brian curry's portfolio

BRIANCURRYcurry.br ian.r@gmail .com

1678 Arthur AvenueNo. Bruns. NJ 08902

908.420.9246

FALL 2010GREAT SWAMPWATERSHEDMASTER PLAN



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A semester-long research and design project in the ten towns of the Great Swamp Watershed in Northern New Jersey. The project focused on creating a fifty-year master plan for what each individual group deemed most important. I was the leader of Balance Wildlife, a three person group focused on creating a wildlife corridor across the watershed. This conservation effort also sought to connect people to outdoor spaces in varied, creative ways. My other group members included Roxana Demel and Meghna Murali.



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BALANCEWILDLIFEBRIAN CURRY . MEGHNA MURALI . ROXANA DEMEL

PLANT COMMUNITIES OF THE GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED VERNAL POOLS AND ENDANGERED SPECIES HABITAT

WETLANDS OF THE GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Project Concept: Conservation means “wise use,” and the Great Swamp Watershed is better used by being preserved for human enjoyment and wildlife flourishment as a state park or series of parks, than by being converted to another city or suburb.

These maps and images are part of an intense GIS-based inventory and analysis of the biological and ecological components of the Great Swamp Watershed in northern New Jersey. Under my leadership, my group sought to conserve the natural resources of the watershed by creating a greenway spanning the region. Such action would allow for the proliferation of wildlife and plant species, which would upkeep ecosystem services and provide future generations of people with an abundance of nature to enjoy and appreciate.

All maps made by Brian CurryPhotographs are copyright-free and available from NJDEP



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Wetlands and Water

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Public Sewers

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Agriculture and Barren land

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Slope

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Developed Land

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Public Water

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Endangered Species habitat

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Excluded Areas

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Flood

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Forest

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Recharge

SuitabilityMost Potential

Least Potential

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This map illustrates the developmental suitability of the Great Swamp Water-

shed and its surrounding area. This map is the product of an extensive analysis

of the land characteristics of the region. These criteria have been rated to

create a map that displays the best possible areas for future development. The

following criteria have been analyzed and rated according to our standards for

a buildable site:

In order to determine the most suitable areas to build, the Land Use-Land Cover

data should be the first consideration. Only after the current communities have

reached their developmental capacity should one consider building upon a new

site. Agricultural lands were considered buildable, because they are normally

located within a close proximity to existing development. Wetlands were not

considered especially buildable due to their high environmental value and

therefore were weighted low. Barren land or lands that are in transition

(neither developed nor vegetated) were considered sites of very high build abil-

ity, because they frequently occur within existing areas of development. En-

dangered species habitats were also rated, because of their ecologic value they

are considered to be areas that should be last to develop.

Forest cover is an area of careful discrimination. Forests with low canopy cover-

age have been rated more buildable than forests with full canopies. The reason-

ing behind this decision rests in forest fragmentation. Forests with sparse

canopies in suburban areas are normally fragmented by human development.

These areas are of low ecological importance and create breeding grounds for

invasive species of plants and insects, as well as corridors through which white

tail deer navigate. Fragmented forests, therefore, have been considered build-

able, whereas healthy forests with viable core habitat have been rated down.

Contaminated sites have been rated as highly buildable, because they are of

low environmental importance and are most common in developed areas.

Public sewage accessibility is also a criterion, and the areas within ideal proxim-

ity to public sewage have been rated as prime building sites. Furthermore, new

development should be located near (but not on) public water sources. Slope

was also taken into consideration, and sites with slopes higher than eight per-

cent were rated down. Finally, areas that are not prone to flooding are consid-

ered ideal for building.

After combining all of the rated data, we overlaid it with unbuildable sites

(white areas). These sites cannot be built upon under any circumstances, and

have therefore been eliminated from the rated data. Unbuildable sites included

open water bodies, preserved historic sites, roads, and open space and existing

preserved land (the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, Morristown National Historic

Park, Loantaka Brook Reservation, etc).

