Benji Gilbert-Kaplan Landscape Architecture Portfolio

Benji Gilbert-Kaplan

Landscape Architecture Portfolio

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T O F C O U N T RY I acknowledge and pay my respects to Australia's original inhabitants, the Traditional Owners, who have taken care of this rich and ancient land for generations. I would especially like to express my gratitude to the Elders—those who have led us in the past, those who are with us now, and those who will do so in the future. Their resilience, wisdom, and deep connection to the land are invaluable to our shared environment and serve as an inspiration.

Living in the vibrant metropolis of Sydney, I am incredibly appreciative of the rich cultural legacy and the ongoing contributions made by the Traditional Owners. I am dedicated to fostering a meaningful and deep collaboration that respects and acknowledges their profound connection to the land, given their significant role in shaping the landscape. We build ahead together, realising how crucial harmony and understanding are to the practice of landscape architecture.

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CONTENTS

CV/Skills

Performing on Wheels

4

10

Cooks River Renewed: Campsie's Revival

Documentation

5

12

Transforming Angus for Sustainable Community Living

Additional Design Capabilities

8

16

S KI L L S Microsoft Office Suite

WO RK E XPE RIE N CE 20222023

AutoCAD

Worked directly with clients in a nursery’s landscape sales position, offering knowledgeable advice on a range of questions.

Have extensive knowledge of different plants and their requirements, enabling them to provide consumers with excellent guidance when choosing mulches, soils, and other products.

Competent in handling a variety of landscaping issues, such as soil upkeep and plant care.

SketchUp InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop QGIS

Benji G ilb ert -K a p lan Imaginative Designer specialising in textile and object design. Personable and organised with over 3 years of experience creating unique and innovative object and textile designs. Clever Designer with natural talent in textile and object innovation. Excellent drawing and research talent. Consistently recognised for fresh and innovative ideas. Excellent self-motivation, interpersonal and active listening skills. Innovative Interior Designer driven to bring customised ideas to life.

Third year Landscape Architecture student studying at the Univerty of New South Wales (UNSW). Creative skills and a passion for the environment allows for meaningful design solutions to the broader landscape scale. Excellent attention to detail. Projects and designs have been created through Adobe Suites, Canva, SketchUp, QGIS and Microsoft.

Future goals include protecting the environment with sustainability in mind through cleaver design and thinking.

2020

Model Making Project Presentations

E DUCAT IO N

Hand Drawing

20212024

Email: benj.gk@gmail.com

20182020

Bachelor of Design University of New South Wales Utilised real-world design knowledge gained from my object and textile design studies to improve studio work. I’m skilled with the Adobe Suite and approach my design work with a combination of technical know-how and artistic vision.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ benji-gilbert-kaplan-6bb89b1b6 ISSUU: https://issuu.com/benjigk

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) University of New South Wales By utilising my landscape architecture knowledge, I am able to effectively incorporate sustainable design ideas and creativity into my projects. Skilled in using software pertinent to the sector, my dedication to reshaping spaces is demonstrated by my careful and creative design ideas.

C O N TAC T Mobile: 0403722285

Designer Laidback Lee Design Developed my ability to create customised presentations that fit the tastes of the clients.

Carefully selected a variety of products from several wholesalers to create distinctive design elements.

Helped create trade accounts and maintained relationships with suppliers, which helped the business run smoothly.

Site Analysis

Canva

Industry Work Flower Power Nursery in Mascot

20142016

High School Certificate Moriah War Memorial College Completed Year 12 Higher School Certificate with the following subjects: Maths, English, Studies of Religion, Business Studies and Visual Arts.

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01 C oo ks R i v er R en e w e d : C a mpsi e’s R e v i v al Year 3 (Term 3, 2023) Project LAND2313 - Landscape Studio 7 My project aims to transform Campsie into a sustainable community hub by reshaping the landscape in response to the design studio’s provocation. Through iterative cycles of data analysis, context exploration, and stakeholder engagement, the proposal employs an adaptive learning approach. Cooks River revitalisation is given top priority in my design, which calls for improved riverside boardwalks, floating platforms, and riverfront homes to promote a close relationship between locals and the natural world over a 15–20 year period. Contemporary approaches to mitigating pollution are consistent with the studio’s focus on landscape architects as catalysts for urban innovation.

