high quality data driven graphics to inform council districts, engineers, and community members on the necessity of street safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in high collision rate street corridors. • develop public interactive online collision map in support of Safe Routes to School Program Youth Safety Study • collaborate with project engineer and geometric design team on bikeway wayfinding locations and specifications along Expo Line Phase 2 Bike Path • utilize analytical details to bridge Crossing Guard Division staff implementation process with Safe Routes to School program and Vision Zero to streamline consistent and efficient data sharing via Microsoft Excel and GIS Software • produce video, storyboard, script, footage assembly and editing, audio mixing, color grading, motion graphics, and final composition to highlight the 2016 Walk to School Day event
North East Trees non-profit Urban Forestry | Cypress Park, Los Angeles, CA Project Development | Seasonal: June 2013 - December 2015
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perform intensive research and develop graphics and maps to support project grant proposals produced informational animated video on low impact development strategies with emphasis on rain gardens established GIS database lead and mentor team of 2 in field operations
Extracurricular Travel Experience
Copenhagen, Denmark. Barcelona, Spain. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Berlin, Germany. Portland, Oregon. Oahu, Hawaii. Italy.
• visit and experience innovative design solutions in unique socio-economic, ecological, and cultural environments • adapt, embrace, and communicate with unfamiliar cultures with respect and curiosity • cultivate unique landscape and cultural influences to foster an ambitious design perspective American Society of Landscape Architects Member 2015 - present Cal Poly Pomona Student Chapter 2015 - 2016 Board Member
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collaborate with 6 - 8 board members in organizing, promoting, and producing guest lecture events, networking opportunities, and social events presented to landscape student body of over 150 students
Skills Urban Design | Landscape Architecture ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Rhino5, Sketch-up, Microsoft Office
features
Collective 1 Urban Spring 2016
Senior Interdisciplinary Urban Design Studio (arch)
Sensescapes 5 Revelatory Winter 2014 3rd year Urban Design Studio in collaboration with SWA group
9 Unbounded Spring 2014
2nd year Design Studio
to Sit 13 Places Fall 2015 Senior Study Abroad
15 Porosity Fall 2013
2nd year Exploration
Rafters 16 Los Winter 2015
4th year Design Studio
17 Chance Winter 2015
4th year Design Studio
Urban Collective Chad So | Sarmen Abedi | Chris Anderson | Necils Lopez | Eddy Solis
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adaptive reuse
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Within a culture that prides themselves with a mindset that drives a more egocentric and self-dependent outlook exists a more internal response that begins to change the manner in which we as inhabitants live, work, play, and consume. Commercialized and consumer driven attitudes begin to threaten the development and the existence of culture. Many are forcibly constricted within the wishes of developmental trends that confine one’s ability to freely create his or her own sense of place. The Urban Collective seeks to regain control of the formation and evolution of these creative districts from the hands of predisposed developers who are motivated by profit. In doing so this project presents a way of place making that focuses on empowering the culture of creative individuals by providing them a space to exist and thrive.
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proposed site plan la cienega pl.
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ballon
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jefferson blvd
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legend 1 central plaza 2 community center 3 community garden 4 concert hall 5 creative studio 6 general market 7 greenhouse 8 housing 9 large studio 10 local market 11 main entries 12 parking 13 pedestrian throughfare 14 private gallery 15 public gallery 16 retail 17 retail+residential 18 shared residential courtyard 19 warehouse 20 creative office 21 rooftop open space
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la cienega blvd.
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0’
50’
100’
200’
Rendered by Sarmen Abedi
artists
artists
artists
collect
collect
collect
commune
produce create
culture produce
consumers
commune
produce create
community produce
consumers
commune
produce create
place produce
consumers
urban collective framework 2
retail
3
ffe
retail space
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commercial/office
retail thoroughfare
large studio space
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rso n
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FAR = 1.7
parking
market
creative
residential
retail
program distribution
bedroom
living room
10’ wide pathway community gathering space
community garden
community greenhouse
upper level residential lofts
exterior market space
open floor plan market
studio outdoor workspace artist studio space
communal workspace
open air office space communal gathering area
creative
Render by Chris Anderson
market
residential
Render by Chris Anderson
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Revelatory Sensescapes Chad So | Sarmen Abedi | Shawn In-seol Park | Julie Pell
fast fast pace pace
overload of elements overload of elements overload of elements
su n s e t strip
project site
8950 Sunset Blvd
slow pace
As population increases we are forced to create denser urban environments. In order to achieve a denser city the current strategy is to build vertically. The flaw to this approach is a lack of consideration for the user experience and only focuses on maximizing F.A.R. and 5
te crea ns ectio conn
west hollywood
place attachment re
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memorable experience
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program. Unlike any existing urban strategy, Revelatory Sensescapes provides a new approach to adapt to the increasingly dense urban context by redefining density as not only a concentration of mass but a place of experience. West Hollywood exemplifies a typical
dense urban environment. It’s history of unique and eclectic character allows for a new and innovative exploration of density to develop that is Revelatory Senscapes.
