2024
portfolio KRISTINA KURASA
about me
KRISTINA KURASA I’m landscape architect from Latvia. I’ve always had a desire to make the environment surrounding us more eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and practical. I’ve developed many projects at my university, worked as an intern in offices for landscape architecture in the Netherlands and Latvia, and taken part in a number of international seminars and workshops. I am proficient in working with tools like Autocad, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign that can be helpful during the development process. I’m excited to learn more, gain experience, and convey my passion in discovering and exchanging various designing methods. kristina.kurash@gmail.com 2
About me
+31(0)630428061
cv EDUCATION 2018 - 2022
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture and Planning
02/20 - 06/20
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies 2022 - 2024
Masters degree in Landscape Architecture and Planning
Hungary Szent István university 09/21
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Lectures and workshop Latvian Schools of Architecture Workshop
02/22 - 06/22
WORK EXPERIENCE
Erasmus exchange studies
Erasmus exchange studies Estonia The Estonian University of Life Sciences
04/22 - 05/22
Erasmus lectures and workshop Wave project Tartu
05/20 - 08/20
Digital art freelance Fiverr
06/21 - 07/21 07/21 - 02/22 07/22 - 01/23
SOFT SKILLS
Landscape architecture internship HATO Landscape architect
Time management
Landscape architecture internship
Adaptability and Versatility
SIA ALPS atelier
Communication
Landscape architecture internship
Collaboration
Juurlink en Geluk Rotterdam
Persistence
COMPUTER SKILLS
LANGUAGES
AutoCad
Latvian
C1
SketchUp
English
C1
Photoshop
Russian
C1
Illustrator
Dutch
A1
Indesign Lumion CV
3
content
01
RESIDENTIAL AREA
8 4
Content
02
THERAPEUTIC GARDENS
10
03
BIG SCALE SITE PROGRAMMING
14
04
GARDEN AND TERRACE
26
05
RESIDENTIAL PARK
28
06
07
MODELMAKING
32
TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL ART
08
PHOTOGRAPHY
36
40 Content
5
university projects 2019 - 2024
01 RESIDENTIAL AREA JELGAVA, DUKE JACOB SQUARE The main inspiration for this project is the river, its plasticity and meandering, as well as nature, which is often lacking in cities. The goal of the project is to develop the existing infrastructure of the city center, improve the residential courtyard, and develop a connection of the blue-green infrastructure. The residential area is planned to be partially fenced to create part of the partially semi-public space for residents. On the west of the residential area is a multi-story car parkimg with a green roof to free up space in the courtyard and city streets. The roof can serve as a recreational space, which can be used for an open-air cinema in summer. Some temporary parking spaces are available at the entrance of the courtyard. This project offers a new courtyard design with natural elements such as stone and meadows that increase plant diversity. The area will have a children’s playground with green hills, tennis tables, picnic tables, and benches all over the area.
Laser cut model of the project. Wood, scale 1:250 8
Residential area
FINAL MASTER PLAN
INFRASTRUCTURE LAYERS
Autocad, Photoshop
Autocad, Photoshop
11.
Bike route
Pedesrtian routes Entrances
13. 9.
2.
3.
2.
Car routes Public transport routes Parking Bus stops
12. 1.
7. 7. 8.
6.
13.
7.
10.
11. 4.
8.
5.
6. Water elements
11.
Trees 1.
2.
1.
2.
2.
1. Multi-storey car park
5. Waste containers
9. Frontage of Culture house
12. Public toilet
2. Crosswalk
6. Playground
10. Central square with the
13. Cafe terrace
3. Pedestrian street
7. Lawn with geonets
fountain
4. Temporary parking
8. Table tennis
11. Area with picnic tables
Grass Grass with geonets Flower beds h 0.7-1.2 m Flower beds h 0.2-0.7 m
Residential area
9
02 THERAPEUTIC GARDENS REHABILITATION CENTER IN LIGATNE The project aims to develop a multifunctional landscape design for the Ligatne rehabilitation center territory using healing landscape planning tendencies. The plan was based on the research, that has a description of Ligatnes rehabilitation advantages and disadvantages in a context with the current situation of Latvian rehabilitation centers. Center is divided into three large zones with different planning styles, functions and priorities for use. 1. Therapeutic garden - a room for healing, passive recreation with a variety of places to relax, is friendly to seniors. A detailed design has been developed for this area; 2. Public park - an area for daily active and passive recreation with walking trails and open spaces; 3. Forest - a natural, scenic space with thematic trails, recreation areas, and picnic tables on the banks of the Gauja.