ProcessNew DevelopmentPotentialA Suitability Analysis of

the Great Swamp Watershedand its Surrounding Areas

BALANCEWILDLIFEBRIAN CURRY . MEGHNA MURALI . ROXANA DEME

EXISTING PRESERVED LAND

50-YEAR WILDLIFE CORRIDOR VISION PLAN

PROPOSED FUTURE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTAL SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

EXTENED VISION PLAN--CONNECTION TO EXISTING WILDLIFE PRESERVES

Our analysis of existing preserved land, paired with the information gained from a classwide developmental suitability analysis gave us the information necessary to create our vision plan. After studying individual parcels and deciding where best to purchase development rights, we drafted our wildlife corridor across the Great Swamp Watershed. This system of interconnected open space would extend into the watershed’s context--linking to the Black River Wildlife Management Area to the Northwest and the South Mountain Reserve to the Southeast.

Suitability Analysis: 50% Contributed by Brian Curry, 50% by Matthew DraheimAll other maps made by Brian Curry



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VISION PLAN HIGHLIGHTING AREAS FOR HUMAN-NATURE INTERACTIONS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER WITH LANDBRIDGE OVER I-287

KAYAK LANDING ALONG LORD STIRLING PARK

BALANCEWILDLIFEBRIAN CURRY . MEGHNA MURALI . ROXANA DEME

The final chapter of our design phase focused on connecting people to this wildlife corridor in creative ways. We located ideal “connection points” based on our vision and development plans, where we designed interfaces between people and the natural environment. One design for an outdoor education center near Interstate 287 included a land bridge over the busy roadway, providing an elevated, observable linkage from one side of the habitat to the other. Another design for a kayak launch created a purposeful point of entry into a creek--reducing harmful “boat drags” through riparian vegetation.

This project was presented at the Madison Public Library on December 21st, 2010, in front of a crowd of 73 people.

All drawings by Brian Curry, freehand on trace All photographs on this page are original

“THIS PLACE CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT PEOPLE CONNECTED TO NATURE. IT IS HABITAT WE WILL CREATE, AND THESE CONNECTIONS WE WILL MAKE.”

FALL 2011LIBERTYSCIENCE CENTERPAVILION



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A semester-long project at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey focused on the development of an outdoor pavilion space for children and adults. The pavilion is meant to convey new biological concepts and ideas. This project was for a construction studio, and focused on detailed technical drawings.



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BIRD’S EYE STUDY OF DECKING AND GRID

A-A

B-B

C-C

SCALE 1/8”=1’0’ 1’ 2’

A-A

B-B

C-C

ILLUSTRATIVE LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION PLAN

MYCO: LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER PAVILION

Concept: To present visitors of the Liberty Science Center with new ideas, instilling in them an appreciation of lesser understood biological systems.

This project used the form of mycorrhiza, a fungal network connecting most plant roots on earth, to create an interesting and educational space for adults and children alike. Three-dimensional parametric software was used to model the branching growth structure of mycorrhiza. Once we decided upon the optimal branching pattern, we programmed the spaces as shown in the diagrams to the left. The branching pattern is present throughout the site, and is constructed of permeable concrete.

Diagrams and Illustrative Plans: Designed by Brian Curry and Meredith Knesevitch, illustrated by Meredith Knesevitch.Construction Details: Brian Curry

Planting SchemeConcrete Grid Circulation

Water Circulation



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GREEN ROOF (EXISTING)

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LANDSCAPE SECTION A-A AT LABSPACE0 16 32”

SYMBOL: NOTES:

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PERVIOUS CONCRETE WALL. MINIMUM DEPTH TO FOOTER: 18”. FOOTER IS INSTALLED ATOP A 6” DEEP BED OF DRAIN ROCK.

1X6” BLACK LOCUST DECKING LAID ATOP 2X8” DOUGLAS FIR JOISTS.

TRANSLUCENT GLASS RAILING/ LAB WALL AND TABLE. TO BE INSERTED INTO A STEEL PRAM AND FASTENED TO GROUND WITH A J BOLT.

FINE BLUESTONE GRAVEL--6” DEEP. TO BE TAMPED LIGHTLY, ALLOWING FOR PERMEABILITY.

MOLDED PLASTIC LAB BENCH. TO BE FASTENED IN PLACE USING A BOLT.

SIMPSON STRONG TIE JOIST HANGER. PLACED 16” O.C. ALONG DECKING PATHWAYS.

