Landscape Portfolio - Zoe Mason by Zoe Mason

PORTFOLIO

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

By Zoe Mason (2021 - 2023)

CONTENTS: CV PAGE PROJECTS: 01. TUNA KUWHARUWHARU PARK Landscape Studio Project showing rendering, design process, plans, and technical drawings 02. VACUOUS URBAN SPACES Landscape Studio Project showing rendering, sections, plans, and diagrams 03. KENT TRC RE-DEVELOPMENT Urban Design and Theory Project showing mapping, analysis, and renders 04. PHYSICAL MODELING Communications project showing rough sketches, modeling process, and photography 03 04 12 18 22

ZOE MASON

CONTACT DETAILS

zoe.anushca@gmail.com

027 526 7580

ABOUT ME

I am currently studying to become a landscape architect, I have strong interest in hybrid spaces that support our well-being, enhance the surrounding ecosystems, and improve the climate resiliency. I have been developing my knowledge of plants through my current position as a Gardener, and enjoy using my creativity to communicate my designs through drawing, painting, and modelling.

WORK EXPERIENCE EDUCATION

Masters of Landscape Architecture

4th year Postgraduate Student

Victoria University of Wellington (2024 - Present)

Bachelor’s of Architectural Studies major in Landscape

Victoria University of Wellington (2021 - 2023)

NCEA Levels One, Two, and Three

Graduated from Te Awamutu College 2019

ACHIEVEMENTS

2023

The ‘Coastal & Estuary Research Federation’ Team Project Design Competition Winner

2023

Te Tini a Rehua Excellence Award for top Māori Undergraduate Student in the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

2022

Victoria University of Wellington Land-cult Limited Prize for Top of Second year in Landscape Architecture course

2022

Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Excellence Award in Landscape Communication

2021 - 2022 - 2023

Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Dean’s List

Gardener / Grounds Keeper

Bark Ltd (December 2022 - Present)

Maintain seasonal maintenance requirements such as pruning, mowing, and weeding.

Developed hands-on plant maintenance knowledge and landscape design.

PROFICIENCIES

AutoCAD

Rhino7

ArcGIS Pro Sketchup

InDesign Photoshop Illustrator Lightroom

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

2022

Volunteered as a DOC Ranger at Blue Duck Station in Whanganui National Park, Retaruke

2019

Completed Spirit of Adventure 10 day development voyage

2019

Completed Outward Bound 21 day Mind, Body, and Soul course

TUNA KUWHARUWHARU PARK

Summary:

The intention for this project was to establish a contextual space within Masterton that encourages and creates opportunities for the local community to form a profound connection to the Mākoura stream, while simultaneously supporting the local wildlife ecosystems, such as the Tuna Kuwharuwharu, and community’s way of life.

The design works to create a pedestrian thoroughfare through the park connecting local residential areas to the Masterton train station; this aspect to the landscape design aims to encourage use of public transport by creating multiple ways to access the station other than via vehicle.

The space transitions gradually from a structured layout to a more naturalistic ambiance through carefully curated plantings and pathway designs. A key feature of this transition is the pedestrian bridge, which not only serves as a crucial element but also offers an immersible experience with its fabric sheets that gracefully dance with the wind, emulating the elongated fins of the Tuna Kuwharuwharu. Surrounding the bridge, imposing concrete structures reminiscent of an eel’s rib cage symbolically guide visitors on a metaphorical journey.

The design’s ecological factors include rehabilitating Mākoura stream by widening banks and restoring native Riparian planting to the stream sides, reinstalling flooding overflow areas such as wetlands and filtration terraces to support the resiliency of the urban area; catching contaminates from surrounding farmlands and roads. The design also installs structural eel habitats to support the endangered Tuna Kuwharuwharu’s (Long-fin Eel) natural migration habits, by creating caves and holes for the Eels to inhabit during the day until the natural banks and rocky bottom stream restore.

01.