Theraeutic garden section, main entrance view. 10
Therapeutic gardens
MASTER PLAN Autocad, Photoshop, hand sketch
MAIN COLOR PALETTE
MATERIALS
LEGEND Forest
Gravel
Planned trees
Grass/meadows
Flower beds
Existing trees
Road
Ruber mulch
Water
Concrete slabs
Ruber mulch
Pergola
Paving stones
Curb
Therapeutic gardens
11
PROJECT VISUALISATIONS SketchUp, Lumion, Photoshop
Therapeutic garden for emotional rehabilitation. The garden serves
Cafe and canteen for patients and visitors. On the other side of cen-
as a place to distress, socialize or spend time alone.
ter there is a designed area for employees under a existing oak tree.
12
Therapeutic gardens
Outdoor gym in the public park. Part of physical rehabilitation. It contains elements that help to regain mobility and strenght. Therapeutic gardens
13
03 BIG SCALE SITE PROGRAMMING NATURAL AND SOCIAL GRADIENT OF EMAJOGY RIVER, TARTU A small student town in Estonia called Tartu is bordered by different natural biomes that have been divided by the city’s urbanization. I observed that many species, such as tiny mammals, birds, and amphibians, lived on the edges of the city. They travel around the area, much like any other living thing, and the Emajogy River is one of their primary routes. The Emayogi River is also a significant component of urban life; people gather there to socialize, swim, fish, and engage in sports. Therefore, the primary objective of this project was to create movement corridors and program zones that would be inclusive for both people and nature and provide a gradual transition from Tartu’s rural surroundings to its urban core.
Render of Emajpgy coastline in residential area 14
Big scale site programming
SITE ANALYSIS Autocad, Illustrator
An extensive analysis was conducted for this project in order to understand the current situation. The analysis was based on observations collected during a field trips, cartographic analysis, and use of the area as a temporary city resident.
Big scale site programming
15
FINAL MASTER PLAN Autocad, Photoshop, Illustrator
SECTION A - A
SECTION C - C
SECTION E - E
SECTION B - B
SECTION D - D
SECTION F - F
The end result was the creation of a master plan with sections for each area and corridors for both people and animals to move throughout. Additionally, zoning was developed that specified proposed
programming
and
maintenance. 16
Big scale site programming
INFRASTRUCTURE LAYERS Autocad, Photoshop EXISTING GREEN/URBAN CORRIDORS
PROPOSED GREEN/URBAN CORRIDORS
Natural area with dense forest
Residential area with private houses
Urban city center
Residential area with block housing
Minimal infrastructure elements to
Natural coastline and promenade in
New development of active recre-
avoid harming the local environment
a residential area.
ation parks with higher biodiversity.
Proposed public area for socialization
Natural, lush park for residents of
Educational trails in wetlands that
with a community garden concept.
block housing
wouldn’t disturb local flora and fauna.
Natural area, wetland
Big scale site programming
17
03 BIG SCALE SITE PROGRAMMING Citizens` initiative in the development of courtyards courtyards. An example of the Historical Center of Riga. The project was part of master thesis that explores the quality and density of courtyards in urban spaces and their residents’ needs, using Riga’s historic center as a case study. The research characterizes the possibilities of resident initiatives in the design process. A methodology for assessing public spaces in dense urban areas is developed, along with a survey in three languages for residents of Riga’s historic center. Following data analysis and a review of the current situation, scenarios for courtyard development are proposed within Riga’s historic center and its protective zone. Possible programs and strategies for resident participation throughout the design process are presented.
