Michael Ford | Portfolio 2017 | Landscape Architecture

Michael Ford | Portfolio

MA Landscape Architecture University of Sheffield, 2016

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Personal Information

Michael Ford

Work Experience

Landscape Architect

Software Workshop Co-ordinator and Assistant Tutor University of Sheffield

07927376753 michael_ford1@outlook.com

Cad Designer - Summer Internship Hultons Landscapes, Lymm, Cheshire

July 2015 – Oct 2016

Freelance Photographer & Video Producer Local, Regional Press & PR Clients

July 2008 – Oct 2014

Freelance After Effect Animator Think Visually Studios, Dover, Kent

May 2012 –March 2013

About Me I take a rigorous and analytical approach that places strong emphasis on culturally relevant and environmentally sensitive designs. I am interested in engaging with the processes taking place across the landscape and making meaningful contributions that are both environmentally and socially sustainable.

Drawing upon my professional experience in photography and digital media - I have developed an interest in the application of technology in the design process and during my time studying have experimented with video and animation as communication methods.

I enjoy the multidisciplinary nature of Landscape Architecture and believe good design emerges from working together and combining specialisms and ideas. I also believe that an understanding of context is essential in developing a successful design that enhances a site’s sense of place and identity.

Oct 2015 – Present

Education MA Landscape Architecture (Distinction) University of Sheffield

2014 - 2016

BA Hons Fine Art (2:1 upper) Middlesex University

2003 - 2006

Diploma in Foundation Studies - Art and Design Leeds College of Art and Design

2002 - 2003

A-Levels in Art, History, Economics Hall Cross School

1997 - 2002

Awards Landscape Institute Student Award (Yorkshire and Humber) “In recognition of outstanding project-work in a Landscape Institute accredited course”.

2016

Middlesex University Short Film Awards.

Second Place, Entry Category: Documentary.

2005

Software Skills Autocad, Photoshop, Sketchup, ArcGIS, Indesign, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects.

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Contents

01.

The Don Gorge

p.6 - 17

Regeneration Project MA Year 2, Special Project

02.

Castle Market Park

p.20 - 25

Ecological Design Project MA Year 1, Sem 1.5

03.

The Silver Forest Gateway

p.26 - 31

Urban Forestation Project MA Year 1 Sem 2.5

04.

Tending/Attending

p32 - 37

Fine Art Practice Project MA Year 2, Sem 1

05.

The Porter Valley

p38 - 41

Introduction Rural Planning Project MA Year 1, Sem 2

Other Work Commercial Work and Hand-Drawing Examples 06.

p.42 - 45

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01.

The Don Gorge Intervention and Appropriation in a Landscape in Flux.

Special Project MA Year 2 - June 2016 Tutor: Andy Clayden 6

Introduction to Project

Intervention and Appropriation in a Landscape in Flux.

Special Project. MA Year 2 The Don Gorge is an area in constant transition; a landscape in flux. Located in a former industrial corridor along the River Don, the site is neither rural nor urban, but rather a liminal or “in-between” area that has a very unique sense of identity informed by years of industrial use and extraction of natural resources including coal and limestone. The site has few official uses, but many of the marginal spaces and structures left behind by industry have gradually been appropriated by residents of surrounding settlements.

The function of these spaces is continuously redefined as different groups of users temporarily occupy areas for purposes ranging from recreational to ceremonial.

The project took an interventionist approach; seeking to augment and amplify the existing qualities of the site in a way that preserves the ambiguity and uniqueness of the site without being overly prescriptive. The act of scraping was a key design element and was applied at a detail level and also at a wider scale – drawing upon industrial and agricultural techniques. A design/management framework was developed to oversee a phased reclamation of an area of limestone workings utilising existing materials and equipment available on site, and responding to the user appropriation of spaces over time.

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Context

The initial stage of this project involved spending a significant amount of time on-site, surveying and making sketches whilst observing the ongoing processes taking place over time. This approach enabled an understanding of the unique and often unnoticed qualities and functions of the site.

Built Features & Sense of Place Built/Architectural features across the site are sparse in numbers but highly significant in informing a sense of place and identity as well as serving as markers to orientate oneself when moving through the landscape. They also convey a sense of robustness and permanence, sitting within a landscape which feels very much in a state of movement and transition.

