David Witte Portfolio

DAVID WITTE

DAVID WITTE LANDSCAPE URBANISM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FINE ARTS PROFESSIONAL TEACHING EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL

FOUR SEASONS NURSERY AND CONSULTANCY 2015-2020 AECOM 2012–2015 OLIN 2007–2011

TTC CAMPUS MASTERPLAN FOUR SEASONS NURSERY - MALAWI Chiradzulu, Malawi

The Teachers Training College (TTC) masterplan was a project carried out in coordination with UNICEF, Malawi.

The landscape plan for the Teachers Training College (TTC) aims to establish a physical framework for enhancing the outdoor environment of the campus. Through use of both hardscape and softscape strategies the landscape will be transformed from a barren land exposed to wind and scorching sun, to a series of outdoor spaces that encourage interaction, offer opportunities for recreation, increase biodiversity and address the challenges of drainage on site through stormwater capture.

The goal of the proposal is to exemplify the role

of outdoor environments in learning and in teaching and how this can be incorporated into a curriculum and holistic design of school environments.

The tasks carried out in the masterplan included the following:

- Educational Landscapes proposals/strategies

- Architectural pavilion designs

- Planting strategies for the site

- Maintenance plan

- Phasing and costing plan

- Detail drawings for all proposals

- Implementation of strategies in a

demonstration site

SITE CONCEPT

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Forest cover

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PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE (TTC) MASTERPLAN

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Open views

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Vegetation zones

MASTERPLAN

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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APE CONCEPT

landscape inspired by our surroundings

COURTYARDS INSPIRED BY

Malawi Landscapes LAWN VELD LANDSCAPE BUSHLAND WOODLAND COURTYARDS (THEMATIC)

on for rough y Malawi

hat e healing, ture

Grasslands

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Views from Campus

A LINK TO A BEAUTIFUL CONTEXT

Tea estates

Mountains Lake Malawi Miombo Woodland Forest

AINING COLLEGE - LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROPOSAL

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As part of the masterplan, proposals were made for the design of the various courtyards within the campus. A thematic approach was used that took inspiration from the landscapes of Malawi.

Here the courtyard inspired by Lake Malawi is used as an example. The rich imagery and colours of the lake are used to create a stunning courtyard design that students can use for passive recreation.

PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE (TTC) MASTERPLAN

Four Seasons Nursery and Consultancy

Diagram on left showing masterplan with “thematic courtyards” in different colors.

The images show the various landscapes of Malawi chosen for use in the courtyards design. On the right a sample of Malawi images of the lake, precedent images of projects found on the web and finally a 3D rendering proposal for the courtyard.

COURTYARD DESIGN PROPOSAL

Lake Malawi character

Precedent projects

Conceptual proposal

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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SITE PLAN

PRESS TRUST OFFICE COMPLEX WINNING COMPETITION ENTRY Lilongwe, Malawi

PRESS TRUST one of the largest companies in Malawi organised a competition for a new set of office towers in Lilongwe. Joined by a team of local architects, engineers and property developers we collaborated on a design proposal and presented it to a jury. Our team was selected and commended on our approach to sustainability, creating outdoor spaces for users and a modern approach to office towers which contrasted with the bland architecture of downtown Lilongwe.

DRAINAGE PLAN

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PROFESSIONAL PRESS TRUST OFFICE COMPLEX

RENDERINGS

Our proposal focused heavily on sustainability. On the left our drainage diagram showed our strategy for rainwater harvesting and stormwater infiltration using swales and rain gardens. The site plan in the center shows how the buildings create a central open space that can be used by people in the offices for passive recreation.

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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MASTERPLAN

“WILDHEART” LWC MASTERPLAN

ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

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MASTERPLAN 12

FOUR SEASONS NURSERY

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Lilongwe, Malawi

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The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC) is Malawi’s only wildlife rescue centre. It is also one of the most popular tourism destinations in Malawi’s Central Region, and the countries largest environmental facility.

The LWC masterplan is a proposal aiming to address, in a comprehensive plan, the requirements of the various programatic activities on the site. The goal being to create a more structured layout of the wildlife centre, improve connectivity and establish a clear separation between the rescue centre animals and the visitors/tour groups.

