Wijdan Almamari
Landscape Architecture Alumna
Wijdan Almamari
International. Passionate. Designer
Education
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Graduation: December 2024
GPA: 3.3
Experience
Design Workshop, Lake Tahoe Office
Dr. Charles Fountain Intern
Summer 2024
- Produced rendered sections of Sand Harbor Beach to assess existing conditions and water elevation changes.
- Collaborated with the intern team to develop a comprehensive site analysis and design document for Augustus Nature Park.
- Assisted with technical drawings, mapping, and design tasks to support landscape architecture and planning projects.
International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)| 2020-2024
Global Ambassador, Event and Social Media Coordinator
Data Analysis Assistant
- Designed visual materials and wayfinding tools to enhance campus navigation and cultural integration for international students.
- Organized and executed events that activated public spaces, fostering inclusive community engagement.
- Conducted spatial data analysis in Sunapsis to inform strategic planning and policy decisions.
Al Bahja Street
Ghayl Ash Shabul, Suhar
Sultanate of Oman
walmamari49@gmail.com (+968) 95400758
Involvements
American Society of Landscape
Architecture, UNL Chapter
Treasurer| 2021–2022
Media Coordinator| 2022
LUX Center for Arts
Volunteer| 2019-2024
Connection Point Community Center
Volunteer| 2019–2023
International Students Advisory Board
Executive Board Leader| 2021–2022
Skills
Design & Technical Tools
AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Rhino, SketchUp, Lumion, Adobe Creative Cloud
(Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, XD)
Research & Analysis
ArcGIS, Google Earth Pro, Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Languages: English, Arabic
Interpersonal Skills
Public speaking, event planning, cultural sensitivity, ecological design
Awards
Design Build Award(s)| 2024 &2025
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Merit Award| 2024
Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter of ASLA
Chester B. Billings Memorial Award| 2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Award of Excellence| 2022
Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter of ASLA
The Natural World of the Lincoln Indian (Native American) Center
Neighborhood Park Design
State Park Existing Conditions
Sand Harbor Beach Park | Tahoe, Nevada- US
Nebraska National Forest | Bessey District, Nebraska- US Tiyospaye Center ___________________________________P04
Timelink Park ________________________________________P16
Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park | Los Angeles, California- US Serenity Walk _______________________________________P40
Trail Guide for a Hybrid Landscape
Lincoln Indian Center | Lincoln, Nebraska- US Huskers Plaza _______________________________________P64
History Preservation Project Old City Hall | Lincoln, Nebraska- US
Tower Square | Lincoln, Nebraska- US Lively Beach _________________________________________P28
Urban Plaza Design
Tiyospaye Center
The Natural World of the Lincoln Indian (Native American) Center | Lincoln Indian Center| Lincoln, Nebraska- US
Reflection Zone (10) (12)
Vision Statement
To foster a relationship with the Indigenous community in Lincoln through training sessions and community meetings. To incorporate indoor-outdoor opportunities to enrich cultural and educational spaces through the building and the site. To allow for community-informed changes while maintaining the memory of the Indian Center.
Culture Zone (10) (12)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) José de Jesús Leal Loera
Visiting Instructor
Principal, Director of Native Nation Building Studio at MIG
(2) Monique Ekaete Bassey
Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in University of Nebraska-Lincoln
(3) Paul Fragua
Visiting Instructor
Manager of ERDMAN
President & Owner of Nativesun
Students:
(4) Angela Medina
Sixth-year Architecture Student
(5) Elizabeth Nielsen
Fifth-year Architecture Student
(6) Haneen Jabbar
Sixth-year Architecture Student
(7) Humaid Al Hinai
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(8) Kate Brashear
Fifth-year Architecture Student
(9) Kyle Riley
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(10) Parker Hamling
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(11) Sarah Cope
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(12) Wijdan Almamari
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(13) Will Roarty
Fifth-year
Architecture Student
Stakeholders/ Clients
- Steve Laravie Jr.