MYCO: LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER PAVILION

The topography is molded to convey water and nutrients through the permeable concrete network, much like mycorrhiza transports nutrients through its tendrils and into plant roots. The planting scheme aims to attract pollinators in the Spring and Summer, while the Fall planting seeks to regenerate soil with cover crops.

The design includes a central lab space for children to explore new concepts. This project’s strength lies in its ability to visualize an underground system few are familiar with. This creates in visitors the desire to learn more about the earth and its intricate complexities, which represents a new creative frontier.

Illustrative Sections: Brian CurryThree-Dimensional Model and Perspective: Brian Curry

1 2 6

LANDSCAPE SECTION B-B AT ENTRY PATHS0 12 24”

SYMBOL: NOTES:

1

2

6

PERVIOUS CONCRETE WALL. MINIMUM DEPTH TO FOOTER: 18”. FOOTER IS INSTALLED ATOP A 6” DEEP BED OF DRAIN ROCK.

1X6” BLACK LOCUST DECKING LAID ATOP 2X8” DOUGLAS FIR JOISTS.

SIMPSON STRONG TIE JOIST HANGER. PLACED 16” O.C. ALONG DECKING PATHWAYS.

FALL PERSPECTIVE

FALL 2011TRENTON, NJMASTER PLAN



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A semester-long studio project--the goal of which was to create a new master plan for a section of Trenton, New Jersey. I focused on the family, and the concept of creative outdoor play in a difficult urban environment.



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LOG TRAIL

LEAP. THE FUTURE IS IN THE FAMILY.

SECTION THROUGH AMPHITHEATER

SECTION AT ASSUNPINK CREEK CROSSING

COMMERICAL RESIDENTIAL

MASTER PLAN SITE

Concept: To create a safe, desirable neighborhood for family development in a difficult urban environment. Similarly, the design seeks to provide inner-city children with semi-natural areas in which to play creatively.

Trenton, New Jersey does not win any awards for safety--in fact, its population is beginning to decline. Lack of safety and economic hardship have created a rough time in Trenton’s decorated history. Those who grow up in Trenton cannot wait to leave--I saw this as the city’s main problem.

Project LEAP provides families with a safe neighborhood. Located next to the business center of Trenton, and within walking distance of the elementary school, parents could easily walk children to school before leaving for work.

The most exciting element of this design, however, is its twisting log trail.

Illustrations: Brian Curry



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LEAP. THE FUTURE IS IN THE FAMILY.

LEAP’s reclaimed log trail encourages creative play. Much like playing in the forest, the trail does not “tell” children how to use it. Instead, children create their fun. The downfall of typical playgrounds is their lack of mental stimulation in the youth who use them. One slides down a slide and swings on a swing--there is no cognitive engagement.

By allowing children to create their own play, the project hopes to encourage intellectual and problem-solving growth.

The log trail winds through a successive meadow and eventually across the Assunpink Creek, introducing children to natural concepts in an intensely urbanized area.

Illustrations: Brian Curry, Photoshop rendering on a Rhino 3D model.

SPRING 2012CHERRY GROVEORGANIC FARMTRAILHEAD



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A studio project focusing on expanding agricultural literacy. In essence, this project seeks to promote an understanding of the environment through interactive landscape sculptures and a carefully selected native meadow planting.

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Ground water

Harvested rain water

Cherry Grove FarmWater Management Diagram

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Cherry Grove FarmView Diagram

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Rainwater diagram

Viewshed diagram

trailhead design: conceptual master plan

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key points

1. Convergence of

pathways

between proposed

trailhead parking

and existing

parking.

2. picnic space for

visitors.

3. Perennial

edibles garden.

4. Grassy knoll:

gathering space

for visiting

groups.

5. rainwater swale

directing runoff

from field to the

north becomes

trailhead amenity.

6. rainwater

harvesting system

supplies trail

interventions and

farm with gray

water.

7. entrance to

meadow. path

traverses swale

at various points.

Meadow provides

for biodiversity

and rainwater

amendment.

8. mooovable

fence

intervention

displaying water

irrigation.

9. raised earth

mound emphasises

the role of soil.

10. mooovable

fence

intervention

displaying water

infiltration.

11. moovable fence

intervention as

bird habitat.