Hidden courtyards of Historical Center of Riga 18
Big scale site programming
SITE ANALYSIS GIS, Illustrator SURVEYED URBAN PUBLIC SPACES
OLD TOWN
Activities 2.
Great Cemetery
18. Vērmane Garden
3.
Andrejosta Quarter
19. Bergs Bazaar
4.
Viesturs Garden
20. Mūrnieku Square
5.
Hanzas Perons
21. Dome Square
6.
Sporta 2 Quarter
22. Līvu Square
7.
Tallinas Quarter
23. Town Hall Square
8.
Center Sports Quarter
24. AB Dam
9.
Dailes Theatre Square
25. Spīķeri Quarter 26. Lastādija Quarter
11. Grīziņkalns Park
27. Miera Garden
12. Kronvalda Park
28. Ivana Cemetery
13. Ziedoņdārzs Park
29. Siena Market
14. Esplanade
30. Old Jewish Cemetery
15. A. Deglava Square
31. Latgale Garden
16. Ķīpsala Beach
32. Riga Wake Park
LEGEND
60%
RESIDENCE
Accessibility CENTER
Activities
100% 60%
CENTER
OLD TOWN
RESIDENCE
Activities
100%
Neighbourhood borders Comfort
60% 20%
Socialization
Surveyed public space
20%
Accessibility
Design project borders
15 min walk distance
20%
Socialization
10. Sporta Pils Gardens
100%
Comfort
17. Bastejkalns Park
Comfort
Forest Cemetery
Socialization
1.
Accessibility Big scale site programming
19
COURTYARD DEVELOPMENT VISUALISATIONS Photoshop
Minimal light
No attractive views
Trash containers occupying main space
Priority to car parking space
Climbers, more greenery Natural surveillance Third places Light decoration Variety of activities
Movable furniture Closed courtyard 20
Big scale site programming
Pleasant to move throughout
Semi-closed
d courtyard
Empty facades without details Dark, no pedestrian oriented lighting
Car dominant
Lack of pedestrial pathways
Low biodiversity
Lack of recreational infrastructure
Project of a local artist Sports field Social activities Lights Recreational infrastructure Pedestrian and bike friendly Improved biodiversity
Open courtyard Big scale site programming
21
EVERYDAY URBAN LIFE
Tourist
atraction
Active first
floors
locals and visitors
Recreation for businesses
Small
atraction traffic
Center
Old town
Center
Sports
Tourist High car
offices
Old town
activity
Lack of social
Work
and events
Parks for recreation
SketchUp, Lumion, Photoshop
More green
spaces
All age
infrastructure
Dominating
car parking
Unmanaged
trash containers
Residence
Residence
Research results indicate that the center of Riga offers a wide range of public spaces. However,
The new development proposes development in all areas of the Riga Historical Center to improve
the majority of the area is not designed for local residents, as the Old Town and the center focus
the everyday lives of residents in local neighborhoods. The proposal suggests better connection
on large events, attracting tourists, and presenting cultural architectural heritage. In contrast, cen-
of inner and outer spaces through active floors, additional all-age infrastructure for passive and
ter and residence such as Avoti and Grīziņkalns, and their surroundings, doesn’t offer big variety
active recreation, and more green spaces. The Old town, Center, and Residence should actively
and serves mostly for necessary activities like parking, movement, throwing out trash, shopping.
maintain and support not only necessary activities but also optional and social ones.
22
Big scale site programming
BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
association
FINISHING/ OVERVIEW
neighbourhood
PERFORMAN CE/CONTROL
progress
informing about
REALIZATION/ EXECUTION
first comments
user
activation
space
DESINING/ PLANNIG
discussion
public
analysis
demographics
CONCEPT/ INITIATION
active group
collaboration with
Illustrator, Photoshop
Activating spaces
Workshops
Sports
Joint work
Local art
Concerts
Outdoor gym in the public park. Part of physical rehabilitation. It contains elements that help to regain mobility and strenght. Big scale site programming
23
internship projects 2022
04 GARDEN AND TERRACE SCHIEMOND CAFE The project is located in a post-industrial coastal area on the Rhine River. The owner of the land plans to reconstruct the building and wants to create a cafe with an outdoor terrace. The project was in the sketch design stage and envisions a semi-public green terrace and coastal development for the residents’ daily needs and recreation. For the further development of the territory, it is proposed to use a variety of trees and greenery combinations, creating different spaces. It can be divided by space and function into two areas: a cafe and a public area that are connected to the surroundings and their context. Plants perform several functions in a given context: they create spaces depending on privacy level, develop a blue-green structure in an area with biological diversity, and create a favorable microclimate using resistant plants to clean up contaminated soil (phytoremediation). My individual task was to make a selection of plant species and cover patterns and create their combinations based on the above-mentioned factors.
