Stella Lepkowski's Undergraduate Portfolio

Page 1


PORT FOLIO

welcome page

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT

University of Edinburgh

HI THERE!

Dedicated to nurturing the environment and promoting health for people and the planet, my goals stem from a foundation in Landscape Architecture. Being born in Germany and raised in Nebraska, I have grown up with an understanding on the importance of cultures and global connections. In the field of Landscape Architecture, this background shapes my approach to design. Emphasizing the importance of addressing human experiences and needs while thoughtfully harmonizing with the environment to enhance the spaces we inhabit. I am passionate about gaining a deeper understanding of strategies for sustainable development and exploring how we can improve these for the future.

education

BACHELOR IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln 2019-2023

Minor in Architecture

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKALINCOLN DEAN’S LIST

Spring Semester | 2019-2022

MODEL-MAKING IN THE DIGITAL AGE WORKSHOP

Liencres, Spain | 2022

awards

NEBRASKA/DAKOTAS ASLA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Trail Guide for a Hybrid Landscape 2022

NORMAN OSCHNER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT 2020

CHESTER BILLINGS MEMORIAL FUND RECIPIENT 2023

DR. ENRIGHT LA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT 2023

experience

KIMLEY-HORN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INTERNSHIP

July 2022 - December 2022 Frisco, TX

DESIGN THINKING UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT

August 2021 - December 2021 Lincoln, NE

leadership

ALPHA XI DELTA SORORITY 2019-2023

RECRUITMENT EVENTS DIRECTOR 2020

CHAPTER VICE PRESIDENT 2021

CHAPTER PRESIDENT 2022

skills

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Google Earth

AutoCAD

Civil3D

Microsoft Office

Windows OS Rhino 6 Lumion ArcGIS Bluebeam InDesign Illustrator

Photoshop

PERSONAL SKILLS

Adaptability

Collaborative

Communication

Critical-Thinking

Inclusive

Leadership

volunteer

OPEN DOOR MISSION Omaha, NE | 2019

LINCOLN FOOD TRUCK Lincoln, NE | 2021-2022

PEOPLE’S CITY MISSION Lincoln, NE | 2023

Towards New Urban Frontage

Niobrara State Park Amenity

Forestline Trail

The Ribbon Sequence Study Abroad Sketchbook

towards new urban frontage

BENSON, NEBRASKA

In collaboration with Josiah Nolting and Sean Kelly

Rooted in Benson’s cultural identity as a hub for art, performance, and community, this 40-year master plan project ensures its unique character is recognized and respected throughout the design process. Intentions and development are designed to empower the current community and establish Benson as a vibrant cultural and artistic center for Omaha. With a vision of introducing a progressive urban design, this project aims to connect Omaha’s micro-cities while prioritizing sustainability through reduced emissions and innovative energy solutions for the future.

Of

Ethnicity Household Location

City Of Omaha Neighborhood And Park Location

Benson District Bus Routes And Stops

Benson District Hospital Locations

City
Omaha

Art Locations

JFON Art

Art Heavy Ally

Site Boundary

Built before 1920

Built 1920-2000

Historical Boarder

Site Boundary

Downtown Benson Historical Sites
Downtown Benson Artwork

CULTURE AND IDENTITY

Benson is nurtured by a supportive community that welcomes people from near and far to share experiences and knowledge. Over time, those who have lived in or visited Benson have played a role in shaping its vibrant cultural identity. To ensure this legacy endures, it is vital to preserve the spaces, traditions, and values that have made Benson a unique and lasting hub of connection and creativity.

DEVELOPING FOR THE FUTURE

To develop the downtown Benson area into a new cultural and artistic hub for Omaha, program iteration was first explored to understand ways that sustainable techniques could be implemented into a new building design plan. While considering energy systems, buildings were also modeled to include collaborative spaces open to everyone, within the business district. Here, people can come together to share ideas, or work independently in a flexible environment. Aiming to create dynamic spaces that foster community and environmental innovation.

SITE DEVELOPMENT

Crafting the newly modeled massings of the downtown area, it was crucial to format this to existing traffic conditions while introducing evolved ways of movement whether on foot or wheels. It is in this phase of design where discoveries can be applied and molded to the needs of the sites surroundings.

DESIGN PERSPECTIVES

niobrara state park amenity

NIOBRARA, NEBRASKA

In collaboration with JJ Miller and Kendall Hartley

Situated in the northeastern curve of Nebraska’s border, Niobrara State Park offers scenic views and connects with neighboring states, serving as a historical and cultural crossroads that attracts visitors from across the nation. This project began with conceptual pavilion designs and evolved into a practical amenity-focused approach aimed at enhancing the park’s facilities. By integrating natural elements with CLT (cross-laminated timber) design, the project creates an immersive outdoor restroom experience. While many may view using restrooms in the wilderness as unappealing, this design redefines the concept, celebrating and elevating the experience of utilizing an enclosed restroom in a natural setting.