The Executive Director of the Indian Center.
- Sloan Rupp
President of the Indian Center Board
- Lincoln Indian Center Board Members
- Lincoln Indian Center Community
Community Engagement
The initial engagement at the Lincoln Indian Center emphasized family, leadership, and mutual support. Participants expressed a desire for play areas, recreation spaces, cultural facilities, and improved transportation for a vibrant, inclusive hub. The second event focused on landscape design and architecture, highlighting the importance of symbolic installations, parking, and communal spaces such as fire pits. Preferences included the use of natural materials and strong indoor-outdoor connections.
Outcomes of Community Engagegement- Journey Station
Lincoln’s Indian Center
The Lincoln Indian Center is a two-story non-profit organization building. It is situated on a 7.3-acre site, bordered by a creek to the north, streets to the west and south, and university land to the east. Its mission is to empower the Native American community through various programs and services that enhance their quality of life by promoting self-sufficiency and positive outcomes.
DID YOU KNOW?
The medicine wheel is a circular symbol used by some indigenous peoples of North America to represent the universe, healing, and spiritual concepts
Site Analysis Diagram (9)
Vehicular Circulation Wet Areas
Pedestrian Circulation Main Zones
Building’s Current Conditions
Design
The project aims to invigorate the Lincoln Indian Center. The design is guided by community feedback such as expanding the kitchen, creating a designated funeral space, and adding more office rooms. The community proposed a community garden and more opportunities to connect with nature. They emphasized retaining the fire pit and powwow space for their cultural significance. The design responds to these comments with four new nodes and one preserved. These nodes create indoor-outdoor
connections. For instance, the kitchen faces the cultural event node, and the outdoor community garden is adjacent to the indoor seed room.
Concept Diagram (11)
Second Floor Plan (8)
First Floor Plan (8)
Entrance Node (7)
Education Node (11)
Confluence Node (9)
Reflect Node (12)
Funeral/Fire Pit Cultural Zone (10) (12)
Kitchen/Powwow Cultural Zone (10) (12)
Trail/Buffer in Reflectual Zone (10) (12)
Community Building
“A designed landscape has the power to do more than please the eye, it can support ecosystems, build community, and foster health and well-being.” - Kate Orff
Timelink Park
Neighborhood Park Design | Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park | Los Angeles, California- US
The Birdwatch Overlook To Pond (12)
Vision Statement
Augustus F. Hawkins Park is a vital green space in South Los Angeles that must integrate sustainable design and inclusive programs to preserve its: historical legacy, address modern challenges, enhance its role as a community hub, promoting environmental stewardship, social equality, local economic growth.
The Demonstration Garden (12)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Robb Berg
President at Design Workshop
(2) Sarah Konradi
Executive Director at Design Workshop Foundation
(3) Grace Tice
Human Resources Coordinator and Project Assistant at Design Workshop
(4) Julia Prince
Landscape Architect at Design Workshop
(5) Aaron Woolverton
Associate and DiGiLab Coordinator at Design Workshop
(6) Elizabeth Farin
Designer at Design Workshop
(7) Tyson Turner
Designer Planner at Design Workshop
(8) Patrick Quigley
Lighting Design Principal at Design Workshop
Students:
(9) Dana Ladd
MLA Grad Student at Bernard Spitzer School of Architecture, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Austin, TX.
(10) Deil Fernandez
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student in Michigan State University, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern
in Design Workshop in Los Angeles, CA
(11) Lizandro Marcial-Armas
M.Arch + M.Lar, student at North Carolina State University, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Raleigh, NC
(12) Naheyan Islam
MLA Grad Student at Iowa State University, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Houston, TX
(13) Sindhu Prabakar
Master of Urban Design Student at Carnegie Mellion University, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Chicago, Il
(14) Sumaiya Binte Azad
MLA Grad Student at Iowa State University, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Denver, CO
(15) Wijdan Almamari
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student in University Of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Tahoe, NV
(16) Zaria Wetzel
Master of Urban Planning
Student at Morgan State University, Summer Charles Fountain Intern in Design Workshop in Aspen, CO
Community Engagement
The community engagement process began by asking park visitors about their favorite parts of the park and their preferred modes of transportation. Participants were encouraged to vote on ideas presented on boards, helping to shape the direction of the project. During the first event, the team actively listened to their concerns and feedback to guide the next steps. The second engagement event presented three design alternatives to allow the community to compare and discuss the options. The final event showcased the preferred design, reflecting the input and preferences shared throughout the engagement process.