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Entrance from Kenyatta road Parking Entrance building

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Botanical gardens

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s numerous school groups about the environment, nimal rescue and welfare. The ish a love for the environment or wildlife at formative ages to for future generations to help ss the conservation of wildlife

oposal aims to thread educa-

KEY STRATEGIES FOR THE MASTERPLAN

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Animal enclosures (Educational tours) Sanctuary

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Education centre

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Clinic

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Parking (Ed centre)

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EDUCATION

VISITOR EXPERIENCE

SUSTAINABILITY

Is the primary focus of the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and is a critical component of the masterplan proposal. All proposals take into consideration their role on improving animal welfare and contributing to the vision and goals of the centre. Improved animal welfare is achieved through the following

The LWC welcomes numerous school groups every year to learn about the environment, conservation and animal rescue and welfare. The goal being to establish a love for the environment and appreciation for wildlife at formative ages to set the foundation for future generations to help promote and address the conservation of wildlife in Malawi.

The masterplan proposal aims to thread educational components throughout the site and use the outdoor environment and all the riches it has to offer as an outdoor classroom waiting to be explored. Some of the ways this is achieved through a few key projects

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is one of the main tourist destinations in Malawi offering visitors a chance to explore a beautiful indigenous forest set along one of the main rivers in Lilongwe. The numerous trails and venues for education and entertainment make it a desirable destination for families and youth as well as school and church groups.

Outdoor green spaces provide numerous benefits to a city and its population and its very important that the masterplan proposal ensures the LWC continues to offer an excellent destination for recreation, education and engagement with nature in a city such as Lilongwe which is lacking in public spaces. This will be achieved through the following projects

Is an overarching theme and strategy for everything that takes place at the LWC and will be a guiding principle throughout all the proposals. The LWC aims to become a centre for environmental sustainability in Malawi and lead by example in their approaches to construction, site planning, drainage, waste management and rehabilitation of ecological areas on the site. All proposals take into account the conservation of the resources on site and diminishing the impact the proposal will have on existing woodland and other resources. The choice of materials for the new architectural interventions will focus on using materials such as rammed earth, Soil Stabilised Blocks and improved air circulation and lighting to diminish the energy requirements of the buildings.

SUSTAINABILITY

Outdoor green spaces provide numerous benefits

proposals take into account the conservation of

• New Education centre designed to better accommodate large groups of school Is an overarching theme and strategy forchildren and other guests. everything that takes place at the LWC and will • aImproved trail network and board-walks be guiding principle throughout all the pro-with interactive educational features athat encourage posals.

The LWC aims to become centre for 12 HEART” LWCsustainability MASTERPLAN engagement with nature and appreciation for numerousPROFESSIONAL trails and venues for education“WILD and environmental in Malawi and lead the amazing giftsapproaches nature has to to construction, offer. entertainment make it a desirable destination for by example in their • Informational signage and management pavilions dotted families and youth as well as school and church site planning, drainage, waste and through theofsite. groups. rehabilitation ecological areas on the site. All

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LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE MASTER PLAN

ANIMAL WELFARE

• Improvements to the enclosures, clinic, quarantine and orphan care • Relocating educational centre across river to diminish interaction between large school groups and rescue centre animals and visitors.

• Redesigning trail system and network to VISITOR EXPERIENCE reduce interactions between public and rescue centre animals.

• Better Wildlife designedCentre visitorsishub entry building Lilongwe one and of the main to ensure only LWC members or paying guests tourist destinations in Malawi offering visitors a can to access the trails, sanctuary animals and chance explore a beautiful indigenous forest other facilities the LWC. set along one of theofmain rivers in Lilongwe. The

Sanctuary Pedestrian bridge

Pedestrian bridge Volunteer village Quarantine

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ERPLAN

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PROGRAM

• Improved trails and picnic/rest areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable walking experience through the site.

• Variety of trail networks that provide numerous programmatic opportunities such as interactive educational components, biking, exercise, fitness, and accessibility even during flooding events.

