Landscape Architecture Portfolio 2024

EMILY MESA

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

SELECTED WORKS BETWEEN 2021 - 2024

emily.mesa@ucdenver.edu | 619-402-9676 | linkedin: @mesaemilya

[BIOGRAPHY]

Hi there, my name is Emily Mesa and I am a current graduate student at the University of Colorado Denver. As a first generation high school graduate, I am thankful for the journey which led me here and appreciate the time taken to read through my portfolio.

Although I grew up in San Diego, I have lived in many other places such as Utah, Alaska, Colorado and Thailand. My previous career in tourism allowed me to explore many other landscapes around the world. I find the exposure to a wide variety of cities and cultures to be one of the reasons I chose to pursue landscape architecture. Traveling solo I found myself frequenting large urban parks which resulted in primarily positive and memorable experiences . Although I have had many creative outlets over the years, nothing has left me quite as fulfilled. I believe funtionality and beauty are what make good design and I am excited to see where the industry takes me.

This portfolio is a compilation of selected works throughout the last two years in the master of landscape architecture program, I hope you enjoy.

2021 - 2024

University of Colorado Denver

Masters in Landscape Architecture

2015 - 2017

2011 - 2015

Utah State University

Bachelors in Human - Environmental Geography

Associates in Theatre Arts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

[ 01 - 04 ] THE MAGELLAN PLAYSPOT

[ 05 - 06 ] CAMINO MEDIO

[ 07 - 08 ] THE HIVE

[ 09 - 10 ] CHICKORY RD. RESIDENCE

[ 11 ] LAUREL FALLS

[ 12 ] ADAMS COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL

[

13 - 14 ]

[ 15 ]

[ 16 ]

ABSTRACT WORKS

INDUSTRIAL SHELVING UNIT

ENGLAND PARK CORRIDOR

[ 17 - 18 ]

ADDITIONAL WORKS

[ 19 ] MARKETING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

[ 20 ]

PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MAGELLAN PLAYSPOT

1811 FLANDERS ST. NEW ORLEANS, LA. DECEMBER 2023

The Magellan Playspot stood in an overgrown state with littered perimeters. Despite its neglected appearance, this 1.64-acre space held untapped potential as a possible community park. Positioned near a major commuter route in Algiers, it remained largely overlooked.

Community feedback revealed that Algiers faced health concerns, lacked spaces for teenage recreation, and desired cool shaded environments. The upcoming opening of a police department adjacent to the site sparked local envisioning of an opportunity to create a secure outdoor space and a bridge between the NOPD and the community.

NATURE PLAY

SITE PLAN

The new vision for the Magellan Playspot aimed to transform the site into a vibrant hub promoting healthy lifestyles, intergenerational bonds, and environmental awareness. This vision also saught to honor Algiers’ jazz legacy, reflecting the cultural richness of the community. Algiers has a history of being home to jazz pioneers, and the area was once referred to as the “Brooklyn of the South” by jazz musicians in the 1920s. The neighborhood had a longstanding tradition of Brass bands, with the Algiers Brass Band being one of the enduring ones. The park incorporates brass details to commemorate the rich musical history of the community rooted in brass instruments.

CAMINO MEDIO

AURARIA CAMPUS, DENVER, CO. DECEMBER 2022

Camino Medio, part of the Auraria Campus’ Living Urban Campus Initiative (LUCI), aims to redesign the campus for an enriching environment. Inspired by arroyos, it promotes unrestricted movement and deeper connections with surroundings. St. Cajetan’s at Camino Medio serves as a cultural library spotlighting Indigenous, Hispanic, and displaced Aurarian works. The prairie quad, native cultural gardens, and community spaces celebrate Latino contributions. Pathways, seating, and educational signs in the gardens highlight indigenous plants’ historical significance. The redesigned patio, near Auraria’s central hub, offers all-season outdoor space with fire features and shade structures for community enjoyment.

THE HIVE

1250 14TH STREET, DENVER, CO. FEBRUARY 2023

The Hive is designed as a 5-10 year solution using primarily modular, flexible, and temporary design elements focusing on public and semi-public use given the lifespan of the current building. Our collective objective was to create an inclusive and enjoyable public facing space within downtown Denver that will reflect the essence of the communities within and surrounding the CU Denver Building.