Stakeholders/ Clients
- City Of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power (Ldwp)
- County Of Los Angeles Department Of Parks + Recreation
- Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park Board
- Los Angeles Parks Foundation
- Heart Of Los Angeles
- Augustus Park Community
- Stephanie Landregan
- Randolph Hester
- Yvette Duffey
This 8.5-acre park, once a neglected industrial site, was transformed in the 1990s through the collaborative efforts of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, led by landscape architects Randy Hester and Stephanie Landregan, alongside the local community. The park, known for being the first in the LA park system to retain all onsite stormwater and showcase five native plant communities, was created to meet the community’s need for safety and a connection to nature. Today, Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park is a symbol of resilience and community empowerment.
DID YOU KNOW?
The park was established in 1989 on land that had previously served as a pipe yard within the Los Angeles River flood control system
Site Context (11)
Oppurtunities
Site Challenges (13)
Site
(13)
Design
The redesign of Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park is a commitment to enhancing its role as a vital green space in South Los Angeles. The team focused on improving safety, fostering community engagement, and bolstering ecological resilience. Key gathering spaces have been added to encourage social interaction and community events. The design also incorporates CPTED principles for security, optimized lighting for both ambiance and safety, and an expanded planting strategy to support biodiversity. The goal is to ensure the park remains a cherished oasis for the next 25 years, reflecting the evolving needs and values of the community
Design Alternatives
(13)
Concept By The Community (15)
Master Plan (10)
Circulation Diagram (15)
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Strategies (CPTED) (14)
Planting Palette (9)
Lighting Strategies (9)
Project Phasing (13)
Ecological Design
“A regenerative design approach seeks to heal, restore, and sustain both human and natural communities.” – Bill Reed
Lively Beach
Beach Park Existing Conditions | Sand Harbor State Park| Tahoe, Nevada- US
Sand Harbor Entrance
Vision Statement
To assess and understand the existing conditions of the beach park, with a focus on water level changes, and to establish a solid foundation by gathering data and insights to guide the sustainable expansion of the park.
Sand Harbor Boater’s Beach
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Ben Fish
Principle and Landscape Architect at Design Workshop
(2) Elizabeth Farin
Designer at Design Workshop
(3) Emily Carpenter
Designer at Design Workshop
Students:
(4) Wijdan Almamari
Summer Intern at Design Workshop
Stakeholders/Clients:
- Nevada State Parks
- Sand Harbor State Park Board
Community Engagement
Surveys and members’ meetings were conducted at Sand Harbor Park to ensure active community engagement throughout the planning process. These efforts provided local residents with the opportunity to share their insights, concerns, and preferences for the park’s development. The results of these surveys and meetings are now in the possession of Design Workshop, the firm responsible for the park’s design. This valuable community input helped shape the final version of the project, which has been fully completed to meet both environmental goals and the needs of the community.
Sand Harbor is a stunning beach along Lake Tahoe. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, unique granite boulders, and breathtaking mountain views. The park is a favorite spot for swimming, kayaking, and simply enjoying the outdoors in Nevada State. What sets Sand Harbor apart is its blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. It’s also home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, one of the most scenic outdoor theaters in the country, where visitors enjoy world-class performances with a stunning lake and mountain backdrop.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sand Harbor’s water levels change throughout the year, rising in the winter from snowmelt and dropping in the summer due to evaporation and drought conditions.