WIDE SCALE ANALYSIS: MASTERTON NEW ZEALAND

CONTEXT ANALYSIS: DESIGN FRAMEWORK:

CLOSE SCALE ANALYSIS: NGAUMUTAWA RD

To create supporting design systems in the context of the

that

To create interactive public spaces and stream side designs that can enhance and support the local community’s way of living by supporting sustainable practices.

To create thriving stream side designs that support the local wildlife’s habitats and ecosystems to create a more thriving natural spaces for their way of life.

TENDENCIES TO IMPROVE THROUGH DESIGN:

STRATEGY LAND USES: BIODIVERSITY: PUBLIC/PRIVATE: Agriculture Residential Industrial Public Spaces Native Exotic River/Streams Farmland Public Private Semi-Public WIDE SCALE SECTION A:

SUPPORT COMMUNITY HABITAT

SCALE SECTION B: WIDE SCALE SECTION C: B A C KEY: Rivers/Streams/Ponds Native Vegetation Exotic Vegetation Mākoura Stream Public Spaces Sheep & Beef Farms Sheep Farms Dairy Farms Beef Farms Deer Farms Educational Areas Residential Zones Building Footprints Aerodrome State Highway Streets Waste Water Ponds Topography Hill shade MASTERTON TRAIN STATION DAIRY & SHEEP FARMLAND MĀKOURA STREAM LARGE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS PUBLIC SPACE: DOUGLAS PARK RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS Masterton Railway Site

WIDE

Masterton

streams within the

Context

mitigates heavy rain fall, flooding, and excess drainage runoff.

N N TENDENCY 1: HAZARD SUPPORT Flooding Risks/lack of support for heavy rain events TENDENCY 4: PUBLIC ACCESS Vehicle dominated areas with a lack of Public/Community access to streams TENDENCY 2: WATER POLLUTION Water Runoff Pollution from roads and farmland TENDENCY 3: NATIVE SUPPORT Lack of Native Biodiversity / Habitat support within & surrounding the stream 06

DESCRIPTION:

The final iteration implements a strong strategy for flooding support with a diverse range of topography to create wetlands and spaces for the stream to overflow into.

It aims to create community spaces near the Mākoura stream while connecting the residential buildings with the train station to encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport.

ITERATIONS SUMMARY - Pedestrian and Bicycle Access to train station D1 D1 D2 D2 A B Public Experience Paths Vegetation to mitigate Farmland Water Runoff Rain Gardens Parking Spaces Bike Lanes - Public Access to Stream - Native Vegetation to Support Eel Habitat - Widen Stream Side Also Public Space - Widen Stream Side Precedent 2 Large Native Vegetation for Surrounding Bird-life Planting Around Farmland Drainage for Filtration Added Cycleway to Main Path to Train Station D3 C - Public Access to Stream - Native Vegetation for Bird Habitats - Widen Stream Side Also Public Space - Flax/Grasses to Create Shade for Eels - Walkable and Cycle Access SECTION A: SECTION B: SECTION C: N N

D3 N 07

MASTERPLAN MASTERPLAN ZOOM A: MASTERPLAN ZOOM B: MASTERPLAN ZOOM C: ZOOM PLANS A B C Masterton Train Station Main Thoroughfare To station Main Thoroughfare Pedestrian Bridge Structural Eel Habitats Experiential Walkways along Mākoura stream

NgaumutawaRd

STRUCTURAL EEL HABITATS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

SECTION 1.883.75 7.5 15 m 0 09

IMMERSIVE WALKWAYS

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM:

The planting in the design supports the storm water runoff retention capabilities along the terraces and wetland area while having interactive immersive human experiences along pathways. Creates restoration opportunities of native forestry.

Topography and drainage focuses on directing runoff towards vegetated terraces aiming to catch sedimentation before it reaches the Mākoura stream overall reducing contamination to the eel and fish habitats.

The topography has been changed to widen the stream bank edge to improve the flooding capabilities of the stream. Before the stream was channeled into a 2m drain meaning the stream would overflow into nearby farmland and properties.

The pathways aim to direct people to explore the native vegetated areas opening up to community spaces creating opportunities to interact with the stream. A bike path is added beside the walkway on the main path connecting to the train station.