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Entrance from Youth drive

EDUCATION STRATEGY Education is a very important component of the masterplan proposal and is not limited to just the education centre. A holistic approach for site considers nature and the outdoors spaces as classrooms with just as much potential for teaching as the buildings. Pavilions located throughout the trails will offer interactive educational opportunities for both children and adults. The trail system will connect the education centre to the sanctuary and the educational board-walk creating a large educational zone with space to expand the opportunities for engaging students with their outdoors. The goal is to establish a love for nature and appreciation for its beauty and the gifts. Visitors and especially children are encouraged to see the value in nature and why efforts to conserve it are worth their while.

CIRCULATION

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Entrance from Youth drive Parking within existing trees Educational centre Educational trails

EDUCATION ZONE

Educational pavilion with lookout tower Pedestrian bridge River crossing over rocks (only in dry season) Main trail Educational pavilion with interactive learning Entrance to Sanctuary (start of guided tour)

Learning in nature can take many shapes and forms through observation, team activities and guided tours

DETAIL PLAN DRAWING

BOTANIC GARDEN

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PROJECTS VISITOR HUB ADVENTURE BOARDWALK

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Structures designed into boardwalks

Wetland will provide habitat for birds

Clerodendrum cats wiskers

BOTANICAL GARDENS AND ARBORETUM

Birdwatching as educational activity

Boardwalk through wetland and forest will allow close engagement with nature

Area to be restored to wetland

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Boardwalk will incorporate play elements to make more engaging

Indigenous jasmine

LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE MASTER PLAN

PROJECTS

ANALYSIS

VISITOR HUB

Indigenous flower along trail

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The area currently used as a picnic gathering area is being transformed into a thriving botanic garden full of indigenous woodland species that thrive in the heavy shade environments of an indigenous forest. Pathways and seating areas are proposed to allow visitors to sit within the planting areas and study closely the various vegetation the see around them. Pavilions will be placed strategically through the garden with information on the LWT and the LWC, marketing the various programs they do and who the sponsor are as well as futures interventions underway.

This will be a lovely space with clearly marked paths and edging to keep planting contained and pathways clear. The main trail will cut through the botanic garden making a beautiful first impression of the site as they walk through the large trees and ground-cover planting. It could be reminiscent of the woodland gardens at the Kirstenbosch botanic garden shown in the attached images.

This is a great educational space as well, allowing visitors to learn to appreciate the beauty and functions of indigenous species and ensure they are valued and cared for in the future.

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The biodiversity boardwalk is a proposal that aims to ‘re-wild’ the existing playground area into a wetland and indigenous forest, creating an ideal habitat for birds and other wildlife. An elevated boardwalk will allow for exploration of this new environment while diminishing the impact on the vegetation and habitat. Additionally the raised boardwalk will limit the impact floods have on the usability of the space. The boardwalk will be engaging and fun for kids with play structures incorporated within the design.

The existing large wooden play structure will remain and become a lookout tower, rest area and jungle gym. Additional structures at various locations A path through the forest garden - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, SA along the boardwalk will serve as rest areas, bird watching shelters or lookout towers. The material will be either treated timber or recycled plastic in order to ensure maximum durability and resistance to termites.

This will be an exciting new addition to the visitor’s hub, which will be a key component in the educational strategy for the site. Visitors including children will learn about the biodiversity of the river, wetlands and forest and how these areas work together each with its own contribution to the survival of birds, insects and other wildlife that are so important to the healthy ecosystem of a riverine landscape.

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A path through the forest garden - Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, SA

SITE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

PROJECTS THE VISITOR HUB

ENLARGEMENT PLAN OF ENTRANCE

Project:

Client : LILONGWE WILDLIFE TRUST P.O. BOX 1464 LILONGWE. KENYATTA DRIVE, MALAWI

69 Designed by

Drawing

DETAIL DESIGN OF RAINGARDEN PROPOSED ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE

SITE PLAN

General notes

Drawing No.

Architect A. Parisotto, D. Witte

VC002

Drawn by D. Witte

Date

  

28/10/2019

All dimensions to be checked on site All dimensions are in millimetres Clean the site after construction

Scale 1/175

Adventure Board walk

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SECTION A-A

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150 300

Botanic Garden

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150 300

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SECTION A-A

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SECTION C-C

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Image above shows example of domed drain cover. Alternative is to use grate drain as shown in image to the right.

