• Major Excursions: Tivoli, Via Francigena, Pilgrimage Trail, Campania Field Trip, Aqueduct Archaeological Park
08 Landscape Architect Intern
• Land F/x
• Civil 3D
• Standard Details
Introduction
I am Kiet Nguyen, a fourth-year Landscape Architecture student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a minor in Community and Regional Planning. My passion lies in designing spaces that strengthen connections between people, nature, and the built environment. I strive to create landscapes that are visually compelling while being socially and environmentally responsible.
My work explores the intersection of ecological design, community engagement, and urban resilience. This portfolio highlights a range of projects that reflect these principles: Levi Carter Park Sports and Activity Center, which enhances recreation and community connection through thoughtful design; Sylvan Breath Grove, a nature-inspired play space that fosters exploration and relaxation; Urban Heat Mitigation in South Omaha, which addresses environmental challenges through strategic urban forestry; and 30th Street Corridor Revitalization, a project that transforms a vital neighborhood street into a safer, more inviting space with green infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly features.
Through each project, I aim to balance aesthetics with functionality while addressing real-world challenges in urban and natural environments. Looking ahead, I aspire to contribute to projects that integrate innovative green infrastructure, inclusive public spaces, and resilient landscapes that support both people and the environment.
01.02.2025
University of Nebraska, Lincoln 400 Stadium Dr, Architecture Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0106
LEVI CARTER PARK 02
ACTIVITY + SPORTS COMPLEX
The Levi Carter Park Sports and Activity Center is a dynamic space designed to promote wellness, community connection, and harmony with nature. The project emphasizes thoughtful organization to enhance accessibility and usability, blending indoor and outdoor environments to create spaces for recreation, gathering, and engagement. Circulation is carefully planned to prioritize safety and clarity, while natural elements are integrated throughout to celebrate the park’s surroundings and encourage activity. By balancing functionality, comfort, and connection to nature, the center becomes a vibrant hub that strengthens community ties and revitalizes a cherished urban park.
Team member: Allie Dahl, Chloe Bartek, Peyton Axlexander, Kiet Nguyen
ACTIVITY + SPORTS COMPLEX
The landscape design for the sports complex at Levi Carter Park focuses on accessibility, safety, and community engagement. Centralized amenities ensure convenience, while the separation of vehicle and pedestrian traffic enhances safety and usability. The layout integrates natural elements like native landscaping and green spaces, fostering a connection to the park’s environment. Recreational zones and open areas are strategically positioned to encourage physical activity and interaction, creating a dynamic and inclusive space for all visitors.
SITE CIRCULATION
Vehicular Pedestrian
KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN BUILDING DESIGN + PROCESS
-Blend transition from exterior to interior.
-Centralize resources for ease of use.
-Separate community-exclusive resources from public tournament space.
-Preserve sightlines + access to natural light.
-Encourage physical activity + engagement.
STRUCTURE + SPACE Materiality
Light, natural materials are used to create a welcoming entry facade that celebrates its park setting.
Angular Supports
These supports are angled toward the main entry, creating a promenade that directs users to the main entrance.
Entry Plaza: Covered
Gathering
Spac e
Cantilevered second story aids in blending transitional space while creating a protected gathering area. Indoor-outdoor resources are accessible on the south facade in this space.
South Elevation
SYLVAN BREATH GROVE
Sylvan Breath Grove is a natural play area located next to the Big Water Feature Area, designed to provide both children and adults with a peaceful space to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor play. This designed playground includes two slides, climbing structures, and balance logs, all made from natural materials to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Shaded areas and benches are strategically placed throughout the grove, offering spots to relax and unwind. Whether it’s climbing, sliding, or simply enjoying the beauty of the river, Sylvan Breath Grove offers a safe, inviting environment where kids can explore and adults can take in the serene surroundings. With its emphasis on nature, play, and relaxation, this space encourages families to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories in a beautiful, year-round setting.
Acer saccharum Marshall
nigra L.
Tilia americana L.
