Simona Dale is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying landscape architecture, with a passion for outdoor design and sustainability. Their interest in landscaping was sparked during high school, inspired by her grandfather’s vibrant greenhouse and his dedication to cultivating orchids. This early exposure nurtured a fascination with gardening and the natural world.
As they explored landscape architecture, Simona discovered a field that perfectly combines creativity with an appreciation for outdoor spaces. She is particularly drawn to projects that emphasize visual storytelling and conceptual design, blending artistry with sustainable practices. Their goal is to design spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also environmentally responsible and meaningful to the communities they serve.
PERIPOLE PURSUIT
LOCATION : VAL DE FONTENAY, FRANCE
The objective of this project was to engage the community of Fontenay-sous-Bois in envisioning and designing a park adjacent to the new Metro station at Val de Fontenay. This initiative aligns with the larger Grand Paris Express project, which seeks to improve connectivity and inclusivity across Paris and its suburbs through infrastructure advancements.
I was in charge of leading the project community engagement efforts and coming up with the conceptual design derrived from the park game.
To engage the community in the design process, my team developed a board game inspired by Catan. The game served as an interactive tool to inform residents about the Val de Fontenay site while gathering their ideas and priorities for designing a portion of the park. Participants navigated site challenges and opportunities, such as addressing the highway’s division or integrating sustainable features, through game mechanics that reflected real-world constraints and possibilities. This playful yet educational approach fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment, ensuring the park design reflected the community’s vision and needs.
GAME BOARD
RESOURCE CARDS
EVENTS UPGRADE CARDS
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
A NEW BEGINING
LOCATION : SOUTH GATE
DATE : MAY 2024
This team project was set out to transform an empty lot at Tweedy Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue into a vibrant, multifunctional community space that reflects the cultural and ecological essence of South Gate. Through a collaborative design process, we identified four key priorities: public space, water infrastructure, resilient landscapes, and habitat.
My focus was on public space, where I designed a dog park that provides a safe and engaging environment for both pets and their owners. Inspired by biomimicry, the design incorporates natural elements that promote sustainability and functionality, while fostering a sense of community. The park serves as a welcoming space for local residents, encouraging social interaction and outdoor activity within an ecologically mindful setting.
SWOT ANALYSIS SWOT ANALYSIS
As a team, we developed a design matrix to identify the community’s top four needs: public space, water infrastructure, resilient landscapes, and habitat. My primary focus was public space. Recognizing the importance of integrating each design focus, we sought a unifying concept—biomimicry. Each of our designs incorporated an element inspired by nature, creating
PUBLIC SPACES
PUBLIC SPACE ATRIBUTES
SECTION A-A
Stone planters
RESERVES OF RESILIENCE
This project was located beneath the 6th Street Bridge to connect the communities of Boyle Heights and the Arts District, creating a space where both feel welcome while honoring Boyle Heights’ resilience through adversity. My site desigm was inspired by the constellation of Virgo on the neighborhood’s deep-rooted faith, activism, and cultural
Art and spirituality was a way the Boyle Heights stayed resilidentity, with murals, gathering spaces, and native landscapes fostering connection and expression. Like the LA River flowing nearby, the park embodies resilience, serving as a place for unity and renewal. I was responsible for designing the entrance to the site, crafting a welcoming gateway that sets
