2021 Landscape Architecture Portfolio

Tab Backman

2021 Design Portfolio Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture

Tab Backman

Claremont, CA . tabbac2@aol.com . (909) 575-7199

Personal Statement

Growing up all my life in Claremont California, I have constantly sought to progress my intellectual, artistic, and experiential endeavors and curiosities. From a young age I have looked towards my passions for creative outlook. Whether it be through traveling and learning about the history and culture of a place, or through artistic expression such as photography and hand art. These passions have become leading point in my growth and pursuit in a future as a Landscape Architect and the realm of design of the built environment.

The ephemeral nature of the narratives and physical qualities that make up the landscapes of our planet have always evoked vast interest for me. I am fascinated by how cities have continued to evolve and adapt to the varying conditions of the anthropological and stimulating reactions that humans and ecological life have with these spaces. As well as their relationship with public space and the interweaving fabric of the designed and the natural. I believe that landscapes and public space play imperative roles in the growth of cities and environments alike, and that design is the key to this holistic assemblage.

Education

Skills

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Pomona, CA Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Fall 2016 - Spring 2020 Expressed interest in minoring in both GIS and Regenerative Studies (Took classes but didn’t finish either)

Illustrator Photoshop Photography Film Making Premiere Pro After Effects Indesign AutoCAD Rhino Grasshopper (Kangaroo Plug-In) ArcGIS (ArcMap and ArcScene) Vray Lightroom Microsoft Laser Cut Wood Shop Digital Art Model Making DJI GO 4

Awards and Acclaims Student Design Competition: New San Francisco Federal Building Plaza (November 2017) "Terraform" - Second Place (GSA Designcompetition) College of Environmental Design Dean's List – Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020 President’s Honors List - Fall 2018 to Spring 2019 Academic Year Fall 2019 to Spring 2020 Academic Year Cumulative GPA - 3.52 (Cum Laude)

Study Abroad

References

Cal Poly Pomona Landscape Architecture Italy Fall 2019 Program Twelve-week academic program in Castiglion Fiorentino LA 4782: Tradition to Modern: A Cultural Transect of Japan Includes 12-day excursion through Japan as in-depth study of Japan’s cultural legacy (Spring 2019) China + Japan ENV Summer Program (June 25 - August 1, 2017) California State Polytechnic University Pomona + North China University of Technology

Rennie Tang Associate Professor - Department of Landscape Architecture California State Polytechnic University, Pomona rktang@cpp.edu 1 909 869 3997

Languages English - Fluent (Native) Spanish - Beginner/Intermediate Italian - Beginner Passion and intent to learn more

Interests and Hobbies Design, Travel, History, Culture, Photography, Filmmaking/Videography, Drone Piloting, Graphic Design, Hand Art/Sketching, Fitness (Running and Hiking), Cooking, Linguistics, Cartography/GIS, Ecology, Geography tabbac2@aol.com

tabackman@cpp.edu

(909) 575-7199 @tabbackman https://vimeo.com/user91213667 or search “Tab Backman”

James Becerra Lecturer - Department of Landscape Architecture California State Polytechnic University, Pomona jebecerra@cpp.edu 1 909 869 2945 Philip Pregill Professor - Department of Landscape Architecture California State Polytechnic University, Pomona pnpregill@cpp.edu 1 909 869 4431

Optimistic and curious about the world around me. I am always hopeful to learn more and experience growth throughout my academic and professional journey. I find interest in the little things and tend to want to explore deeper in every avenue of life. I enjoy working with team just as much as working individually.

Contents

Work Sample from Undergrad Career

Contents

01 01 02 02 03 03 04 04

Studio Projects

Work Sample from Undergrad Career

Defragmenting the Biosphere

Capstone Project designing a wildlife bridge over California’s Highway 101 and Agoura Road near Calabasas

Studio Projects

4

Defragmenting the Biosphere

Capstone Project designing a wildlife bridge over California’s Highway 101 and Agoura Road near Calabasas

4

Renewable Castiglion Fiorentino

A design project set in Tuscany Italy, focusing on using a system of geothermal pocket parks for local community

Renewable Castiglion Fiorentino

20

A design project set in Tuscany Italy, focusing on using a system of geothermal pocket parks for local community

20

The Social Infrastructure of Public Parks

The revitalization of Silverlake Reservoir in north western Los Angeles, designing for both wildlife and the nearby community

24

The Social Infrastructure of Public Parks

The revitalization of Silverlake Reservoir in north western Los Angeles, designing for both wildlife and the nearby community

Bridging Habitats

Bringing new life to the Rio Hondo spreading grounds by utilizing 3 hexagonal spaces to create habitat for both humans and wildlife species

ETC

Bridging Habitats

36

Bringing new life to the Rio Hondo spreading grounds by utilizing 3 hexagonal spaces to create habitat for both humans and wildlife species

ETC

24

36

Extra Graphics and Work

40

Poster boards and graphics from projects and assignments that weren’t in my main work sampled.

05 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 09 09

Extra Graphics and Work

40

Poster boards and graphics from projects and assignments that weren’t in my main work sampled.

Technical Construction Graphics

Techinal drawing from various stages of assignments from construction classes

42

Technical Construction Graphics

42

Grasshopper Exploration

Work from a guided introductary class focused on grasshopper and the use of it within design process

44

Grasshopper Exploration

44

Work from a guided introductary class focused on grasshopper and the use of it within design process

Individual Art and Sketching

An amalgamation of various sketches and hand graphics as well as artwork from pre-college artistic endeavors

46

Individual Art and Sketching

46 48

Techinal drawing from various stages of assignments from construction classes

An amalgamation of various sketches and hand graphics as well as artwork from pre-college artistic endeavors

Photography, Film, and Travels

Photo samples from travels and other photography adventures

48

Photography, Film, and Travels

Photo samples from travels and other photography adventures

3

01

Defragmenting the Biosphere

Ecologically integrated wildlife crossing over the 101

Site: Across U.S. Highway 101 and Agoura Road near Agoura Hills and Calabasas Group Partners: Individual Project Spring 2020 (Fourth Year) Instructor: Kelly Majewski

The focus of “Defragmenting the Biosphere” is to create an effective connection between the habitats of the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills. Essentially influenced by an alluvial fan, the overall shape of the design mimics the outflow from Simi Hills, over the 101 freeway and Agoura Road, throughout the nearby surroundings. The connection is meant to seem natural as if it has always been here, part of the existing landscape, and that the freeway and road were tunneled through it.

The design focuses on the journey of the animals, but also their moments.

It is meant to act as both a way of getting from one place to another, as well as a potential resting spot for smaller species that may not migrate as far as larger mammals. The plantings and topography are largely influenced by the study of the surrounding wildlife species, their diets, preferences, and just overall how they interact with their environment.

Concept Drawing

100-Year Floodplan Stream H1 Habitat H2 Habitat - High Scrutiny Sub Area H1 Habitat 100-foot Buffer Stream Highway 101

H2 Habitat

Site

H3 Habitat SMM Coastal Zone Boundary Areas of Earthquake-induced Liquefaction Potential

Santa Monica Mountains

PCH Highway

Mountain Lion

Puma concolor

85%

of diet consists of mule deer

Usually found in riparian and wetland areas with overhanging willows, and fringes of cattail borders. A sheltering habitat with prevention of dessication is necessary for survival. Aquatic habitats are prime and usual for breeding locations

California Red-legged Frog

Rana aurora

7.9’ Length (Avg Male) 6.7’ Length (Avg Female)

24-35” Height

Considered an ambush predator that likes landscapes that are suitable of stalking and suprising their prey. Generally elusive and while 75 mountain lions have been documented in the Santa Monica Mountains area, there has been rarely any contact with humans.

