Portfolio 2025

PORTFOLIO IVAN KEATH

CONTENT

01 LUGGING LUMBER

Reimagining Brownfield Sites

02 GREENING A METROPOLIS

Exploring Relationships between Plants & Urbanism

03 YUCCA CREST

Interpretive Design on Cahuilla Land

01 LUGGING LUMBER

Reimagining Brownfield Sites

Location: San Pedro, California Date: Fall 2024 Catagory: Studio Project Type: Urban Design, Urban Renewal Collaboration: Miguel Auntre Olalia

The Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) - San Pedro facility was established in 1942 in response to the post-Pearl Harbor incident.

As part of a network of ‘Tank Farms’ deployed by the U.S. Navy across Southern California, these facilities enabled rapid refueling operations. However, the surplus of fuel infrastructure has since resulted in neglected sites, contributing to significant environmental contamination. This project explores landscape interventions aimed at remediating the polluted site and restoring ecological balance.

1

2

URBAN CONTEXT: A WOODEN CITY After World War II, a real estate boom led to the widespread use of Redwood as an allpurpose building material. The first half of the 20th century saw the heaviest logging of Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). By 1978, San Pedro had become the primary gateway for lumber entering the Port of Los Angeles, supplying materials for structures across Southern California. While homes and buildings constructed before 1968 predominantly featured Redwood, the majority built afterward utilized alternative wood types.

SHIP Safe and efficient way of transporting large amounts of lumber across oceans.

TRAIN For transporting lumber over long distances is via Class 1 Freight Rail Lines.

TRUCK Most common way to transport lumber domestically.

Houses Constructed before 1960

Truck Route to Distribution Center

Home Depot Distribution Center

Truck Route to Retail Stores

Home Depot Retail Stores

Ship Route (Redwood, Fir)

Class 1 Freight Rail Line

Ship Route (Pine)

3

SITE: SAN PEDRO The (DFSP) - San Pedro tank farm facility was established here.

4

THE HOME DEPOT The world’s largest home improvement retailer, with lumber being its top-selling product.

They supply materials for projects ranging from small home improvements to large-scale contractor developments.

SITE CONTEXT: HAZARDOUS LAND DEFENSE FUEL SUPPORT POINT - SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA

San Pedro Site

600 ft

5

NEIGHBORING CITIES

ISSUE

Fuel Extraction

Faulty Fuel Tank

Contaminated Soil

SAN PEDRO WILMINGTON

Leaking Fuel

HARBOR CITY RANCHO PALOS VERDES

LAND USE

Ecological Harm

INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

Health Risk

Endangered Wildlife

The DFSP is now a brownfield site, remaining dormant and negatively impacting the surrounding residents and environment. However, this land holds significant potential for redevelopment that could benefit both the community and the ecosystem.

6

STRATEGY: PHYTOREMEDIATION PHYTOREMEDIATION PROCESS Populus tomentosa

Chinese White Poplar Morus alba

White Mulberry

As the trees grow, their roots absorb contaminants from the soil and store them. These trees have deep roots and grow quickly, making them perfect for cleaning up contaminated soil.

Roots pulling up contaminants from the soil

PHASING PLAN (3O YEARS) PHASE 1

Subsoiling compacted soil for optimal root growth.

PHASE 2

Introduce Mulberry Silkworms and Mulberry Trees to aid in soil fertilization.

Allow time for soil fertilization and tree growth.

7

Introduce Poplar trees to accelerate the remediation process.

MULBERRY SILKWORM REMEDIATION PROCESS

Droppings

Mulberry Silkworm

Mulberry Leaf

PHASE 3

Assess tree health and conduct soil testing to monitor remediation progress.

The mulberry silkworm feeds on mulberry leaves, and its body breaks down contaminants during digestion. The excreted droppings act as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and creating a nutrient-rich environment for plants.

PHASE 4

Harvest mature trees to utilize their resources.

Process harvested logs into lumber.

8

Utilize processed lumber in the construction of on-site structures.

FOREST GROWTH PROGRESSION YEAR 0

YEAR 5

YEAR 10

YEAR 15

YEAR 20

YEAR 25

YEAR 30

LEGEND: Forest Development

Fuel Extraction Point

9

The extraction sites, where underground fuel tanks are stored, are the most contaminated areas.

This makes them the most optimal starting point for the phasing plan. Over time, the forest gradually expands from these points, eventually covering the entire area.