Accidental Aesthetic Many design elements are fragments of the site’s industrial past. Features such as concrete plinths where buildings once stood, bright orange hand rails, decaying machinery and concrete retaining walls appear somewhat surreal when encountered out of the industrial context they were designed for. This accidental aesthetic contributes to the overall sense of place and identity across the site.

Concrete railway sleepers are a prominent feature and appear in abundance throughout the area. Many of the sleepers have been appropriated to create barriers, gate posts and seating. Others remain stacked – unintentionally creating valuable habitat structures for wildlife.

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Context

Durational and Experiential Qualities Much of the site is not accessible by vehicle and as such, one moves through at a pace at which it is possible to appreciate the landscape at a sensory level – experiencing it through sight, sound, smell and touch. Thresholds are incredibly important in this respect, and influence movement across the site.

In some cases the threshold might encourage one to move into or through a space, whereas in other cases, the threshold may appear intimidating – such as the very sudden transition from light to dark when entering woodland on the east side of the viaduct.

The first phase of this project culminated in the production of a 1:2000 scale masterplan mapping out the various interventions proposed across the site.

Ceremony & Temporary Occupation There is evidence of temporary occupation of spaces across the site. Under the archways of the Conisbrough viaduct there are remains of fires, and areas where the vegetation has been disturbed by gatherings of groups of people, perhaps camping in tents. There is a sense of ceremony about theses spaces - which is perhaps enhanced by the monumental quality of the nearby viaduct.

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Design Principles

1. Revealing/Exposing Much of the unique qualities of the site already exist, but currently lay dormant.

The design will seek to make interventions at a range of scales awaken the dormant features of the site.

2. Amplifying The role of the designer in these spaces is to recognise the existing characteristics and enhance in subtle ways that amplify the experience without taking reducing the uniqueness of the space.

3. Taking out/bringing in In order to enhance the sense of place and identity of the site as a whole, the design will seek to spread out design elements that are characteristic of the site to spaces on the fringe of the site which have in the past not been considered as part of the site as a whole. The aim of this is to incentivise potential users who pass around the site – to move into and through the range of spaces within the site.

4. Embracing Ambiguity The uniqueness of the site as a whole is enhanced by the ambiguity of the spaces within it. In regards to the previous principle of exposing and revealing, it is important that this in done in a way that preserves ambiguity of such spaces, and if possible should aim to ask questions about the site rather than answer.

5. Resolving Revisiting the site over time, observing it’s uses, it’s seasonal change and it’s unique qualities, allows one to understand the site at an every- increasing resolution from the very large scale, to the textural, minute details. This deep understanding of the site will then influence design decisions with the aim being to create a more relevant and appropriate design.

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The principles will be implemented using a variety of interventions which can broadly be grouped into three categories: 1. To Scrape The act of scraping is already evident at a variety of scales across the site. At the disused workings, the large retaining wall and subsequent levelling and the area beneath can be viewed as a large gestural intervention, and at a much smaller scale the act of scraping together existing materials to build up fires echoes the same gesture. Interventions will be made that explore the act in greater detail with the aim of creating a unique rage of earthworks and spaces.

2. To Permeate Many spaces within the site appear impenetrable and intimidating from outside, yet once within the boundaries of the space this is no longer the case. Interventions will be made at key points to encourage ways into and through some of the more challenging spaces across the site.

3. To Augment The act of augmenting relates directly to the key principle of amplification. In order to amplify a particular quality of a space, the process of recognising what is ‘happening’ within that space and working with materials and vegetation in a considered and minimal way to enhance this can help to define of refine the quality of experience when attending that space.

Overall objective: Facilitation by Design Overall the key aim of the entire design can be seen as that of facilitation. The interventions, large or small in scale are not the finished work, but are catalysts that create reactions in the form of an ongoing relationship between designer and site, site and user, and user and designer.

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Interventions

Intervention Type: To Scrape

Creating a Scrape This construction plan is based on a medium-sized excavator (Volvo Ew200 or similar) with a wheelbase of 4000mmx2500mm. It is assumed that the chosen excavator will have a blade width of between 2500-2800mm and a 360 degrees rotating boom arm with bucket.

The building material is existing limestone sub-soil covered by a 100mm layer of topsoil. Locations will be marked out on plan and GPS co-ordinates supplied to contractor with clear instructions of angle and dimensions of proposed interventions.