256

Only found in streams or drainages in California. Has disappeared from

Sometimes migrates large distances from one water source to another during periods of rainfall

Habitat Fragmentation One of the biggest threast to cougar species is habitat fragmentation, due to both natural and human influence, such as freeways.

70%

around of its habitat range.

Trees and Forbs Shrubs Grasses 3.9-6.9’ Length

Winter 15%

75%

10%

25%

50%

25%

45%

50%

5%

30%

60%

10%

Spring

5’

Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Butterflies migrate through The US, to and from Mexico throughout the year. Usually the patterns are southward from Canada and the US during fall to Mexico to avoid overwintering and notherward during Spring

Butterflies are a pollinator species and one of the most sought after plants for feeding is milkweed

31-42” Hieght

Summer Fall

Stotting Much of mule deers’ movement other than walking consists of stotting, a hopping movement with all four legs landing on ground at the same moment.

Mule Deer (California Mule deer)

Odocoileus hemionus Californicus

They do this to move fast, spot predators, as an alarm signal, and to show predators of physical capabilities

5

Agoura Hills Population: 20,472 Area: 7.82 sq miles

Paramount Ranch

Site of W Crossin Direction of Animal Movement through site

D T a

Santa Monica Mountains

Highest Elevation: 3,111 ft Area: 244.8 sq miles Around 100 monitored mountain lions in area

Liberty Canyon Area + Liberty Canyon Road Part of the city of Agoura Hills

25’ Contours

Highway 101

Simi Hills

Highest Elevation: 2,139 ft Area: About 182 sq miles

Agoura Road

Wildlife ng

Existing Stream

Direction of Human Traffic through the 101 and Agoura Rd

Calabasas Population: 23,954 Area: 13.28 sq miles

Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center Part of King Gillette Ranch near Las Virgines Rd

7

10

1F

Ag

ou

ra

ree

wa

y

Ro

ad

L

I C

A 101 Widlife Bridge B Agoura Road Wildlife Bridge C Sound Barrier/Fencing D Planted Terraced Abutments E Existing Stream F Designed Stream G Terraced Runoff Moderators H Tree Wells/Ramps I Tall Grasses J Shrub Planting K Forb Planting L Attractor Plantings

B

J E

H K

Santa Monica Mountains

Simi Hills

G

D A

F

0

.5X

1X

2X

9

TOPOGRAPHY/FILL STRUCTURE The underlying structure consists of 2 main bridges, one over the 101 and one over Agoura Road. These bridges are supported by abutments and beams (for the 101 bridge). The abutments are designed to be terraced planters each a few feet in height to ramp up from the freeway to the proposed grade.

The topography makes up a large amount of the filled soil. This goes from the existing creek at the south up over the 101 across to the Simi Hills. Various mounds and depressions make up the topography at a more macro scale allowing for diversity in landscape to fit animal’s needs, for example a long tailed weasel preferring to burrow under a mound or rock

WATER SYSTEM

SOUND BARRIER/FENCING

A proposed stream makes up the center of the design running from the norther hills down to the existing creek in the south. The terraces at the top of the design act as moderators for runoff from the adjacent mountains and channels it into the designed stream leading downhill. The stream switchbacks in areas of steeper slope and branches out into multiple depressions.

The overall shape of the fencing is rather curvilinear to fit the shape of the design.

The fencing begins to break into pillars once it reaches ground level. The pillars are tied together by a perforated mesh and start off closer together but exponentially get farther away, the farther away from the site.

PLANTINGS The planting are largely based on the site analysis of the wildlife. The needs and preferenced of the different species largely drives the design of the planting zones. They include tall grasses, shrubs, forbs, and attractors.

Many of this is based on the herbivore species’ diets, such as Mule deer, but also is important for other species such as cougars and small mammals that like taller grass.

CIRCULATION

Wildielife Movement Human Movement

Circulation is divided into levels. The human and road traffic on the bottom and animal movement on the top of the bridge. The main paths of circulation for pedestrians is roughly an east to west plane. Animal circulation is more freeflowing based on the directioning of the design and wildlife’s choice in movement from one side to the other.

SECTION ENLARGEMENT

Key Map

Terraced Runoff Moderators Series of terraces to slow down run off from adjacent Simi Mountains. The water gets funnels down the terraced into the designed stream and eventually into the existing creek.

WILDLIFE BRIDGE SECTION Tree Wells

cut

Tree wells designed around existing oaks. Rock fill at a steeper slope compared to surrounding slope.

fill fill Terraced Runoff Moderators

Terraced Planter Abutments

101 Bridge

Terraced Planter Agoura Road Abutments Tunnel

Terraced Planter Abutments

Tree Wells

Stream

Forbs Attractors

Tall Grass Shrubs

Terraced Runoff Moderators

Tree Wells

11

Increase in space between pillars to create a rhythmic feeling of “arriving” or “coming up” to a special moment or sight. In this case for the drivers, leading up to and through the site.

15’ 20’

25’

30’

45’

60’

85’

120’

Wire Mesh between each pillar

Attractors Noice Barrier

+ wall plantings

Landscape Rocks

Shrubs

Packed Earth Tall Grass Forbs

Terraced Planters Stream Bridge’s Pillar Supports

Sound Wall Noise Mitigation Methods The sound walls help to mitigate sound pollution from the freeway using 3 methods. First, the structure of the wall is curved outward to guide some of the noise away from the bridge. Also extruded from the walls themselves are scattered planters that allow for plants growth as well as hanging vines and other sorts of plant mass to again mitigate oncoming noise. The last thing is that the walls are seperated into 2 layers. The outer layer facing the roads is a thinner porous layer with many small holes (where there is not a planter) slightly seperated from the inner more structural layer. This is intended for any remaining noise to get trapped between the layers.

Freeway Noise

SECTION ENLARGEMENT Terraced Planter Abutments The terraced planter abutments allow for a diverse range of plants. There is also a path of potential water movement down the terraces off of the site in catch areas. At night this water feature, along with the terraces are lit up by lights that showcases a unique perspective of the design element.

101 Freeway

Key Map

Sound Barrier/Fencing The sound wall is curved outward to guide the noise and street light away from the design. A perforated outer layer and multitude of plantings also add an extra layer of sound cancelation and absorption. These small planters may act as micro-habitats for smaller animals.

101 FREEWAY SECTION

Sound Barrier/Fencing Terraced Planter Abutments

101 Bridge

Sound Barrier/Fencing Terraced Planter Abutments

SECTION ENLARGEMENT Habitat Design Top of bridge incudes various land formations and habitat features such as mounds, depressions, rocks, and plantings

Key Map

Agoura Road Tunnel The experience for the pedestrian feels more as if its a tunnel due to the slim width yet longth length of the overhead bridge and sides.