Section B-B 1/4”=1’0”

INSPIRATION OF FORM



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MOOOOVABLEFENCES CHERRY GROVE

FARM TRAILHEAD

Concept: To use the geometry of historic worm fences to create a unique spatial experience and encourage open-ended, environmental learning.

Cherry Grove Farm desires an interactive trailhead focusing on agricultural and environmental education. My group met these goals, and won the studio’s design competition. Below is my project statement for the group.

Pasture fences have long been used as boundaries. We challenge this thought by using the angular, overlapping geometry of the worm fence to connect people with the landscape. Linear pathways aimed at specific views guide visitors through a native meadow wildlife habitat. At the intersections of these paths, the visitor encounters modular pivoting structures. Built from lightly milled on-site lumber and steel posts, these simple structures beckon attention amidst their waving meadow context.

Plan and Diagrams: Kevin PerrySection: Justin AcalDesign: Brian Curry, Kevin Perry, Justin Acal, John Ireland

INTERNS

COW SHED

PARKING

FARMSTORE

PIVOTING SCREENING FRAMING SEATING DEMONSTRATING

TRAILHEAD STRUCTURE: FORMS AND MODULES

3x3

4x4

BIRDHOUSE

WATER

GUI

DE

BENCH

INFILTRATION MODULE I INFILTRATION MODULE II WATERFALL MODULE I WATERFALL MODULE II STANDARD CHANNEL FILTRATION MODULE I FILTRATION MODULE II

CISTERNBARN

STREAMFLOW

ROOT UPTAKEINFILTRATION

DEMONSTRATION

INFILTRATIONINFILTRATION

WATER (INPUT)

INTERACTIVE RELEASE

PLANT GROWTH POLLINATION

+

DECOMPOSITION

FUTURE USE

SOIL REMEDIATION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

FUTURE USE

CHERRY GROVE SYSTEM DIAGRAM



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FARM TRAILHEAD

The function of the movable fences varies with their location. In wetland areas, the posts will be used to model waterflow by drilling holes of different sizes and shapes. Water will be pumped through the fence, and students will watch and interact while it trickles from level to level. A professor could use these structures as teaching diagrams, while the average visitor would be able to create meaning from this activity. Open-ended education encourages imagination and creativity in children--much more than when they are presented with a panel of information. Aldo Leopold once wrote, “I am trying to teach you that this alphabet of ”natural objects” (soils and rivers, birds and beasts) spells out a story, which he who runs can read--if he knows how. Once you learn to read the land, I have no fear of what you will do to it, or with it. And I know many pleasant things it will do for you.”

All Work on this Page: Brian Curry



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FARM TRAILHEAD

Nature is not a system that explains itself. One must take the time to understand her. An understanding of nature takes time, but it is endlessly rewarding. Our structures, while they can be incorporated into concrete curriculums, are strongest when the visitor is presented with them--not knowing what to think. This is when creativity and imagination start to work in an attempt to explain what the eyes see. Learning to read our movable fences is similar to learning to read nature.

Perspectives: Brian CurryPhotoshop Rendering from a Rhino 3D Model

Echinacea purpurea--Purple Coneflower

Aster novae-angliae--New England Aster

Aster novi-belgii--New York Aster

Eupatorium purpureum--Sweetscented Joepyeweed

Liatris spicata--Dense Blazing Star

Solidago rigida--Stiff Goldenrod

Euthamia graminifolia--Grass-leaf Goldenrod

Rudbeckia fulgida--Orange Coneflower

Veronia noveboracensis--New York Ironweed

Asclepias incarnata--Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa--Butterflyweed

Coreopsis lanceolata--Lanceleaf Tickseed

Calamagrostis canadensis--Bluejoint

Tripsacum dactyloides--Eastern Gamagrass

Andropogon gerardii--Big Bluestem

Sorgastrum nutans--Indiangrass

Cherry Grove Farm Meadow

Mix and Planting Plan

Scale: 1/16”=1’-0”

UPLAND MEADOW MIX

UPLAND/WETLAND MIX

WET MEADOW MIX

NATIVE SHRUB MIX

NATIVE TREE MIX0 8 16 32’

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UMM

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WMMUMM

UMM

Scien fic Name Common Name Seeds/Pound W.I.S Shade Tolerance Plant Type Aggression