SECTION C-C Image above shows example of domed drain cover. Alternative is to use grate drain

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LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE MASTER PLAN

DAVID WITTE as shown in imagePORTFOLIO to the right.

Client :

Project:

Drawing

LILONGWE WILDLIFE TRUST

PROPOSED ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE

SECTION DETAIL AND PRECEDENT

Designed by

Drawing No.

Architect A. Parisotto, D. Witte

VC003

Drawn by D. Witte

Date

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General notes

 

All dimensions to be checked on site All dimensions are in millimetres

AL WAKRAH STADIUM FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 LANDSCAPE PLAN AECOM - LONDON Al Wakrah, Qatar

The Al Wakrah landscape proposal takes inspiration from the the wind swept dunes, wadis and sheltered gardens of Qatar. The arisings from the construction of the stadium designed by Zaha Hadid Architects are used to create a mound or podium on which the stadium sits.

Scallops are cut from the mound resulting in sheltered landscapes which provide a green contrast to the landscape of the podium.

The landscape design had to take into account several stages of use. Base build or permanent landscape which will remain throughout the games and into the legacy phase. Tournament phase in which the precinct will need to accommodate numerous venues as well as circulation for thousands of spectators. The final legacy stage will provide an enduring landscape that can be enjoyed for decades to come.

Rendered birds eye view, plan and sketches of the concept showing the inspiration from the landscapes of Qatar.

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PROFESSIONAL AL WAKRAH 2022 WORLD CUP STADIUM

SITE PLAN

CONCEPT

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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The scallops or sheltered gardens played an important role in addressing the programatic requirements of the landscape. Each Scallop took on a different character based on its location and proximity to surrounding site elements. The North Scallop was a dynamic anchor between the streetscape of the mosque to the north and the community market, it was a more active space including playground for children, an pavilion to accommodate refreshments. The Southern Scallop was more passive and the proposed location of a small arboretum and “nature walk�. The Western Scallop was focused on accommodating the running track and practice field. Much of the adjacent landscape focused on shade and circulation to and from the stadium and sheltering the seating areas to observe the track and field activities.

Renderings showing the character of the scallop gardens. As project manager my role was to select the views and provide guidance and review of the renderings being completed.

16 PROFESSIONAL AL WAKRAH 2022 WORLD CUP STADIUM

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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RIO 2016 OLYMPICS LANDSCAPE PLAN AECOM - LONDON Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Taking inspiration from Rio de Janeiro’s dramatic landscape as well as rich cultural history, the design for the Rio 2016 Olympics Park uses a main curving corridor which playfully engages the various sports stadiums and meets the requirements for circulation and accessibility.

Taking advantage of the rich tropical planting palette of Brazil the landscape design uses mass plantings to reference the colourful energy of the carnival and its party atmosphere.

The site culminates in a large circular lawn which provides access to the coastline and viewing points to the various aquatic sport venues. A strong component of the design was the legacy of the project and its sustainability. Plantings along the coastline will help restore habitats and filter the water. The planting palette and trees on site were selected in a way that provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Renderings developed for the Design Development document submited to the Rio 2016 planning committe.

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PROFESSIONAL

RIO 2016 OLYMPIC PARK

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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WASHINGTON CANAL PARK OLIN - PHILADELPHIA Washington DC, USA

Canal park in Washington D.C. is situated in a growing residential district. The park will become a new and innovative social nexus for Washington D.C. adjacent to the Anacostia riverfront. Once a 3 block stretch of the Washington Canal System. The design evokes the history of space through the use of a linear rain garden and a series of pavilions reminiscent of floating barges that were once common in the canal. Each block is treated in a unique way, addressing the various programmatic elements of the park. Ranging from an interactive fountain, to a restaurant pavilion and a children’s play area.

The clients desire to a create a zero energy park is achieved through design elements which demonstrate modern sustainable strategies and educate the community on environmental challenges and solutions.

Existing image of fountain showing the dynamic space created by the fountain, seating bench and the architecture pavilion. The site plan on the right shows the three blocks of the park, each with a distinct character. The plan on lower right shows the transformation of the park during winter with a loop ice rink.