In an effort to create an inclusive public space, we have created an interface at the convergence of 14th Street, Larimer Street, and Cherry Creek, by softening the existing borders and reaching into the public realm to establish a functioning eddy, rather than the current backwater. We also aimed to emphasize the importance of a sustainable urban space and its necessity for the future by utilizing green infrastructure. In addition, we found it essential that most of the furniture be designed and constructed by students in effort to reflect the essence of the College of Architecture & Planning located within the CU Denver Building.

CHICKORY RD. RESIDENCE

HOTCHKISS, CO. AUGUST 2023

Situated within Colorado’s western slope, a private residence contracted DHM Design for a comprehensive landscape overhaul to fulfill the homeowners’ dual vision: a primary dwelling and an inviting event venue.

Despite not physically visiting the site, I played a pivotal role in orchestrating the concept delivery to the client. Collaborating closely with the project manager, I curated an array of precedents, planting palettes, and renderings, meticulously crafting potential site plans to meet the client’s aspirations and requirements.

CONCEPT #1

CONCEPT #2

LAUREL FALLS

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, SEVIERVILLE, TN AUGUST 2023`

Laurel Falls stands as one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most frequented viewpoints. However, the existing pathways around the falls posed hazards and proved insufficient for the substantial foot traffic the area attracted. While I was at DHM, I played a key role in creating artistic renderings that depicted our envisioned construction, featuring a potential wooden boardwalk and renovated cement walkway. Collaborating closely with the National Park Service, we provided detailed renderings aimed at eventual public presentation.

ADAMS COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIGHTON, COLORADO

1. PARK ENTRY WITH ADA ACCESSIBLE DROP-OFF

2. ASPHALT PARKING

3. OVERFLOW PARKING

4. RESTROOM

5. DECORATIVE CONCRETE PLAZA

6. ASSEMBLY OF FLAGS

7. INTERPRETIVE STORY WALL HIGHLIGHTING SOLDIERS JOURNEY FROM ENLISTMENT TO END OF DUTY

8. BOULDER GROTTO WALL FEATURING QUOTES FROM PAST PRESIDENTS

9. MILITARY PANELS OF 6 BRANCHES

10. TERRACED SEATING & OVERLOOK

11. INTERPRETIVE BATTLESHIP FEATURES

12. ADA ACCESSIBLE RAMP

13. CORTEN STEEL SMOKE STACKS WITH INSCRIBED MILITARY CREEDS

14. UPPER LEVEL ON FOREMAST

15. ACCESSIBLE WALK TO BOW OF BATTLESHIP

16. SCULPTURE INTERPRETATION OF TURRETS WITH BENCH SEATING

17. SHORELINE STABILIZATION

18. NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER CIRCLE

ADAMS COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL

RIVERDALE REGIONAL PARK, BRIGHTON, CO. JUNE 2023

The Adams County Veterans Memorial is was a large project is part of a larger master plan Adams County strives to work on with DHM for the next few years. This memorial, resting alongside the Mann-Nyholt Lake, was the first big implementation in the regional park. While I was at DHM, I worked closely with the team to accurately represent the memorial in renderings as well as in local award submittals. As there are many design elements within the memorial, it was important to provide a highly detailed rendering for marketing purposes.

DECONSTRUCTING CAMPUS

SEPTEMBER 2022

This intricate 3D model, crafted from wood and acrylic, offers an abstract depiction of the Auraria campus, encapsulating its past, present, and future attributes. Laser-cut representations of each building adorn individual acrylic layers, totaling eight in all. These layers delineate key aspects: the defining features of an American campus, the urban elements, vegetation, circulation patterns, historical significance, water features, our conceptualized campus identity, and areas yet to be defined.

EMOTIONAL FREQUENCY

MARCH 2022`

These 2D and 3D models visualize the concept of “mapping the unmappable,” aiming to chart emotional responses during my commute on two different days. Red and blue colors resembling 3D glasses add a unique visual element, while varying dot sizes represent emotions’ intensity. Household objects like cotton swabs, paintbrush bases, nails, screws, and pushpins were used to create these visuals. The 3D model offers a tangible representation of the abstract mapping, providing a multidimensional perspective on the emotional landscape.