DIAGRAMS

PLANTING DIAGRAM: DRAINAGE DIAGRAM: CUT & FILL DIAGRAM:

Restoration Planting Retention Spots Viewing/Stopped Areas Area Access Paths Retention Terrace Planting Wetland Areas Main Access Points Wandering Pathways Terrace Planting Farmland Runoff Filtration Removed Soil Main Circulation Routes Indirect Wandering Pathways Wandering Area Planting Drainage Directions Added Soil Secondary Circulation Routes

PLANTING PLAN A:

PLANTING PLAN B:

PLANTING PLANS

VACUOUS URBAN SPACES

Summary:

This project aims to create a design strategy that can be implement within the Kaiwharawhara Catchment in Wellington. It focuses on improve the streams resiliency to extreme weather events, creating connections between the community and the native environment through accessible Rongoā plants and connection points to the stream. The project proposes the implementation of various strategies to enhance the stream’s health, benefit local wildlife, and enrich the lives of residents.

These strategies include creating nature-infused spaces to foster mental well-being and a stronger connection to the environment, reducing sediment pollution in the stream to support a thriving aquatic ecosystem, and bolstering the stream’s resilience against future storm and sea level rise events. The Vacuous Urban Spaces initiative seeks to revitalize our cities by re-purposing underutilized urban areas for the betterment of their communities.

Rongoā Gardens positioned on accessible terraces for people to harvest

02.

AVERAGE WEATHER EVENT: RAINFALL WEATHER EVENT: FLOODING WEATHER EVENT:

PERSPECTIVES

WIDE SCALE ANALYSIS 3D: KAIWHARAWHARA CATCHMENT

LOCAL PLANS & GOALS:

The area falls into a series of community and government plans for urban development such as the ‘Sanctuary to Sea Strategy’ project, Wellington City Council’s ‘Spatial Growth Plan’, and ‘Green Network plan’ being implemented into the urban environment.

‘SANCTUARY TO SEA’

Awa Stream Support aquatic native wildlife to thrive in healthy connected habitats

Enhance water quality of the Kaiwharawhara stream and tributaries

Ngahere Forest

Support the emergence of connected forest remnants and riparian zones

Promote healthy urban habitats and ecosystems

Tāngata People

Compact Greener

STRATEGY

ENVIRONMENT

Potential Design Interventions:

Start the community on a path to recognize the catchment as a living entity and encourage active involvement in restoration

‘SPATIAL GROWTH’ ‘GREEN NETWORK’

Vibrant & Prosperous

Create

Inclusive & Connected Resilient Mana Whenua

TREASURE and Protect what is Important

CELEBRATE the Value of Green with Partners

GROW the Number of Trees and Green Spaces

MANAGE what we create and have

Potential Design Interventions:

To improve and manage the

Potential Design Interventions:

ANALYSIS

Zealandia Sanctuary Otari Wilton’s Bush Bowen’s Hospital N

Kaiwharawhara Confluence Site KEY: Industrial/Business Buildings Business Areas Buildings 125250 500 1000 m N Residential Areas Hospital Areas Primary School Areas Business Buildings Residential Buildings Streams Piped Streams 62.5125 250 500 N Crofton Downs School Bowen’s Hospital Wades-town School Streets Public Parks Canopy Cover Otari Wilton’s Bush Mulch Storage KEY:

WIDE SCALE ANALYSIS MAP:

RESILIENCE

COMMUNITY

capabilities

site through climate strategies

assisting the sites natural systems

improve the health

Kaiwharawhara stream.

resiliency

of the

and

in order to

environment

stream.

accessible spaces for the community to engage and learn about the natural

to support Hauora values to improve mental health by reconnecting people to the

Support

enhance the existing ecosystems both aquatic

forest while increasing the opportunities for people to engage with these features in the area to create healthy urban habitats. Community Garden Wetland Eco-Corridors Play Areas Bio-Retention Stream Restoration Experiential Paths Rain Gardens Sediment Catchment

and

PROPOSED DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

KEY RETENTION ZONES

Establishing retention zones along Kaiwharawhara catchment filters storm water runoff, bolsters flood resilience, and reduces sediment pollution for healthier wildlife.

