URBAN PLANNING PORTFOLIO
UNIVERSITY OF CINICNNATI I SCHOOL OF PLANNING
SOPHIE GARTLAND
Hello!
I am Sophie Gartland, a third-year Urban Planning Student at the University of Cincinnati. Throughout my time here at UC I have been inspired to explore more, learn more, and create more!
My passion for planning is fueled by the desire to create sustainable, thoughtfully designed spaces, accessible to everyone. As I continue my studies and gain industry experience, I am excited to collaborate with other passionate individuals who aim to strengthen human-nature connections in urban areas. I hope to live in a world where nature and cities coexist harmoniously, improving the quality of life for those living in urban areas.
I am passionate about...
Conservation and Sustainability
Community Involvement
Human Centered Design
Human Nature Connections
Watercolor Art and Drawing
EXPLORER I LEARNER I CREATOR
SOPHIE GARTLAND
EDUCATION
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH 3.8 GPA College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning I School of Planning
Bachelor’s degree I Urban Planning
Class of 2028
DEFLE Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Pessac France
French Language in Bordeaux Study Abroad Program
June 2023 - July 2023
Columbus State Community College, Columbus OH
Dual Enrollment Program while in High School I College Credit Plus 2020-2022
Gahanna Lincoln High School, Gahanna OH
Class of 2022
ORGANIZATIONS
Planning Student Organization
Vice President
August 2024 - Present
Clean Up Cincy
Professional Trainer
August 2024 - Present
DAAPcares
August 2023 - Present
UC Mountaineering Club
August 2023 - Present
League of Women Voters Volunteer
September 2024 - Present
EXPERIENCE
Field Team Member, Appalachian Trail ME
Maine Conservation Corps I AmeriCorps
June 2024 - August 2024
Successfully completed a 300-hour service term with Maine Conservation Corps, earning the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
Lived and worked alongside team members, collaboratively divided camp chores to ensure a well-organized living space.
Contributed to the construction of over 30 stepping stones along the Appalachian Trail to address trail widening.
Enhanced hiking experience, reduced erosion, and facilitated natural regrowth and vegetation recovery.
Safely operated various tools to support trail maintenance projects.
Part Time Server, New Albany OH
New Albany Country Club
September 2020 - June 2024
Effectively trained new servers on steps of service and the high standards of hospitality expected at the country club to ensure consistent quality.
Performed multiple roles including hostess, carry-out and delivery, catering, and food runner, gaining insight into various functions in the workplace.
Consistently met and exceeded sales goals for feature entrees, desserts, and wine, frequently recognized for exceptional commitment to high service standards.
Memorized guests’ names, faces, and preferences, contributing to personalized and memorable dining experiences.
Cincinnati, Ohio
gartlase@mail.uc.edu
614.565.4812
linkedin.com/in/sophia-gartland
AWARDS
Deans List
Issued by University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning Fall 2022 - Present
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Issued by AmeriCorps August 2024
DAAPcares Showcase Community Award
Issued by DAAPcares April 2024
UC International Study Abroad Award
Issued by UC International April 2023
HARD SKILLS
Adobe Suite
ArcGIS Pro
Microsoft Office
Quantum GIS
Rhino
SketchUP
Twinmotion
SOFT SKILLS
Adaptability
Collaborating
Creative Thinking
Storytelling
Visual Communication
DATE I SPRING 2024
LOCATION I NORWOOD, OH
PROJECT TYPE I STUDIO PROJECT I GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL WORK
UNDERSTANDING NORWOOD
A VISION FOR A GREENER AND BETTER CONNECTED NORWOOD
CINCINNATI IMPACT
The City of Norwood, an enclave within Cincinnati, Ohio, faces unique challenges and opportunities due to its status as an independent city. The introduction of Bus Rapid Transit along Montgomery Road marks a significant step toward better connectivity and increased development in Norwood. However, compared to the surrounding Cincinnati, Norwood lacks parks and green spaces and has a minimal tree canopy.
The City of Cincinnati has over 5,000 acres of parkland, 5 regional parks, and 70 neighborhood parks. In contrast, Norwood has limited access to parks and green space, leaving few places for residents to engage in outdoor recreation.
The BRT route along Montgomery Road can allow Norwood to revive its streetcar suburb roots and enhance connectivity, transforming it into a vibrant city for its residents.
Cincinnati’s Green Plan targets tree planting in areas with high heat island effects, while the City of Norwood has very little tree canopy affecting the air quality and overall livability.