Sand Harbor State Park (4)
Sand Harbor Main Beach Passive Side
Sand Harbor Main Beach Active Side
Cross Sections of Sand Harbor Main Beach (4)
Cross Sections of Sand Harbor Diver’s Cove (4)
Cross Sections of Sand Harbor Boater’s Beach (4)
Shakespeare Festival in Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor Boater’s Beach
Sand Harbor Boulders
Beach Design
“Water is the driving force of all nature.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
Serenity Walk
Trail Guide for a Hybrid Landscape | Nebraska National Forest | Bessey District, Nebraska- US
Winter Hiking (10)
Vision Statement
Re-routing or abandoning existing unsustainable trails by developing trails with respect to the grassland, and composing new alternative trail routes with educational experience through signage and more time-efficient circulation routes that can be used all seasons.
Summer Hiking (10)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Salvador Lindquist
Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dr. Lee J. & Dorothy P. Enright
Endowed Professor
Students:
(2) Alyssa Winkelman
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(3) Dennis States
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(4) Jace Armstrong
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(5) Jake Essink
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(6) Josiah Nolting
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(7) Olivia Berck
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(8) Sean Kelly
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(9) Stella Lepkowski
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(10) Wijdan Almamari
Third-year Landscape
Architecture Student
Stakeholders/ Clients
- Christina Bentley
Recreation Management Specialist at the Bessey Ranger District
- Jeff Abegglen
Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery Manager
Case Study
The National Forests and Grasslands offer a high diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities. They connect people with nature in an unmatched variety of settings and activities. Participation in recreational activities draws people to Tongass National Forest. It is a crucial portal for understanding their meanings, history, and purposes.
Tongass National Forest Topography (10)
The Bessey Ranger District’s 90,000 acres sit in the Nebraska Sandhills. It blends rolling grassy hills with dense forest. This unique landscape highlights the vision of Charles E. Bessey and others who valued protecting natural lands by transforming them into a timber-producing forest. The Nebraska Sandhills faces little habitat fragmentation due to minimal agricultural development.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Nebraska Sandhills is one of the largest grass stabilized dune regions in the world.
Bessey Local Environmental Elements Map (7) (10)
National Soil Map (10)
Nebraska State Boundary
Western Irrigated Plains
National Wind Map (10)
Nebraska State Boundary Central Wheat Plains Light Breeze Wind
Breeze Wind Central Grain &Livestock Strong Gale Wind
Meduim
Trail Design
The Scott Lookout Tower Trail is a pedestrian-only three-mile trail. It was designated in December 1979 by members of The Nebraska National Forest’s Young Adult Conversation Corps as a recreational trail.
The project suggests alternative one-mile and two-mile loops for a more accessible experience. Users will encounter different views along the pathways, from high density tree areas to less-density areas. There are signages of the various historic sites, tree identifications, plantations of trees, and evidence of wildfires along the trail for an informative journey.
The main goals of the project design are to enhance an educational experience through signage, to update erosion trail boards to improve walkability and safety to all user groups, to compose new alternative trail routes to provide users with time-efficient circulation routes, to preserve existing trails, to enhance the winter recreation trail experience, and to experience the site digitally (wayfinding system).
Signage
The signage system in Bessey’s design mimics the historical significance of the Bessey Lookout Tower. It provides five types of signage: (1) Trailhead, (2) Directions, (3) Distance, (4) Interpretation, and (5) Trees signage. Made from rusted steel, the signs are durable, stable, and fire-resistant. This material is ideal for the warm, arid Nebraska climate. The weathered steel complements the natural surroundings, blending seamlessly with the landscape. It enhances the visitor’s experience while minimizing environmental impact. The signs are designed to withstand harsh conditions and require minimal maintenance. They guide visitors without disrupting the natural beauty of the area. Each sign serves as a functional tool and a part of the larger narrative of the Bessey Lookout Tower’s historical significance.
Bessey
Trailhead
DID YOU KNOW?