INDUSTRIAL SHELVING UNIT

DECEMBER 2021

This guide offers comprehensive instructions for constructing an industrial shelving unit. Motivated by the need to optimize the available space in my living room, I identified a small wall ideal for an entertainment center. Careful measurements of the dimensions guided the design process, ensuring that the unit complimented with existing furniture pieces.

MATERIALS USED

Plywood

Black 1” screws

Black paint

Wood stain

Wall anchors

Door handles

Faux plumbers pipe

Live edge wood

Barn door hardward

Black 1” screws

Clear coat

Finishing nails

ENGLAND PARK CORRIDOR

WESTMINSTER, CO. OCTOBER 2023`

Situated along a major creek within a highly suburban area, the England Park Corridor stands as an ongoing endeavor for transformation. Currently characterized by vacant lots and industrial zones, the city envisions a change in land use.

Amidst rapid urban expansion and a large redesign of a key transit hub, Westminster hired DHM Design with the task of conceptualizing a dynamic green corridor answering the wants and needs of the surrounding community. This initiative seeks to rejuvenate multiple facets of the urban waterway, fostering connectivity and community engagement. Shown here, are 3/7 renderings I worked on with a colleague to deliver the vision expressed by the project

ADDITIONAL WORK

RAFTA UNDERPASS

A purpose-built underpass was designed for the Roaring Fork Transit Authority, aimed at easing traffic congestion and providing safer passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

NATIONAL FOREST HIKING TRAIL

A rendering of a renowned trail within one of Colorado’s national forests. This rendering was complemented by a newly designed trail map and wayfinding signage, which I also had a hand in developing.

PARK HILL MEMORIAL SPORTS PARK

The Park Hill Memorial Sports Park serves as a multi-use space featuring relocated trees from the Mending Root Forest Project, while also hosting a seasonal market. Additionally, the integration of local art near the main entrance connects the park to the future 303 Artway bike and pedestrian loop, enhancing connectivity.

GRAND AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS

In Eagle County, Colorado, DHM addressed traffic congestion by designing four roundabouts for the main corridor, aligning with the city’s new bikeway and expanded lanes. I created two planting bed designs for the initial roundabouts, drawing inspiration from the nearby Eagle River to integrate natural elements into the urban landscape, reflecting the town’s essence.

VASQUEZ CREEK IMPROVEMENTS

In Winter Park, Colorado, Vasquez Creek sought to enhance a popular trail by adding seating, picnic tables, and creek access points. Several renderings showcasing potential designs for the various access points were presented to the client.

MARKETING

During my internship at DHM, I collaborated closely with the marketing team, leveraging my skills in graphic design and photography to enhance company projects. I meticulously prepared award entries, including ASLA submissions, and assisted in crafting proposals to precise standards. Throughout the summer, I contributed to the company’s portfolio by rendering various 3D and 2D designs, aiming to engage and captivate the public eye.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

During my time at CU Denver, opportunities for community engagement were limited. Given my background in clientfacing roles, I was enthusiastic about seizing additional engagement opportunities.

Upon joining DHM, I prioritized active involvement in community engagement initiatives. Collaborating with various project managers, I took part in groundbreaking events, where we introduced the public to new parks master plan projects and open space plans. Additionally, I participated in the creation of numerous boards, flyers, and social media announcements to enhance outreach efforts.

PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO EDITING

Photography has been a passion of mine for over 8 years, evolving from a hobby to a significant facet of my creative expression. I’ve showcased my work in local venues, enriching my portfolio. Proficient in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, I enhance my visual narratives through editing. At the College of Architecture & Planning’s Visual Resource Center, I engaged in diverse tasks like event photography and video editing, aiding students in refining their skills. As a study abroad photographer throughout Finland, I expanded my repertoire and appreciation for landscapes. Photography remains a cornerstone of my skillset, inspiring my creative endeavors and offering profound insight into the world around us. Below are a few examples of my photography and before and after editing them.

CONTACT INFORMATION

EMAIL: EMILY.MESA@UCDENVER.EDU

PHONE: (619) 402-9676

LINKEDIN: @MESAEMILYA