Graduate Landscape Architecture Portfolio (MLA)

PORTFOLIO

MASTERS OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - MLA

Tibor Babic

Selected Works 2021 - 2023

Tibor Babic

CONTACT

E:

tibor.babic@gmail.com

Charismatic and client-oriented landscape architecture graduate with a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. Committed to delivering innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions that harmonize with nature while meeting client objectives.

M: A:

+44 7471097736

London, United Kingdom

ABOUT ME SKILLS

I am a dedicated and driven individual with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of nature and its ability to enhance our living environments. Combining my digital skills, creativity, and a passion for sustainable design, I am eager to contribute to the field and make a positive impact on the world around us.

EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE

Autocad

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Blender

Rhino

Microsoft Office

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) - Awaiting graduation

University of Edinburgh

August 2021 - 2023

BA - Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources - 2:1

University of Ljubljana

August 2015 - 2019

International Baccalaureate

Richmond Upon Thames College

September 2013-2015

LANGUAGES

English, Bosnian, Slovenian

Gardener/Landscaper - Ailand Garden design

January 2021 - 2023

Project Manager - Chiswick Old Burial Ground Arboretum

January 2020 - 2022

Barista - Edinburgh Press club

March 2023 - June 2023

HIDDEN WORLDS

EXPLORING PICO’S VOLCANIC PAST

Master of Landscape Architecture

Final Project

DESIGN STATEMENT

'Hidden worlds' centres around the volcanic cinder cone and lava tube known as 'Furna de Frei Matias', located on Pico island in the Azores archipelago. The design proposal explores the intimate relationships between three very different and unique landscapes: the barren pastureland, the densely vegetated inner volcanic crater, and the lava tube at the base of the crater. These three drastically contrasting landscapes all occur across an extremely small spatial scale and represent a microcosm of Pico in its different states of existence throughout history, representing the volcanic origins of the island, the endemic vegetation and forests, and finally, the human alteration of the landscape following the arrival of the first settlers.

The design is grounded in the idea of creating a harmonious dialogue between the man-made and the natural, weaving a network of basalt structures across these landscapes to guide visitors on a journey of discovery and connection with Pico’s endemic vegetation and geo-heritage.

Above: Section image of the Furna de Frei Matias lava tube on Pico Island, featuring proposed interventions throughout and around the lava tuve and cinder cones

VOLCANIC SCALES

SITE LOCATION

SITE OPPORTUNITIES

PROMOTING ECO - AWARENESS

A unique microclimate created by the high moisture levels within the craters provide ideal habitats for endemic vegetation which grow in dense formations rarely found at higher altitudes. Encouraging accessible human/nature interfaces will boost awareness of Azorean nature and serve valuable educational functions

FACILITATING TOURISM

Furna de Frei Matias lies between Madalena and Pico, placing it in an important postition for the majority of tourists who travel to the island to climb the mountain.

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY

This project provides new leisure spaces for the local population to enjoy while promiting a strong sense ownership and pride through community involvement in certain aspects of the design.

PROTECTING DELICATE SYSTEMS

The cinder cones contain various endemic species and dense carpets of delicate mosses and ferns. Creating a new and non-intrusive paths will promote exploration without compromising plants and habitats within.

MASTERPLAN 1:500

LEGEND

1. Lava tube sculpture

Basalt column seating

Basalt monolith

Entrance to main cinder cone

Lava tube entrance

Furna de Frei Matias

Innacessible craters

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1. BASALT MONOLITH

2. BASALT COLUMN SEATING

3.LAVA TUBE SCULPTURE

Three primary stone features are proposed in this project and are situated around the volcanic cones of the site on grassland.

These stone structures, constructed from locally quarried basalt, are designed with the purpose of inspiring curioisty into visitors, encouraging them to approach each structure, and by doing so, experiencing the volcanos from different angles and perspectives. The designs of the three basalt structures follow geometric patterns found in the azores and nature and combine modern artificial, and natural aesthetics by combining stone work, with sharp geometric designs.