The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands began in 1902 as an experiment by a University of Nebraska Botany professor Charles Edwin Bessey
Erosion Educational Moment (10)
Trees Educational Moment (10)
Intrepetation Signage Trees Signage (6) (10)
Board
Rusted Steel Structure
Aggregate Base Layer
Rusted Steel
Rusted Steel Board
Trails System
“Part of what makes roads, trails and paths so unique as built structures is that they cannot be perceived as a whole all at once by a sedentary onlooker. They unfold in time as one travels along them” - Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust
Vault Market
History Preservation Project | Old City Hall Lincoln, Nebraska- US
Spring Streetscape (4)
Vision Statement
To preserve the historic signifance of the architectural styles of Nebraska Old City Hall and to retivalise it so that it accomodates downtown community needs (i.e. grocery, pharmacy, clothings), while providing accessible outdoor space for all seasons.
Winter Streetscape (4)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Dr. Sonya Grace Turkman
Assisstant Professor in Interior Design Students:
(2) Dehray Eleutice
Fourth-year Architecture Student
(3) Said Al Mahrouqi
Fourth-year Interior Design Student
(4) Wijdan Almamari
Fourth-year Landscape
Architecture Student
(5) William Janecek
Fourth-year Architecture Student
Stakeholders/ Clients
- Stephanie Rouse, AICP City Planner at Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Department
- Collin Christopher, AICP Placemaking Planner for the City of Lincoln
- Frank Ordia Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation
- Community members of downtown Lincoln
Case Study
Gateway Mall in Lincoln features a variety of successful store layouts. The team evaluated the EXPRESS clothing store as exemplary for three main reasons: its outstanding entrance creates a compelling first impression for visitors, its straightforward layout effectively guides shoppers through the space, and its pleasant lighting enhances product displays to attract more consumers. These three components can be integrated into the site design proposal.
EXPRESS Clothing Store (4)
Old city Hall was desinged as an open air market and public gathering space in 1869. The block later was assigned to the US Government as a fundamental civic space and the seat of government until the 1960s. The building retains ornamental cast-iron stairways and original woodwork despite the renovations. The coffered, pressed metal ceiling in the former courtroom/city council chamber has been restored. Old City Hall now coexists with a grassy park, the Grand Manse, and the Grand Manse Pavilion in Government Square.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1969 Old City Hall was one of the first Lincoln buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Old City Hall
Site Analysis Diagram (4)
Sun Direction
Topography Grades Wind Direction
Significant Elements
Access Points
Pedestrian Circulation Programs Zoning
Design
The project concept is to revitalize Old City hall. This concept is informed by demand in downtown Lincoln, pedestrian use of the site, and historic preservation guidelines. The design implements optimal interior layouts, landscape design, and preservation strategies to achieve its concept . Success of the design is measured by comparing the number of visitors before to after the project, as well as sales per square foot.
1. Landscape design: Vegetation decisions allow the site to be vibrant in all seasons with vibrant colors, blooming flowers, and attractive fragrances.
2. Architectural styles: Adding exterior pavilion around the exisiting building preserves the historical significance of the building while rhythmically adding modern elements to the site.
3. Interior Signifacance: Design layout is flexible so that variety of vendors can utilize the same space in different periods of time.