“To remove (an outer layer or something excrescent or adhering) by drawing across the surface the edge of some instrument held nearly perpendicularly” Oxford English Dictionary

The act of scraping is already evident at a variety of scales across the site. At the disused workings, the large retaining wall and subsequent levelling and the area beneath can be viewed as a large gestural intervention, and at a much smaller scale the act of scraping together existing materials to build up fires echoes the same gesture. Interventions will be made that explore the act in greater detail with the aim of creating a unique rage of earthworks and spaces.

Dealing with the site at a management level – the action of ploughing, raking and breaking up large concreted areas can be seen as expansions of the idea of scraping

To Scrape is To Plough To Rake To Mark To Draw

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To Drag To Spread To Gather/Collect To Scratch

To Rub To Remove To Make a Hollow To Erase

Simulating the Construction Process Scale models were used to simulate the contruction process of a scrape using readily avilable indutrial machinery. From this it was possible to measure the reulting earthwork and formulate a construction plan. Stopmotion animation proved to be a vaulable technique in anaysing the movement needed to acheve a desirable result. View at https://vimeo.com/200105660

Interventions CONSTRUCTION PLAN

EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATION OF SPACES BY USERS

The action of scraping is a way of activating processes and facilitating interactions with the landscape by users. Each scrape is temporary and has a limited lifespan. As such a phased implementation plan will see scrapes being produced in different locations at 3 year intervals to ensure a continuous process of renewal.

Lifespan of a Scrape Earthwork Each scrape has an estimated lifespan of 5 to 7 years, during which the processes of erosion, recolonisation of vegetation and human interaction will cause the earthwork to degrade and eventuallty dissapear. View animation at https://vimeo.com/200106323

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Management Framework

Existing Surface Types

Surface Material Strategy 1. Compacted Crushed Limestone

Problems: Heavily Compacted, impenetrable to rainwater, low oxygen content.

Solution: Plough with heavy duty agricultural equipment to loosen material and aid establishment of vegetation from existing seed bank.

2. Loose Crushed Limestone

Problems: Too permeable and free draining to retain enough water to establish most vegetation. Erodes very easily.

Solution: Hydro-seed robust pioneering calcareous mix to stabilise material and allow for build-up of organic material & encourage recolonisation by native vegetation.

3. Concrete Plinths

Problems: Thick layers of concrete very inhospitable to establishment of any vegetation other than in decaying areas where crack emerge.

Solution: Break-up material into pieces of a variety of sizes to create an irregular surface, with gaps to allow water to penetrate the underlying soil .

4. Paved Roads

Problems: Hostile to plant establishment due to permeability and thickness of the material preventing plants establishing in soil below.

Solution: Leave. Although these areas are hostile to vegetation, the network of roads is integral to the character of the site also, and will provide access route through the site.

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The proposed framework is broken down into 6 stages which oversee the development of the site over the next 20 years. The initial design interventions are intended to activate natural processes of recolonization. Once vegetation had established itself on site, the process of revisiting the site and making further interventions to augment the design and respond to the way users of the site have appropriated spaces will be carried out.

Management Framework

Calcareous Meadows and Limestone Woodland Pioneering Calcareous Mix Species Name

Common Name

Type

Percentage

Festuca ovina

Sheep’s Fescue

Perennial Grass

30%

Carex flacca

Glaucous Sedge

Rhizomatous Perennial Herb

10%

Centaurea scabiosa

Greater Knapweed

Perennial Herb

10%

Festuca rubra ssp. rubra

Red Fescue

Perennial Grass

20%

Poa pratensis

Smooth Meadow-grass

Rhizomatous Perennial Herb

20%

Agrostis capillaris

Common Bent

Rhizomatous Perennial Herb

10%

Non-agricultural land surrounding the site are characterised by calcareous vegetation which has a high biodiversity value and is very tolerant of the high alkaline content of the limestone soil. In more recently reclaimed areas, pioneering species such as birch, sycamore and Hawthorne form semi-dense woodland and scrub. More established woodland of Ash, Wych-Elm, Oak and Hazel occupies less recently disturbed areas.