Model was constructed with my partner Miguel

Model demonstrating site growth over 30 years 10

This sawmill aims to redefine the industrial typology in San Pedro, embracing a more sustainable and restorative approach This rendering envisions how new infrastructure could emerge following the 30-year phasing plan.

The 3D model was created with Miguel, I was responsible for the rendering.

11

SITE FUNCTION:

HARVESTED LOGS

LOG STORAGE

SAWMILL

SHIPMENT

The logs harvested from phytoremediated trees are transported to the site for storage.

Harvested logs are stored under solar panel shade structures and prepared for processing.

The logs are processed, and the lumber is distributed to designated areas for further processing or shipment.

Lumber & lumber products are prepared for distribution to customers.

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES:

LANDSCAPE MECHANISMS:

HOMEWARE Manufactures furniture, home goods, etc.

STATIONARY Manufactures office supplies, utensils, etc.

SALT SPRAY BUFFER Coast live oaks, large and salt-tolerant, will buffer salt spray and protect wooden structures.

CONVEYOR Transports lumber & products throughout site.

SAWMILL Process logs into lumber.

12

SOLAR PANEL STORAGE Provides shade for the logs and generates power for the site.

02 GREENING A METROPOLIS Exploring Relationships between Plants & Urbanism

Location: Chinatown, Singapore Year: Summer 2024 Category: Dangermond Research Fellowship Type: Research Collaboration: Individual

This research was self-guided and funded by the Dangermond Research Fellowship. During my time in Singapore, I attended a lecture by Joshua Comaroff, where he explored various urban typologies in the city. His discussion on the heat-island effect in Chinatown piqued my interest and sparked the direction of my research. Through intensive mapping and site analysis, I was able to identify the root causes of the heat-island effect.

These findings informed my understanding of potential mitigation methods.

13

14

URBAN CONTEXT

The primary contributor to the heat-island effect in C proximity to the Central Business District. As future continues, the heat is likely to worsen due to infrast wind flow from the Singapore Strait and the reduction the area.

15

Chinatown is its development tructure obstructing of green spaces in

LAND USE % (PAST 10 YEARS) 80% 77.897%

74.124%

70% 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 POPULATION (PAST 10 YEARS) 6 MIL

5,649,880

5,182,240

5 MIL 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

LEGEND: CHINATOWN CENTRAL BUSSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

16

1000 FT

ISSUE: URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The dark terracotta roofs that reach high temperatures due to solar radiation.

The surrounding buildings reflect the heat onto Chinatown.

The abundance AC systems cause anthropogenic heat accumulation.

CHINATOWN

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (

17

(CBD)

The metal and glass surfaces of buildings absorb the sun’s heat.

The cooling wind is blocked by high-rise buildings.

Cool coastal winds flow from the Singapore Strait into the to the CBD.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

18

MAPPING PUBLIC TRANSIT BUS STOP

MRT STATION

LEGEND: MRT

BUS

Shophouses

East-West Line

Vegetation

Thomoson-East Coast Line

MRT Stations

North East Line

Major Roads

Downtown Line

400 ft

MITIGATION STRATEGY The unfortunate conclusion of this research is that there is no drastic solution to completely halt the urban heat island effect unless urban development ceases. However, strategically implementing vegetation can help mitigate its impact by cooling the ambient temperature around bus stops and MRT stations. By altering the material that intakes sunlight, surface temperatures can be significantly lowered. The landscape systems belows are techniques that can be used to green Chinatown.

VERTICAL PLANTERS

MODULAR GREEN ROOF Vegetation + Growing Medium

Filter Fabric + Drainage Panel

TRELLIS Water Storage

Interlocking System

20

03 YUCCA CREST

Interpretive Design on Cahuilla Land

Location: Mountain Center, California Date: Spring 2024 Category: Studio Project Type: Ecological Design, Planting Design Collaboration: Individual

Camp Scherman, nestled in Mountain Center, California, has long been a landscape of memory, fostering deep connections across generations. For those who have lived, visited, or explored its terrain, the land holds a profound, almost familial significance.

Originally home to the Cahuilla people, it sustained their livelihoods and cultural traditions for centuries. Their enduring bond with the landscape tells a story that deserves recognition and integration into contemporary design practices. Now serving the Girl Scouts of Orange County, this project seeks to honor the land’s sacred history while educating future generations on its cultural significance.

