landscape architecture
stephanie smith
contact
stephsmith10@gmail.com +1 949 463 7131
goals
community building, landscape and habitat restoration, food desert & insecurity solutions, watershed management and restoration, accessibility, unique experiences, youth education, humanitarian impact.
education
BLA / California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo bachelor of landscape architecture / June 2018 SEM / California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo minor in sustainable environments / June 2018 PDC / The Ecology Center, San Juan Capistrano permaculture design certification / August 2015 AA / Saddleback College, Mission Viejo associates in natural sciences / May 2015
work experience
intern / San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden / 2018 florist / Poly Plant Shop / 2017 volunteer / The Ecology Center / 2015 intern / Native Soil Gardens / 2015 assistant manager / Active Culture / 2012
life experience
impactful places / Bahia de Las Animas, Lauterbrunnen, Berlin, Ventana Wilderness, Pont du Gard, Wild Rose Peak, Monteverde, Holmesvinget, Sespe Wilderness. ecology / documentation and collection of native & regional flora, marine ecology field study in Bahia de Las Animas, Mexico art / lifelong artistic study, formal and informal passions / backpacking and hiking, evironmental awareness, baking and pastry, cultural preservation, phytoremediation, travel, apiculture, wildlife, food and wine appreciation, sustainable food systems.
skills
digital / Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, AutoCAD, Rhino, GIS artistic / watercolor, oil, pencil & charcoal, ceramics, photography language / English, Danish, fluent in both
organization visuals
The Gradient SLO City Farm
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Madonna Mix Big Sur Sommerhuset Dunescape Jungle House
analysis Uprooted
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program development 10 Orchard Park The Gradient L.A. Flow
process and design
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concept
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research
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Rhino Models AIDS Memorial
AIDS Memorial Orchard Park
Orchard Park Uprooted
visuals/ 1
n. perceptible by the sense of sight or by the mind; a first impression communicates the information.
The Gradient
The Atrium
1.1 / experiential placemaking
Collaging for the spatial experience is an effective way to capture the mood of different spaces. Each place invokes a unique feeling with activities that make them distinct.
Eco-Garden Eco-Garden
Eco-Garden The Atrium
The Atrium
Boxcar Books
Boxcar Books The Field
Boxcar Books Art Row
Boxcar Books
The Field
The Atrium Art Row
The Atrium
Boxcar Books
The Field
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Eco-Garden
The Field
visuals/ 1
SLO City Farm
1.2 / site mapping for the user
Mapping the specifics of a space for users needs to be simple, clear, and easy to understand. Making a new space approachable can positively impact the experience that follows.
MEET YOUR LOCAL FARMERS! RED BARN FARMS
Javier Magana teams with Julia’s Juice to bring fresh produce to farmers’ markets in San Luis Obispo County.
DACITE FARMS Coming soon!
CARMICHEAL ENVIRONMENTAL
Permacultural landscapes coming soon!
OUR GLOBAL FAMILY
Weekend farming for children and families.
CENTRAL COAST GROWN
City Farm School Project, The Horticultural Therapy Project.
RYAN BRANTLEY
Manager of Cal Poly’s strawberry center, here Ryan practices new methods in strawberry growing.
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Madonna Mix
1.3 / watercolor masterplanning
The Madonna Mix is a mixed use space designed to replace a neglected, underserving, parking-centered strip mall on the Central Coast. The project brings life and culture into an asphalt desert. It gives locals not only a place to dine and shop, but also provides education, an opportunity to connect with neighbors, find solace in the native landscape, and explore local seasonal agriculture.
program legend
1. department & big box stores 2. dining, retail & offices 3. hotel 4. artist studios & workshops 5. library 6. community center 7. elementary school 8. pharmacy & grocery 9. arboretum & botanical garden 10. seasonal flower fields
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visuals/ 1
art marketplace
school playground
main square
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1.4 / personal artwork
Creating art has always had a place in my life and helps shape my personality. It is a way for me to express how I view the world and draw attention to scenes that others may not notice. I have practiced with charcoal and pastel, oil painting, watercolor, chalk pastels, and digital media. These are some of my most recent favorites.
Dunescape
Big Sur
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visuals/ 1
Jungle House
Sommerhuset
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analysis/ 2
n. the seperating of elements into individual constituents; allows for patterns to emerge that were not previously evident.