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Battery

7796 / UNSW / LAND2313 MASTERPLAN Riverlink Bridge: Enhancing Connectivity & Accessibility

Benji Gilbert-Kaplan / z5167796 / UNSW / LAND2313

Riverside Scenic Walkway

Boardwalk

Cooks River

Pathway to Riverfloat Platform

A3: Complex Landscape Plans

Riverlink Bridge: Enhancing Connectivity & Accessibility

Contaminated River

Mangrove Plantation

Contaminated River

Riverside Scenic Walkway

Unused Space Plantation Mangrove

Community Engagement Encouraging Play and Fitness: My graphic demonstrates the solarcommunity energy cycle Facilities that can cater towards the diverse of Campsie. and shows how photovoltaic panels that AC Load

Riverfloat Platform

BEFORE

are included into the children’s playground and outdoor gym collect sunlight and turn it into clean, renewable energy.

Riverfloat Platform

AFTER

Urban Heat BEFORE AFTER The site is exposed to hot temperatures, especially Amphitheatreduring the summer months. Improving the area with a range of native trees and vegetation will combat the issue.

Communal Amphitheatre

New & Improved

Riverlink Bridge Boardwalk Converting Human Energy to Electrical Energy Riverfloat Platform Mangrove Plantation New &playful Improved The human energy from the use of the playground equipment and stationary bikes are a mode for power energyRiverfloat Platform Riverlink Bridge conversion.

Flat Turf Area

An undulating bridge that winds its way along the Cooks River is depicted in the original concept as the growing idea for Campsie’s revitalised waterfront.

Ecological Bioremediation Zone: Mangrove Plantation

The Hub of Campsie: Beamish Street

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

BEFORE

Natural Resources Making use of natural resources to make the site self-sufficient through bioremediation efforts to clean Cooks River.

Riverfloat Platforms: Waterfront Spaces for Relaxation & Recreation

SECTION B-B SCALE 1:200 Residential

The Sun

D E TA I L P L A N

Communal Amphitheatre

Boardwalk

SolarFit EcoGym

Improved Bridge Experience with seating and shading

Poor Bridge Experience

My first design idea, which aims to turn Campsie into a thriving and sustainable area, MASTERPLAN SCALE 1:5000 combines creative floating platforms, an updated RiverLink Bridge, and ecological rehabilitation along the Cooks River to create a harmonious and inspiring urban landscape.

Solar Panel

SECTION C-C SCALE 1:50

BEFORE

LEGEND 1

ginal

ea,

SolarFit EcoGym

Inclusivity and Accessibility Inverter The design can accomodate all ages and backgrounds making it a space for everyone to enjoy.

By converting Campsie’s landscape into a sustainable community hub, my ambitious initiative aims to revitalise Cooks River within 15 to 20 years. The improved boardwalk follows the riverside, allowing people to live in harmony with nature. Floating platforms offer peaceful areas for intimate river experiences.

Riverfront residences are given priority in my creative housing redesign, which promotes a strong bond with the water.

Modern methods of cleaning the Cooks River combat pollution.

In addition to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, the inclusion of an outdoor gym and playground also helps Campsie become more sustainable by capturing energy. This initiative promises Campsie residents a bright future by balancing sustainability, community, energy, and environment.

SECTION A-A SCALE 1:200

PRINCIPLES

able oks the ting ces. sing ater. ion. n of ome ses ility,

A3: Complex Landscape Plans Cooks River Renewed: Campsie’s Revival Top of Beamish St/Byron St Footbridge

Ecological Bioremediation Zone: Mangrove Plantation

2

Battery

SolarFit EcoGym

Amphitheatre

SECTION A-A SCALE 1:200

The Hub of Campsie: Beamish Street

3

MASTERPLAN SCALE 1:5000

ndscape.

The proposal incorporates features like an outdoor playground and gym, utilising solar energy to improve Campsie’s sustainability.

Strategic checkpoints, such as co-design meetings with CB City planners, guarantee responsiveness to local input and developing insights, resulting in a vision that unites environment, energy, community, and sustainability for a thriving and resilient future for Campsie.

C

Unused Space

AC Load

Encouraging Play and Fitness: My graphic demonstrates the solar energy cycle and shows how photovoltaic panels that are included into the children’s playground and outdoor gym collect sunlight and turn it into clean, renewable energy.