Agoura Road

AGOURA ROAD SECTION

Sound Barrier/Fencing Terraced Planter Abutments

Agoura Road Tunnel

Sound Barrier/Fencing Terraced Planter Abutments

Existing Culvert

Forbs/Herbaceous The designed forb spaces consist of annuals, biennials, and perennials. Relatively low in height the forbs on site are placed in areas with prominent sunlight to sustain plant growth. The forbs are picked as diet for many species including deer, quail, grouse, mice, voles, rabbits, snakes, and other (mostly) small animals.

Attractors Attractor planting are specifically placed to bring wildlife through the site, located at various intervals along the design. The attractor planting are rather broad and can range from a multitude of plants that are capable of efficiently attracting at least a single species.

The most notable is milkweed used to attract migratory butterflies along the site instead of on the freeway.

Grasses

Designed mainly for the use of cover rather than a source of diet, although many animals do eat grasses but to a lesser extent. Grasses range in heights and densities but most in the design are tall enough to cover a large range of wildlife species, most notably and possibly the largest, the cougar.

Shrubs The shrub zones consist of densely vegetated woody plants, ranging in plant species and attributes. These offer a variety of benefits for different the wildlife species from source of diet for herbivores such as Mule Deer, to areas of hiding and burrowing for smaller animals.

13

Open Space

To help certain animals that predators that lurk in overly v there is always a path of sho to allow for safer movement as deer and not just design f cougars which love tall plan

Noise Barrier

The noise barrier has various hanging plants that take up much of its faces on both sides. Largely to help maintain noise levels from the freeway, but also to help mask the visible signs of a man made structures to passing wildlife.

Designed Seasonal Stream

The seasonally filled stream serpentines it way down the design through the landscape draining into the existing stream south of the site. It is intended to allow for semi-aquatic wildlife to travserse the site aswell as attract other wildlife with potential drinking and resting source.

Trees

Trees are restricted to area between the two bridges and on either side. No trees are planted on the bridge for issues of weight and safety (and due to what the firm working with us wanted).

On the hill between the bridges the trees are mainly on areas where the slope flattens out a bit.

t may fall prey to vegetated areas, orter vegetation t for animals such for animals like nts.

Plantings

The choice of the various types of plantings are based on a variety of preferences and needs of many different animals. Whether it is for diet or preferred hiding spaces.

15

Terraced Planters

Inclining 2’ terraced each level with row of various plant types.

Noise Barrier

Plantings mitigate the noise pollution for animals as they move along the site. They are also meant to mask the feeling of a man-made design.

Fencing

The fencing pillars are seperated by a wire mesh. The pillars are closer together the closer they are to the site, thus giving drivers and pedestrians the feeling of a build up to a unique destination as they get closer to the bridge

17

Fencing The fencing pillars are seperated by a wire mesh. The pillars are closer together the closer they are to the site, thus giving drivers and pedestrians the feeling of a build up to a unique destination as they get closer to the bridge

Water Feature During period of rain, runoff water creates a spectacle in itself. At night the water feature is lit by luminescant blue lights to give an ethereal glow.

Varietal weather perpective meant to show site in moments of contrast

Noise Barrier Plantings mitigate the noise pollution for animals as they move along the site. They are also meant to mask the feeling of a man-made design.

Resting Within the southern pockets where there is no terraced planters, the open space is utilized as a resting spot for pedestrians and bikers.

Here they can read about the site.

19

02

Renewable Castiglion Fiorentino

Rethinking the energy infrastructure of Castiglion Fiorentino

Site: Castiglion Fiorentino and the surrounding Val di Chio Group Partners: Brandon Barrera, Selah Sanchez, Madelyn Barnes Fall 2019 (Fourth Year) Instructor: Phil Pregill

VISION STATEMENT FORWARDLY THINKING FOR THE COMMUNITY OF CASTIGLION FIORENTINO INCLUDES APPROACHING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, WHICH WILL AFFECT ECONOMIC, INDUSTRIAL, AND CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY.

GOAL PRESERVE THE HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE OF CASTIGLION FIORENTINO WHILE INTEGRATING THE USE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.

OBJECTIVES

#1

PROVIDE A RENEWABLE ENERGY STRUCTURE FOR CASTIGLION FIORENTINO

Opportunities • • •

less dependency on imported energy from foreign powers reduce the carbon footprint of Castiglion Fiorentino meet the future demand of energy for Castiglion Fiorentino

Constraints •

NIMBY (finding a place that is agriculturally appropriate while not disrupting existing communities) could be expensive must be properly managed in order to continue to be sustainable possible environmental drawbacks (Co2 emissions from geothermal plants)

• • •

#2

ACCUMULATE HIGHER ATTRACTION TO CASTIGLION FIORENTINO, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE YOUTH AND TOURISM Opportunities • •

additional retail, commercial, and industrial job opportunities agritourism (introduction of new programs for Castiglion Fiorentino)

Constraints • introducing new programs without creating overflow of tourism • introducing new programs without changing the historical and contemporary culture • NIMBY

#3

PROVIDE CONNECTION/ACCESSIBILITY IN AND THROUGHOUT CASTIGLION FIORENTINO Opportunities • •

suburban to urban to rural connection for vehicles/bicyclists/pedestrians introduction of new transportation technology/services (ie. Uber, Trolley, etc.)

Constraints • • •

introduction of new transportation technology/services without creating overflow of traffic maintenance of roads and transportation services difficult and in some areas impossible to have access for vehicles and bicycles due to areas of land being privately owned or too narrow

*On this spread both the masterplan and Urban, Suburban, Rural diagram was done by me. As well as the drone shots are mine*

Urban

Castiglion Fiorentino’s Historic Urban Center

Subrurban

Newer Suburban housing in constant spreading growth

Rural

Val di Chio valley floor. Mostly agricultural land, agriturismo, and some housing (villas)

21

RURAL SCALE DESIGN This rural design proposal communicates how public facilities can be combined with a geothermal energy hub. This facility is multifunctional to address the issue of an unattractive monofunctional geothermal power plant. Therefore, the different functions include: storing and distributing energy, contributing to the energy network on a regional and local scale, and providing opportunities to host public activities. The introduction of different programs can further the development of social-cultural connections in Castiglion.

Geothermal Bath Attracts Many Visitors

URBAN SCALE DESIGN Within the urban context, the industry of geothermal energy production and recreational use can be combined as such. The site allows users to seemlessly interact with geothermal energy in a way that is organic and non programmatic. Simultaneouslty, workers will be able to engage with the landscape as well creating a space that is cohesive and efficient.

Geothermal Facility Design This geothermal facility will play an integral part of Italy’s commitment to being energy neutral in the near future. The intent of the exterior design of the building is to captivate and lure in visitors of all backgrounds while maintaining a low profile, while blending in with the surrounding landscape. The pipe system of the geothermal powerplant is above ground and inside the facility. Rather than the pipe system being concealed, visitors are able to be educated about the complex looking but simple functioning systems that make energy extraxted from geothermal sources possible. private parking

industrial use

Passive Urban Space coffee/snack bar public parking

geothermal plant

Users are able to meander through the park, creating his or her own experience at any time of day while being amongst geothermal energy production.

entrance recreational use

Heated Corridors

Recreational Urban Space

New Housing

At different times during the year, events in the park could be held such as a movie night projected on the geothermal plant itself, thus creating a more active landscape.