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PROFESSIONAL WASHINGTON CANAL PARK

SITE PLAN

ICE SKATING RINK

Photo credit: © STUDIOS ARCHITECTS / Bruce Damonte

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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The rain garden runs the entire length of the park and transitions from a Woodland condition on the north to a wetland condition on the south.

The rain garden functions as a stormwater collection basin, which filters and directs the water to an underground storage tank. Rainwater will also be collected from the roofs of future adjacent buildings, fulfilling the majority of the park’s irrigation demands.

The successional planting and variation in the edge condition of the garden, provide variety of environments for the user to enjoy and interact with rain garden. In the middle block a large fountain with a long still plane of water passes under the pavilion and spills down into a smaller pool. This was designed to mimic the locks of a canal as they open and allow water to fill a lower level.

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Top image: Rendered section of the canal showing its natural character and function as rain garden for the park.

Centre image: Diagram and images representing the changing character of the canal from a more wooded natural character to a more ornamental colorful landscape near the pavilion.

ECALP DN2

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PROFESSIONAL WASHINGTON CANAL PARK

ACTIVE

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Lower Image: The character of each block of the park also changes from pasive to active. The northern block (left most block) is mostly passive with the southern block (right) being mostly active, with a water feature, cafe and interactive bench.

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As a way to accentuate the dynamic active character of the park a custom bench was designed that tied into the flowing undulating concept for the canal. The bench provides seating options at various heights but also funcitons as a fun climbing element for children.

Photo credit: Š OLIN / Sahar Coston-Hardy

Perspective by Chris Landau - My role was to provided guidance to meet design intent

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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DILWORTH PLAZA OLIN - PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, USA

Located at the foot of Philadelphia City Hall.

Dilworth Plaza is a story of transformation, from an unused inaccessible eyesore in the city, to an award winning public space that is accessible to all and has become one of the most popular public spaces in the city.

This complex site, sits atop the junction of various underground tram and subway lines which converge at the plaza. Two beautiful curving architectural pavilions designed by Kieran Timberlake provide access to the tram hub below. The park provides amenities such as an interactive fountain, Pulse art installation by Janet Echleman, a cafe and numerous seating opportunities.

During the winter the fountain is transformed into an ice rink and numerous market stalls create a popular Christmas village.

Awards for this project include: 2020, ASLA Award of Excellence Urban Design 2016, Chicago Athenaeum Green Design Award 2015, AIA Philadelphia Gold Metal 2012, AIA Pennsylvania Chapter, Honor Award

for Regional and Urban Design 2011, AIA Philadelphia Silver Award for Design.

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PROFESSIONAL DILWORTH PLAZA

SITE PLAN Left: Image of the Park showing the context of the surounding city of Philadelphia, the dynamic waterfeature and, pavilions and accessible nature of the park.

Above: the plan rendereing of the park showing the colorful lines of Janet Echlemans Pulse instalation.

Right: Janet Echlemans Pulse art insallation, uses fog and light to highlight the passing trains under the plaza.

Photo credit: Jeff Fusco Photo credit: Š James Ewing Photography

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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CENTER CITY DISTR

660 CHESTNUT STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 215-550-5500 PHONE: 215-922-7672 FAX:

CIVIL ENGINEER

URBAN ENGINEERS

530 WALNUT STREET, 14TH PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 215-922-8080 PHONE: 215-922-8082 FAX:

ARCHITECT

420 NORTH 20TH STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130 PHONE: 215-922-6600 FAX: 215-922-4680

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

OLIN

PUBLIC LEDGER BUILDING, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 PHONE: 215-440-0030 FAX: 215-440-0041