Playground

BEFORE

BEFORE

Cooks River

1

AFTER

AFTER

Amphitheatre

New & Improved Riverlink Bridge

Improved Bridge Experience with seating and shading

Boardwalk

SolarFit EcoGym

Pathway to Riverfloat Platform

Inverter

Flat Turf Area

Boardwalk

Riverfloat Platforms: Waterfront Spaces for Relaxation & Recreation

SECTION D-D SCALE 1:50

AFTER

Riverfloat Platform

New & Improved Riverlink Bridge

Poor Bridge Experience

Mangrove Plantation

Riverfloat Platform

B

Turf The Sun

C

SECTION B-B SCALE 1:200

SECTION C-C SCALE 1:50

2

LEGEND

Boardwalk

1

Car Lanes

Amphitheatre

2

Playground

3

SolarFit EcoGym

Solar Panel

C

BEFORE

1

B

A

AFTERB

C D

2

Battery

D

D

Turf

Solar Lights

SECTION D-D SCALE 1:50

Boardwalk

SolarFit EcoGym

Bench

Car Lanes

Riverfloat Platform Inverter

A

D B

Solar Lights Bench

Cooks River

3

Riverfloat Platform

AC Load

Unused Space 3

Cooks River

Encouraging Play and Fitness: My graphic Riverlink demonstrates theBridge solar energy cycle and shows how photovoltaic panels that Riverlink Bridge are included into the children’s playground and outdoor gym collect sunlight and turn it into clean, renewable energy.

Amphitheatre

Pathway to Riverfloat Platform

ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN SCALE 1:500

ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN SCALE 1:500

BEFORE

A

A

AFTER

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I've carefully laid out the main components of Campsie's design. Mangroves along the Cooks River have two functions: they improve the surrounding area and aid in bioremediation. Floating platforms blend in perfectly with the river, providing habitat and recreational areas. An amphitheatre transforms into a centre of culture for a variety of events, showcasing Campsie's vibrant community. In addition to encouraging fitness, the solar-powered SolarFit EcoGym highlights a dedication to sustainability. When taken as a whole, these components depict a peaceful and environmentally conscious future for Campsie.

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02 Tra ns f ormi n g A n g u s f or S u s t a i n a ble Co mm u n i ty L i v i n g Year 3 (Term 2, 2023) Project LAND2132 - Landscape Studio 6 Due to its low-lying location, the Marsden Park North site (Angus) occasionally floods, which presents both opportunities and challenges for development. The area has realised that comprehensive plans are required to improve resilience and raise the standard of living for its citizens. In order to convert the site into a more resilient and sustainable community space, future redevelopment projects seek to address the flooding issue in its entirety and implement cutting-edge upgrades. The visionary objective for my site weaves together well-being, preservation, strong community ties, and accessibility.

Through this fusion, Angus is propelled into an intriguing new world of adventure, where rejuvenated ecosystems and seamless connection foster both neighbourhood pride and cohesion.

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PRINCIPLES Rich Community Relationships With residential areas in the floodplain for safety, easy access to exercise, and a wealth of biodiversity along the walking track, Angus hopes to create a welcoming and safe community area.

Preservation The foundation of Angus is a dedication to protecting its abundant biodiversity, maintaining ecological harmony, maintaining human well-being, and leaving behind a resilient site that consistently provides essential ecosystem services for both the current and future generations.

MASTERPLAN PROJECT 3: A MASTERPLAN FOR ANGUS

Residents and nearby visitors have the opportunity to explore Angus’s thriving biodiversity by the meandering trail path, which creates a tranquil oasis with easy access for everyone to enjoy.

Rich Community Relationships

The community centre gives residents facilities to gather like large halls, social meeting spots, sporting grounds, and educational activities.

Mental Health & Well-being By building cohesive communities, encouraging physical fitness via trails, and providing a focal point for social interaction, Angus prioritises mental well-being and gives its residents access to a comprehensive and encouraging environment.

Accessibility in and out of Angus Angus places a high value on seamless accessibility, encouraging quick and simple mobility for improved daily activities, social interactions, and easy access to work and recreational opportunities in Angus and nearby communities.

Preservation

Illustrative Plan 1:1000

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Apartment complexes are arranged in groups to foster social contact and a feeling of community, resulting in close-knit neighbourhoods that make the most of shared amenities and spaces.

An engaging route leads an intriguing trip across Angus’ outstanding biodiversity and environmental diversity. An immersive experience that covers the whole terrain at Angus is created by this picturesque walkway that meanders through the center of the rich natural tapestry, gradually unveiling the site’s abundant flora and fauna.