Retrofitted Housing Agriculture

Geothermal Plant Commercial Industry

BENEFITS OF A LOCAL COMPANY’S USE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FOR ITS OPERATIONS IN TUSCANY:

SUBURBAN SCALE DESIGN Within the suburban scale, geothermal energy can be utilized in a practical manner with access to its benefits year round. Energy can be produced by incorporating geothermal systems into individual housing or commercial units, and is optimal for heating and cooling spaces and water. By adopting geothermal practices at a small scale as such, there will be little need for inefficient temperature control systems. underfloor heating

water storage heat pump geothermal probe

Employment up 50% Recently graduated, young professionals

outgoing Heating heat pump

$6M in planned investments

Heating + Cooling Diagram

GEOTHERMAL TOURISTS CONSIST OF:

1. The earth heats or cools transfer fluid, which flows through a series of probes and collector tubes also known as heat exchangers.

2. A heat pump extracts or absorbs heat from the transfer fluid and compresses it to the desired temperature.

3. Geothermal energy is stored and is available for space and water heating and cooling.

Cooling outgoing

water heater

heat dispersion

heat exchange

return

heat absorption

geothermal probe

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN TUSCANY ACCOUNTS FOR : Local Residents

Visitors from Abroad

School Children

23.5% of energy in Tuscany

1.5% of energy in Italy

8% of energy in the world

TUSCANY PRODUCES 75% OF ITS ENERGY

REGIONAL SCALE DESIGN At a regional scale, there is a possibility for a geothermal network to be implemented. A geothermal network is multiple locations within a certain region, (in this case, the Tuscany region) in which geothermal sites are implemented. This creates connection within the individual towns and/or provinces, and additionally connection to each other: thus solidifying the identity of Tuscany as a whole.

Mt. Amiata

47% is fossil fuels

28% is renewable energy

Benefits of Regional Scale Design At the regional scale, geothermal energy can be utilized to create a network of heat exchange, transporting power between existing plants. This constellation of activity has massive potential, and serves as a precedent for urban green infrastructure.

About 60 miles from Castiglion Fiorentino

Mt

Castilgion Fiorentino

Main Geothermal Energy Hub Facility (Basis of rural scale design)

*On this spread only the Regional Scale Design diagram was done by me (bottom right/drone angle diagram). The rest was done by group partners*

23

03

The Social Infrastructure of Public Parks Gather Around Silver Lake Reservoir

Site: Silver Lake Reservoir Group Partners: Master Plan - Brandon Barrera, Selah Sanchez, Jacob Ovadia Site Design - Individual Spring 2019 (Third Year) Instructor: Lorena Garcia

This project explores the intricacies of Silver Lake Reservoir and the potential for the social infrastructure that a site like this has. Silver Lake is a large reservoir located in north Los Angeles that in the past had a history as the source of drinking water for much of the population of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Our project was divided into several stages from conceptual gathering, group site analysis, group master planning, finally to individual site design. From early on, the focus of our concept was on the various themes regarding the reservoir, the three main being; Where does the Water come from? (From an educational perspective), Naturalizing and building a healthy social community cohesive to each other, and “greening” the reservoir (focusing on the sustainable and resilient factors of the reservoir). In the first stage we brainstormed the main points and other points in the form of collages. 3 of my collages are in the “Extra Graphics and Work” page further in the portfolio.

Conceptual Poster *All of the work on this spread was done by me*

San Gabriel Mountains

Regional Wildlife Movement Wildlife in Los Angeles often have interconnectivity to surrounding habitats, often moving from one place to another

LA River

Urban Wildlife such as cougars, bobcats, coyotes, racoon, as well as many other preside in Griffith Park with some making their way to Silver Lake

Close proximity to the LA River leads to birds and other animals to travel between both sites for mutualistic intent and shelter

Silver Lake

Griffith Park

Site: Silver Lake Reservoir 1mi 2.5mi

Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles River 5mi Wildlife corridors allow for linkages in biotic diversity throughout habitational zones allowing for greater access and movement of wildlife throughout the LA river basin area

Pacific Flyway 1000s of mileage covered by migra-

tory birds traveling every year from the Northern end of the Americas down to the tip of South America, looking for areas to rest and recuperate as they journey

Pacific Ocean

Undulating waves of birds that come in and out of a location, often specific to time and date

Often smaller mammals that life in cities and suburbs, or habitational corridors nearby

Urban Wildlife

Wildlife of Silver Lake Reservoir

The coexistence of species bio-diversity within the urban fabric of Silver Lake Reservoir and its surroundings acts as inclusive environment, capable of harvesting a healthy ecosystem

Humans

An agent of change, habits are capable of acting as regulatory factors to the biodiversity of an urban landscape

Urban Ecosystem

Capable of adjusting to the changing, human orchestrated urban expanse

Migratory Wildlife

Native species that make Silver Lake and the Greater Los Angeles area home

Resident Wildlife

Habitat is more fragile compared to migratory and urban wildlife

140 bird species discerned

Access Goose from predators Canada -In Silver Lake: Winter Range (seasonal migration) creates and -Diet: mainly herbivorous (green vegetation, aquatic plants, and environment a grains) and small insects and fish loss of 35% in bird species and 41% in bird numbers Coyote abundnce benefit bird communities via predator control

International Connectivity

Silver Lake Reservoir has become a diverse refuge of international avian traffic

Great Blue Heron

-In Silver Lake: Year Round Range -Nesting: Eucalyptus groves along reservoir banks (species commonly nests within islands to avoid predation) -Diet: Small fish and animals -Adabtable to wetland habitat and “living edges”

Urban wildlife comes to the reservoir via the surrounding hills, which leads to predation of the resident reservoir birds and animals

Flock Mentality

-V-shaped tranisional seasons cue migrational patterns -Alt: 3000ft (1km)

Site Analysis: Wildlife

25

Ma ste r Pl a n

The Silver Lake Reservoir plays a vital role not only in the neighborhood surrounding it, but for the entire city of Los Angeles. There have been multiple attempts to revitalize this important resource in an urban setting and to promote users to activate such a unique site. The overall design intent of the master plan is to invite users to activate the site, become educated about its qualities, and to promote this urban lake to be used as a community gathering space beloved by its residents, humans and wildlife alike. Being that Los Angeles is the “birdiest” county in the United States with more than 500 species of birds living or passing through the city, it is necessary to protect this habitat, enhance it, and use the Silver Lake Reservoir as a sanctuary for these creatures. Through the implementation of programs, this goal will be addressed in a creative, yet thoughtful method.

SITE LOCATION

Silver Lake Reservoir is located at the heart of a dense urban residential neighborhood. Given the context of this site, the reservoir plays a vital role in this community.

DWP BOUNDARIE WILDLIFE USE

DESI GN G O A L S

• to naturalize the reservoir while preserving some of the history of the site • to provide users a pathway that engages with the edge conditions of the reservoir • to invite wildlife to the site • to educate users about local wildlife • to educate users about where the water comes from

TERRACED WATERFRONT

Along the eastern edge a terraced waterfront is proposed to be designed as a recreational and resting area for the Silver Lake community. The design allows for visitors to interact with the edge. The edge is broken up to allow for a more intricate interstitial space, mimicking an edge effect of a more natural circumstance. The terraces have multiple plantings and lawns for mix use.