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

CVM STRUCTURAL

PLANTING PLAN

Photo credit: © James Ewing Photography

Photo credit: © OLIN / Sahar Coston-Hardy

PO BOX 398 440 CRESSON BLVD OAKS, PA 19456 PHONE: 610-989-3800 FAX: 610-989-3677

GLASS ENGINEER

DEWHURST MACFA

45 EAST 20TH ST - 6TH FLO NEW YORK, NY 10003 PHONE: 212-375-1600 FAX: 212-923-8272

MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, E

MARVIN WAXMAN

530 WALNUT STREET, 11TH PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 PHONE: 215-923-8270 FAX: 215-923-8272

FOOD SERVICE CONSULTAN

RICCA NEWMARK D

5325 SOUTH VALENTIA WAY GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO PHONE: 303-221-0500 FAX: 303-221-0600

LIGHTING CONSULTANT

ARUP

155 AVENUE OF THE AMERI NEW YORK, NY 10013 PHONE: 212-229-2669 FAX: 212-229-1056

FOUNTAIN CONSULTANT

CMS COLLABORAT

1100 WATER STREET, 2C SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062 PHONE: 831-425-3743 FAX: 831-429-8143

IRRIGATION CONSULTANT

LYNCH AND ASSO

236 SEVERN DRIVE ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 PHONE: 301-572-7674 FAX: 410-224-5640

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PROFESSIONAL DILWORTH PLAZA

PHILADELPHIA CITY

DILWOR

Dilworth Park was designed as refuge from the hustle of city life. What was once a barren concrete plaza, now provides large open lawn spaces for sitting shaded seating areas and plantings that screen visitors from the busy traffic around the plaza. The park elements were designed for their resiliency and comfort.

Custom design granite benches were used throughout the park as both seating elements but also beautiful architectural features that compliment the character of the park.

DESIGN DETAILS

Far left: Images of the planting character of the park. The plan drawing shows the sweeping planting scheme developed during construction documentation.

Above: Detail drawings of the granite benches used throughout the site.

Left: Retaininig wall of elevated lawn with the rounded granite seat top.

Photo credit: Š James Ewing Photography

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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JACKSON FORK RANCH OLIN - PHILADELPHIA Jackson WI, USA

JFK Ranch is located near Jackson Hole Wyoming, in the Hoback River Valley. The site is approximately 6 miles in length and 0.21 miles in width creating a narrow linear condition which has been cleared of vegetation for the expansion of a Bison operation on site.

The client requested a master plan for the site which would address his love for nature and wildlife as well as the siting of a new entrance drive to his house, a new lodge and a horse barn and ridding rink for his Percheron horses. In addition to this he requested for us to focus on a circulation system of trails that would allow for horse back ridding, biking, running and hiking, in order to enhance the experiences on site.

Our masterplan focused on achieving two goals. The clients programatic requirements as well as restoring natural corridors through the site that would facilitate wildlife crossings, as well as enhance the ecology of the site. By studying the topography of the site and regional wildlife migration patterns we identified the key likely crossing points for wildlife and proposed a planting strategy to aid in reforesting these areas.

TOPOGRAPHY AND MIGRATION ROUTES

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PROFESSIONAL JACKSON FORK RANCH

Perspective by Judy Venonsky - My role was to provide guidance to meet design intent

Section drawn in collaboration with Judy Venonsky

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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PROFESSIONAL JACKSON FORK RANCH

A lot of our energy was focused on the planting strategies for the Wildlife corridors. Cost constraints and limitations on the availability of plant material in the area did not allow for the proposal of a mass planting of trees. We instead took an approach that focused on the use of patches of caliper trees, saplings and void areas as a planting strategies for each species.

Conifers which have a relative slow growth rate were planted in greater percentages of caliper trees and low percentage of saplings and void areas. Aspen with a faster growth rate and high biodiversity in their understory were planted in greater quantities on site and used a higher percentage of sapling plantings.

Cottonwoods were planted within the wetland and riparian habitats. To minimize disturbance in these areas a high percentage of void areas and saplings were used. The stages for these various strategies were studied in a 5 year, 7.5 year and 15 year time period.

7.5 YEARS

Far left: Masterplan of site showing all programatic elements requested by client as well as the natural corridors which facilitate wildlife crossings.

An enlargement study of one of the corridors shows how a transitional planting strategy can help restore hte wooded character of the site in these crossings.

Above: Diagram of trail system and rendering of a boardwalk trail.

DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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TEACHING ECUADOR - SERVICE LEARNING COURSE 2004–2016 UNL (UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN)

DESIGNCOMMUNITY ITERATIONSMEETINGS COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND DESIGN WORKSHOP

EDEN PARK UNL - SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT Galapagos, Ecuador

A community led effort to save the cities green spaces led to a collaboration between UNL students and the community to develop a proposal for a park. Through various community meetings and design workshops the students developed a proposal for a park which was then implemented by the community and has spearheaded a community wide effort to enhance other green spaces in the city.