BENJI GILBERT-KAPLAN

Angus Community Centre - Connecting People and Facilities

Accessibility in and out of Angus

Z5167796

In Angus's revolutionary landscape, accessibility, environmental preservation, and community well-being are given top priority. Safe residential areas are positioned within the floodplain, integrating with a walking track for exercise and access to biodiversity. By protecting biodiversity, Angus's legacy is safeguarded and community ties and pride are fostered in a dynamic environment that is in line with the unique characteristics of the landscape to ensure long-term resilience.

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03 P er fo mi n g on W h e e l s

Year 2 (Term 2, 2022) Project LAND2202 - Landscape Studio 4 I am involved in a design project initiative that celebrates the numerous advantages of cycling while also creating a space that fosters socialisation, relaxation, and inclusivity.

Through this project, I aim to highlight the positive impacts of cycling and establish an environment where people can come together, unwind, and engage in a sense of community.

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Park goers viewing the virtual cycling experience

PRINCIPLES In order to achieve a harmonious balance between active engagement and peaceful retreat, the design places a high priority on a tranquil atmoshpere, encouraging park users to unwind and recharge amid the cycling activities.

Socialisation

By encouraging social interaction and fostering a sense of community, the park design welcomes people to connect with friends, family, and even strangers through the inclusive amenities offered.

Fitness

Recognising the advantages of riding, the design encourages users to participate in fitness activities regardless of their level of cycling experience by offering amenities that accommodate both experienced riders and novices.

Inclusion

The design aims to be an inclusive communal space, fostering a welcoming community where individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities can feel connected and enjoy the park together.

MASTERPLAN

Relaxation

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04

1

PERFORMING ON WHEELS

D ocum e n ta t i on

Year 2 (Term 2, 2022) Project LAND2272 - Landscape Documentation 2 I created technical details for different elements in my design using AutoCAD software as part of the 'Performing on Wheels' studio project. The set comes with specifications for a bench and a staircase in addition to a materials and finishes plan. These specifics demonstrate how each component functions within the design to guarantee adherence to Australian Standards.

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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Materials & Finishes Plan

7

MATERIALS AND FINISHES SCHEDULE

MATERIALS AND FINISHES PLAN 5

MATERIALS AND FINISHES PLAN

W1 BR LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

W1

PV1

PV1 R1

BT2 BT2 SW2

BT1

DF

SB TF

PT

BT3 BT1

TF

SW1

PT ED2

TI1

ED1

PV2

BT3

HR1

PT

PT

DF

PV2

LAND2272 Landscape Assessment 3: Docume ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z51 LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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Staircase Design Details 19 18

300

05

STAIR TRANSITION SCALE 1:10

TACTILE INDICATORS

SECTION

2800 3350 REFER TO MATERIALS AND FINISHES PLAN FOR ADJACENT MATERIALS

1000

300

PV1 150

210

210 150

110

CONCRETE AND REINFORCING TO ENGINEER’S DOCUMENTATION

140

500

STAINLESS STEEL COVER PLATE 100 mm TO COVER COREDRILL FIXING HOLE

4000

PV1

CONCRETE SLAB THICKENING FOR HAND RAIL FIXING. DEPTH TO BE CONFIRMED

BY ENGINEERS.

4500 190

17 LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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STAIR TRANSITION

SCALE 1:20 DETAILED MATERIAL SCHEDULE

STAIR TRANSITION

PLAN

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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50 mm ALUMINUM STAIR NOSING WITH BLACK NON-SLIP GRIP

07

STAIR TRANSITION SCALE 1:20

AXONOMETRIC

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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Bench Design Details STEEL ARMRESTS

310 370

STEEL ARMRESTS

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY

310

150

370

810

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY

15050

SANDSTONE MATERIALITY

810

50

SANDSTONE MATERIALITY

400

PV2

400

500

PV2

50 mm DEPTH BASE COURSE

COMPACTED SUBGRADE TO ENGINEER’SCOMPACTED SPECIFICATIONS SUBGRADE TO

500

50 mm DEPTH BASE COURSE

ENGINEER’S SPECIFICATIONS

24

08

SEAT TYPE 1 08 SCALE 1:10

SEAT TYPE 1 SCALE 1:10

08

ELEVATION ELEVATION

SEAT TYPE SEAT1TYPE 1 08 SCALE SCALE 1:10 1:10

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SECTION SECTION

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY

50 x 10 mm STEEL BOLTS

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY

50 x 10 mm STEEL BOLTS

STEEL ARMRESTS 1200

1200 50

50

450

300

STEEL ARMRESTS

STEEL ARMRESTS

SEAT TYPE 1 SCALE 1:10

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY

SANDSTONE MATERIALITY

ALUMINUM MATERIALITY 09

09

‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

300

450

STEEL ARMRESTS

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 ‘Performing on Wheels’ Assessment 3: Documenting a Project Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