Uprooted
2.1 / analyzing patterns in a refugee camp
The Za’atari Refugee camp in northern Jordan has responded to a rapid influx of over 100,000 people in a short amount of time. Accomodating for the needs of many has stretched favorable living conditions. Understanding which elements contribute to specific issues provides the ability to address them in future planning.
population density
Darkened areas display an increase in population density. These areas correlate with some of the most undesirable settlement districts.
services
The service layout is somewhat in agreement with the grid layout of the camp, however, seems to sprawl along the outskirts, probably as more dwelling units are added. This layout may not serve the community most effectively.
water drainage
Inadequately planned stormwater management creates flooding, especially in roads and walkways. This heavily impairs movement and quality of life, in addition to demonstrating inefficient use of rainwater.
circulation
Major circulation arteries depict the layout of the site. This layout may have aided in economic and social stagnancy, as services and communites are fragmented and isolated. The layout does nothing to foster community or recreation opportunities.
aerial mapping
Nearby settlements condradict this grid layout in their organic structure. This more natural evolution of the growth of a city over time may stem from human spatial use patterns as well as cultural infuences, and may be a better alternative to model from.
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Uprooted
2.2 / program element interactions
Za’atari refugee camp will benefit from intentional design and improved programming. To create a framework for design decisons, program element relationships are important to understand. Here they are compared in a matrix, giving a quick visual overview of how programs may interact with one another.
should not relate
existing elements circulation walking distance climate / exposure wildlife / vegetation soils topography electricity / energy water visibility transportation food production businesses housing recycling Existing site elements determined as having a high priority in regards to design and programming. Relationships between circulation / topography / water currently are problematic and should be improved and taken into account in design and restructuring.
proposed elements playground healing garden lighting private gardens / plots social food space womens’ workspace restrooms / sanitation local materials crop nutrients / resources prepared food / goods imported materials / resources art waste seed supply
analysis/ 2
should relate
Proposed design elements and their relationships between each other should guide infrastructure and site layout. Important connections such as those between waste / resources / food highlight site programming needs and inform process design.
wi climwalk ldl at in cir ife e g cu / v / exdist lat ele ct t ege po anc ion s ric op ity og statio ure e / e ra oi n fo tra od ns v w ner phy ls p i a g bu pro ort sibil ter y sin du ati ity c o re hou essetion n cy si s cli ng ng
rte
po
d un n ro de g yg ar tin ts pla g g igh plo ce e l n ali s / pa ac n he den od sksp atio als r o r it i s ga l f wo an ter ce s te cia s’ / s ma our ood es iva so men ms cal res / g urc art e pr / d o o st ly wostro lo nts foo res wa upp / e re s tri red ls nu pa ria ed se op re te cr p ma d
im
comparison of elements Major improvements and opportunites lie within recycling and waste, food production, restroom and sanitation facilities, as well as addressing the walking distance between important community services. The final plan needs to be dynamic enough to respond to complex relationships not only between the elements on the site but the people that will be using them while considering the potential impact on the surrounding environment.
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program development/ 3
n. the imperative act or process of planning.
Orchard Park
3.1 / Chula Vista brainstorming
The 80 acre SMRA site responds to low income community needs as well as a polluted river watershed draining the site. As part of a comprehensive watershed restoration plan, this site has the potential to integrate with local remediation efforts flawlessly.
The Gradient
3.2 / social/ecological gradient programming
An alternate development plan for Pier 70 in the Dogpatch/Presidio neighborhood of San Fransisco. Brainstorming produces a threshold between the local neighborhoods and the waterfront, as well as a gradient between social and ecological park planning.
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L.A. Flow
3.3 / programming for improved ecology
Urban development and sprawl have pushed out native species from their indigenous habitats. Integrating the most abundant Californian biomes into environmental design can provide a haven for adapting metropolitan wildlife. Los Angeles County, with the highest volume of diversified bird species in the country, presents the perfect opportunity to serve the increasing demand for native habitats.
ECOLOGY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY LUCIE SIMMONS & STEPHANIE SMITH
Western Snowy Plover Double-Crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron California Clapper Rail Coastal Gnatcatcher Tree Swallow Red-Tailed Hawk Peregrine Falcon Wrentit Bushtit Sagebrush Sparrow Cactus Wren Western Bluebird Northern Mockingbird California Thrasher Bell’s Vireo Cedar Waxwing Lazuli Bunting Spotted Dove Western Screech Owl Orange Crowned Warbler Yellow Warbler Western Scrub Jay California Towhee Costa’s Hummingbird Gila Woodpecker Hooded Oriole House Finch California Quail Bats Pacific Tree Frog Bullfrog Western Toad Lepidoptera (Butterflies) Odonata (Dragonflies) Hymenoptera (Bees, Ants) Coleoptera (Beetles) Orthoptera (Grasshoppers) Diptera (Flies)
FLORA BEACH
Sand Verbena, Evening Primrose, Silver Bush Lupine, Saltbush
WETLAND
Smartweed, Bulrush, Cattail, Yerba Mansa
program/ 3
FAUNA
CHAPARRAL California Buckwheat, California Sagebrush, Black Sage, Yucca, Chamise, Dudleya
RIPARIAN
Western Sycamore, California Rose, Arroyo Willow, Sword Fern
WOODLAND
Coast Live Oak, Coffee Berry, Elderberry, California Morning Glory
DESERT
Beavertail, California Fanpalm, Ocotillo, Cholla
YEAR ROUND / MIGRATORY
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process & design/ 4
v. to prepare the preliminary plans for a work.