This project won a 2014 MERIT award from ASLA.

COMMUNITY VISION COMMUNITY VISION

EDEN PARK PLAN

Photo credit: © UNL/ Kim Wilson

SITE PLAN

2014 Central 2014States Central ASLA States Awards ASLA Awards

I-S Design I-S(Built) Design (Built)

Regeneración Regeneración del Parquedel Eden: Parque Inspiring Eden:an Inspiring Island Community an Island Community DESIGN DESIGNWITH WITHSIMPLICITY 01 The park was designed in order to accomodate the desired components identified by the 07 community while remaining sensitive to feasible construction methods.

SIMPLICITY

01 Park Entry 02 Central Boardwalk

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03 Bathroom & Shade Pavillion

THINK LOCAL

04 Picnic Plaza

02 materiality. west of continental Ecuador, we emphasized the importance of vernacular

05 Childrens Play Court

CALLE FRAGATA

THINK Identified as theLOCAL center of Galápagos conservation13efforts and being located 575 miles

ENGAGE COMMUNITIES ENGAGE COMMUNITY

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The success of this project lies in the reciprocity encouraged through an iterative 08 community process that provoked action within the island community in Puerto Ayora.

FOSTER SAFETY FOSTER

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SAFETY

The parents within the community emphasized importance of safety and suggested the increase of shaded seating overlooking the children’s play areas.

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CHANGE

The reciprocity encouraged through the participative community process has inspired and motivated a community-wide campaign to preserve local green spaces.

2014 Central States ASLA Awards 34 TEACHING EDEN PARK

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Regeneración del Parque Eden: Inspiring an Island Community

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09 Improved Sports Court 10 Bike Parking & Seat Wall 11 Shaded Bleachers

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CALLE(Built) MARCHENA I-S Design

07 Childrens Playground 08 Intermittent Canopy Structure

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06 Red Play Wall

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CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTRUCTION OFEDEN EDENPARK PARK

2014 Central ASLA Awards I-S Design (Built) PHASE ONE COMPLETION - /COMMUNITY PHASE ONEStates COMPLETION COMMUNITYCELEBRATION CELEBRATION Regeneraciรณn del Parque Eden: Inspiring an Island Community

Photo credits (all images above): Elisa Moran (Regeneracion Parque Eden FB Page)

2014 Central States ASLA Awards

Regeneraciรณn del Parque Eden: Inspiring an Island Community

I-S Design (Built) DAVID WITTE PORTFOLIO

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SAN MIGUEL UNL - SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT Esmeraldas, Ecuador

A small community in the North West of Ecuador in a region called Esmeraldas. The community faces many challenges due to its isolation and lack of job opportunities for its growing community. Students were involved in surveying the site and using the Base Plan for the development of a master plan for their future growth. We worked alongside the community to find economic opportunities in Eco Tourism and food production that could serve surrounding communities as well as outside investors.

Above: Image of San Miguel Community looking down on main square.

Centre: Perspective of proposed improvements to main square including new stepped retaining wall to allow for seating during soccer games and other events.

Right: Plan for the community showing existing and proposed buildings.

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TEACHING SAN MIGUEL - UNL SERVICE LEARNING

MASTERPLAN

Eco Tourism Hotel

Proposed Steps (Perspective)

Proposed School

Existing Buildings Proposed Buildings

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EDUCATION

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION 2011– 2012 PURDUE UNIVERSITY 1999– 2007

WEAVE: RETHINKING THE URBAN SURFACE ARCHITECTURE ASSOCIATION THESIS Mentougou, China

WEAVE sets as its framework China’s economic boom and migration from the countryside which is boosting a high-speed urbanism that produces new cities in the shortest imaginable time, changing the faces of older towns.

YO

Our course brief was based on China’s ambition to build 400 new cities by the year 2020. Our test

GD IN

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bed is the growing sprawl of Beijing as capital of an emerging global superpower. The specific site is Mentougou, one of the six inner suburbs of western hills.

Our proposal imagines a new public realm of and demand for food production. This “second skin” is a new productive socio-economic surface which incorporates rooftop greenhouses and interconnect with the existing fabric.