Acer saccharum Marshall
Cercis canadensis L.
Picea pungens Engelm.
Amelanchier arborea
BEAT THE HEAT
South Omaha experiences significantly higher surface temperatures than other areas of the city due to a lack of tree canopy and green spaces. The dominance of impervious surfaces exacerbates heat retention, intensifying the urban heat island effect and contributing to prolonged heat exposure. Research shows that shaded areas and dense vegetation can reduce surface temperatures by up to 15°F, yet much of South Omaha endures over nine hours of direct sunlight daily. Mitigating this temperature disparity requires strategic urban planning efforts aimed at expanding tree canopy and enhancing green infrastructure to create a more resilient and comfortable urban environment.
Hour of Sun Light
OMAHA’S TREE EQUITY
Omaha’s Tree Equity Map is a tool that analyzes and visualizes tree distribution across the city, aiming to address potential disparities in canopy coverage with an equity lens. By mapping trees alongside demographic data, it helps identify areas for targeted tree planting efforts to promote environmental justice and community well-being in Omaha.
HEATSPOT: URBAN TEMPERATURE
“HeatSpot” offers visualization and analysis of urban temperature dynamics, aiding in understanding heat patterns across cities. It enables informed decision-making for heat mitigation strategies and urban planning efforts, enhancing public health and community resilience.
IMPERVIOUS MAP SURFACES
The Impervious Map shows where surfaces like roads and rooftops prevent water from soaking into the ground. It helps urban planners and environmental managers make decisions about managing stormwater and promoting sustainable development in cities.
05
BLOOM STREET
The 30th Street corridor is a key part of South Omaha, connecting residents and businesses while shaping the neighborhood’s character. This project enhances the area with a shaded walking path, creating a more comfortable and inviting space for pedestrians. Seasonal plantings bring color and fragrance throughout the year, making the street more welcoming for both residents and visitors.
Sustainability plays an important role, with stormwater management swales helping to reduce runoff while adding to the natural beauty of the streetscape. A plaza at Spring’s Block provides a space for community gatherings and events, encouraging people to come together. Shade structures make the space more comfortable year-round, allowing people to enjoy it even on hot days.
At each intersection, flower-patterned crosswalks add a unique touch while improving pedestrian safety. These crosswalks help slow traffic and create a more walkable, community-friendly environment.
By combining greenery, gathering spaces, and thoughtful design, this project makes 30th Street a more inviting, functional, and vibrant part of South Omaha.
PROJECT GOAL:
1. Providing shade along 30th Street from trees or shade structures
2. Planting good-smelling trees and shrubs that flower at different times of the year to help mitigate the bad smells
3. Adding flower speedbumps to each intersection to help keep traffic speeds down
4. Placing the plaza across from Afoma to keep more eyes on the store to keep the crime rate down
TREE CANOPY TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
SPRING PLAZA
AXON
WINTER
BLOCK
AXON
SUMMER
BLOCK
AXON
FALL
BLOCK
AXON
SECTION A-a
SECTION B-b
SECTION C-c
SECTION D-d
Seasonal Synchrony: A Year-Round Planting Strategy
This diagram showcases a diverse selection of trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide visual interest throughout the seasons. By incorporating plants with staggered bloom times, foliage changes, and structural appeal, the design ensures dynamic beauty and ecological benefits year-round.
• Winter: Structural beauty with textured bark, persistent berries, and early blooms.
• Spring: Vibrant flowering trees and shrubs bring color and fragrance to the landscape.
• Summer: Lush foliage and pollinatorfriendly blooms enhance biodiversity.
• Fall: Striking foliage colors and ornamental grasses provide seasonal texture.
SEASONAL SYNCHRONY
Study Abroad Experience ROME,ITALY
In the summer of 2024, I participated in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Landscape Architecture Program in Rome, a six-week immersive study abroad experience through Academic Initiatives Abroad (AIA). This program provided a unique opportunity to engage with Rome’s historical and contemporary landscapes through field studies, site visits, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Walking tours of Rome’s historic neighborhoods
• Studying ancient and modern landscapes (Tiber River, Aqueduct Park, Villa Farnesina) Exploring Rome’s History
Learning Italian & Culture
• Took Italian classes and practiced daily.