Rhino Models
4.1 / digital model to 3D printer
The implications for 3D printing technology are hardly definitive. Modeling an object or idea using computer software, in this case Rhino, and observing the transformation from an on-screen model to a real, handheld object was an elevated experience. To test the machine’s capability, a complex shape was repeated and resized to create a conglomerate object. Although there were several shorcomings, the overall end-result faithfully reflected the digital model.
Rhino Models
4.2 / digital model to CNC router
Another practice in digital modeling, modeling intricate landform types. Although height limitations set by the router were initially an obstacle, the wood product is a quality representation of the initial landform.
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AIDS Memorial
4.3 / sketch exploration
Preliminary design sketching aids in spatial visualization, organization of initial thoughts and ideas, as well as thorough exploration of the physicality of a space and its potential constraints or influences.
design/ 4 13
concept/ 5 IDS LIVING MEMORIAL PARK
n. an idea of something formed by combining all of its characteristics to form a construct, guiding form, layout, and feel of a space.
AIDS Memorial
5.1 / river influence
d by the movement and peacefulness of flowing water, the AIDS Memorial Park is a site for relaxation, reflection, and remembrance.
The water concept is constructed in a dynamic manner for the AIDS Memorial garden. The more tumultuous and turbulent characteristics reflect the difficulties of diagnosis with the disease or the loss of a loved one. Calm and smoothly flowing waters symbolize the peace and serentiy of acceptance. Spatial patterns, design elements, individual spaces, plant materials, and programming further enforce these divergent fluid qualities.
SITE PLAN SCALE 1” = 2
PECIFIC
N
Boardwalk Overlook
Creek overlook A boardwalk roaches out over the existing creek. This cirulation point offers a natural space for reflection and observation, and also education about the local habitat.
A.
Secluded Reflection
Native Meadow
A large open space is filled with a variety of native plants, with a refined color pallete. The camling space allows for relaxation in a refined setting, while also taking in the surrounding views.
Multi-Use Space
B.
Native Meadow
4. Picnic Field
Fluid Walkways
3.
An open meadow in a more formal design, surrounded by plantings of lavender & sage. Picnic tables provide seating and gathering space. The meadow serves as flexible open space, while retaining views into the memorial grove.
2.
1.
Entry Pathway
SECTIONS SCALE 1” = 10’
A.
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Orchard Park
5.2 / citron slice
A deep analysis of Chula Vista’s history influences a concept for the site. An economy based on citrus growing aided in the growth of the San Diego region. Form generation, circulation, and programing in the end product were derived from a citrus slice.
concept/ 5 15
research/ 6
v. the systematic inquiry of environmental, historic, social, and cultural information.
Orchard Park
6.1 / phytoremediation in a damaged watershed
The Otay Mesa watershed in San Diego has been ravaged by anthropogenic contaminants. These pollutants eventually end up the in San Diego Bay, threatening both human and wild life along the way. Using phytoremediation to remove harmful chemicals from the watershed can be a graceful solution in environmental remediation.
Aqueous Solutions
Developing strategies for restoring San Diego’s damaged watershed. Idealistic Plant Communities
Guilding Communities
Guild systems are groups of plants that each perform a different function, or occupy a different niche, within the same community. These plants ultimately have the same goals within the What iscommunity, a guild? but genereally do not compete with another, provide for each Guild systems one are groups of plantsbut that instead each perform a differentbenefits function, or occupy a difother. ferent niche, within the same community. These plants ultimately have the same goals within
Phytoremediation
the community, but genereally do not compete with one another. Ideally, the guild will provide benefits for its members, whether by attracting pollinators or fixing nitrogen into the soil.