L VAL

public spaces to weave through the city and

wine process

TING EXIS

the city as a means to solve the rapid expansion

EY

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EDUCATION WEAVE: RETHINKING THE URBAN SURFACE

R IVE G R

Beijing located in the mountainous terrain of its

MASTERPLAN

LAYERS

wine process

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Right: Diagram showing layout of the new urban surface. The various colors represent the levels and stages of the surface above the city.

Central image: Concept rendering of the new urban surface overlayed on the city of Manhattan.

Far Right: Diagram showing the transition from land based agriculture to rooftop agriculture, and eventually to our new urban surface.

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UPPER LEVEL

CIRCULATION

UPPER LEVEL TRANSITION LEVEL GROUND LEVEL

HOVER OVER EX. ROOFS COLUMNS

STEP DOWN

BRIDGE CONNECTION

ATTACH TO EX. ROOFS

ENGAGE EXISTING MARKET

SETBACK

BRIDGE OVER ROAD

STEP DOWN

VILLAGE

75% COVER

0% COVER

(INTERACT)

COLUMNS

ENGAGE EXISTING MARKET

SETBACK

INDUSTRY

VILLAGE

75% COVER

0% COVER

NEW PROGRAM CONNECTS WITH LOWER LEVEL

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SETBACK ROOFTOP GREENHOUSE

5% COVER

MARKET

MAIN STREET

EDUCATION

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

100% COVER

5% COVER

25% COVER

50% COVER

25-50% COVER

(BRIDGE)

(ENGAGE)

NEW PROGRAM

STEP DOWN STEP UP ENGAGE VACANCIES

ROOFTOP STRUCTURE

ROOFTOP STRUCTURE COVERS PORTION OF ROAD

STEP UP

(STEP UP/DOWN)

(INFILTRATE)

EDUCATION WEAVE – RETHINKING THE URBAN SURFACE COLUMNS

(BRIDGE)

STEP DOWN

NEW PROGRAM

(ATTACH)

(STEP DOWN)

100% COVER

ENGAGE VACANCIES BRIDGE OVER ROAD

STEP DOWN NEW PROGRAM

MAIN STREET

STEP DOWN STEP UP

COLUMNS

STEP DOWN

BRIDGE CONNECTION

ATTACH TO EX. ROOFS

NEW PROGRAM

MARKET (ATTACH)

(STEP DOWN)

NEW PROGRAM

HOVER OVER EX. ROOFS

(INTERACT)

NEW PROGRAM

INDUSTRY

ENGAGEMENT WITH EXISTING

SECONDARY STREET (COVER)

40% COVER

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SURFACE AGRICULTURE

ROOFTOP AGRICULTURE

EDUCATIONAL FACILITY

COMMUNITY CENTRE

AGRICULTURE (GREENHOUSE)

NEW URBAN SURFACE “SECOND SKIN”

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193 PURDUE UNIVERSITY Indiana, USA

My senior thesis exhibition for ceramics titled “193” involved a years worth of work and was inspired by the barrios of Caracas in my country of birth, Venezuela. I built 193 ceramic boxes which was equivalent to one box per country in the world. These boxes were built to represent the homes clinging to the hillsides in the barrios, but also had a deeper meaning to them. I used geometrical shapes to represent the relationship of individuals within families living in these conditions. In many instances children are sent to work in the streets and begin to function as the support for the family, this is represented by having smaller shapes structurally supporting the remaining shapes in a box. In most cases a variety of shapes are within a box as is typical with having numerous families sharing common quarters. As part of the exhibition I built a structure representing a “rancho” and hung the boxes on the walls.

The texture formed by the boxes starts reading as a unit and makes us overlook the individual characteristics of each box.

Which is unfortunately a characteristic of our description of poverty.

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EDUCATION 193 – SENIOR ART EXHIBITION

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Clockwise from left to right Concept Sketches of Structure Interior of Structure showing bed, metal and wood walls and poster washed walls.

Outside wall of Structure showing entrance door and wall of boxes.

Front View of Structure showing walls covered in boxes and dividing white Gallery wall with Prints.

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EDUCATION 193 – SENIOR ART EXHIBITION

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SECTION NAME

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