erickson - lar portfolio - 2012
DESCRIPTION
Landscape Architecture work samples and resume for Leah Erickson, MLA Graduate, University of Virginia, 2012TRANSCRIPT
Work Samples // 2009-2012
[1.1] UrbAn ScAle AnAlySiS + infrAStrUctUre StrAtegy
[1.2] UrbAn DeSign + ecologicAl remeDiAtion
[2.1] concePt eXPlorAtionS + Site ScAle DeSign
[3.1] UrbAn HiStory AnAlySiS + Site ScAle DeSign
[3.2] DeSign reSolUtion + SPAtiAl Definition
[4.1] tecHnicAl Work : PlAnteD form
[4.2] tecHnicAl Work : Site ASSembly
[5] reSUme
[cover] trAvel SketcH, villA D’eSte, itAly
this project addresses issues of contamination and community interaction with the industrial and cultural heritage of the north shore of Staten island. An urban scale strategy identifies sites for soil remediation and streets to acommodate water quality improvement. Site scale design integrated ecological improvements with greater community access to an existing historic landscape.
tHe iSolAteD nortH SHore of StAten iSlAnD
freeWAy SyStem PArk SyStem + Site
ProPoSeD nortH SHore StrAtegy: ecologicAl remeDiAtion netWork + neW commUnity green SPAceS
cSo locAtionS WAterSHeDS inclUDeD in cUrrent WAter qUAlity imProvement ProgrAm
barriers limit access to waterfront and cultural amenities such as Sailor’s Snug Harbor [above image + oulined on map]
eXiSting conDitionS
Staten Island // Urban Scale Analysis + Infrastructure Strategy[1.1]
Staten Island // Urban Design + Ecological Remdediation
ricHmonD terrAce [eXiSting 4 lAne rD
+ ProPoSeD meDiAn]regrADeD SHore Along
rAilroAD r.o.W.inHAbitAble floAting treAtment WetlAnDS
SAilor’S SnUg HArbor HiStoric entry
[1.2]
Proposed floating treatment Wetlands
Proposed restored Stream corridor
existing cSo locations
Section cut
PUNCTURING THE HULL
Key gateways
conducting Water
�oating treatment wetlands
local + restored watershed
CHARTING NEW ROUTES
access points
NEW access points
green connections
reduced fenced area
New Orleans // Concept Exploration + Site scale design
concePt teSting: retention time in cAPillAry tUbeS vS. evAPorAtion in vArieD SUbStrAte
eXiSting conDitionS
research into capillary tube technologies inspired structures to raise and move water out of flooded areas, clean first flush of rain fall, and create an engaging and didactic campus landscape. cleaner discharge to lake Pontchartrain improves imperiled lacustrine ecosystem
[2.1]
UniverSity of neW orleAnS: Site AnAlySiS
campus green swaths
campus parking lots
canal + lake shore levy
Uno campus
london ave canal
lake pontchartrain
flooded areas
StrUctUre + form eXPlorAtion: Stair Structure, canopy structure, and path framing device
WAter treAtmentcAPillAry tUbeS in
StrUctUreAerAtion Pool
infiltrAtion + evAPotrAnSPirAtion
SeconDAry treAtment + infiltrAtion
initial filtration | Sediment settling | Water Aeration | Phyto-treatment |
firSt flUSH DiverSion | treAtment + infiltrAtion | DiScHArge
Charlotesville // Urban History Analysis + Site scale designcreation of community spaces and new connections to downtown business corridor in a neighborhood cut off from its surroundings since the urban renewal program destroyed many residential and business structures in the mid-1960s
[3.1]
UrbAn fAbric Pre-UrbAn renWAl contrASteD to eXiSting StrUctUreS DiAgrAmming former SPAtiAl ScAle + AlignmentS SketcHing neW connectionS + SPAce frAming
re-inSertion of olD roAD + grADe mAniPUlAtionSeXiSting conDitionS: SteeP boWl toPogrAPHy + lArge voiDS