RECREATIONAL U

LAND USE DIAGRAM

This diagram shows what the land use of Silver Lake Reservoir would be after implementing this design concept. As shown, the majority of the site caters to the preservation of wildlife. Secondary, recreational use is implemented for humans to be able to interact with site. All of these programs were designed with the restriction of the DWP boundaries in mind.

EUCALYPTUS GROVE BRIDGE

Along some edges that are not naturalized, vegetation will grow to allow for a greener look to the the concrete edge. This specific section is along the eucalyptus grove that is designed to be preserved for wildlife with most human circulation going around and limited controlled circulation going through for a short period.

WET LANDS

A constructed wetlands allows for a part of the reservoir to become naturalized. Elevated paths influenced by river deltas will allow for pedestrians to traverse the reservoir more freely while being able to get close to the water and learn about the importance of wetlands for wildlife and water filtration. A large viewing platform will be at the very southern edge.

ISLANDS

Multiple artificial islands will be designed within the reservoir away from the edges and pedestrians to act bird sanctuaries for migrating wilflife. The islands are prohibitied by the general public and are designed to be floating, tied down. Various constructed artificial tree poles will jut from the water to allow for birds to nest and rest.

ES

USE

commercial building elevated land paths

hillside wildlife observation post

Ivanhoe bridge viewing

community garden

elevated path through Eucalyptus Grove

water playscape

Eucalyptus Grove

GREEN CORRIDORS

fence

440’ water level

bird islands terraced waterfront

wetlands walkway bridge

Along with a redesign of the Silver Lake Reservoir, it is vital to find ways that users can connect with other local parks and green areas. These areas include Echo Park, Griffith Park, Elaysian Park, and the Los Angeles River.

These corridors would not only provide pathways to other parks, but will allow for redirection of water to reservoirs as well as reduce carbon emissions along major streets and neighborhoods.

islands viewing platform

parking constructed wetlands

wetlands observation deck and The Nest (shade structure)

DWP office building *On this spread I did the four axon typologies on bottom left, site location diagram, as well as assisted on the green corridors graphic. The master plan was rendered by another group partner, but I designed the southern wetland/observation deck region as well as the cluster of bird islands in the center of the reservoir*

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1

4 6

7 3

rd

ke

la er

a lev

u

Bo

Entry Plaza

This plaza, although not the only entrance to silverlake, is the main entrance in this area of the design. It’s descented design incorporates a system of terraced fountains that brings the redirected water from the green corridor system surrounding SLR

2

v

Sil

Al vie we Th an vis m

The terraced plaza essentially acts as an entry to the wetlands area of the reservoir allowing for people to rest and enjoy the terraces and stepped water feature, while adjusting to the elevation change in descent to the water’s edge.

V

Rest

Wetlands Wander

1

Entry Terraced Plaza

2

Reservoir’s Naturalized Edge

3

Constructed Wetlands

4

Elevated Wetlands Bridges

5

Viewing Platform and the Nest (Shading Structure)

6

The Loop (SLR main circulation - divided for bikes/pedestrians and

7

Varying Vegetated Planting Zones

elevation change)

The wetlands themselves have various meandering elevated walkways that allows for pedestrians to go throughout the entire expanse of the reservoir’s southern wetlands.

Stride The main loop route connects the wetlands to the rest of the reservoir. It seperates the plaza and the wetlands, and itself is seperated between a lane for bikes and one for pedestrians.

*All of the work from here on out for this project is my individual work*

20’

5

o

B ke rla urs

d

ar

v ule

ve to Sil ’ Con

se

Re

Wa

l

ve

Le

20 feet from reservoir water level to level surrounding Silverlake Boulevard

20’

1

’s

ir rvo

ter

Topography and Grading

Viewing Platform and the Nest

Planters and vegetated areas

This part of the site divides circulation into 2 levels. The top being the viewing platform, used for more stationairy visitors who want to overlook the wetlands and surrounding site. The bottom is the continued loop pathway that encircles the entirety of SLR and is a constant flow of movement.

Under pavement circuit leading from plaza’s water feature to reservoir

Water

418 AFX

5’ Drop per year due to evaporation Current water level: 450’ Designed water level: 440’

long the southern edge of the reservoir is a large ewing platformed cantilevered over part of the etlands. Above is the wooden shade structure: he Nest. Here visitors can learn about the site nd the ecology of wetlands while viewing and sualizing the wetlands themselves as well as the more distant bird islands.

Visualize

20’ Section A

29

Influx of water is directed on to site from surrounding neighborhoods, especialy the water feature from the surrounding green corridor system meant to collect runoff rainwater.

System loop brings water to reservoir from water featuere as well as pumps any water needed back up to the terrace water feature in times of low water

Section B 186’

196’

Shade structure inspired by a bird nest made of interlocking wood frames.

Installed into cantilevered viewing platform over the southern end of reservoir and wetlands.

50’

120’ Blue Plumbago Plumbago auriculata

California Lilac

Ceanothus

Allows for visitors to get a vantage over the wetlands and birds islands with various signage and boards containing information on the reservoirs birds and wildlife as well as the benefits of constructed wetlands

California Fuchsia

Fountain Grass Pennisetum

Epilobium canum

Lantana camara

Japanese Maple

Cattail

Common Tule

Coyote Mint

Purple Sage

Scouring Rush

Yerba Mansa

Bluejoint

Yarrow

Typha

Equisetum hyemale

Wetland

Schoenoplectus acutus

Anemopsis

Monardella villosa

Calamagrostis canadensis

Common Lantana

Salvia dorrii

Achillea millefolium

Hillside

Acer palmatum

London Plane Tree Platanus × acerifolia

Pathway & Plaza A planted barrier seperates the bicycle path with the space for walking pedestrians. Along this section of the reservoir the paths of circulation run parallel with a section for pedestrians to cross

The hillside along this segment of the perimeter of the reseroir is planted with a great variety of planted with intent to add vibrance and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as attract insects and small birds with a use of various attractor and sensory plants. The planted median also has a similar groupings of plants

Section C

Constructed Floating Wetland Islands

Porous Mat with Aquatic Plants

Made with recyled material

Flexible Tied Down Anchor Infiltrating Root System for Bioremediation/Filtratron and Aquatic Habitat Growth

1’ 61’

6’

40’

31.5

38’

13.5’

31

Perspective - Main Loop

This perpective more realistically illustrates the different components and systems that come together to make the up the Silver lake Reservoir design and the in depth site design of the wetlands region specifically.

Silverlake reservoir, is essentially a hotspot for so many different animals, people, and migratory species, allowing for people to come and witness ecological systems that are bigger than themselves. A location, nestled within the Los Angeles Urban fabric that is utilized by so many different types biotic life. This illustration is meant to capture one of those moments, when wildlife and an urbanized environment comes together in a truly unique locale.

The proposed SIlverlake Reservoir main loop, that is apart of the group masterplan makes up a large portion of the center of the frame. Our goal with the loop was to design implementation that allow people to freely traverse the edge of the reservoir without conflict in modes of traffic (Bikes, pedestrians, etc). This is done in two majors ways; seperating lanes with barriers and topographical changes.

In this section of the reservoir it is mainly the former as you can see a planted barrier seperating a walking path and a bike path. From the walking path you can easily access the wetland bridges which web all throughout the southern region of the reservoir. From the main loop you can easily access a various different features at SLR. Which the main ones in my designed section being the wetlands, the southern terraced plaza, and the large viewing platform at the very south of the reservoir.