sight transparent porous translucent reflective opaque
sound OSTERIA DRAGO
vanity
performance
MUTATO MUZIKA
STATE SOCIAL HOUSE
SOUNDCHECK HOLLYWOOD
ELEVATION FITNESS
THE ROXY
GUITAR SALES
RAINBOW BAR & GRILL
AMBROSIA CAFE GIL TURNER'S
PIZZA AND WINE BAR
BLT STEAK
COFFEE BEAN
PEET'S COFFEE AND TEA
night intensity
PANINI'S PIZZA
day intensity
ROCK AND RHILLEY'S IRISH PUB WHISKY GO GO
transparent
FRANKIE AND JOHNNIE'S NEW YORK PIZZA
opaque
taste
mystery
pulse
day concentration
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night concentration
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The experience on Sunset Strip is blurred due to the existing eclectic character. Advertisements compete for your attention from every angle, noise seeps through the walls and doors of music venues on to the sidewalk, while people are constantly on the move by car and foot. To understand and map the site context, we slowed our pace and started to notice the elements that composed the urban realm. 6
urban design strategies Revelatory Sensescape slows the pace of the user down in order for them to perceptually absorb the surrounding. This provides an opportunity for users to notice, understand, and attach to the space they occupy. By slowing down, nuances and new experiences that are otherwise undetected in a fast paced environment become apparent. The proposed program continues to follow the narrative with retail such as cafe, barbershop, and event space that invite users to stay rather than a quick stop and go. Sensors within and on the facade of Revelatory Sensescapes make the user aware of themselves in thier fast paced environment. The sensors output information based on user movement and noise level. These tactical strategies all intend to slow the pace of users allowing them to create connections, reveal nuances, become attached to a place, and influence a memorable experience.
movement typologies
straight
curve
corner
open
quarter
edge
turn
intersection
ramp
hide and reveal
stairs
movement choreography apparent
hidden
revealed
hidden
turn
curve
split
elevation
program considerations 400-999 sq ft
1000-1499 sq ft
open space
1500+ sq ft
barber shop
cafe
event space
lounge
cafe
event space
salon
silent disco
salon
cross fit gym
visual amphitheater
spa
book store
therapy
cafe laundromat event space retail spa
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underground 2 +
6853 sq ft 972 sq ft 1918 sq ft 1500 sq ft 1200 sq ft 2392 sq ft 4500 sq ft
3272 sq ft 6542 sq ft
4500 sq ft 1502 sq ft 2107 sq ft
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2945 sq ft 465 sq ft 3461 sq ft 595 sq ft 1500 sq ft 2712 sq ft
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underground 1
3442 sq ft
4340 sq ft 1800 sq ft 2107 sq ft
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main level 1918 sq ft 3283 sq ft 1500 sq ft 1200 sq ft 2393 sq ft 4500 sq ft 2823 sq ft
second floor 4040 sq ft 3462 sq ft 595 sq ft 1500 sq ft 1502 sq ft 3350 sq ft 3250 sq ft
4148 sq ft 2481 sq ft
2233 sq ft
1751 sq ft
3283 sq ft
third floor
109,837 sq ft 50,000 sq ft =
F.A.R : 2.2
output output
sensors
output
input
input
input
r e s pon s e us e r
i nputs
out pu t
s e n s or
u ser
output
corridor sensors
input
walls begin to change colors as user enter and ceases when user exits
open space sensors as user steps on panels, the wall mimics the user’s movement
output wall
input
floor
external sensors
output input
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facade wall animates in reaction to noise
Sarmen Abedi
Shawn Park
Sarmen Abedi
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Unbounded Chad So | Diana Alcantara | Chris Anderson | Ivan Velazquez
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site mapping Grows best on moist well-drained Water Needs: Wet to Moist Soil Soil Type: Clay, Loam or Sand s a n d s n e a r s t r e a m s. Populus deltoides
Pisces
EASTERN COTTONWOOD
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Gemini
Canis Minor
X Salix lasiolepis
Arrow Willow Tree Scale : 1” = 100’
Water Needs: Wet to Moist Soil Soil Type: Clay, Loam or Sand
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Cancer
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Monoceros
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Lynx
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Orion
Auriga
Camelopardalls
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Taurus
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Perseus
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Aries
cassiopeia
Triangulum
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Andromeda
Cetus
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The site currently existing as the Los Angeles State Historic Park has consistently held significant value throughout generations of use. Although the park currently serves the people, the isolated and stationary qualities of the park do not allow the space to extend towards the present cultural, ecological, commercial, and industrial arrangements. The intention of this project is to break the park’s 32-acre boundary in order to poise a condition that spreads the existing and proposed relationships and patterns to develop a larger interrelated system. The interrelated system focuses on addressing both the cultural and ecological habitats that are relative to the site and it’s surroundings to better serve the population of the greater Los Angeles area.