Groundcover Shades and mulches soil
Climber
Vines occupy this niche
Canopy
Provides main function
Shrub
Protector
Provides secondary function
Attracts pollinators and deters pests
Fixer
Protector
Fixes nitrogen and aerates soil
Attracts pollinators and deters pests
Phytoremediation is the process of decontaminating soil or water by using plants, trees, and sometimes fungi and other biological Phytoremediation processes, to absorb or break down pollutants. Phytoremediation is the process of decontaminating or water by using plants, trees, and Phytoremediation is furthersoilcategorized into five sometimes fungi and other biological processes, to absorb or break down pollutants. groups, depending on how the pollutant is treated within a contaminated Phytoremediation is further categorized into five area. groups, depending on how the pollutant
Groundcover
Shades and mulches soil
is treated within a contaminated area. These are phytoextraction, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization. Groundcover Shades and mulches soil
Climber
Vines occupy this niche
Canopy
Provides main function
Shrub
Provides secondary function
Protector
Attracts pollinators and deters pests
Fixer
Fixes nitrogen and aerates soil
Protector
Groundcover
Attracts pollinators and deters pests
Shades and mulches soil
Watershed Pollutants in San Diego
Some of the most common anthropogenic pollutants found in watersheds and the bay of San Diego County.
polychlorated biphenal
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
arsenic
copper
Sources: Old electrical equipment, lubricants, inks, adhesives, surface coastings, paints, and flame retardants.
Sources: Engines, forest fires, fossil fuel burning, smog, diesel exhaust, road paving, tire production.
u
u
u
Risks: Cancer, cardiovascular disease.
Found in soil or sediment near manufacturing.
Sources: Wood preservation, pesticides, agricultural chemicals, occurs naturally in soils.
Sources: Brake pads, dumping, plumbing, vehicle components, wood preservative, motor oil, fuel exhaust.
zinc
Sources: Galvanized surfaces, vehicle tire debris, glow in the dark product manufacturing, fertilizers.
mercury
Sources: Forest fires, fossil fuels, minging, waste incinerators, dental uses, fleurescent lamps, batteries, detergents, dye pigments.
u
u
u
u
u
Risks: Negative effects on fish and marine animals, brain damage, renal disease, liver and kidney damage.
u
u
u
Risks: Damage to kidneys and nervous system, reduced cognitive development, brain degeneration, death.
u
u
Risks: Too muchcauses vitamin deficiencies, diarhea, slow reflexes, paralysis of extremeties.
u
u
Risks: Cancer, skin lesions, rapid poisoning, & death.
Occurs near industrial areas.
Commonly found in streets and near sidewalks.
Found in soils, dust, air, and water.
Toxicity caused by excessive absorbtion.
Can be ingested by eating fish.
Arundo donax
Tagestes erecta
u
Allium cepa
Risks: Nervous system damage, neurological & behavioral disorders.
u
Brassica napus
u
Made to replace DDT.
Panicum acuminatum
Juglans nigra
Salix nigra
Trifolium pratense
Agropyron spp.
Helianthus annus
Sarcosphera coronaria
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Lemna minor
Lotus purshianus
Arabidopsis thaliana
Lemna minor
Brassica juncea
Atriplex halimus
Lupinus alba
Nicotinna tabacum
Arabadopsis thaliana
Trifolium pratense
Brassica juncea
Festuca rubra
Brassica napus
Juglans nigra
u Brassica napus
Sources: Household insecticide for controlling cockroaches, silverfish, fleas, ants. Gardening and indoor use widespread.
Pleurotus ostreatus
u Plantago lanceolata
lead
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u
Risks: Reduced fertility, slowed development, cancer.
Populus fremontii
Sources: Chipping paint, leaded gasoline, imported toys and candy, pottery glazes.
pesticide
u
Exposure via food, air, and drinking water.
Risks: extensive poisoning effects (vomitting, dizziness, slowed breathing), long term neurological problems. Hazardous to birds and fish.
u
u
Uprooted
6.2 / aerial land use study of a refugee camp
The Za’atari Refugee Camp, located in the northern Jordanian desert, provides shelter and services for nearly 80,000 individuals. Piecing together the surrounding environments aided in understanding nearby land uses, settlement patterns, soil types, agricultural potential, and water sources. Za’atari Refugee Camp / Local Soils and Land Uses Yarmouk River Basin
Upper Cretaceous limestone with sinkholes, marl, and chert. Limestone. Volcanism led to basalt flows along northern part of study area. Terra rosa and Rendzina soils. Rain-fed olive groves, orchards, and vineyards in higher elevations; field crops, irrigated vegetables, citrus, and bananas in the vicinity of Yarmouk River and northern Jordan Valley.
Landforms
Hills and plateaus in much of the surrounding area, with mixed soils.
Land Uses / Nearest Proximity to Site
Bare land, agriculture, and artifucial surfaces such as urban or industiral built areas.
Settlement Patterns Sparsely settled.
Site
Orchard Park
6.3 / field notes from a San Diego site visit
research/ 6
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contact: 949.463.7131 / stephsmith10@gmail.com