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Perspective - The Nest

From this perspective from the viewpoint within the space of the shaded viewing platform, this point of view gives a glimpse of the interactions the visitors may have while in this part of the site design. Silverlake Reservoir is a cornerstone for the nearbly community and city of Los Angeles in general. The reservoir recieves many visitors each day, and with that in mind it was critical in the design to have a variety of different design features and microsites to attract people for many different reasons.This part of the site is meant for visualization and viewing. From the platform, visitors can see the expanse of the wetland, surrounding designs, and more the distant bird islands while learning about functionality.

Seperated from the rest of the main loop pathway by elevation, the viewing platform acts as rest point of sorts. Near both the southern park and parking lot south of the reservoir, as well as the entry plaza this part of the design is at a place where people visiting the reservoir have easy access once entering the site if they choose to visit without walking all the way around along the loop.

Along the platform, there are multiple openings in the ground plane protected with glass barriers to allow visitors to look directly down to either the main circulation loop below, or in cases of the further out on the platform, viewing part of the wetlands directly below. The shade structure, “the Nest” covers the whole area providing shade, the design reminiscent of being in a bird nest in a tree. Near the end of the viewing platform there is another more elevated section for a wider vantage point.

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04

Bridging Habitats Site: Rio Hondo Spreading Grounds Group Partners: Jihoon Kim, Jiayu Zheng, Hwamok Kim, Minerva Delcampo Spring 2018 (Second Year) Instructor: Rennie Tang

The main theme behind the design is that of interconnectivity between the differing habitats found at the Pico Rivera Spreading Grounds. With 3 hexagons given we divided 3 habitats focused designs into one hexagon each. Of these three designs one is focused on butterflies or small insects, one for small mammals or reptilians, and one for birds. The structured bridge allows for a connector throughout the 3 hexagons and habitats and gives a quick path and vantage point of the overall landscape, from the designed spaces to the surrounding Rio Hondo.

The purpose of a spreading grounds to is collect rainwater and runoff to purify and store it in an aquifer, for the needs of the surrounding cities and regions. Due to this history and functionality of this site, the design is set to still maintain that identity of water collection by creating a landscape that is dynamic and immersive to the changing condition that would be needed in a spreading ground. This makes it so most of the designed area is above three feet to allow for flooding. Because of the reoccurence of flooding in this context, the design is set to have different experiences depending on how water is affecting it. Multi-functionable and sustainable to dynamic environments, the intent for this design is to bring a greater diversity and intrigue throughout the spreading grounds. This would be by cultivating a healthy activation of flora and fauna while bringing tourists and people to the spreading grounds to further experience the landscape and learn what the spreading grounds are used for.

*On this spread I did both the plan and section, as well as 2 rows on the taxonomy topographies poster *

Birds

Small Mammals/Reptiles

Ta b

R amp

Plat f o rm

Elevat ed Pat h

C anopy

B a c k m a n

D ep ressio n

Mound

TA XO N O M Y O F EM ER G EN T TO P O G R A PH IE S

MATRIX INTERACTION RULES Wal l

Forest

|

H o ld JK Sinkhole Rule

House Rule

Factory Rule

Slope Rule

Butterfly Rule

Wind Rule

Grip Rule

Ridge Rule

Erode Rule

Tent Rule

Dodder Rule

Transect Rule

D e l c a m p o

Section Rule

M i n e r v a

Bumpy Rule

St ret ch MD

| K i m

Sp read

Depression Rule

H w a m o k

Dune Rule

HK

|

Frozen Rule

Circulation Rule

Melting Rule

Grided Rule

Tsunami Rule

Twist Rule

Ridge Rule

Zap Rule

Descent Rule

Crumble Rule

Bike Rule

Duck Rule

Pants Rule

Snake Rule

K i m

Dripping Rule

J i h o o n

Wave Rule

| J i a y u

Sco re MD

Z h e n g | L A 2 0 3 L

Water Pipe Rule

Flood Discharge Rule

Patform Rule

Freeway Rule

Cap Rule

Forest Rule

Wall Rule

Overlapping Rule

Double Negative Rule

Shoelace Rule

Circular Step Rule

Trap Rule

Gemetry Rule

Tsunami Rule

Harmony Rule

Traverse Rule

Valley Rule

Emerge Rule

Geostructure Rule

View Rule

Tunneling Rule

Containment Rule

Diverge Rule

Riverbed Rule

Lake Bed Rule

Track Rule

Stage Rule

Refuge Island Rule

Wave Rule

Sponge Rule

Wall Rule

Culvert Rule

Bee Rule

Paper Rule

Upstairs Rule

Train Rule

Bridge Rule

Ground Rule

Channel Rule

Serpentine Rule

Adventure Rule

Uncovered Rule

Viewing Rule

Structural Rule

Nest Rule

Creek Rule

Regional Rule

R e n n i e

Mound Rule

|

A ccu mu lat e HK

Ta n g | S p r i n g 2 0 1 8

D isp erse TB

| 2 0 A p r i l 2 0 1 8

Before our final design assignment we were tasked with creating 16 varying topographies per person in our group and create 3d models using laser cut and 3d printing.

This exercise helped set in motion the schematics of our final design “Bridging Habitats”. The design drew a lot of influence from our taxonomies

Perf o rat e JZ

Pro t ect JZ

Sep erat e JK

F o ld

TB

CRITICAL COMBINED Serpentine Rule

Ridge Rule

Lake Bed Rule

Butterfly Rule

Melting Rule

Emerge Rule

Bike Rule

Paper Rule Freeway Rule

Harmony Rule

Creek Rule

Duck Rule Stage Rule

Frozen Rule

Zig-Zag Rule

Viewing Rule

Dodder Rule

Culvent Rule

Bee Rule Track Rule

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Aerial Perspective

Birds-Eye Perspective

The aerial perspective provides context and scale to the overall design of the site, and how the design components interact with the basin’s slopes. The circulation of the site is mainly divided into two levels; one being the bridge which is leveled with the landscape around the spreading basins (roads, house, etc), the other is the bottom path along the basin’s floor (where the water is collected). There are 3 ramps connected the two levels.

One in each hexagonal sector.

After periods of rainfall there is a span of time where water is slowly percolating into the earth to where it reveals more and more of the spreading grounds basin floor. The seperated puddles leave a somewhat wetlands feel to the site, especially in the far hexagon specified for bird habitat. Visitors can visit and witness the spreading grounds in use as they change from very drastically different environments. This scene is from the birds perpective in nearby trees, showing the difference in levels of the site.

Downpour Perspective

This view expresses the site during times of heavy rainfall. The existing spreading ground is designed to collect reclaimed rainwater that percolates into the groundwater recharge facility.

Thus during hours of heavy rainfall there is possible varying degree of flooding within the basin’s land coverage. To allow for this degree of dynamic change the lower pathways and features along the basin floor are raised 3 feet to still be accessible during flooding periods.

Attractions

Resting

SensoryP

Active

Shelter

layful

Characteristics

Community

Focal Point3

Habitats

The theme behind Bridgin tially allow for the comm about spreading ground while enabling easier ac Many people have limite the purpose and significa Spreading grounds. So b spreading grounds as a g integral part of the comm a multi-faceted functiona benefits.