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critically combined model
public
public private
private noise
noise catch basins
catch basins
opposite/alternating pattern dispersing down a slope field alternates and clusters
education
education
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+
topography
topography
moire + depression rule of the catchy mountain
gold line
gold line
forest + accumulate rule of the willow
dispersed + forest gravity rule
bus routes
bus routes freeway
freeway historical train
historical train
increasing spread
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parking
parking
+ linear + mound rule of LA river
sun
sun
+ pulse + plane rule of land use
rhizome + field invasives rule
bustops
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bus stops opposite/alternating pattern
historical buildings historical buildings
dispersing down a slope
field alternates and clusters
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+
moire + depression rule of the catchy mountain
forest + accumulate rule of the willow
dispersed + forest gravity rule
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>50% pervious surfaces
>50% pervious surface increasing spread
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+
linear + mound rule of LA river
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pulse + plane rule of land use
rhizome + field invasives rule
soil absorbtion
soil absorbtion wind wind
encelia encelia
bees bees
butterflies butterflies
trees trees
constellations constellations
shadows shadows
zanja madre zanja madre
lat. long. lat long.
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birds birds
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taxonomy of emergent spatial types species symbiosis rule
pulse x forest tall-low pattern rule
moire x depression rule of catchy
linear x mound rule of la river
Tall
Tall Short Short Short
directional x plane radio tower rule
everything slopes to one direction
rhizome x depression
Short...
Direction
Di ion rect Accumulation
moire x plane gravity rules
fold x nest
sheltered edge rule
directional x depression rhizome x field rule of zanja madre
invasives rule
circular x nest shade rule
Organically shaped / naturally exsisting
Increasing divisions
accumulated x plane third landing rule
dispersed x depression topo spread rule
directional x nest habitat island rule
Organism movement
master plan
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mat x mound wind direction rule
moire x landing shelter rule
+structural
+ vegetion at bottom of slopes
a beacon b land bridge c meeting volume d ranger station e public restroom f
parking
+ accumulation point
g basin h entry point
An intense site investigation and mapping was followed by a taxonomy of emergent spatial types. These spatial types were developed based on patterns and processes found on the site. Selected spatial types were then critically combined and arranged on the site. The resulting master plan provides a framework poised to allow the cultural and ecological life of Los Angeles State Historic Park to thrive.
+ ecological a basin b carbon absortion
+ planting pattern spreading beyond cornfields
c habitat d seed dispersion
+ cultural
+ lighting pattern spreading beyond cornfields
a open space b pathway c mount d forest e play mount
+ planting habitats
c
+ seeding spread through wind
+ water remediation
d c a
d
+ trees produce berries
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b b
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c b
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places to Sit places to Be Chad So Places to Sit starts with an interest in urban public spaces. One universal urban public space is the street. The street features various elements that contribute to an individual’s experience. A street contains life, people, culture, facades and materials, vegetation, activity, and traffic particularly walking. Walking down a street gives opportunities to move fast, slow, stop and rest, and engage into the landscape. People walk to walk, walk to travel, and ultimately walk to sit. This makes places to sit destinations. A time to linger in one place and absorb the immediate surroundings. What, when, why, how, and where people sit can provide a better understaning to succussfully design destinations in urban public spaces. With an opportunity to study abroad in Europe, I recorded places to sit ranging from formal to informal and intentional to unintentional. These places to sit were measured by their functions, comfort, privacy, and capacity.