Although the main objective of the management plan is to initiate colonisation form the existing seed bank, certain areas will require the hydro-seeding of a limited number of pioneering calcareous species listed in the table below. The plan is to sow very robust species to stabilise the loose material (particularly on slopes) and encourage the build-up of organic material which, over time, will form a layer of soil capable of sustaining a wider range of species.

The site consists of large areas of crushed limestone waste and very little of what is commonly referred to as “soil”. The properties of this material makes it rather hostile to the establishment of vegetation. The action of ploughing, breaking and hydro-seeding are simply are employed to initialise the process of recolonization of the area with native vegetation.

Please view this visualisation in animation form at https://vimeo.com/189002078 15

Construction

Construction Proposal Background At 465m in length the Conisbrough Viaduct spans the width of the Don Gorge. Decommissioned from rail use in the 1960’s, the structure now serves as a footpath and cycle track. When crossing the viaduct by foot, the sense of place and identity varies according to the visibility of other prominent man-made features such as nearby quarries, historical monuments and settlements. Four key points were mapped out where a distinctly different sense of place can be experienced. The height of the wall; roughly eye level on an average adult, is problematic when crossing by foot and severely restricts views.

FIELD SKETCHES PRODUCED ON-SITE, DOCUMENTING THE DURATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF PASSING OVER THE VIADUCT

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Construction Scaled down from original at A3

This construction proposal utilises materials available on site in the form of concrete sleepers. Disused sleepers have already been appropriated for a variety of purposes across the site and are integral to the sense of place and identity.

The design proposes repositioning sleepers already strewn across the viaduct itself to the four strategic character points – and then propping them vertically.

Cut segments of standard gauge railway track will then be attached using industry standard ‘e-clip’ fasteners to create leverage points with which the user can use the raise themselves above the level of the wall.

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02.

Castle Market Park Stormwater Management through Ecological Urbanism

MA Year 1 - Oct 2014 Tutor: Prof Nigel Dunnett 18

Introduction to Project

Stormwater Management through Ecological Urbanism Castlegate, Sheffield, South Yorkshire Situated in the heart of Sheffield’s historical district, Castle Market Park will form the central hub of a network of green spaces and green corridors within the surrounding area. The design seeks to create an area of cultural significance that integrates ecological processes within the built environment and improves the city’s resilience to the effects of climate change in an area at high-risk of flooding. The design implements principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems – maximising opportunities to capture runoff from roads and surrounding buildings and slowing the flow into the River Don. The topography of the site will be re-modelled – creating a large flood catchment area planted with native wetland vegetation – creating habitats for a range of wildlife, along with a series of multifunctional spaces that provide opportunities for a wide range of users.

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E

KEY TO FEATURES

BL ON

BR IDG

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KS TR

LA DY ’S

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AA

RIVER DON

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Upper retention bed

2-3.

Retention/Filtration Beds

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Wetland Walkway.

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Dry Meadow Area.

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Green roofs.

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Pedestrianised Green Route

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Grassland Area.

9-10.

Stepped, Planted Bioswales.

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Sitting Steps.

12. Parklet.

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RIVER

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SHEA

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EX CH A

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The daylighting of the River Sheaf will open up a long forgotten, yet historically significant waterway and begin to reverse the damage of rapid industrialisation by reintroducing wildlife and vegetation to the site 20

Visualisation

The central feature of the park is a series of 3 circular retention areas which will serving as a storm water ‘buffer’ - capturing and temporarily storing storm water in times of heavy rain.

This process is repeated in streets adjacent to the park with the creation of two stepped bioswales – leading to filtration beds.

A raised wooden walkway will provide access to the wetland area and allow visitors to immerse themselves within nature in the heart of the city. A range of vegetation across the site will maximise opportunities for biodiversity.

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Strategies

Water Management

The site will adopt principles of SUDS – with installation of bio-swales, raingardens and green roofs aiming to deal with rainwater where it falls. In times of very heavy rain the site will act as a buffer - capturing and storing runoff from nearby buildings and streets before slowly releasing into the River Don through a vegetated filtration system. The daylighting of the River Sheaf will also increase opportunities for wildlife and the remodelling of the topography of the site will create a catchment area for floodwater – reducing the impact of flash-flooding of high-risk areas immediately downstream.