Calamagros s canadensis Bluejoint 3,837,472 FACW+ No Graminoid ModerateEupatorium perfoliatum Boneset 2,560,000 FACW+ Low Forb Moderate-HighSymphyotrichum novae-angliae New England Aster 1,029,655 FACW Low Forb HighOligoneuron rigidum S ff Goldenrod 1,009,000 FACU Medium Forb High

Solidago rugosaRough-Stemmed Goldenrod 1,000,000 FAC+ Medium Forb Moderate-High

Symphyotrichum novi-belgii New York Aster 700,000 FACW+ No Forb LowSolidago flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod 700,000 FACU High Forb Moderate

Eupatorium purpureum Sweetscented Joepyeweed 672,000 FAC High Forb Moderate-High

Rudbeckia fulgida Orange Coneflower 496,000 FAC Low Forb Moderate-HighTridens flavus Purpletop 465,000 UPL No Graminoid Low

Cherry Grove Farm Meadow MixVeronia noveboracensis Ironweed 360,000 FACW+ Medium Forb ModerateEuthamia graminifolia Grass-leaf Goldenrod 250,000 FACW Low Forb HighCoreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Tickseed 221,000 FACU No Forb Moderate Sorghastrum nutans Indiangrass 174,720 FACU Low Graminoid Moderate-HighAsclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed 153,761 OBL No Forb LowAndropogon gerardii Big Bluestem 144,240 FAC Low-Med Graminoid Moderate-HighEchinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower 115,644 FACU Low Forb Moderate-HighLiatris spicata Dense Blazingstar 100,000 FAC Medium Forb LowAsclepias tuberosa Bu erflyweed 70,000 UPL Low-Med Forb LowTripsacum dactyloides Eastern Gamagrass 7,200 FAC Medium Graminoid LowCarex intumescens Bladder Sedge Unknown FACW High Graminoid Low



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FARM TRAILHEAD

The native wildlife meadow is placed to reduce erosion and filter rainwater and runoff from adjacent pastures. Currently, water washes quickly down a swale through the field, carrying manure into a nearby wetland. This concentrated manure can cause environmental issues such as eutrophication. By planting a native wet meadow, the plants will slow the water and greatly reduce the amount of nitrogen reaching the wetland.

We also intend to reduce runoff from the roof of the cow shed by channeling water into a cistern. This cistern will function educationally, allowing children to pump the water out and watch it flow through the programmed movable fences.

Our design uses the geometry of a common agricultural boundary to both foster creativity and make space for people and wildlife. This design creates an educational environment with a true ecological purpose.

Planting Plan: Brian CurryMeadow Mix: Brian Curry with help from Dr. Jean Marie Hartman, Botanist

OTHER WORK BRIANCURRYcurry.br ian.r@gmail .com


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During site visits and my free time, I always have a camera with me. The lens allows me to capture and preserve the way I see the world. My passion for ecology also led me to an interesting scientific and photographic opportunity working for a doctoral candidate on a herpetological study.



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Photography offers the ability to make landscape experiences permanent. I find beauty in detail--capturing the intricacies of the built and natural world. My photographs have been gaining attention, and will be sold at Cherry Grove Organic Farm starting in the Summer of 2012.All Photographs Original



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2012 BIOLOGICAL FIELD WORK In late Spring 2012, I requested to contribute to an ecological study. Doctoral candidate Jeremy Feinberg offered me a position conducting field studies on native leopard frogs in NJ, NY and PA. The study concerned the discovery of a new species of leopard frog, and I was tasked with studying this frog’s characteristics. During these studies, I gained valuable knowledge of habitat deliniation, wetland processes, and scientific procedures. This information will aid my endeavors to design ecologically sound projects. On March 14th, Feinberg’s findings were released. The New York Times featured the story both printed and on their website. One of my photographs of the holotype I collected was published in this article, and has since been featured in online publications such as CNN, Inhabit, and National Geographic, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Highlights magazine. I will be a co-author on Feinberg’s upcoming paper, to be submitted for review in the Summer of 2012.



908.420.9246

brian curry's portfolio

Documents

great swampwatershedmaster

com1678 arthur avenueno

wildlife flourishment

individual group

group members

proliferation of wildlife

person group

land characteristics