CRATER PLAN 1:50

LEGEND

Wider stairs leading to cave

Basalt steps

Viewing platform

Basalt column with QR

BABY STEPS

To allow visitors to safely and efficiently traverse the densley vegetated crater, small basalt steps are to be inserted at intervals where the terrain has been identified as challenging either due to the existing path having been worn away, or difficult terrain conditions. This will channel foot traffic along a more robust route, and prevent accidental damage to the surrounding vegetation.

View platforms provide access to angles which highlight particular ecological interest and small basalt pillars have QR codes taking visitors to educational resources.

code

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Handland basalt steps improve accessibilty channel foot traffic to protect the fragile vegetation within the crater.

EXPLORING THE CINDER CONES

The cinder cones contain important environments which speak to the wider ecological and geological character of Pico island. This section of the design proposal implements a series of carefully positioned basalt steps, paths and steel handrails, which aim to create a complete visitor experience through these caves by harmoniously integrating these man made elements into the natural environment.

Visitors arrive at the basalt column seating, where their journey into the volcanic cones begins.

CAVE PLAN 1:100

2. BASALT STEPS

1. PATH CONSTRUCTION

The raised pathway allows easy traversal across the uneven terrain inside the lava tube while minimising any intrusive construction.

A

frame holds the reinforced

slab upon which re-purposed basalt slabs will be cut and laid on. This allows the path to “envelop” any protruding cave rocks, giving the path a softer, more organic feel.

Steps constructed from cut basalt slabs attached to a concrete base allows steps to be formed around any rocks in the way.

Handlaid basalt slabs sourced from a quarry in Terciera. A coarse natural finish to compliment the surrounding cave rock.

Reinforced cast concrete core

Galvanized steel support rails

galvanised steel

cast concrete

1:10 PATH SECTION @ A3

ENTER THE LAVA TUBE

TRANSITONING ECOSYSTEMS

The third and final landscape boundary lies at the entrance to the lava tube at pit of the crater.

Basalt steps bring visitors down into the cave, easing the transition across two contrasting environments and ecologies. The use of basalt seamlessly blends natural and man-made elements, harmonizing the more geometric design with the naturally rugged cave.

The natural durability of the rock ensures that the steps and path will withstand the test of time, providing a safe and reliable means of exploring the cave for generations to come.

Basalt steps lead visitors into the lava tube, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding rock.

An elevated walkway lifts visitors off the ground to assist with their traversal of the terrain. The minimal design incorporates local basalt stone and clean steel frames to provide a clear and structurally sound path.

MARINE PLAYGROUNDS

BREAKING AND RE-FORMING

Over the last century, Edinburgh’s coastline has undergone enourmous physical changes as land reclamation took place to create the areas of Granton and Leith. This land reclamation, coupled with the extensive fishing and overharvesting of oysters and mussels across the Firth of Forth, severely affected Edinburghs marine ecosystems.

Through our research, we focused on the concrete shoreline wall as the most prominent interface between the manmade and the natural across our site. My investigation into Granton’s sea wall revealed that not only was land reclaimed from the sea, but the sea and the seabed had also been reclaimed through dredging and the construction of breakwaters.

In order to re-establish the connection between the inner harbour and outer sea, the design focuses on re-structuring the wall to create a sea defense system which promotes water connectivity, biodiversity, conservation, and community engagement.

CONCEPT DIAGRAMS

WATER CIRCULATION

REEF CREATION

RE-STRUCTURING WALLS SEAGRASS MEADOWS

TIERED PROTECTION

The first and strongest line of defense creating a calm water zone directly behind the breakwater allowing oysters to more readily establish. The breakwaters also create an intertidal zone habitat suitable for a variety of delicate marine life.

CRADLE PROTECTION

Arrangements of aquaculture playgrounds and oyster reefs created from repurposed concrete provide additional shelter for seagrass meadows to thrive.

LEGEND

1. Existing Breakwater

Reconstructed ecological breakwaters

Artificial oyster reef Aquaculture playgrounds

Seagrass meadows

Granton harbour

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MEADOWS

Seagrass meadows provide valuable ecosystem services and support a variety of species

HABITAT CREATION

Intertidal concrete blocks imitate the specific conditions of tidal habitats as the tides change.