Movement/Circulation

Poised at a convergence of a number of routes into the city, the site will act as a buffer not only for storm water, but also for pedestrians. With the redevelopment of the wider area of Castlegate, a far greater number of pedestrians are anticipated to pass through the area. The design seeks to provide a point of interest along the route – drawing users into the park - slowing and filtering movement while providing opportunities for rest and contemplation.

The width of the former ring-road surrounding the site will be reduced and semi-pedestrianised with wider pavements and dedicated cycleways.

Vegetation/Green Networks

A ‘mosaic’ of smaller green spaces in the surrounding area will be created by ‘greening’ currently underused hard-landscaped areas and will be connected green corridors encouraging movement of pedestrians and wildlife throughout the city. The natural form of the riverbank will be restored and planted with native wetland vegetation and riparian woodland, creating much needed habitat areas for wildlife and areas of interest for users. Perennial meadow vegetation will be used in open areas - reducing maintenance and increasing biodiversity.

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Flood Water Catchment Simulation

Normal river level

1m above normal river level

2m above normal river level

3m above normal river level

Visualisation

Currently underused areas of the former ring-road will be pedestrianised and marginal spaces reclaimed to create an integrated network of multifunctional green spaces and parklets across the site.

The area to the east of the site currently characterised by large areas of concrete will be transformed to a delineated pedestrian route with green islands planted with shade-tolerant street trees and shrubs.

Regenerated are a in small disused courtyard along riverside walkway. Intimate and sheltered area planted with native wild-flowers, shrubs and trees

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Planting Design 1x Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine'

1x Betula utilis 'Jermyns'

A

The planting design follows the overall strategic aim of maximising biodiversity across the site, creating a variety of habitats for insects and fauna whilst providing year-round interest for visitors, with striking colours reflecting seasonal change. The site sits on the boundary of an open grassland area and a woodland area and as such the design shows a gradation from prairie-style planting to woodland edge, with sun loving perennials and tall grasses merging into more shade tolerant species. The fastigiated form of Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ reflect those of the tall grasses, and perennials such as Verbascum olympicum and Eremurus, while the attractive bark of Betula utilis ‘Jermyns’ provides seasonal interest throughout autumn and winter.

2x Verbascum lychnitis

5x Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite' 6x Polygonatum × hybridum

5x Verbascum lychnitis 4x Eremurus × isabellinus 'Pinokkio' Bulb Mix a Mix 2

3x Pervoskia 'Blue Spire'

3x Pervoskia 'Blue Spire'

2x Pervoskia 'Blue Spire'

Mix 2

Bulb Mix b

4x Eremurus × isabellinus 'Pinokkio'

3x Eremurus × isabellinus 'Pinokkio' 3x Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite'

Mix3

4x Verbascum lychnitis

7x Verbascum lychnitis B

7x Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' 4x Verbascum lychnitis 4x Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite' 2x Eremurus × isabellinus 'Pinokkio'

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400

60

400

40 400

55

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B.

Gf 85 0/4 (MP) Fine Aggregate to BS EN C.

200

400

D.

600x350x60mm RECONSTITUTED STON E. (STANDARD GREY)

E.

600x100x60mm RECONSTITUTED 10 STONE RISER (STANDARD GREY) F.

F.

Ø40 C25/30 CAST-IN-SITU CONCRETE WITH

200

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GRANULAR SUB-BASE MOT 1 60

47,5

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400 400

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SLOT DRAIN DUO 1000x150x200mm H.

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CONCRETE

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STAINLESS STEEL HANDRAIL SUPPLIED BY IMH COMMERCIAL HANDRAILS.

RECONSTITUTED STONE STEPS AND I SOUTH COAST

STAINLESS STEEL HANDRAIL RISERS SUPPLIED BY SUPPLIED BY IMH COMMERCIAL LTD. STONEWORK HANDRAILS.

STAINLESS STEEL HANDRAIL SUPPLIED BY IMH COMMERCIAL HANDRAILS.

CONCRETE G

SUBBASE COMPACTED SUBSOIL 290

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HAZARD WARNING PAVING & SLOT

BY MARSHALLS

RECONSTITUTED STONE STEPS AND RECONSTITUTED STONESUPPLIED STEPS AND DRAIN RISERS SUPPLIED BY SOUTH COASTRISERS SUPPLIED

BY SOUTH COAST STONEWORK LTD. STONEWORK LTD.