• Experienced local festivals, traditions, and food.
Drawing & Haikus
• Took a drawing class, sketching.
• Wrote Haikus .
Hiking the Via Francigena
• Hiked from Siena to San Gimignano 46km.
• Enjoyed medieval towns and stunning countryside.
Travel
• Explore to new location on the Weekend.
Pine Cones
Pine cones have an incredible way of responding to changes in the environment. They open in dry conditions to release seeds, and close when it’s humid, protecting them from moisture. This natural adaptation ensures the survival of the tree species and shows how nature interacts with the weather.
This phenomenon can inspire design in architecture and
Like pinecones with rain, Terra breathes in quiet grace— Honor through the vento.
Design Using the Circle
The circle is a powerful design element, representing unity, wholeness, and connection. In landscape architecture, it encourages a flow that feels natural and balanced. For Native American memorials, the circle symbolizes the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings, making it an ideal shape for honoring tradition.
Using the circle in memorial designs fosters a sense of gathering and reflection. It brings people together in a shared space, creating harmony between the environment and its visitors, promoting a timeless connection to the land.
ORB LIGHT
Glowing round lights for calm, guidance and symbolize unity and spirit.
PLAZA
An open space for gathering, reflection, and honoring Native traditions.
LIGHT PATH
A glowing line along the walkway that guides visitors, especially at night.
BLACK CLAY BRICK Dark, textured bricks that ground the space and create contrast with plants and light.
Living Pattern
Living Pattern of the Land: Honoring Indigenous Wisdom
This dome design is inspired by the spiral form found in pinecones and other natural patterns. While not a traditional symbol specific to Nebraska’s Indigenous nations, this shape reflects the balance, growth, and cycles of nature that are deeply valued across many Native cultures. For tribes such as the Ponca, Omaha, Pawnee, Iowa, and Otoe-Missouria, the land and its rhythms are central to cultural life. The layered dome structure mirrors these ideas, offering a space for reflection, remembrance, and respect for the enduring presence and knowledge of Indigenous peoples in Nebraska.
Living Symbols
_In Harmony with the Land_____________________
This memorial plaza honors Indigenous tradition and local heritage through purposefully selected plants and fish. Each living element has themes of resilience, resurgence, and connection to land and water. Symbolic and native plant species come together to create a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.
HYDRANGEA
PANICULATA Large white blooms that turn pink, representing transformation.
Fragrant springblooming shrub with purple, pink, or white flowers, symbolizing renewal and memory.
Compact evergreen, offering year-round life and grounding.
OSTRICH FERN Tall native fern found in wetlands, symbolizing growth and connection to water.
JAPANESE MAPLE Graceful tree with seasonal color, symbolizing peace and reflection.
LADY FERN Soft native fern, thriving in shade, representing quiet renewal.
NINEBARK ‘TINY WINE’ Native shrub with deep foliage, symbolizing resilience and beauty.
MUGO PINE
LILAC SHRUB
AMERICAN LOTUS Sacred aquatic plant, symbol of purity and rebirth.
WATER IRIS Vibrant flowering plant that thrives at pond edges, symbolizing renewal, clarity, and the connection between land and water.
KOI Peaceful, ornamental fish symbolizing strength and perseverance.
FATHEAD MINNOW Small native fish, reflecting community, balance, and local ecology.
MOSS ON DRIFTWOOD Natural element symbolizing persistence, water, and time.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERN
OMAHA, BENESCH
During my internship at Benesch, I learned a lot about landscape architecture by working on real projects with a great team. I used important software like Civil 3D and Land F/X to help create site plans and details for construction. This experience helped me connect what I learned in school to actual work, improve my design skills, and work better with others. It was a great chance to grow and prepare for my future career in landscape architecture.