ECO-CENTRIC DEFENSE

Re-engineered breakwaters defend the inner harbour while allowing water flow. Ecoconcrete armour blocks promote biodiverse tidal zones.

NATURAL DEFENSE

Artificial oyster reefs dissipate wave energy and create a calmer inner zones for seagrass meadows

BREAKWATERS REEFS MEADOWS

1:200 @ A1

A ecologically diverse waterscape which tackles both environmental and social issues surrounding Granton while providing an engaging social and educational space for the wider community.

The project aims to simulatneously declaim the inner harbor waters, while reclaiming the connection of people with their environment.

MULTI-SCALAR CONTEXT

1:70000

At the framework scale, my proposal introduces aquaculture playgrounds and artificial oyster reefs made from repurposed concrete scattered along Edinburgh’s coastline

Granton harbour breakwater

The segmenting of existing breakwater allows the sea to re-enter the harbor space to provide fresh water circulation for a healthier marine ecosystem

Re-engineered breakwaters combine a positive and educational user experience with functional, ecologically engineered concrete barriers.

The proposal places emphasis on providing the skeleton for nature to then take it’s course. It involves smaller scale interventions which can then be scaled to wider site context.

The proposal attempts to address ongoing ecological problems facing the firth of forth by re-introducing certain species such as Seagrass and Oysters, which once thrived, and by creating suitable conditions for them.

The transitional park seeks to implement swathes of artificial oyster reefs with the aim of creating natural sea defenses resembling that of lagoons, behind which seagrass and other more sensitive plants can thrive.

RECONSTRUCTED BREAKWATERS

1:100 @ A1

The breakwater design aims to provide the harbour with an ecological solution to the current breakwater by making use of concrete units strategically placed to make use of the different tidal levels to imimc intertidal habitats. As sea levels rise, different parts of the breakwater and aquaculture playgrounds will come into play

TEXTURED ARMOUR

Provides frontline defense against waves with cavities for marine life.

LICHEN OYSTER REEF

Specially designed reef units provide increased surface area, textured grooves, and sheltered holes and crevices.

TIDE POOL BLOCK

Cast in a mould which produces a rippled cavern pattern cauing gaps and holes to fill with water during low tide.

AQUACULTURE PLAYGROUNDS

LICHEN OYSTER REEFS

Artifical oyster reefs constitute a key part of the transitional park, forming the second line of defense for the seagrass meadows and inner harbor.

The concrete reef units were designed with the intention of maximising the probability of succesful oyster larvae attachement by increasing the available surface area, while providing verticality and sheltered spaces. The textured surface provides additional opportunities for organisms to attach.

As new larvae attach to old oyster shells, the oyster reef will gradually increase in height. The artificial reef units will contribute to this by providing an immeditate vertical presence which will allow larvae to more easily attach on the textured surface and increase with sediment retention. The recycled concrete will be mixed with an eco-mix of concrete provided by Econcrete, to improve it’s compatibility with marine flora and fauna.

REEF UNIT DESIGN

VERTICALITY

The space in between vertical protrusions and cavities provides a unique space which is subject to different light and current conditions

TEXTURE

Textured surfaces increase biodiversity allowing a more vaired range of organisms to attach and establish

CAVITIES

Cavities provide increased surfaces which are sheltered. This could improve oyster larvae settlement and sediment accumulation.

BIOMIMICRY

The natural shapes formed by lichen and fungi inspired the the design for the reef units. Features such as the bowl shaped protrusions known as apothecia translate well to a underwater reef context where tubulent currents may disrupt larval settlement (or any other organisms) making sheltered sites desireable.

CONCAVE STRUCTURES

The concave form of lichen apothecia increase surface area while protecting the inner portion

ORGANIC SHAPES

Lichen feature various protrusions, folds and cracks which create habitats for other microorganisms to inhabit

GREY TO GREEN

RECLAIMING INDUSTRIALISED LAND

This project aims to provide a functional green space for the local community which will serve both important ecological functions, in an area that suffers from heavy industrialisation, and provide a green space for nearby residents and visitors.