STONE

100

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NOTES NOTES F 400 NOTES HAZARD WARNING PAVING & SLOT HAZARD WARNING PAVING & SLOT DRAIN SUPPLIED

BY MARSHALLS DRAIN SUPPLIED BY MARSHALLS 400 400

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290

03.

Silver Forest Linear Park Woodland Design in an Urban Context.

MA Year 1 - May 2015 Group Project - in collaboration with Ana Miranda & Bethan Montague-Brown My Contribution - Conceptual Development, Final Masterplan, Visualisations, Planting.

Tutor: Catherine Dee 26

Introduction to Project

Woodland Design in an Urban Context.

Ring Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire This busy section of Sheffield’s ring road is located at the gateway to the city and is the first area most visitors encounter when arriving at the city by public transport or car. The site has a number of important landmarks along with a mainline railway station and transport exchange, yet much of the site appears hostile to pedestrians and is hindered by poor legibility. The various spaces across the site appear disconnected and the site lacks a strong overall sense of place and identity.

This project aims to utilise trees as a primary design element – creating an urban forest that increases the city’s resilience to pollution and effects of climate change, while also improving legibility and enhancing the sense of place and identity across the site. This design will be part of a phased development of a number of other sections of the ring road - with the overall aim being to create a protective ‘belt’ of woodland around the city centre.

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Conceptual Development

The grid approach creates an overall sense of cohesion, whilst preserving the sense of place and identity of the various spaces across the

Conceptual Approach: Dot | Dash The concept of Dot-Dash relates to the understanding that the site as a mixture of destinations, but with no clear, or uncomfortable, links between them. It includes gateways, transitional areas, stopping places, thresholds and spaces for fast movement. Dot-dash gives the overall site a strong sense of coherence. In this mixed context, dot-dash is used to conceptually define stopping and flowing movement. It provides a directional sense for the site.

It can be used to different effect to define each space, providing an opportunity to vary the textures and densities across the site in terms of the vegetation and planting that structure spaces.

Conceptual diagram illustrating sense of place and identity and cohesion of spaces

Zoning diagram with overlays illustrating dot/ dash approach.

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Small patches of a limited vegetataion pallet providing a visual indication of

Design Principles & Masterplan

Protection The site will use vegetation and trees that will transform the ring road and adjoining spaces into a protective belt for pedestrians, cyclists and biodiversity.

Increased vegetation and tree canopy will protect the environment by helping to future proof Sheffield from the negative effects of climate change. The concept of protection will extend to protecting the historical elements in the area, but drawing attention to, and opening-up spaces around the River Sheaf and the historical buildings. The design and planting of the space will increase the sense of security and walkability for individuals.

Legibility The planting strategy will bring a sense of unity and coherence to the space, and will indicate direction and routes through the space. The design will consider distribution of trees and vegetation and open spaces to create nodes and access to improve flow and movement through the site on foot and by bicycle, separated from traffic. Spaces will be distributed, and vegetation and trees massed in ways that create unity by softening hard building edges and allowing areas for different activities or stopping.

Original Scale 1:2000@A0

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Visualisations

SECTIONOF AREA AROUND EXPOSED RIVER SHEAF ORIGINALLY SCALED @ 1:200

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Planting

The planting strategy follows the overall project concept of dot/ dash - with variations in planting patterns reflecting variations in movement within different spaces across the site. The aims of the scheme are to increase the urban canopy in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the city and to utilise vegetation to improve legibility between key areas within the site. Emphasis will be placed on creating a variety of exciting multifunctional spaces across the site maximising both spacial diversity and biodiversity within the urban context

AXONOMETRIC HAND DRAWING ORIGIINALLY SCALED - 1:50 @ A2

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04.

Landscape & Fine Art Practice Tending | Attending - Woodland as Space for Contemplation

MA Year 2 - Oct 2015 Tutor: Catherine Dee 32

Introduction to Project

Tending | Attending Woodland as Space for Contemplation Contemplate verb “To view mentally; to consider attentively, meditate upon, ponder, study.”

(OED online, 2015) In order to create a contemplative space, one must first consider the various principles related the act of contemplation. The Oxford English Dictionary’s (2015) definition of contemplation; “to consider attentively” is echoed in the writing of landscape historian and critic Marc Treib (2005), who considers the act of attending as key to the process of contemplating. To attend is to “direct the ears, mind, energies to anything” (OED), but how can landscape design create spaces which stimulate this process?