The furthest hexagon is desig constructed wetland-esque d any of the hexagons is intend forest enclosure feeling to vis west of the bridge which has viewing of the rest of the spre sheltering, reflective glass stru the platforms.

Resting

Sunny Perspective

Spreading Grounds

Programs

Sensory

Although rainy periods provide a spectacle in themselves, most people will tend to come on sunny and well weathered days. This would also be when most of flora is utilized to its higher designed potential.

Trees have also been introduced to the site mostly on the southern side of the design to limit both excessive sunlight and noise pollution from the surounding factories.

Most of the fauna will be on site during peak seasons

Overall Purposes

The first hexagon, targeted fo is designed to have a variety ings and flowers along the pa and hill meant for inducing a pique for restful visitors. A ge bean structure on the bottom lows for these visitors to sit an while enjoying their surround

Viewports along the Bridge

Grass Field for Animal Habitats Rock Climbing for Activity

Vegetation along the ramp

Seating Wall W/ Vegetation

ng Habitats is to essenmunity to come and learn ds and water collection, ccess to experience this. ed knowledge about ance of the Rio Hondo being able to place the gathering place and munity while including ality will produce many

Depression

The implementations and features in the design are meant to be diverse in function and allows for a dynamic setting that is different and equally intriguing throughout the different hexagonal spaces and overall site in general. In a sense it is not only bridging habitats for wildlife but also for humans.

Mound

gned for bird habitat. With a design and the most trees of ded to give almost a sort of sitors except for the furthest s two areas jutted out for the eading grounds and two uctures to cool and shade

Shelter

On the inner side of the middle hexagon’s ramp is a designed depression in the earth specifically for water collection. Any runoff that collects on the bridge is directed toward exiting over this feature. On the other side of the ramp is a designed hill that holds the ramp up but also allows for visitors to climb via its many holes. These many holes are also potential spaces for small mammals, which is the wildlife group that this hexagon is designed for.

Active Playful

or insects, y of plantathway a sensory eomorphic m level alnd lounge dings.

Site Model

*On this spread I made the 4 perspectives, the rhino model, and the design for the third hexagon (the one specified for birds)*

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05

Extra Graphics and Work Extra work from both projects that I showcased in my portfolio and ones I did not LA 3111L: CPP’s Lyle Center Entrance Cooling Pavilion Individual Assignments (3rd Year) Professor: Rennie Tang Various Years This studio project was a whole class group project to design and build the entrance pavilion for the Lyle Center of Regenerative Studies at CPP. My Various Instructors work included the projects video, compiling the 120 page final powerpoint (plus introducing each speaker during the final presentation), various graphics, and working on the planters design. The graphics I chose the include were an axon perspectice of the final design that ended in up the hard copy book. As well as one of my individual prototype ideas for the planters which ended up not being used in the final design. My idea included a multifaceted rock like face with some planter spots to hold plant growth, as well as a slanted face for rest on the back

LA 4782: Evolving Issues Book Assingment “All Roads Lead to Rome” (4th Year) Professor: Kevin Finch During my study abroad in Italy for our evolving issues class we were tasked with making a book on some sort of design/societal/environmental topic.

My choice was making “A Comprehensive Study on the Road Typologies of Italy” titled “All Roads Lead to Rome”. Overall it was a study on how modes of transportation differ in various italian cities and landscapes and how Italy has become a major influence on the European and global road system and layout since Roman times. To this day the modern road system of europe is still based from the Roman’s system of roads. I provided 3 different spread within my book.

Italian Campagna

the system of state highways is known at the Strade Stratali Total length of around 11,000 miles

The Autostrade is the collection of Italy’s roads forming the national system of motorways. The total length of the system is about 6,758 kilometres (4,199 mi).

5 Million Motorists use Roadways Daily 654,676 kilometers (406,815 miles) of paved roads 6,460 kilometers (4,014 miles) of expressway

130 km/h

Vehicles

690

Per People

Modern italian roads tend to be more curvy and undulating, weaving throughout topography and hills, comparetvely to Roman precedent which the roads were majority straight as can be, to maximize what at the time was thought of as efficiency, despite the varying environmental conditions.

1000

Ve

Naturalize the Reservoir

Greening of Silverlake Reservoir

Where does SLR water come from?

LA 3121L: Silverlake Concept Collages (3rd Year) Professor: Lorena Garcia

During the Silverlake Reservoir project, prior to starting site analysis we were tasked with making concept collages. These are three of my favorite that I made.

Entrance to Federal Buidling

Gion

Site Plan

私たちの瞬間 京都の文化の中心地、芸者の伝統

TerraForm

Tab Backman

Tab Backman - LA 4782 Evolving Issues in Environmental Design: Cultural Transect of Japan - SPring 2019 - Keiji Uesugi Gion has for centuries been one of Kyotos most culturally centered and actively preserved districts. Center and designed around the grounds of the historic 7th century Yasaka Shrine, Gion has gone through hundreds of years of transitioning to a place spiritual rest and a tea center to a district of entertainment, centered around the traditional Japanese performing arts.

Today Gion has a mix of cultural attributions for entertainment and rest, as well as commercial tourist shops, along with being a spiritual center. This can be seen while wandering Gions charming streets and pathways. Our last stop in Kyoto was Gion, and although we were only there for a short time and it was raining, it was great experience to see and wander such a cultural and historic landmark of Japan. Our journey through the district took us mainly from the edge near the Kamo River down the main shopping and commercial street of Shijo Avenue and then down the Hanami-koji street with has an abundance of cultural sites from ochayas to the Yasaka Hall/ Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater which is where we turned around to head back out.

The tradition of the Geisha

Bridge Entrance to inside Central Terrace

Bridge 2nd Entrance to Federal Building

Central Water Feature

Traffic routes leading to the possible entry points of the plaza N

Entrance to inside Central Terrace

Scale 1”= 120’

Materials and Aestetics

History 656 AD Beginning Construction on Yasaka Shrine as Gion Shrine

794 AD Kyoto Established as Heian-Kyo (Capital of Japan)

by Emperor Kanmu

869 AD Gion Matsuri (Japan’s Most Famous Festival) originates, by orders of Emperor Seiwa, as a religious ceremony to appease to gods from epidemic

1868

1712 Ochaya (Tea Houses) granted license by Tokugawa Shogunate spreading throughout Gion District

Capital moved from Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo or “Eastern Capital). Kyoto named Saikyo ”Western Capital”) for short period and often referred to as the “thousand-year capital”

Systems Layout Gion is a densely urban area, so due to this there is limited amount of softscape, most being around Kennin-ji, Yasaka-jinja, and the Kamo-gawa area. The Kamo-gawa is a significant river in Kyoto that runs through the heart of the city and acts as a border area of Gion on the districts western side.

