XIN_LIU_UNSW LAND7315 Professional Practice

XIN LIU | PORTFOLIO SELECTED WORKS 2022 -2023

For MLA Landscape Architecture, UNSW LAND7315 Professional Practice

Acknowledging Country

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, work, and live. We pay our sincere respects to the Elders, both past and present, for their enduring stewardship of this Country. We recognize and honor the deep cultural and spiritual traditions of the First Nation Peoples.

The profound and ancient connections that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with this land span countless generations. Their rich knowledge and understanding have shaped the diverse landscapes and communities we experience today. We deeply appreciate their wisdom and the valuable contributions they continue to make to Australian society as the world's oldest living cultures.

As we acknowledge Country, we also acknowledge the injustices and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We stand in solidarity with their aspirations for self-determination, justice, and reconciliation. It is our commitment to foster meaningful relationships, listen to their voices, and work together in partnership to build a future that values equity, cultural safety, and respect for all.

In summary, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their continued connection to this land. We recognize their ancient wisdom and the resilience that has sustained their cultures throughout time. Through our acknowledgement, we strive for unity, understanding, and the pursuit of a more inclusive and just society where the voices of First Nation Peoples are valued and honored.

Knights of Charming Spider-orchid Super Human | Studio6 | 2022 | RMIT

Rockdale Wetland Corridor LAND7312| Capstone Studio | 2020 | UNSW

Rockdale Wetland Corridor LAND7321| Studio5 | 2020 | UNSW

Personal Statement

As a Chinese international student in my final year of postgraduate study in Landscape Architecture at the University of New South Wales, I bring a unique perspective and international aesthetic to my work. Having lived in Australia for eight years, I am fluent in English and possess a deep understanding of the local context.

My interest in Landscape Architecture was sparked during my travels between 2016 and 2018, where I witnessed the significance of modern city open spaces and gardens in enhancing our lives. This experience inspired me to explore the field further and understand the importance of creating harmonious environments that benefit both humans and nature.

In my studies, I have developed a specific interest in the balance between human needs and nature conservation. I have observed that many designs tend to prioritize human interests and overlook the importance of preserving threatened species and ecological balance. My aim is to contribute to the field by striking a sustainable equilibrium between human development and the protection of nature's delicate ecosystems.

One of my strengths lies in effective communication and verbal presentation. I have the ability to interpret and convey ideas through visual and graphic information, enabling me to articulate my unique perspectives to my peers. I constantly strive to approach challenges with a different mindset, fostering innovative and thoughtful solutions.

Australia is where I have pursued my education and developed a deep appreciation for its landscapes and cultural diversity. I want to work in Australia because I believe it offers a dynamic platform for Landscape Architects to address the challenges and opportunities specific to this region. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to projects that positively impact local communities and the environment.

Looking ahead, I see the future of the profession relying on Landscape Architects actively engaging with communities to address the challenges we may face in the future. I am committed to being a part of this transformative process by collaborating with diverse stakeholders, advocating for sustainable practices, and ensuring that the profession remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of society.

Design Technical Skills

Autodesk AutoCAD

Rhino 6 / Grasshopper

Lumion

Adobe Suit

Microsoft Office Suit

Transferable Skills

LEADERSHIP

Soft Skills

Communicate Skills

Verbal Presentaion Skills

Teamwork

- During 2018 student internship partacie in China, lead the tream do the verbal presentation to the client

ORGANISATION

- In November 2021, I organized the annual RMIT LA Exhibition, including exhibition hall setup and assisting with management and operations.

INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT

- During 2020, worked in 711 convenience store, retail coumster sercvice skills, have the ability to manage independent, can make quick solutions to emergencies

E xperience

Landscape Architecture Design Internship

Odin Engineering Design Co.,Ltd

Address: Shanghai, China 200437

November 2019 - January 2020

During my internship in 2018, I served as a team leader, responsible for communicating with clients and ensuring that the design outcomes met their requirements.

01 ROCKDALE WETLAND CORRIDOR

ROCKDALE, NSW, AUSTRALIA FIRST YEAR GRADUATE 2023| LAND 7312

The Rockdale Wetland Corridor is a significant natural area in Sydney’s southern suburbs that provides valuable ecological benefits to the local environment. However, like many urban wetlands, it has suffered from a lack of maintenance and degradation over the years.