Treib argues that the act of attending a landscape is ultimately the same act as visiting a work of art and involves dampening the distractions of everyday life and contemplating one’s own presence in relation to a space.

This project draws upon fine art practice to further explore the idea of creating a contemplative space through the act of attending a landscape, and the process of tending to that landscape to amplify the contemplative qualities.

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Concepts

The proposed design will consist of a series of ongoing interventions within the existing spaces. A limited pallet of vegetation and fungi will be used to further define spaces and subs-spaces within the site. The interventions themselves will be the result of a process of continually revisiting and tending to the site. It is the act of tending itself, an ongoing performance that is ultimately the work.

A suburban woodland site was chosen due to what could perhaps be seem as the dampening effect of entering and being ‘inside’ woodland and removing oneself from the distractions of daily life. The particular site is that of former allotments which have long ceased being tended and so have returned, or are in the process of returning to woodland. Once routinely clipped hedges of Privet and Hawthorne have become overgrown, and a variety of native and non native trees, have continued to grown along the linear patterns originally used to mark out different plots.

The intimate spaces created by the rectangular grid are encountered soon after entering the woodland, and the process of walking from one to another is akin to that of walking the rooms and halls of a long abandoned building. Of particular interest are the spaces on the edge of the woodland and functioning allotments. While the spaces are no longer tended as allotments the process of tending and attending continues and the spaces retain a variety of functions. The decomposing wood dumped in the spaces by owners of nearby allotments has created opportunities for a variety of fungi to establish in concentrated areas with patches of mushrooms sprouting through the understory vegetation

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Interventions

Clearing Trimming and thinning of both the canopy and the overgrown hedgerows concentrated in a number of areas to create ‘defined’ pockets of light - highlighting areas of interest and providing beneficial extra sunlight to aid the growth and survival of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ within the woodland setting.

Planting Planting hardwood stem cuttings of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ to augment existing spaces created by dead and fallen trees.

Plants located in areas where ‘pockets’ of light penetrate the canopy and hit the woodland floor. Plants to be coppiced in late winter each year to encourage continual upright growth of bright young stems.

Burying Establishment of mushrooms in damp areas of heavy shade. Plants to be established using decomposing wood found in direct vicinity of the site. Logs will be selected with visible signs of mycelium growth them split into sections which will be buried in various locations across the site. Wood and barks from a variety of species of tree will be used in order to encourage a range of different fungi types.

Video of process here: https://vimeo.com/200110465

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Visualisations

The idea of encountering, of happening-upon a space is key to the proposed design. Rather than explicitly creating a space/place for contemplation the focus of the design is that of augmenting existing features in order to enhance particular sensory qualities of those spaces.

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Final Pieces

The work was developed into an art installation that used a combination of hand drawing and a projected animation to represent the intervention of planting dogwood cuttings to augment the existing spaces within the site, and the intense burst of colour in an ontherwise muted and dark space.

Stills of Installation. Please view video documentataion at https://vimeo.com/200108906

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05.

The Porter Valley Extending Sheffield’s Green Networks into the 21st Century

MA Year 1 - Feb 2015 Tutor: Anna Jorgensen 38

Introduction

Extending Sheffield’s Green Networks into the 21st Century Developed in the 1920’s by Patrick Abercrombie, Sheffield’s parkways act as green ‘wedges’ – bringing nature right into the city-center and providing excellent access routes to the surrounding countryside for a wide range of users. Nearly a century later, these parkways are more popular than ever and are heavily used by residents for recreational activities such as walking, running and cycling. As the city increasingly experiences the effects of climate change in the form of flash flooding, these parkways become increasingly important in relation to flood prevention also.

Focusing on the rural section of the Porter Valley – this project aims to build upon the original concept of the parkway along with Sheffield’s green network plan – implementing responsive strategies that improve the recreational potential of the parkway while increasing the resilience to the effects of climate change. This plan will future proof the parkway by maintaining its relevance as a recreational corridor and a network of valuable green infrastructure resources.

CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM depicting extensions to Sheffield’s current green network plan.