DESIGN STATEMENT

The design centres around tackling prevalent issues on site such as noise, lack of biodiversity, security, and poor aesthetics. The forest mounds form the central component of the design, acting as biodiversity hotspots, while simultaneously acting as noise and pollution barriers. The mound planting will feature native forest species to provide an ecologically benficial habitat which will be left to develop naturally with little interference. With the addition of the new apartment blocks currently under construction, the transformation of the existing scrapyard into a green space will benefit the immediate residents as well as the wider community and environment is integral.

NIGHT

Illuminated path

At night, steel gates will be closed rendering the park inaccessble to the public to avoid unwanted loitering and anti-social behavior. As security is an imporant issue in Leith, particularly in perviously secluded areas, nighttime safety is an important factor in ensuring that the intended longevity of the site is achieved.

Small lights will line the accessible path that runs between the forest islands and the ornamental planting sections to provide a visually pleasing nightime atmosphere. This additional route will open up the previously restrictive footpath giving night-time pedestrians more options to move safely around the site.

Closed gate

SITE LOCATION

ROAD NETWORK

FIGURE MAP LANDUSE

SITE CONDITIONS

1:100 EXISTING CONDITIONS SECTION

Narrow footpath

The narrow footpath creates a claustrophobic passage between the road and the iron palisade fence.

Heavy Machinery

Heavy duty machinery for processing scrap frequently move within the site, additing to soil compaction, noise, and pollution.

Apartment blocks

Balconies have a direct view over the scrap yard, which is both visually unappealing and a source of considerable noise to the residents and pedestrians.

Scrapyard

Piles of scrap metal tower within the site, and are visible from the surronding are

Section line

MASTERPLAN

Resin bound paving

Bespoke corten steel gate

Rejuvenated stone wall

Concrete retaining wall

Wooden slats on concrete for seating

Forest island

Lawn area

Hawthorn border planting

Ornamental planting mound 1:50

POLLUTION BARRIER NOISE REDUCTION

Ornamental planting islands

Small contained burns with ornamental grasses and cherry trees separate the park and footpath.

Expanded footpath

A widened footpath taking into account cycists and wheelchair users space requirements.

Forest islands

Densely planted islands contained within a concrete retaining walls act as ecological havens for wildlife and physical barriers against noise and pollution

In-situ concrete retaining wall

In-situ concrete contains the forest islands and provides seating

Forest area

Naturalistic planting provides a green screen between residential blocks and the park. An ecological focused planting scheme promotes biodiversity.

The dense planting arrangement on the forest mound will provide a thick visual and physical screen against noise.

Pollution from car exhuasts and other vehicles will be caught by the planted mounds.

FOREST MOUND SECTION

Eco-tunnels

In order to make the forest islands accessible to less mobile animals, small tunnels will be created when casting the concrete to connect the raised mound with the surrounding ground area. These tunnels will accommodate smaller such as hedgehogs but to prevent larger predators from entering.

PLANTING SCHEME

GROUND COVER

Ferns

Digitalis purpurea

Allium sphaerocephalon

Salvia nemorosa

Anemanthene lessoniana

Stipa tenuissima

Panicum virgatum

SHRUB LAYER

Taxus baccata

Hamamelis virginiana

Corylus corellana

Juniperus communis

Crataegus mongyna

Ilex aquilifolium

Euonymous europaea

UNDERSTORY LAYER

Sorbus aucuparia

Betula pendula

Acer campestre

Carpinus betulus

Prunus serrulata

CANOPY TREES

1:5 BENCH SECTION

Quercus robur

Ulmus glabra

1:10 GATE SECTION

PLANTING SCHEDULE

SHRUB AND LOW TREES

SHRUB AND LOW TREES

CONSTRUCTION

CLEAR SITE + CAST CONCRETE

FILL SOIL + PLANT GRASS

LAY RESIN BOUND GRAVEL

PLANT VEGETATION

URBAN ACUPUNCTURE

SMALL SCALE STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS

‘Urban acupuncture’ focuses on the idea of creating small scale interventions around urban environments which tackle issues pertaining to wellbeing. The proposal is situated along a small stretch of the union canal in Edinburgh and aims to introduce features to improve social, ecological, and cultural functions of the site.