BUS RAPID TRANSIT
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
TREE CANOPY
ARC GIS PRO I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
PARKS AND GREEN SPACES
ARC GIS PRO I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
URBAN FORM AND CONNECTIVITY
The analysis of Norwood’s figure ground, land uses, linkages, and imageability creates a better understanding of its spatial organization, land use, and connectivity. Together these maps paint a picture of a residential and commercial-dominated city with Montgomery Road driving business and Norwood Lateral acting as a soft edge, dividing the city in half.
FIGURE GROUND
ARC GIS PRO I GROUP
The configuration of buildings and open spaces in Norwood visualize how the Norwood Lateral runs through the center of the city, dividing the community while large parking areas leave gaping holes in the urban fabric.
LAND USES
ARC GIS PRO I GROUP
The dominance of commercial and residential uses can create challenges, such as limited access to amenities, reliance on cars for transportation, and an abundance of parking.
LINKAGES
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
The street network hierarchy, intersection density, and walkability all play important roles in connectivity in Norwood. Montgomery Road stands out with the highest intersection density, largely due to the concentration of commercial uses along its corridor.
IMAGEABILITY
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
Using Kevin Lynch’s characteristics of a city, this map illustrates the initial impressions of Norwood’s visual character and sense of place, identifying paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks.
FACTORY 52 I PLACE TYPOLOGY
Factory 52, a former playing card factory, is a recent and ongoing development in Norwood that stands out for its innovative urban design and mixed-use approach. Its lively environment and diverse public spaces make Factory 52 a model of effective urban design, providing an example for future development in Norwood.
GROUND
CAD MAPPER I SKETCHUP I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL ARC GIS PRO I INDIVIDUAL
URBAN DESIGN
The design of Factory 52 integrates various public spaces, such as a central green, plazas, and gathering areas that facilitate community events, social gatherings, and everyday interactions.
FIGURE
CENTRAL GREEN I FACTORY 52
CLOCK TOWER & BREWERY I FACTORY 52
FACTORY 52 I WALKABILITY ANALYSIS
The walkability and communal design of Factory 52 serve as an incubator for human interaction and community involvement. Its pedestrian-friendly layout encourages residents and visitors to explore the area on foot, promoting social encounters.
VISUALIZING WALKABILITY
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
The urban design elements of Factory 52 intentionally enhance pedestrian experiences. Key streetscape features, including pedestrian infrastructure and human-scale lighting, create an inviting environment for pedestrians. Thoughtfully integrated landscape elements such as green buffers and trees contribute to the overall aesthetic of the area.
VISUALIZING WALKABILITY
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
This cross-section shows the street where the most automobile activity occurs, while still ensuring pedestrian safety.
EXISTING CHALLENGES
In Norwood’s current design and infrastructure, the city faces significant challenges for connectivity and identity. This design flaw creates a fragmented urban environment lacking in social cohesion and a diminished sense of identity.
Norwood has a great division stemming from its car-centric infrastructure caused by the intersecting roadways, Norwood Lateral and Montgomery Road, creating “cracks” in the urban fabric.
IDENTIFYING WEAKNESSES
With the lack of sidewalks and bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure seems like an afterthought, leaving residents no choice but to depend almost entirely on personal vehicles. Most of Norwood’s developed properties are dedicated to residential and commercial uses, with very little space for communal and social spaces. Over time, businesses have been forced to leave due to finances, resulting in many vacancies. This results in a lack of main street and central identity.
MAPBOX I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
NORWOOD CRACKED
HAND DRAWN I ADOBE PHOTOSHOP I GROUP
THE FUTURE OF NORWOOD
We can intentionally strategize future growth by understanding Norwood’s current state and identifying its major issues. Goals can be derived from identifying existing challenges in Norwood that can serve as potential interventions.
VISION STATEMENT COLLAGE
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP I GROUP
Norwood is a unified city, treating Montgomery Road and underutilized spaces as a connection force for community engagement. We aim to foster engagement through vibrant third spaces, walkable streets, and a strong central identity.
RE-IMAGINING GREEN CONNECTIONS
Re-imagining Norwood’s landscape, I envision a network of vibrant green infrastructure that transforms often overlooked spaces, giving them beauty and functionality. I focused on the transformation of three major areas that illustrate how sustainable solutions can impact a community. Those areas are residential devil strips, alleys, and Norwoods Victory Memorial Park. Together, these graphics demonstrate how creating “in between” green spaces such as devil strips as bioswales, and green alleys can form a cohesive network of green infrastructure. The parks transformation acts as the centerpiece of this network, with its central location in the city. Connections plays on the dual meaning of both ecological and social linkages fostered in these newly designed spaces.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
A diagrammatic representation illustrating how bioswales in place of traditional devil strips can effectively capture runoff from the road to allow the water to be naturally filtered by the vegetation.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
A diagrammatic representation illustrating how alleys can utilize permeable pavement and bioswales to capture runoff from roofs and adjacent areas to naturally filter the water.