Nebraska and South Dakota Ecoregions

Niobrara River Basin

Lower Niobrara Natural Resource District

South Dakota Level 3 Ecoregions

Nebraska Level 3 Ecoregions

South Dakota Level 4 Ecoregions

Nebraska Level 4 Ecoregions

Ecoregions

Holt Tablelands

Keya Paha Tablelands

Niobrara River Breaks

Northeastern Nebraska Loess Hills

Ponca Plains

Sand Hills

Southern River Breaks

Transitional Sandy Plain

Wet Meadow and Marsh Plain

South Dakota Level 4 Ecoregions

Nebraska Level 4 Ecoregions

Ecoregions

Holt Tablelands

Keya Paha Tablelands

Niobrara River Breaks

Northeastern Nebraska Loess Hills

Ponca Plains

Sand Hills

Southern River Breaks

Transitional Sandy Plain

Wet Meadow and Marsh Plain

Niobrara River Breaks

Northeastern Nebraska Loess Hills

Ponca Plains

Sand Hills

Southern River Breaks

Transitional Sandy Plain

Wet Meadow and Marsh Plain

Nebraska and South Dakota Ecoregions

Niobrara River Basin

Lower Niobrara Natural Resource District

South Dakota Level 3 Ecoregions

Nebraska Level 3 Ecoregions

South Dakota Level 4 Ecoregions

Nebraska Level 4 Ecoregions

Ecoregions

Holt Tablelands

Keya Paha Tablelands

Niobrara River Breaks

Northeastern Nebraska Loess Hills

Ponca Plains

Sand Hills

Southern River Breaks

Transitional Sandy Plain

Wet Meadow and Marsh Plain

LOWER NIOBRARA RIVER VALLEY BASIN

STATE PARK

VEGETATION TYPOLOGIES

treeline trail

BESSEY NATIONAL FOREST

In collaboration with Alyssa WInkleman and Olivia Berck

The Treeline Trail highlights the striking contrast between the forest and the Sandhills, provides historical context related to the Sandhills, and offers visitors opportunities for education, interaction, and reflection. This project was part of a studio-wide collaboration, with teams working on individual trails to develop The Trail Guide for a Hybrid Landscape , which earned a 2022 ASLA Regional Student Award. The studio maintained regular communication with Bessey National Forest and conducted a site visit to deepen their understanding of the area’s ecosystems and land management practices.

ECOREGIONS WITHIN THE SANDHILLS

Managed Forest

Riverine

Nebraska Sandhills

ECOTYPES

Managed Forest

Invasive Species

Sandhills

Riverine

ENDANGERED SPECIES

Sandhills Overlay Region

Bessey National Forest

Boardwalk trail

Shortest Trail

Medium Trail

Longest Trail

Stargazing Trail

02. AXIS POINT
03. PRESETTLEMENT HISTORY

TOPOGRAPHY RELATIONSHIP

The design of this ADA-accessible boardwalk along the treeline provides three distinct trail experiences, each offering opportunities to observe the surrounding environment and engage with educational points along the route. Though the boardwalk appears linear in plan, its sectional complexity offers users a deeper understanding of Nebraska’s Sandhills topography. By minimizing land development, the project preserves the natural habitat, allowing wildlife to roam freely while offering visitors a safe and elevated vantage point for observation.

the ribbon sequence

LINOCLN, NEBRASKA

by

Situated in a highly frequented plaza at 13th and P Street on the Lincoln downtown campus, this space previously served as a vital link between restaurants, shops, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. Tasked with preserving the plaza’s functionality while introducing an iconic structure, The Ribbon Sequence offers a unique sculptural element designed to attract visitors and enhance the space’s usability. Positioned amidst buildings with little natural shade, the project aims to foster greater engagement by providing a dynamic gathering place for the community.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

With an existing foundation in place, the redesign of this project focused on making necessary adjustments to improve functionality. The design was inspired by the natural movement of users, incorporating softscape elements into previously underutilized hardscape areas. These enhancements aim to increase usability and promote a healthier, more vibrant environment for the surrounding community.

SECTION ANALYSIS

Given the numerous height variations within the new feature, this sectional analysis emphasizes the proportions relative to human interaction and accessibility. Bench seating provides a convenient spot for rest, leading to the central archway, which serves as a gateway to the central space. Beyond this, the ribbon-like opening functions as a screen between pathways, extending outward toward the street and the downtown area. This sequence is designed to work in reverse as well, creating an inviting path for incoming visitors.

study abroad sketches

BARCELONA, SPAIN

Welcome to the mind behind the madness. Here, you’ll find sketches that shaped me into a fearless, fun-loving artist— one who embraces mistakes and strives to draw everything. This course was relentless, driven by the tight deadlines, but it remains one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. During this time, I sharpened my skills in proportion and field sketching, while experimenting with a blend of multimedia techniques. Immersed in the vibrant culture of Barcelona, we explored the city’s rich history, the influence of Antoni Gaudí, and learned the importance of being a respectful visitor in a foreign place.

PHONE: EMAIL: LINKEDIN:

+1.402.850.3284

smlepkowski@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/stella-lepkowski-b11071208

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Stella Lepkowski's Undergraduate Portfolio by StellaLepkowski - Issuu