Portfolio Mauricio Machado by mauricio.s.machado

Portfolio :

Mauricio Machado

Hello! My name is Mauricio Machado and I am a Cal

Poly Pomona Landscape Architecture Graduate !

As a kid, imagination was always my best quality, and I’ve found the most delight in projects when I was able to bring something I’d imagined on paper to life. For example, when I designed my high school garden, I planned to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables that students and teachers could enjoy for years. I believe this is where I developed an interest in becoming a landscape architect.

It combines two things that I enjoy: creativity and nature. Starting my degree in the COVID year of 2020, I had numerous challenges to overcome because my first two years were almost entirely online. However, with effort and a true interest in the topic, I was able to overcome these challenges and learnt a great deal. I’m only getting started because I have a lot to learn, and I’m excited to see where this field takes me. In my spare time, I am a photographer and a clothing designer.

My Background & Personality

Elephant Hill Park

Project Stages

The inital investigation began with the idea of restoring locations in the LA area that were once lush landscapes that were now destroyed due to human activity or unmaintenance. Landing on Elephant Hill in Pasadena, I dedicated a semester on figuring out methods on restoring it as well as adding systems for locals to enjoy.

Investigation

Phase 1

Strategy

Implementing the system Diagram, the following landscape was designed; having additional paths and spaces to include the following actvities.

Design

Implementation

A systems diagram for a landscape helps visualize and understand the interactions between its components, aiding in effective planning, management, and communication of ecological relationships and impacts. It serves as a tool for predicting and monitoring how changes in one aspect of the landscape may affect others over time.

The following activities include: stargazing nights hosted by astronomers, art workshops for all ages, community volunteer days every month, early morning meditation sessions, hikes, and much more.

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

The Restoration and Preservation of Elephant Hill

Project Introduction

Elephant Hill has been around for centuries and was once even used as a field for cattle to enjoy in the 1900’s. However in more recent events, people have used the landscape to drop hundreds of pounds of liter and even use it to go offroading. Local families have started a movement called “Save Elephant Hill” in an attempt to not only stop what is going on but to restore it to its natural state. The hill is located in South Pasadena where many wildlife hop from landscape to landscape in search of food, water, and shelter. With the programs in this project we not only address this wildlife needs, but help create activities for everyone to enjoy as well without interfering with them.

Inventory & Analysis

Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies

Professor

Systems Concept

Restoring Life and Water: A Vision for the Lyle Center

System Solutions for Fauna & Water Quality Improvement

System Details

Vegetative Buffers (Tree Plantings)

Solution: Planting trees and shrubs along the freeway edge to act as a buffer can help filter out particulate matter and pollutants in the air, reducing the impact of smog. Trees such as eucalyptus, sycamore, and other hardy species known for their ability to absorb pollutants can be selected.

Smog-Eating Pavement

Solution: Use smog-eating or photocatalytic pavement materials that can help reduce air pollution. These types of materials break down pollutants in the air, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), by using sunlight and chemical reactions to neutralize them.

Provide Suitable Habitat for Ducks and Other Wildlife

Solution: Ducks require specific conditions such as shallow, clean water for feeding and nesting, as well as vegetation and shelter along the water’s edge. By enhancing habitat features, you can attract and support wildlife.

Aeration Systems

How it works: Aerators or fountains circulate the water and add oxygen, which helps break down organic matter and prevents algae blooms.

Benefits: Improves water clarity and supports aquatic life by increasing oxygen levels.

Types Of Systems

LA 4781.01

Cal Poly Pomona

Landscape Architecture

Professor Cheryl Lough

Mauricio Machado

CPPLA Fall 2024

Encourage Biodiversity with Existing Native Plants

Photos

Fauna

Project Introduction

Who is the client?

Hosted by Walt Disney Imagineering, our class ( Bobby Brooks Studio 2023 ) was tasked with the objective of creating a Latin Museum and a landscape in the heart of Washington DC side by side other museums that represented Latinos and everything about them.

What

was the challenge?

What was your solution?

Figuring out what methods were best to highlight our goals was a matter of trial and error. Many concept ideas were made and even more didn’t make it to the final presentation. Above is a collage of every latin country in the world united as one, each flower representing the core flower of the country.

The Illumination of the Latino Communities Resiliency is explored through the themes of Unity and Origin. The programs of Learning, Celebration, and Connection showcase these themes with spaces throughout the site.

Each spectrum of color represents the color of a plant group throughout the seasons (months) of the year. The five spectrums are a combination of all 23 plant types hand selected to be a part of our site ( as illustrated in the United Mural ). Our five groups include herbs, trees, ferns, succelents, and grasses. This change in the spectrum allows us to support our overall theme of color within our site while creating a vibrant evironment for visitors to enjoy.

Adobe Brick Making Program

Site Surroundings

Site Breakdown

Torre De Refraccion

Additional

Work: Residental Axon & Renders

The process started with drafting the floor plan and elevations in AutoCAD to establish precise dimensions and layout. The 2D drawing was then imported into Rhino 3D, where the structure was modeled in detail, including walls, windows, roof elements, and any custom design features. Once the 3D model was finalized, it was exported to Twinmotion for rendering. In Twinmotion, materials, lighting, and environmental elements like landscaping and sky settings were applied to bring the design to life. The final rendering captured realistic textures and lighting, transforming the original sketch into a fully visualized residential concept.

Additional Recent Work: Roof Renovation

During a recent project, a client was in need of a revovation on their roof at his house located in Lakewood. Given the task to create a plan to show to the city, I created the following shown. This file shows all perpectives of the house, the square feet, before pictures, and 3D renderings to give the city any information they might need. As of now the project was completed in August 2024.