DEVIL STRIPS AS BIOSWALES DIAGRAM
GREEN ALLEYS DIAGRAM
VICTORY MEMORIAL PARK DIAGRAM
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
The transformation of Victory Memorial Park prioritizes productive landscape features, including increased tree canopy and bioswales. The shift from traditional lawn to absorbent, spongy vegetation will prevent flooding and enhance human-nature connections.
RE-IMAGINING GREEN CONNECTIONS I DEVIL STRIPS AS BIOSWALES
Norwood is largely residential, resulting in most of the “green space” belonging to homeowners, including large front lawns and wide devil strips. This excessive amount of private green space is visually unappealing and provides no real environmental benefits. Traditional lawn devil strips should be re-imagined as bioswales to contribute to a vibrant streetscape while promoting biodiversity and capturing runoff from the roads to contribute to urban resilience against flooding and heavy rainfall. With Norwood’s largely residential makeup, implementing bioswales where there are currently lawn devil strips would create a network of stormwater management.
RE-IMAGINING GREEN CONNECTIONS I GREEN ALLEYS
Alleys can be transformed into green alleys with the use of green infrastructure such as permeable pavement and bioswales to promote water infiltration. A vertical green wall and planted vegetation create an immersive space for residents to relax and enjoy their time in a vibrantly green area. A community-designed mural, pedestrian-scale lighting, and movable tables and chairs can also foster an environment welcoming to residents. Withe the lack of communal and third places, this transformation would encourage community interaction in a sustainably designed space.
RE-IMAGINING GREEN CONNECTIONS I
VICTORY MEMORIAL PARK
With its central location and the increased development spurred by the implementation of BRT, Victory Memorial Park has the potential to play a large role in creating a more vibrant main street for Norwoods residents. Not only is its central location convenient for community engagement, but it acts as a centerpiece of green connections in Norwood.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT VEGETATION
CENTRAL AREA LAWN
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
Re-imagined access points, landscaping, and amenities to create a more welcoming and accessible environment.
PRAIRIE GARDENS PROPOSED COMMUNAL SPACE VACANT
AMPHITHEATER ENTRANCE
EXISTING CONDITIONS
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
This existing conditions map includes features such as a neglected playground, swing set, and gazebo that contribute to the overall lack of functionality and identity of the current state of the park. The landscaping currently lacks biodiversity and consists solely of lawn. Additionally, the presence of inaccessible stairs at the front entrance further illustrates the park’s challenges.
VICTORY MEMORIAL PARK PROPOSAL
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I
This park plan identifies major landscaping changes to transform Victory Park from an ecological dead zone into a space that thrives with biodiversity and lush vegetation. Preserving some of the lawn allows for communal events and recreational activities to be held in the park. With the addition of an accessible and welcoming entrance, residents can enjoy spending time on the steps or gathering for live music at the amphitheater. This multifunctional entrance plays a significant role in the park’s transformation.
DATE I FALL 2024 I IN PROGRESS
LOCATION I NORTHSIDE + MILL CREEK, OH
PROJECT TYPE I STUDIO PROJECT I GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL WORK
A SPACE TO A PLACE
A VISION FOR A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND ENJOY NATURE
NORTHSIDE + MILL CREEK SITE
Northside is a neighborhood located within Cincinnati, Ohio, along the Mill Creek. The current state of the site is neglected, with mostly industrial uses consisting of many car dealerships. It’s an unpleasant environment and acts as a major disconnecting force for people to access the Mill Creek or the Mill Creek Greenway.
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Understanding the existing natural features of the site location is crucial when making decisions about how land can be developed and to be aware of risks such as flooding.
TYPOGRAPHY ANALYSIS
ARCGIS PRO I GROUP
Topography plays a large role in many of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, and Northside is no exception. Compared to its surroundings, Northside is at a very low elevation, creating a natural edge, but also allows for a wide range of development because of its flat topography.
FLOOD RISK ANALYSIS
ARCGIS PRO I GROUP
Due to Northside’s resting location within a valley, heavy rain events can lead to flood risk in some areas along the mill creek. Although not a huge risk, those areas should be taken into consideration when developing.
WALKABILITY ANALYSIS
PEDESTRIAN HOSTILITY
SKETCHUP I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
This cross-section highlights key issues with car-centric design and pedestrian accessibility in the Northside and Mill Creek site. These characteristics are common along the Northside border and Mill Creek, acting as a soft edge, making it difficult to access the creek. Northside needs to rethink how pedestrian infrastructure can play a role in not only the urban environment but to create better connectivity to the Mill Creek and Greenway.