Magnolia stellata
Interest:white flowers
Abbreviation: S.M
Hydrangea quercifolia
Interest:sweet fragrance
Abbreviation: O.H
Syringa reticulataw
Interest: floral fragrance
Abbreviation: J.L
Juniperus chinensis
Interest: evergreen
Abbreviation: M.J
Buxus sempervirens
Interest: evergreen
Abbreviation: B.X
Acer ginnala
Interest: Fall color/shade
Abbreviation: A.M
Carpinus betulus ‘fastigiata’
Interest: golden fall color
Abbreviation: E.H
Juniperus virginiana
Interest: noise limitation/ wind break
Abbreviation: E.R
Juniperus scopulorum
Interest: noise limitation/ wind break
Abbreviation: R.M
Architectural Design (5)
Comparison of Trees Height (4)
Interior Layout (3)
Pallette
Fall Node (2) (4) (5)
Interior Furniture (2) (5)
Summer Node (2) (4) (5)
Main Entrance (3) (4) Sculptures (4)
Winter Node (2) (4) (5)
Isometric View of the Site
Modern Design
“Modernism', as a label, has currency in the arts, architecture, planning, landscape, politics, theology, cultural history and elsewhere.” - Tom Turner
Huskers’ Plaza
Urban
Plaza Design | Tower Square | Lincoln, Nebraska- US
Active Day Node (4)
Vision Statement
To renovate the existing urban plaza and to promote it as a public-oriented space. The new design will inject energy into the plaza and make it a new iconic public space associated with Downtown Lincoln in all seasons. This will furnish opportunities for different groups of people of all ages to connect and socialize.
Passive Night Node (4)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Brad Swerczek
Instructor & Lecturer in Landscape Architecture in University of Nebraska Lincoln and Senior Project Manager at KTECH
Students:
(2) Jace Armstrong
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
(3) Olivia Berck
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
(4) Wijdan Almamari
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
Stakeholders/Clients
- Lincoln Parks and Recreation
Community Engagement
The Music Center Plaza is a “plaza for all” that offers the local community a welcoming and accessible outdoor space. Covering 33,320 square feet (136 x 245 feet), it includes 15,750 square feet for seating, 3,025 square feet for play space, and features 20 trees. In comparison, our site, P & 13 Street Plaza, spans 26,000 square feet (190 x 137 feet), with 1,200 square feet for seating, 4,016 square feet of greenspace, and 17 trees.
The Music Center Plaza (4)
Assets and Defects of The Site (3)
The Tower Square is a mini plaza in downtown Lincoln in the corner of 13th and P Streets. It includes planting beds, area lighting, tables and chairs, performance area, and the “Ascent”. The Ascent is a public art piece tower with a 57-foot-tall multi-colored glass. The plaza hosts events like farmers markets, yoga, tailgate parties, concerts, and movies. It also offers flexible seating for up to 70 people and wireless Internet access for informal gatherings.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tower Square transforms into Lincoln’s North Pole in December each year
Pedestrian Circulation and Access (4)
Primary Circulation
Secondary Circulation
Entrance Points
The Site
Vehicular Circulation and Access (4)
Primary Circulation
Secondary Circulation
Parking Lots
The Site
Design
The design has three main zones connected by a paige paved concrete six feet walkways.
The Puzzle is the north zone in front of a pizza restaurant with different widths of seating pieces that permit group gatherings of students or community members.
The shady flames are the east and west passive zones with red-themed trees for shade. There is a yoga center to the east side and a local favorite coffee shop to the west side of the zones. Therefore, both zones offer opportunities for community activities and performances like outdoor yoga and local artists’ performances.
Huskers heart is the south zone with N-shaped mini fountains. Children can enjoy the fountains. Parents can enjoy the red chokeberry shrubs view next to the concrete seats. Both the water and the children match the purity of Nebraska community.
The three zones mirror the identity and energy of Lincoln downtown with the red-themed plants for all seasons and the variety of plaza elevations.
Planting Pallette (4)
Cornus sericea Aronia brimiantissama
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Cotoneaster apiculatus
Quercus rubra
Juniperus scopulorum
RIVER ROCK MULCH
SLOPED TURF
PAVING 6MM
NORTH 13TH STREET 'P' STREET
SUBMIRSIBLE LIGHT,TYP
SPRAY NOZZLE
SECTION C: WATER FEATURE SEATING AREA
SCALE 1:5
SECTION A: PRIMARY SEATING AREA
SCALE 1:10
CONCRETE FOOTING WITH 4" REINFORMENT EACH 12" EACH EAY 3 4" CHAMFER 3 4" CHAMFER
2"-3" PLANTING BED 6" COMPACTED SUBGRADE
CONCRETE FOOTING WITH 4" REINFORMENT EACH 12" EACH EAY
SECTION B: WHOLE SITE SECTION 6" COMPACTED SUBGRADE
SCALE 1:20
PRE CAST HOLLAND STONE PAVER 6 MM
SURFACE
C1
Urban Design
“a square is not just about light, air, proportion, and people. It must also give form to some shared notion of civic identity.” - Catie Marron
Green Hub
City Planning Project| Benson District | Omaha, Nebraska- US
Residential Area In Creativity Zone (4)
Vision
Statement
Benson as the art and garden connection district with significant developments in public space, residential, commercial, and healthcare facilities to attract investors, new residents, and visitors alike.