Definition of SPAce DeSigneD to AcommoDAte ActivitieS of Different ScAleS tHAt mAy occUr or overlAP At DAily, Weekly, montHly, or AnnUAlly
l. styraciflua c. occidentalis i. virginica P. achrostichoidesc. floridan. sylvatica c. albaPistacia sp.A. rubrum q. phellos
Charlotesville // Design Resolution + Spatial DefinitionParking lot reclaimed as a multi-use community space, architecture and texture of canopy define allees and bosques, each with unique spatial qualities
[3.2]
A B C
micro-topography of terraces + feathered stairs contrast to planted form, emphasizing sightlines and creating specific nodes for gathering
Design for a parking lot in introductory technical course, from conceptual phase to grading, materials, and construction details
Technical Work // Grading & Site Assembly
mAteriAl + teXtUrAl + conStrUction inSPirAtion
[4.1]
24” Seat wall
Running bond, tRoweled moRtaR
#5 Slate Chip dRainage ReSeRvoiR
6” Cut gReenStone wheel Stop4” SquaRe gRanite CobbleS, moRtaRleSS
type iv bRiCk, ClaSS SX
moRtaR Setting bed
min. 4” ConCRete baSe
CompaCted SubbaSe
CompaCted SubgRade
geoteXtile
gRavel dRainage ReSeRvoiR
gRavel pave SyStemConCRete baSe
CompaCted SubgRade
dRain pipe to wetlandS
unCompaCted SubgRade
Technical Work // Planted Formthis course explored a 9 acre plot adjacent to a an elementary school, including forest, field, and stream ecotones. the planted form capitalizes on experiences of color, texture, and seasonality, and is driven by notions of exploration and discovery. each area is hence named for an episode of the radio mystery drama “the Shadow knows.”
Stream floodplain: A. griseum, I. verticillata, L. cardinalis, A. felix-femina, O. cinnamomea, A. incarnata, T. palustris
PlAn DetAil inclUDing (toP to bottom): tHe green boX + tHe romAnoff JeWelS, tHe yelloW bAnD, AnD tHe blUr
the green box + the romanoff Jewels
the yellow band
the blur
cHArActer Defining PlAnt SelectionS for tHree AreAS
N
Upland forest: (existing mixed deciduous forest), P. occidentalis, C. canadensis, P. achrostichoides
Steep bank: B. nigra, H. virginiana, H. x intermedia, C. kousa, L. benzoin, L. strychnifolia, L. obtusiloba, I. glabra, A. felix-femina, P. achrostichoides
[4.2]
University of Virginiamasters of landscape ArchitectureSpring 2012
University of Washington Extensioncertificate in environmental law and regulationfall 2008 – Spring 2009
Bellevue Collegenorthwest native Plant iD, Spring 2008
Mithun, Seattle, WAInternresearched and compiled data and images for a plant palette, participated in early stages of the Urban intervention competition for Seattle center, shadowed meetings for several projects each at a different stage of the design process
Lorna Jordan Studio, Seattle, WAInternSupported research and created diagrams for conceptual design phase of central Park project in madison, Wi
Point32, Seattle, WA Intern created comprehensive site analysis for Pratt fine Arts center campus redesign, including urban design precedents and recommendations, and conceptual design strategies.
Swift Company, Seattle, WAInternresearched and presented background information for three rfqs and compiled research binder for a pending urban design project. Documented construction progress of a largescale project. researched and recommended plants species for a green-roof project. Attended client meeting and materials presentation. Assisted with documentation updates for a master planning process.