WALKABLE BUSINESS DISTRICT
SKETCHUP I ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
The Northside Business District on Hamilton Road is the most walkable area within the Northside and Mill Creek site. The building heights and mixed use design create an inviting atmosphere for leisurely strolls and window shopping. While the existing pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting, is more developed than in other areas, Northside can still strive for improvement. The tree canopy and other natural features along the streets are sparse, and there is a need for greater engagement with building facades to enhance the pedestrian experience.
PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Sections contribute to the overall vision of our sight and help to define how we can start to envision enhanced connectivity for pedestrians. This can be achieved by implementing pedestrian corridors that act as a funnel for residents and foot traffic from the business district. The corridors consist of shared passageways that prioritize pedestrian activity and activate the building facades with the use of outdoor seating, pedestrian scale lighting, greenery, and other attractive elements.
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
The Northside + Mill Creek site can be envisioned as a better connected and developed area suitable for housing, pedestrian activity and improved green elements. A major focus is to create connection points that prioritize human activity.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
In the heart of our proposed development, two major pedestrian corridors are shows. These shared spaces will help connect pedestrians in the central developed area and simultaneously serve as communal spaces.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
The transit center can be a key piece of Northsides connectivity. Proposed mixed use development that front the transit center, can promote the use of public transportation and encourage pedestrian activity.
CENTRAL ALLEYS
CENTRAL ALLEYS
A MORE ACCESSIBLE MILL CREEK
Accessibility of Mill Creek and the greenway is the focus point of our vision. The current state of Dooley Bypass, a four-lane road without crosswalks or sidewalks fronting the greenway, acts as a barrier and prevents residents from safely accessing the Mill Creek and greenway. Re-envisioning Dooley bypass can be a key component to merging the gap between residents and the creek.
RE-ENVISIONING DOOLEY BYPASS
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I GROUP
Dooley Bypass can be re-envisioned as a connecting force between residents and the creek. In addition to a sidewalk and protected bike lane fronting the proposed mixed-use development, we have taken away two of the existing traffic lanes and created a median with a pathway that spans our site to ensure a safe crossing for pedestrians. Additional safety features include raised crosswalks where pedestrian connections are present as well as productive landscaping that promotes sustainable greenery.
DATE I FALL 2023
LOCATION I UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, CINCINNATI OHIO
PROJECT TYPE I STUDIO PROJECT I INDIVIDUAL WORK
IDENTIFYING GREEN SUCCESSES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
PHASE 1 I OBSERVING UC
The campus is progressing toward sustainability through recent renovations and certifications. While the Teacher’s College embraces green practices, Sigma Sigma Commons poses a challenge, offering minimal environmental benefits and requiring excessive maintenance. In contrast, the Lindner College of Business exemplifies high standards with its Gold LEED Certification. Together, these stories reveal both the progress made and the areas needing attention in the quest for a greener campus.
TEACHERS COLLEGE
HAND DRAWN PEN AND WATERCOLOR I INDIVIDUAL
The renovation of the Teacher’s College not only achieved LEED Silver Certification for the building but, notably, incorporated green infrastructure features such as bioswales.
HAND DRAWN PEN AND WATERCOLOR I INDIVIDUAL
Sigma Sigma Commons is a problematic area on campus that provides little to no environmental benefits. As one of the largest green spaces, it requires frequent maintenance, wasting significant amounts of energy and water.
LINDNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
HAND DRAWN PEN AND WATERCOLOR I INDIVIDUAL
The Lindner College of Business’s Gold LEED Certification exemplifies the highest level of sustainable building performance, enhanced by the integration of bioswale features. It should serve as a model for future developments on campus.
SIGMA SIGMA COMMONS
PHASE 2 I INTERPENETRATING UC
The concept of what is “green” on campus should be assessed on a spectrum:
This spectrum encompasses areas that exhibit visual greenery yet lack any environmental benefits or even pose harm. Conversely, there are elements devoid of a green appearance that align with and embody sustainable goals. Additionally, intermediary components exist—those that visually appear green while also proving to be environmentally beneficial.
THEMATIC MAP
HAND DRAWN PEN AND WATERCOLOR I INDIVIDUAL
My interpretation of “green” on campus is that the overall environment features a pleasant amount of trees and numerous LEED-certified buildings, including four standard certifications, seven silver certifications, and one gold certification. There are also green infrastructure elements such as bioswales, green roofs, a roof garden, a playscape, and a living wall, all of which contribute to cultivating an environmentally sustainable setting. However, problematic areas on campus include high-maintenance lawns that function as ecological dead zones and the use of artificial athletic turf, which poses environmental harm.
LINDNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS SIGMA SIGMA COMMONS
TEACHERS COLLEGE
PHASE 3 I RE-IMAGINING SIGMA SIGMA COMMONS
By balancing an area such as Sigma Sigma Commons, the recreational green space can be preserved and the non-recreational green space can be redesigned. RHINO I TWINMOTION I ADOBE PHOTOSHOP I INDIVIDUAL
PHASE 3 I RE-IMAGINING DAAP COURTYARD
Green spaces such as the DAAP courtyard which are extremely high maintenance and underutilized should be entirely reconsidered to foster a more ecological environment.
DATE I FALL 2023
LOCATION I UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, CINCINNATI OHIO
PROJECT TYPE I STUDIO PROJECT I INDIVIDUAL WORK
3D MODELING BASICS
LINDNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MODEL
SKETCHUP I TWINMOTION I ADOBE PHOTOSHOP I INDIVIDUAL
Working with SketchUp and Twinmotion, I brought some of the buildings distinctive features to life. In this process, I included essential elements that are unique to the building, such as its panel-style windows, green roof, and large plaza.
HAND DRAWN BASICS
BUILDING FOOTPRINTS
HAND DRAWN I INDIVIDUAL
Inventory of existing building footprints on UC’s campus, drawn to scale.
LINKAGES
HAND DRAWN I INDIVIDUAL
Inventory of existing vehicular, pedestrian and shared pathways on UC’s campus, drawn to scale.
DATE I SPRING 2024 - FALL 2024
LOCATION I MAINE I CINCINNATI
PROJECT TYPE I PERSONAL I INDIVIDUAL WORK
A REFLECTION OF MY PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS AND COMMUNITY
MAINE CONSERVATION CORPS OVERVIEW
The Maine Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps program serving the local community and the environment. Serving with MCC is to be united in service to the State of Maine, its communities, and the conservation and preservation of our environment. Efforts as a field team member create access to Maine’s natural areas and present recreation, education, and fitness opportunities for the public.
MAINE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The site was located along the Appalachian Trail, near Rangeley Lakes State Park. This location was so impactful to me as an inspiring adventure; I understood the importance of the tasks at hand and creating more accessible trails for hikers.
SITE LOCATION
ARCGIS ONLINE I INDIVIDUAL
MAINE CONSERVATION CORPS TRAIL CREW PROJECT
In my 300-hour term with Maine Conservation Corps, I served collaboratively on a small crew with two other field team members, an assistant team leader, and a team leader. We did everything from make dinner together to constructing two series of stepping stones with over 30 rocks. We focused on problem areas where severe trail widening had occurred. The stepping stones will make for a more enjoyable hiking experience as well as prevent future erosion and allow for regrowth of the natural environment and vegetation that had been damaged.
The first series of stepping stones included over 20 boulders. It was important to think about a hiker’s natural walking pattern and how they will walk on our steps. We wanted the spacing to be as natural as possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
We faced many challenges in this area, one of them being the lack of support for the boulders because the existing tread was very minimal. To combat this, we included gargoyles to act as a support system for the larger boulders.
The second series of stepping stones was constructed in an ecologically sensitive area that had a brook running underneath the tread. Due to the sensitivity of this area, it was important that we provided a clear path for hikers to follow to prevent further erosion and to protect the existing vegetation.
SERIES 1 STEPPING STONES
SERIES 1 STEPPING STONES
SERIES 2 STEPPING STONES
DESIGN FOR LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
STUDENT PLANNING ORGANIZATION LOGO
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
As the Vice President of the Planning Student Organization, I took the initiative to design a logo that draws inspiration from key elements of urban environments, which are often of interest to planners.
STUDENT PLANNING ORGANIZATION SOCIAL MEDIA
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
In my role managing the social media account for the Planning Student Organization, I am responsible for developing engaging and visually appealing graphics that capture the attention of planners and encourage them to attend our meetings.
PRICE HILL WILL FLYER
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR I INDIVIDUAL
Price Hill WIll is a nonprofit community development corporation serving the neighborhood Price Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio. As an involved member of DAAPCares, I helped to design flyers to advertise free public classes that would be held in the fall. These flyers were posted in communal areas throughout Price Hill.
Sophie Gartland
Cincinnati, Ohio
gartlase@mail.uc.edu
614.565.4812
linkedin.com/in/sophia-gartland
Thank you.