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Objectives

The factors contributing to flash flooding include the steep topography of surrounding hills and poor waterretaining properties of the (mostly grazed) nearby farm land. In heavy instances of rainfall, storm water rapidly flows across farmland and directly into the streams that feed into the River Don in the center of the city. The lack of beneficial vegetation surrounding the waterways results in sedimentation – causing water to flow faster downstream and further increasing flood risk.

Original Scale 1:5000

Objectives

Runoff Attenuation Features Offline Diversion Ponds

Permeable Timber Barrier Inlet Flood-water Ditch/Channel

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Inlet

Flood-water Ditch/Channel

Green Networks:

Flood Prevention:

A. Work with stakeholders (offering incentives) to encourage the planting of native riparian woodland in privately owned areas along the length of river in order to link gaps in existing woodland surrounding the river.

A Identify areas of unused or underused, private and public land bordering the river and increase the number of trees and re-seed beneficial plant communities (such as bog) in order to increase infiltration of storm water.

B. Encourage the conversion of underused grazing land to meadows bordering the river to encourage biodiversity.

B Negotiate with stakeholders to implement sustainable drainage management techniques to prevent the build-up of silt in drains and therefore reduce the amount of runoff across agricultural land which leads to sediment build-up in the river.

C. Increase access to the river side providing riverside walkways in areas where people are forced onto roads. Develop tourism, leisure and educational value of the river with the development of creation of a rural to urban nature trail - providing circular routes through existing and newly established woodland and vegetation.

D. Improving health and well-being by creating opportunities for a wider range of activities along the rural areas of the Porter Brook, by improving condition, and where possible width, of the path system along the river.

C. Negotiate with stakeholders to control the amount of heathland burning order to increase s at higher peak areas.

D. Remodelling of topography in agricultural land to create overflow ponds to increase water retaining ability of land and slow the overall flow of storm water. Where topography remodelling is not possible install permeable timber barriers in fields to create retention areas in times of heavy rainfall.

Implementation

ISOMETRIC (original scale 1:2500) detailing the combination of runoff attenuation features and green network improvements.

Proposed Riparian Woodland: Key Species

Vegetation Structure

Water Structure

Betula pendula Birch Salix alba White Willow

Proposed Runoff Attenuation Features

Alnus glutinosa Common Alder

Benefits of Riparian Woodland Flood Mitigation: The roots of trees such as Alder strengthen the riverbank and prevent erosion and subsequent build-up of sediment which can increase the flow of water upstream – leading to higher risk of flooding downstream.

Water Quality: Trees act as a buffer, absorbing and storing excess nutrients running of agricultural land – releasing them slowly into the river.

Wildlife: The shaded pools crated by roots of trees on the river bank create attractive areas for fish such as trout and salmon, and create habitat areas for water-based mammals such as otters and water voles. Insects falling from trees provide a valuable food source for fish.

Existing Ancient Broad-leaf Deciduous Woodland

Vegetation: Leaf litter falling into the river provides a valuable source of nutrients in areas with low sunlight and encourages the growth of beneficial vegetation.

Proposed Wetland Vegetation

Networks: The planting of riparian woodland along the riverbank creates a green corridor in which wildlife can move freely along the river and into other protected areas.

Proposed Riparian Deciduous Woodland

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06.

Other Work

Commercial Work and Hand-Drawing Examples

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Commercial Work

Arkwright Halls of Residence

Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Example of 3D rendering work produced during summer intenship at design & build company Hultons Landscapes. Job was part of a series of redesign and retrofitting works commisioned by a well-known student accomodation provider .

Working with a chartered landscape architect, my role was to draw-up plans in cad and produce renderings when required to present to clients in proposal meetings.

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Hand Drawing

Ponderosa Studies Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

This hand-drawn masterplan and series of drawings were produced during a design project at the beginning of my study at Sheffield.

The Ponderosa is an urban greenspace in the centre of Sheffield that is somewhat neglected, yet rich in potential- with areas of semimature woodland and untended scrub providing valuable habitat zones.

The open areas of the site are currently rather poorly maintained and only provide opportunities for football games and occasional event use. The plan was to reintroduce water to the park(historically the site of a series of reservoirs) and create an alternative urban greenspace that is culturally relevant to the surrounding communities.

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Hand Drawing

Birch Studies, Pencil on Cartridge Paper Left - Yorkshire Sculpture Park Right - Padley Gorge, Peak District.

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Michael Ford Landscape Architect

michael_ford1@outlook.com 07927376753