GRADUAL ASSIST AREAS

Rain gardens, bio-swales, and retention swales in vacant urban spaces slow storm water runoff and enhance residential pedestrian zones.

INTERACTION POINTS

These encourage community learning about Kaiwharawhara stream and native vegetation’s benefits, while accessible Rongoā plants enhance the nature connection.

KEY: Rongoā Terrace Gardens Rain Gardens/Bio Swales Public Retention Zones Interaction Points with Kaiwharawhara MASTERPLAN

VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF DESIGN STRATEGY NOT PERSPECTIVE VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF DESIGN STRATEGY NOT PERSPECTIVE VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF DESIGN STRATEGY NOT PERSPECTIVE 2550 100 200 m 0 Wades-town School Residential Buildings Kaiwharawhara Stream Side Walks Streets Design Vegetation Canopy Cover N 15

Terraces designed to assist flooding

SECTION: DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION: SECTIONS + DIAGRAMS

Retaining walls designed to catch sediment to reduce flooded area polluting stream

Assists to reduce sediment runoff pollution.

Creates unique experience

Combine plants ideal growing

Place Rongoā plants in accessible places next to pathways to be harvested

Water resilient plants to assist with flooding

creating access to Rongoā gardens to harvest

Flooding Assist + Rongoā Gardens

Flooding Assist Gardens

1.883.75 7.5 15 m 0 16

TREES RONGOĀ FLOOD MIX RAIN GARDENS RONGOĀ FULL SUN RONGOĀ SHADED FLOOD PLANTS

situations

Hardy plants will be needed flooded water infiltrates down terraces catch excess sedimentation Pathways

DIAGRAMMATIC

Flooding Assist + Sediment Catchment Gardens

Creates gradual assist areas throughout

Small catchment edges are designed into the retaining walls to store sedimentation

Rain Gardens create gradual catchment spots

Aims to reduce sediment pollution

Retention points as the water flows down

Rain Gardens are designed to flow into each other creating a multi-layer filtration system

Gardens assist in filtering water runoff for stream

Cleanses water before stream

Kaiwharawhara Stream Interaction Point

Open Space Potential for Play Area

Harakeke Garden

Māhoe and Kawakawa Garden

Koromiko Garden

Overflow into next terrace to catch extra sediment that escaped Slightly raised retaining wall catches sediment in gravel back fill Water and sediment runoff directed into rain gardens for filtration Overflow is directed to the next rain garden in the series DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION: DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION:

KENT

TRC RE-DEVELOPMENT

Summary:

This project explores and analysis the potential of the Kent Terrace site to be developed to improve the usability of the location to align with the proposed Wellington City Council ‘Get Wellington Moving’ Project.

The intention of the development is to use the vacuous spaces (areas lacking of appropriate contents) to create an immersive urban design that will improve the walk-ability of the site, connect with the proposed public transportation light-rail and bus routes, create public green spaces that enhance the ecosystems, daylight/bring attention to the culturally significant streams piped through the site, add quality apartments and retail spaces, all while reducing the overall water runoff pollution from the urban context.

03.

DIAGRAMMATIC SECTIONS

Older buildings unable to be refurbished or built upon should be removed

Daylighted stream helps with cultural significance creating connections to the water

Green Spaces create biodiversity and comfortable areas for people to enjoy

If structurally sound enough existing buildings should have medium density apartments built on top.