SEAT TYPE 1 SCALE 1:10

SANDSTONE MATERIALITY

PLAN

PLAN

09

09

SEAT TYPE 1 SCALE 1:10

SEAT TYPE 1 SCALE 1:10

AXONOMETRIC

AXONOMETRIC

LAND2272 Landscape Design and Documentation 2 Assessment 3: Documenting a Project ‘Performing on Wheels’ Benji Gilbert-Kaplan z5167796

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05 A dditi ti on a l D e s i g n Ca pa b i li ti es Year 2018-2023 Project Multiple Projects Throughout my degree in landscape architecture, I have acquired a wide range of skills. In addition to using software to maximise clarity and create tangible 3D models to visualise projects at a human scale, I also improved my hand sketching skills to illustrate plants and landscapes. QGIS is a powerful mapping tool that I've used for analysis and visualisation.

With a focus on object and textile design, I developed inventive repeat patterns and one-ofa-kind furniture pieces for my design degree.

One of my favourite experiences was my exchange to the USA, where I worked in a different kind of design studio and gained new insights for my future endeavours.

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Models

The Little Prince Project - An Imaginative Planet

LAND2101 - Landscape Studio 1

Modelling

The Little Prince Project - SketchUp Modelling

LAND2142 - Landscape Communication 2

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Hand Sketches

Sketch - Cape Solander

LAND2151 - Landscape Analysis

Annotated Sketch Sections

LAND2151 - Landscape Analysis

Sketches - Cockatoo Island

LAND2102 - Landscape Studio 2

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QGIS

QGIS Analysis of Georges River and Chipping Norton Lakes

LAND2251 - Planting Design at the Landscape Scale

Photo Montages

Photomontage - Sunday Markets

LAND2142 - Design Communications 2

'Hands Off!' Project at The Domain

LAND2201 - Landscape Studio 3

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Object Design

The Crescent Stool

SDES2410 - Object Design Dialogues

'Lady Silhouette' Outdoor Chair

SDES2411 - Object Typologies: Reuse, Recycle

'Let There Be Light!' Installation

SDES3410 - Object Design: Industry Connections

Te x t i l e D e s i g n

'Isolaters' of the World Fall/Winter 2020 Collection for 'SCOTCH & SODA'

SDES3400 - Textile Industry and Forecasting

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Penn State Landscape Studio

World building is the process of creating a fictional universe, complete with its own rules, cultures, and histories. Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor spaces to enhance the natural environment and improve the quality of human life.

Although these two disciplines may seem unrelated at first glance, they share a fundamental focus on creating immersive experiences that connect people to their surroundings. World building and landscape architecture share a fundamental goal: to create immersive experiences that transport people to another world, recognising the need to imagine ideas to affect change. I explored the intersection of world building and landscape architecture, examining techniques of each discipline can inform and enhance the other. Through a series of readings, case studies and design proposals, I examined how a collaborative approach to world building and landscape architecture can create vibrant and engaging environments that bridge the gap between fiction and reality.

In this context, I am using ChatGPT and Midjourney as a part of the design studio. The technology offers unique opportunities to engage with speculative futures and imagine new possibilities for the built environment - allowing myself to be an expert about landscape and with less emphasis on writing fiction - an entirely different expertise.

The Rust Belt, an area in the United States that has undergone significant economic decline since the mid 20th century, provides a rich context for speculative design thinking. By engaging with the region’s complex history and current challenges, I can develop a critical understanding of the interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors in shaping the built environment. Speculative fiction provides an opportunity to think beyond the present moment and imagine new futures that respond to these complex dynamics.

My class and I worked collaboratively to develop the landscape fictions. Here is the documentation of the pages I created for the newspaper.

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C ON TA C T Mobile

0403722285

Email

benj.gk@gmail.com