Rendering of cafe from the architecture office 26
Garden and terrace
VEGETATION TYPOLOGY
VEGETATION PLAN
Hand sketch
Sketch, Photoshop
Dense greenery that serves as a barrier and creates private spaces
Semi-transparent, semi-private rooms in passive recreation areas and in the cafe.
Fully transparent planting, which serves as a point of interest with wide, open views.
Planting in a rhythmic pattern with low ground vegetation and limited transparency offers comfortable, safe corridors throughout the area.
Garden and terrace
27
05 RESIDENTIAL PARK ZOETERPARK A multi-level, multifunctional residential complex with an underground parking lot makes up the project. Green roofs of various heights will cover the majority of the residential park. On the basis of the LOLA master plan, the new block will be connected to the current blue-green and urban networks. Between Afrikaweg and Bredewater streets, a new pedestrian and bicycle connection is planned, creating a new public corridor with a reciprocal interaction with the ground floors. Shops, cafes, offices, and other socially active places are to be located on the base floors. All green roofs are designed with continuous routes that combine public, semi-public, and private places. Green pedestrian bridges will connect a few green roofs. The design is centered on ecology and will provide a home for both people and animals.
Section. Architecture and Elevation analysis 28
Residential park
ZONING AND MOVEMENT PLAN
DESIGN VARIETY
Autocad, hand sketch
Hand sketch
Different slope varieties that create seamless terraces and movement up and along.
Gentle, continuous slope that creates one big space.
Defined steps that strictly separate spaces. Residential park
29
MASTER PLAN Hand sketch
30
Residential park
SECTIONS Hand sketch
The design is based on a homogeneous design with a variety of details and functions . The main connecting elements are hills, slopes and flowing lines, which form a contrast between natural design and ascetic architecture. In the new street design, the bicycle path is placed in the center so as not to interfere with pedestrian flow and interaction with the ground floor. The slope of the slope cannot exceed 3:1, as this is the maximum slope suitable for plants and mowed lawns. Residential park
31
06 MODELMAKING DEN HAAG, LAAKHAVEN A master plan and vision were created for the development of the Laakhaven district. A multipurpose and pedestrian-friendly space was to be created as part of the urban planning project. A booklet was created with the district’s new program and design principles for a new identity. Together with the municipality and the collaborating offices, a model of the entire district was made to have a visual and tactile representation of future development. For effective coordination with different offices, a precise color and material guide was created. The model was created utilizing various foams, paper and spray paint.
Model of the rpject. Project presentation. 32
Model making
Model making
33
personal projects 2020 - 2023
07 TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL ART
Landscape sketch: streets in Szentendre.
Cat sketches, 3D constructions of natural organic shapes. Photoshop,
A5, pencil, pen,watercolors
digital drawing tablet
36
Traditional and digital art
DIGITAL ART Photoshop, Illustrator
Character design. Commission: character design for the Dungeons
Breading, package design
and Dragons game. Made using a drawing tablet in Photoshop.
Personal project Traditional and digital art
37
Action lines and 3d structure sketch 38
Traditional and digital art
Addinng details and layers
DIGITAL ART PROCCESS Photoshop
Clean lineart
Basic coulouring and simple shadows Traditional and digital art
39
08 PHOTOGRAPHY
Buddist temple in Muang Chum, Thailand 40
Photography
Ritter Sport Museum Waldenbuch, Germany
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand
Nieuw Leyden, Netherlands Photography
41
KRISTINA KURASA selected works 2024