Industrial Buildings refurbished with local community engaging stores (restaurants, cafes, stores, etc)

Rain Gardens to help with creating green barriers and reduce water runoff pollution from main road

6.2512.5 25 50 m 0 6.2512.5 25 50 m 0 19

WIDE SCALE ANALYSIS: KENT TRC, TE ARO

CLOSE SCALE ANALYSIS VEGETATION

W S h pe t T Wellington High n W bb A hu p S Oi n m N p S hom pson A St C nera Park Wellington High 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 62.5125 250 m 0 Fields State Highway Roads Walkways KEY: Tree Canopy Site Buildings Buildings Public Parks Fields/Parks State Highway Roads Walkways KEY: Waitangi Stream Streams Site Buildings Buildings State Highway Roads Walkways KEY: Business Buildings Residential Buildings : State Highway : Roads : Walkways KEY: Heritage Buildings Proposed Heritage Buildings Footprints Residential Buildings State Highway Roads Walkways KEY: Eastern Bus Route Southern Rail Route Overlapping Routes Business Buildings : Building Footprints : State Highway : Roads : Walkways KEY: Standard Bus Routes Peak Bus Routes Night Bus Routes KEY: Kent Terrace Site Boundary Industrial/Business Buildings Residential Buildings Heritage Buildings Proposed Heritage Buildings Educational Buildings State Highways/Main Streets Streets Public Parks Fields Tree Canopy Cover 1 Heritage building that is occupied by businesses, and multiple proposed residential heritage buildings. The current site is vehicle dominated with little pedestrian access from the business to residential areas. The site has 1 public park next to a main highway with no barriers making it feel exposed and uncomfortable. The site has piped streams running through it that have the potential to be daylighted and improved. KEY: Existing Heritage Building Proposed Heritage Buildings Other Buildings KEY: High Vehicle Use Road Medium Vehicle Use Road Low Vehicle Use Road Pedestrian Use Paths KEY: Public Green Spaces Impervious Surfaces Roads Buildings KEY: Public Green Spaces Residential Yards Waitangi Piped Stream Secondary Piped Stream KEY: Secondary Piped Stream Proposed Public Transport Roads On Site Business Buildings On Site Residential Buildings Off Site Buildings Public Green Spaces Residential Yards Waitangi Piped Stream Impervious Surfaces N Scale 1:2,000

PIPED STREAMS BUILDING FOOTPRINTS CIRCULATION ROUTES HERITAGE BUILDINGS STREAMS PUBLIC SPACES HERITAGE BUILDINGS PROPOSED LIGHT-RAIL PUBLIC TRANSPORT 20

STREAM P1:

The stream running through the site should be daylighted to improve and support the natural ecosystem.

If unattainable, awareness of the stream should be bought through landscape design/mural artworks.

GREEN SPACES

Pervious surfaces cover 50% to improve well-being and reduce heat island effect.

Green Spaces support the local ecosystem with plant species and to be designed to improve the human experience on site.

WALK-ABILITY

Improved with wide paths, green barriers, and human scale orientated design connecting to public transport areas.

Car parks should be limited to encourage people to use public transport.

TRANSPORT

The site has potential for public bus stops and a connection to the proposed light-rail route.

Comfortable stops for people to wait at are important, this should be achieved through CPTED principles.

P2:

P3:

MASTERPLAN

POTENTIAL LIGHT-RAIL /BUS STATION HUB BASIN RESERVE STATEHIGHWAY1

P1 P3 P2 6.2512.5 25 50 m 12.525 50 100 m 0 21

PIRIEST

PHYSICAL MODELING

Summary:

Communications Project: Fluid Structures

Inspired to sketch the elements of the Te Ngakau Civic Square on a rainy day I took the inspiration from how elements can influence and impact architectural materials.

For this model I wanted to capture the idea of nature shaping architecture. I began with sketches of the Natural elements such as rain, vegetation, wind, and birds; I extracted shapes, textures and elements from these creating models out of wax, ice and more developing them further until reaching the final project model.

The model represents the idea of natural elements shaping and forming architecture. The structural elements within the model have been made to fit the unpredictable outcome of the negative print of wax in the plaster; with the wax representing the natural element of water, rain, and fluid that I observed within the Civic Square encompassing the environment. I wanted to create a design where the pavilion is shaped to fit the landscape, rather than creating a ground plan for a structure. Allowing the fluid elements to form and push my design process like that of how it shapes and inhabits a cityscape.

04.

SKETCHES

PROCESS

PHYSICAL MODEL 25

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PORTFOLIO Landscape Architecture 2021 - 2023 - Zoe Mason