Modular seating elements made from repurposed mooring posts distributed across a lawn area with a back panel showcasing the graffiti work of local artists. Tree planters provide a temporary solution to the lack of greenery and will be re-planted once the local site development begins.

The repurposed wood seating provides a sustainable and high quality seating solution which emulates the materiality of the surrounding canal areas.

NIGHT LIFE

The lack of lighting in this area was a considerable drawback identified in site analysis phase. The strategic placement of lamps along the canal, which do not interfere with existing mooring points further down, and the larger streetlamps ensure a safe environment and a viable night time walking route.

While being a popular walking route during the day, areas of the canal, such as this section, are poorly lit, introducing safety risks and deterring walkers from visiting the site.

SITE ACCESSIBILITY

The group work for this project focuse on the first section of the union canal which is situated in the center of Edinburgh and is highly urbanised. Moving further along the canal, away from the city center, green spaces and vegetation become more prevalent. A good road network and numerous bus connections make the site easily accessible by vehicle, bike, and by foot.

SITE LOCATION

The proposed location for my individual design sits a short way south of Leamington Bridge which is a key access point for visitors. The design is positioned sufficiently close to encourage visitors to use this secftion of the canal both during day and night without having to stray too far from the more populated area of the canal.

This area of the canal is also used for any pop up events or festivals, so the small nature of this design leaves room for any future events to take place.

Stacked log seating in various lengths up to 4m long logs.

Small solar powered lights which will illuminate the path at night time

Stacked log seating in various lengths up to 4m long logs.

1m long bench

Modular seating Graffiti wall

Stacked bench Planter planting

Tree planters with small planting arrangements underneath.

TREE PLANTERS

Stacked beam seating with a corten steel support structure.

Graffiti board

Modular seating arrangement from reclaimed mooring wood beams.

Lawn grass

Temporary planters with standard sized Freeman Maple trees to be re-planted upon site development

A compact planting arrangement of small perrenials and climbers

DUNBEAR PARK

1:50

Community

A.Section view of the meadow mounds leading up to the dunbear statue.

B.Section view of eastern entrance showing wetland ponds leading into the woodland area.

C.Section view showing the communal seating in the mounded area next to the cafe

1:1250

1:1250

1:50

Perspective view from the eastern tunnel entrance leading into the park. A Taxodium distichum avenue follows the main path while species such as Salix and Alnus hug the pond edge.

A perspective view of the forest boardwalk at maturity.

Taxodium distichum Salix babylonica Alnus glutinosa Populus nigra

Pinus sylvestris Acer pseudoplatanus Fagus sylvatica

Sambuscus nigra Crataegus monogyna Picea abies

CHISWICK OLD BURIAL GROUND ARBORETUM

A COMMMUNITY ARBORETUM

DESIGN STATEMENT

The Chiswick Old Burial Ground Arboretum is a volunteer-led project which aims to enhance the ecological, cultural, and visual significance of and old burial ground in Chiswick through the strategic planting of trees, shrubs and wildflowers across a series of five annual Winter planting campaigns. The project unites four key organisations which operate in and around Chiswick: Dukes Meadows Trust, Old Chiswick Protection Society, and St. Nicholas Church, and Hounslow. 80 trees, both native and non-native, will be planted across the burial ground by volunteers, including native shrubs along key exposed boundaries and wildflowers in open lawn sections. The project will be funded through tree sponsorships and donations towards expenses such as stakes, watering bags and compost.

Since initiating the project, a total of 30 trees have been successfully sponsored and planted by the community. The project has recently been handed over to Hounslow Council, with Dukes Meadows Trust and myself stepping down as the project leads.

ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED:

Dukes Meadows Trust

Old Chiswick Protection Society

St. Nicholas Parish Church

Hounslow Council

Greenspace360

MASTERPLAN

Acer davidii ‘viper’ Nyssa slyvatica Acer griseum Pyrus calleryana Ginkgo biloba Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’

YEAR 2: PLANTING SECTION