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6 is the perfect number Outside Uscio, a restaurant in Prato, Italy, two small foldable tables and chairs provided the perfect social environment. A group of six sits tight with just enough room to eat. Six in this arrangement allows the party the ability to hear whomever is speaking. If conversation is dull, side conversations are possible with your neighbors. The mobility of the seating and tables allowed easy access and movement when the hot sun encroached on us.
how uncomfortable Outside the Center for Cancer and Health in Copenhagen, concrete, right angular and geometric seating surrounds a small soccer field, ping pong table, and rock climbing wall. The seating appears uncomfortable at first, but getting comfortable was not difficult. The linear room provides leg up or laying down option while the second layer doubles as a table or higher seating. One can imagine users on the edge of thier seat routing for thier team rather than slouched potatoes. personal space Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain offers a vast retaining wall. What makes this seating opportunity special is the rythm of planters. The planters provide a sense of order and are just tall enough to give a sense of privacy and personal space from nearby users. This sense of order makes the place to sit comfortable rather than just a vast retaining wall.
When there is no place to sit, people will sit people will still sit. An example can be seen here at a train station in Treviso, Italy. Schools out and the students take the benches, but also the stairs, a low wall, and even a small bar that protects the base of a sign. When designing spaces, it essential to implement elements that are multifunctional. When we design seating we can consider its functions, the level of privacy, its capacity, and comfort level. These attributes should relate to the site context, narrative, and experience. Although the uses and functions of spaces can change, there is always a neccesity for a place to sit. These places to sit provide an opportunity to socialize, contemplate, and live. 14
Anchoring cement was cast at critical porous and non-porous surfaces. The resulting form was photographed and manipulated to reveal an abstraction of porosity at various scales.
porosity Chad So
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Los Angeles x Los Rafters
Glendale Narrows
Chad So | Jose Devora | Shawn Park | Carlos Reyes
Los Angeles
E. Washington Blvd
Maywood River Front
water bottle
rope
arundo
can
football
Los Angeles River
wood pallet
water bottle
weeds
rope
cone
mannequin
Hollydale Park
Concept Statement
The concrete channel people understand to be the Los Angeles River today holds a monumental significance in California history that made the prosperousness of the city of Los Angeles possible. Despite the integral role of the Los Angeles River both presently and in the past, it is one of the most neglected infrastructure in the city. Due to people’s negligence of the effects of improperly discarded waste material, an unquantifiable amount of litter ends up in the river, deteriorating the water quality. Los Rafters x Los Angeles reveals not only the presence of the river but also the physical manifestation of people’s indifference to the current conditions of the river. By aggregating discrete trash elements from three separate sites across the Los Angeles River, three individual rafts were constructed and released onsite. This critical stunt triggered controversy because unwanted debris was deliberately introduced into the river ecology in the process; however, it simply utilized native debris that would have ended up in the river regardless of our intervention. Los Rafters x Los Angeles applies a synthesis of controversy and provocation as a tactic to expose the reality of the Los Angeles River to the public.
Compton Creek
Willow St
gas container
wood pallet
plastic water barrel ice chest
Long beach
vimeo.com/160690070 16
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Chance Chad So Chanc e is ev er ywhere. Al t h ou g h ev er ything is designed w i t h i n t h e urban realm, the elements of a f i e l d are always engaging in ch an ce . T hough we c an admire th e f or m al , order, and sense of c o n t r ol , t h e mind should always stay ope n an d c urious. T he goal of c h an ce i s t o result in a produc t or expe r i e n ce that is far greater than t h e s u m of its par ts indiv idually. I n t h i s exploration three photogr aph s w e r e c hosen, manipulated, ove r l ay e d, and filtered until the nar r at i ve of the original photographs di m i n i s h , and a c ompletely new n ar r at i ve unfolds. Indiv iduals are con s t an t l y reac ting to c hanc es and adapt i n g as thier own experienc e and n ar r at i ve s unfold.
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thank thank thankyou you you
Chad So 20
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