21

22

PLANT STUDY LEFT The Chaparral Yucca was chosen as the inspiration for a unique Girl Scouts program. This plant was essential to the Cahuilla people, offering numerous practical uses. Its leaves were processed and braided into strong, durable ropes, showcasing the resourcefulness and ingenuity of indigenous traditions.

23

BOTTOM This bracelet and necklace were crafted using traditional methods, providing a hands-on program for the Girl Scouts.

Through this activity, they can engage with the land while learning about the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Cahuilla people.

YUCCA BRAIDING PROCESS 1

2

3

A blunt object, such as a stone, can be used to break apart plant fibers.

A sharp object, such as an arrowhead, can be used to scrape off excess plant material.

The fibers are then braided to enhance their strength and durability.

1

2 3 24

SITE PLAN

D D

C

B D

A

D D

0 2 8

A

B

YUCCA BRAIDING LEARNING CIRCLE This program teaches the traditional technique of processing and braiding yucca leaves.

C

16’

STAINED GLASS These stained glass pieces symbolize the four Cahuilla colors: red, yellow, blue, and black.

D

CORTEN MURAL This mural illustrates the step-bystep process of preparing yucca leaves for braiding.

25

CAMPING SPACE The design integrates the Yucca braiding program while maintaining the existing Girl Scouts’ camping program.

PERSPECTIVES

26

EXISTING TRAI

L

EXISTING GRASS

EXISTING GRASS

YUC

CER FLO CER MIC

EX

3%

LES LNO MUH RIG MUH RIG YUC WHI

A B

DAT WRI YUC WHI ERI FAS ENC FAR

3%

QUE CHR

CER FLO CER MIC '

50

16

'

51

16

EXIST

EXISTING GRASS

'

1652

YUC WHI MUH RIG MUH RIG LES LNO '

1651

PLANTING PLAN 1/8" = 1' - 0" 27

PLANT SCHEDULE

TREES 1653'

SYMBOL

CODE

BOTANICAL/ COMMON NAME

CONTAINER

SIZE

QTY

CER FLO

CERCIDIUM FLORIDUM / BLUE PALO VERDE

BOX

24"

29

CER MIC

CERCIDIUM MICROPHYLLUM / LITTLE LEAF PALO VERDE

BOX

24"

12

BOX

48"

1

CONTAINER

SIZE

QTY

POT

5 gal.

22

POT

3 gal.

11

C WHI QUE CHR QUERCUS CHRYSOLEPIS / CANYON LIVE OAK

1652'

SHRUBS SYMBOL

CODE

BOTANICAL/ COMMON NAME

DAT WRI

DATURA WRIGHTII / SACRED DATURA

XIS TIN G

ENC FAR ENCELIA FARINOSA / BRITTLEBUSH

AIL

TR EXISTING GRASS

ERI FAS

ERIOGONUM FASCICULATUM / CALIFORNIA BUCKWHEAT

POT

2 gal.

12

LES LNO

LESSINGIA FILAGINIFOLIA / CALIFORNIA ASTER

POT

5 gal.

66

MUH RIG

MUHLENBERGIA RIGENS / DEER GRASS

POT

3 gal.

78

YUC WHI

YUCCA WHIPPLEI / CHAPPARAL YUCCA

POT

2 gal.

67

PAVING SCHEDULE SYMBOL

CODE

PAVING TYPE

A

CONCRETE

B

STONE

C

EXISITING GRASS

HYDROZONES

O C

ZONES CODE PLANT WATER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TING GRASS

LOW VERY LOW LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM VERY LOW LOW

PLANT FACTOR (PF)

IRRIGATION TYPE (IE)

IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY (IE)

0.2

SPRAY

0.75

0.05

DRIP

0.81

913

0.2

DRIP

0.81

225

0.5

DRIP

0.81

315

0.5

DRIP

0.81

747

46 45 158 374

0.1

SPRAY

0.75

8,589

859

0.2

DRIP

0.81

79

16

HYDROZONE AREA (HA) 1,590

(PF)(HA) 318

No Special Landscape Area ETo = 55.1

TOTAL

ETWU =

(

(55.1)(0.62) (1,177)+ (639) (0.75) (0.81) MAWA = (55.1)(0.62)(0.45)(12,458)

0 2 4

8'

16'

HYDROZONES 1" = 30' 28

0

15

)

76,590

191,516

30'

Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii)

California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)

29

Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis)

Chaparra (Hesper whipp

al Yucca royucca plei)

Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens)

California Aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia)

Little Leaf Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla)

Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida)

0

30

10

20’

THANK YOU

ikeath@cpp.edu