The Shirakwa river branches through the north end of the district into the Kamo River connecting the two. The other two borders of the district are the Kennin-Ji temple to the south and Yasaka shrine to the east. Much of the district is layout in somewhat of a grid formation with various streets and pathways intersecting and meandering throughout, some lines with various wooden structures and trees.

c. SengokuDistrict of Gion Period officially founded to accomadate needs of the travelers and visitors of the Yasaka-jinja

c. 17th-18th Emergence and rise of the Modern Century Day Geisha

1976 Elected as a Kyoto City Gion Shimbashi Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Chayamachi) and important preservation district Present -

Gion District of Kyoto Kamo-gawa River

Our Journey

Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Shijo Dori

Elements of Spiritualities

Hannami-koji

Central Terrace

James Turrell Light and 2nd main pathway and step-path

Figure-Ground

The district of Gion has a rich cultural history with the tradition of the Geisha (geiko in Kyoto) and Maiko. Kyoto has for centuries been known as the center place of the Geisha tradition with Gion being the hub and most prominent district of Geisha Culture. Gion is home of many of Japan’s most significant centers of the traditional entertainment culture including Miyamiza Theater and the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater/Yasaka Hall complex. Due to the limited period of time we were able to spend in Gion and the rainy weather we weren’t lucky in seeing a Geisha of Maiko but I did come across the statue of 16th century Japanese dancer, Izumo no Okuni, who has been known as the founder of the Kabuki art of entertainment, something which broadly highlights Gions interconnection with the arts of entertainment and rest.

Kyoto, Japan

Main Step-Path

A

A’

N

Scale 1”= 38’

Public Space of the Federal Plaza

Section A-A’

Collages

Much of the urban layout of Gion consisted of intertwining stone pathways lined with tight wooden structure buildings, many being Machiyas (wooden townhouses) and Ochayas (tea houses).

Wood is the primary material of design in Gion, having prominent use within the layers of buildings, to also many of the shrines and structures.

Gion has long been a place of deep rooted spiritual relations. Since it’s birth as a stopping area for rest for travelers voyaging to the Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Gion has had a significant spiritual essence found within the design elements, which can be found from the larger complexes of the Yasaka shrine and Kennin-Ji Temple down to the smaller shrines allocated around the district. Although we were unable to see some of the larger sites, while strolling Hanami-koji I noticed we walked by the relatively hidden Meyami Jizo, also known as Chugen-Ji. Spiritual awareness and elements, including shrines, altars, and monuments, are common in Gion and express a reminiscent visual on the influence of the districts history and it’s relationship with religions.

Kennin-ji Temple

Connection with People

Many people come to Gion to experience the districts vast cultural significance. Even in the rain we saw hundreds of people walking around to experience the entertainment, spiritual enlighment, drink tea, eat, and rest at ochayas, attempt to spot a geisha, or to just casually stroll the seemingly endless pathways and narrow alleys.

Hannami-Koji Street Blog https://tabbac2.wixsite.com/tabbackman

Pathways in Gion range from stone paver roads (such as in Hanami-koji, cobblestone pathways (smaller side alleyways) , and larger asphalt streets with concrete sidewalks (Shijo-Dori).

LA 201: SF Federal Building Plaza (2nd Year) Professor: Rennie Tang (2nd Place in GSA Designcompetition)

LA 4782: Kyoto’s Gion District Case Study (3rd Year) Professor: Keiji Uesugi

My poster for my design, “Terraform”. The design got 2nd place in the competition for the student redesign of the plaza

In my evolving issues class, each individual had a site in Japan for a case study during our quick study abroad. My site was a historically and culturally important district in Kyoto.

enice By way of Canal

The Grand Canal is Venice’s largest and most important canal, going from the Saint Lucia Station to Piazza San Marco

Very few cities in the world have a such a prominent waterscape than Venice does. The hard scape of the city is intertwined with a network of canals that have become the major transportation means of traveling aside from walking.

Due to the relationship with water transportation, Venice has been suffering from occasional floods, known as Acqua Alta, sometimes to the point of much destruction to the city

117 canals 400 bridges 118 islands

Reinforced with Brick 5’-300’ Width

Pompeii A glimpse into the Roman road precedence

Unearth Streets and Ruins Present Streets and Ruins that have been discovered

Pompeii itself shows the engineering and design of a typical Roman grid city. The history of methods of transportation on the Italic Peninsula has gone through drastic change over the course of human history, from Roman grid to Medieval freeform, the cities and streets have constantly been rebuilt and redesigned, especially the cities that have been inhabited for the past few 1000s years. The special attributes of Pompeii is that the original settlement was never built over due to the eruption of Vesuvius, which led to visceral view of what the road system of a Roman city was like would have looked like.

The destruction of Pompeii has been one of the greatest tragedies of the ancient world, but since its excavation and discovery, it has provided modern people with one of the most unique views into the life and infrastructure of the Roman period. The ash and rubble that covered Pompeii for centuries, preserved it to the point that many of the streets and foundations of the city’s layout is in some of the best quality of ancient world ruins of that age. Much of the original city is still yet to be uncovered today.

Of the various types of boats in the Venice Lagoon and canals the main modes of transportation are via private gondolas, Vaporettos (public ferry system), privately owned company vessels, and occasional cruise ships.

5’-15’ Depth Average Many of Venice’s canals are actually built on the natural canals from the lagoon base, the canals today have been altered deeper and wider to accomodate the citys urban design.

The Canals are cleaned on a regular basis due to litter and chemicals from vehicles

Drainage Ditch

Summon Dorsum (Large Smooth Stone Slabs) Nucleus (Cemented Sand and Gravel) Rudus (Gravel in Cement Mortar) Statumen (Crushed Rock) Compacted Sand or Dry Earth

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06

Construction Graphics Graphics and work from various assignements in Landscape Construction class Individual Assignments Spring 2019 (Third Year) Instructor: Keiji Uesugi

Project 1

Project 2

Dark Gray Granite Water Wall Face

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07

Parametricism and the Empty Signifier Introduction to Grasshopper Exploration LA 4990: Special Topics Studio Individual Assignment Spring 2019 (Third Year) Instructor: Kevin Finch Letter b Transformation Spiral

Letter T Transformation Spiral

This series of assignments took place in a special topics course focused on the introductionary stages of the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino. Using the algorithmic based program we were tasked with picking one capital and one lower case letter. We then traced the letter onto grids where we utilized Grasshopper to transform those grids with a series of learnt technique however we felt properly fit. The transformed letter were then set perpendicular to the x and y axis like sides of a cube, to where they were then projected inwards. Using boolean intersection the projection created an abstract three-dimensional object that was created from these projected intersected lines. A series of drawings were able to help represent the process in which this was done, as well as the final product.

Elevation

Plan Axonometric

Final Drawings The final drawings were specifically decided to properly illustrate the form of the final grasshopper fabrication. These included various views of the object as well as a vector renderings, and a final rendering to capture the object in a a more 3-dimensional sense.

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Individual Art and Sketching Various examples of site sketching throughout the course of Landscape Architecture major along with works from childhood art class from 1st to 8th grade.

California Scenario, Costa Mesa, CA Schindler House, Los Angeles, CA

Various 1st and 2nd place awards from years of submitting to LA County Fair art competition.

1st place in third grade category of citywide Claremont art competion. Work is currently buried in a time capsule in front of Claremont city hall.

8th Grade 6th Grade

8th Grade

Tongva Park, Santa Monica, CA

Wilmington Waterfront Park, Wilmington, CA

Villa Medici, Fiesole, Italy

e

7th Grade

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Photography, Film, & Travels Instagram: @tabbackman Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user91213667 or search “Tab Backman” Interested in freelance photography Switzerland Japan Italy China USA

USA

Ireland

Canada USA Visited Countries Mexico

Spain

Italy

Switzerland

China

Japan

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