University of Washington, Seminar + charette, Summer 2010
University of Virginia, (vicenza, italy)intensive drawing program, Summer 2011
Education
Continuing Education
Experience
January 2012
January 2011
January 2010
June - August 2010
University of Southern Californiabachelor of Arts Art History and frenchSpring 2004, magna cum laude
RESUME \\ Leah Erickson \ [email protected] \ 206.919.1258[5]
Seattle Parks Foundation, Seattle, WAOffice Manager and Executive Assistantmanaged organizational and administrative operations in support of executive Director and board of Directors. Supported projects for communications team, bench and tree program, and development team. Assessed procedures and instituted improvements within the context of larger goals of the organization.
Microsoft Art Collection, redmond, WARegistrarmanaged database, research files, art acquisition process and storage organization for high volume of installation projects in a collection of 4500+ art objects. managed the collection’s image-use copyrights for online and print publications, and acted as liaison for all graphic design projects. Wrote didactic text to accompany art installations throughout microsoft campus buildings.
Foster/White Gallery, Seattle, WAPublic Relations Manager; Exhibition Coordinator; Sales AssociateWrote and distributed press materials for monthly exhibitions. Designed and installed exhibitions; engaged clients and coordinated sales and shipping. Self-generated projects to create organizational structure and ameliorate gallery operation.
Freedom by Design, University of virginia, charlottesville, vAGraduate AdvisorAdvised undergraduate architecture student group for landscape component of local design-build project. collaborated on design concept for garden and benches; designed, coordinated, and implemented planting for the proposed healing garden for the UvA medical center hospitality house,
Student Association of Landscape Architects, University of virginia, charlottesville, vAPresidentnominated president of the student organization for graduate landscape architecture students, responsible for organizing: lectures, professional development activities, and extracurricular events. Act as liaison to the State of virginia chapter of the ASlA.
Graduate Architects and Landscape Architects, University of virginia, charlottesville, vARepresentative, 3rd year landscape architecture cohortnominated as representative to interdisciplinary group responsible for social events for all graduate level students in the school of architecture.
Nature Consortium at Yesler Community Center, Seattle, WAVolunteer Teacher AssistantAssisted instructors in engaging youth ages 6 - 16 in environmental learning through art projects, at free, drop-in, after-school classes for the neighborhood’s underserved youth. Pelican Tea P-Patch, Seattle, WASite Coordinatorcoordinated meetings, prioritized and implemented site improvements and organized work parties for communally gardened P-Patch site. established participation in lettuce link food donation program. Partnered with neighboring business to purchase and install a city-subsidized rain barrel to mitigate their storm water runoff and create sustainable water usage for the garden.
may 2008 - June 2009
march 2010 - march 2011
January - June 2012
September 2009 - Present
July 2008 + July 2009
march 2008 - may 2009
December 2006 - may 2008
June 2004 - December 2006
Volunteer/Service
Research / Writing
Technical Skills
Urban Agriculture in Seattle: Policy and Barrierscollaborative research paper produced for Seattle Department of neighborhoods and Seattle Department of Planning and Development as final deliverable of UW certificate program in environmental law and regulation. Published widely online for urban agriculture policy recommendations.
Troubled Waters: restoration of urban coastal marshland in the NY/NJ harborcase study of a string of failed Spartina alterniflora marshes along the Arthur kill in new york. this paper dissects the causes of failure of the three marshes, exploring both pollution and hydrodynamic forces, and in turn explores the possible adaptation of current floating treatment Wetlands as a possible restoration solution. research done as independent study with Professor Julie bargmann, paper presented to a 5500 level restoration ecology class at the University of virginia.
Lessons for Resilience: climate change and urban ecosystems in the Pacific Northwestreview of scientific literature on climate change predictions for the Pacific northwest and studies of the functional and structural characteristics of Pacific northwest regional ecosystems. this paper explores the possible spatial and ecological impacts within Seattle’s urban forests, suggesting prioritization for maintenance, restoration, and long-range planning. research done as independent study with Professor kristina Hill
Adobe creative SuiteAuto cADArc giS rhinot
microsoft office SuiteSharepointraiser’s edgeoutlook
June 2009
may 2011
December 2012
fluent in french