Commercial Area in Creativity Zone (4)
Project Team
Mentors:
(1) Yujia Wang
Assisstant Professor of Practice in Landscape Architecture in University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Faculty Fellow in Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
Founding Partner &Landscape, Planner and Architect in Urban Narratives Office Landscape and Planning
Students:
(2) Alyssa Winkelman
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
(3) Dennis States
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
(4) Wijdan Almamari
Third-year Landscape Architecture Student
Stakeholders/Clients
No real clients/ stakeholders were involved in this project
Case Study
There are many places around the world that demand spatial and environmental equality. Medellín in Colombia is one of the places that displayed remarkable developments in these sites. For example, the implementation of newly paved pedestrian walkways, cable cars, lighting along paths, and a new library complex are some of the small-scale projects that improved living conditions. Locals have been working together with designers and local government officials to identify areas of the city that need improvements.
Benson is a small sub-district of Omaha, Nebraska. It boasts a rich cultural history and continues to thrive today. Recent renovations have revitalized the community with many buildings remodeled such as restaurants, businesses, and offices. Additionally, murals and large artworks by local artists enhance the sense of community and inclusion. However, further development and extension of the transportation system are essential to ensure continued growth.
DID YOU KNOW?
Benson High is one of the oldest high schools in Nebraska Founded in 1904
Aerial View of 60th Street Benson
Buildings Zoning
Community/Public
Shops/Retail
For Sale/Closing
Mural Locations
Restaurant/Food Large Mural
Design
As a product of extensive research and a new vision, the design phase of Benson proposes an affordable district with accessible services within a walking distance for both residents and visitors in three main zones: creativity zone, connection zone, and innovation zone. Creativity zone is the entrance area that includes most office buildings. It attracts design investors from outside the district and provides job opportunities for residents.
Residential spaces have higher square footage for remote working. They implement public amenities and green spaces as an attraction for residents to take a break from work and socialize.
Commercial spaces are creative areas with a medium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of workspaces that facilitate collaboration and inspire design.
Healthcare facilities incorporate flexible offices that connect medical schools with low-income families to minimize medical expenses and support the school training.Connection zone is the middle area with the primary outdoor plaza, surrounded by food and retail services. It brings people together from both inside and outside the district. Innovation zone is the area that brings the community together with the community training center, library, and art school. It has organic farms and greenhouses for local and affordableproducts.
Elevated Trail (2) (3) (4)
Pocket Park (2) (3) (4)
Central Plaza (2) (3) (4)
Parcelization Diagram (2)
Circulation Diagram (3)
Connection Zone (3)
Zoning Diagram (2) (3) (4)
Creativity Zone (4)
Open Space In Innovation Zone (2)
Office Space In Innovation Zone (2)
Fountain Area In Connection Zone (3)
School Area In Connection Zone (3)
Isometric View (B) (2) (3) (4)
Isometric View (A) (2) (3) (4)
Urban Planning
“Placing people and their daily activities close together doesn’t just make the people more interesting; it also makes them greener.” - David Owen
Mission Statement
“To promote positive change through design by fostering a comprehensive and sustainable environment that brings people of diverse backgrounds together and by ensuring accessibility to essential services (i.e., education, public transportation, healthcare, etc), affordable products, and a clean and supportive atmosphere.” - Wijdan Almamari