As landscape architects, we have the opportunity to design and restore this wetland corridor, prioritizing the health of native species while creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience for users. This essay explores three design principles that can guide the development of a wetland design that Improve Bado-Berong Creek water quality, Restore Habitat Connectivity, and Embrace Sea level rise and flooding. Through a review of relevant literature and precedents in the LAND7311, I examined design strategies and intents, as well as the landscape performance benefits associated with each principle. By incorporating theoretical techniques from my research course LAND7311, I can better support my design concept and provide literature and precedent to support my design proposals.

Ultimately, this essay aims to contribute to the understanding

of how landscape architecture can create sustainable and resilient wetland corridors that prioritize the health of native species

Design Process drawings

ROCKDALE WETLAND CORRIDOR ROCKDALE, NSW, AUSTRALIA FIRST YEAR GRADUATE 2023 | LAND 7321

The Rockdale Wetland Corridor is strategically situated within the Rockdale suburb of Sydney, NSW, Australia. Located just a few kilometres south of the busy Sydney Airport, the wetland serves as a green oasis amidst the urban environment, offering a natural refuge for both humans and wildlife. The corridor is bordered by major roads, such as the Princes Highway to the west and West Botany Street to the east, which contribute to its fragmentation. Its proximity to the airport highlights the significance of maintaining and enhancing green spaces in urban settings, as they not only provide essential ecosystem services and recreational opportunities but also serve as natural buffers against noise and air pollution generated by airport operations.

The Rockdale Wetland Corridor has a rich history, with evidence of Indigenous Australian presence dating back thousands of years. Traditional owners of the land, the Bidjigal people, have utilized the area for various cultural practices, such as hunting and gathering. Over time, the region has experienced significant development, transforming from a natural wetland ecosystem to a predominantly urban landscape. Despite these changes, the wetland corridor has

managed to persist, providing an important link between the past and present.

The Rockdale Wetland Corridor serves several key functions. Primarily, it acts as a vital habitat for native plants and animals, providing them with a place to thrive and reproduce. The wetland also offers essential ecosystem services, such as improving water quality, reducing flood risks, and providing a carbon sink. Additionally, the corridor is a valued recreational space for local residents, who can enjoy the natural beauty, tranquillity, and opportunities for birdwatching, jogging, and leisurely strolls. Additionally, the NSW government has recently implemented plans to construct the M6 tunnel beneath the Rockdale Wetland Corridor. This infrastructure project aims to improve transportation and connectivity in the Rockdale area, bringing greater convenience and increased human flow to the region.

The Rockdale Wetland Corridor boasts various distinct features that contribute to its significance. The site is home to diverse plant species, such as the endangered Cooks River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest, which provide essential habitat

for a wide array of birdlife and other fauna. The corridor's network of creeks and ponds also contributes to its ecological value, helping to maintain the delicate balance of the wetland ecosystem. Furthermore, the site contains several walking paths, picnic areas, and recreational facilities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for the local community. The Rockdale Wetland Corridor is a crucial green space that offers numerous ecological, recreational, and historical values to the Rockdale community. While the site faces challenges from urbanization and fragmentation, its continued preservation is essential to maintain the area's biodiversity, cultural significance, and the well-being of its residents. Based on the analysis in Figure 1, RWC is divided into two regions. The pink area in the north has already been designed, so in this report, I will focus on the orange area in the south.

Design Process drawings

Module 1: Terrain & Hydrology

For the first module, the methodology employs Rhino and Grasshopper software to create a 3D model of the chosen site and analyse the terrain changes. The analysis includes running elevation change, slope, and hydrology scripts. The aim of using these technological modelling tools is to support the analysis in managing riverbank, flooding, and sea level rise. The objective is to measure the depth of the Bado-Berong Creek and the slope of the riverbank, as well as to assess the impact of flooding on the chosen site.

In the Grasshopper module analysis, a simulation is conducted to compare the existing site conditions. The existing elevation data shows that the site is relatively flat, as demonstrated in Figure4, the terrain's flatness presents challenges in coping with the risks of flooding and rising sea levels. The slope and moisture analysis reveal that the absence of slope prevents effective rainwater discharge and collection (Kalantari et al., 2018). Consequently, a simulation is performed to widen the bed of the Bado-Berong Creek, which would not only increase the habitat for aquatic plants and animals but also enhance the site's resilience to floods and rising sea levels (Johansson et al., 2021).

Figure4: chosen site elevation change analysis, left is exiting site, right is simulation, created by XIN LIU

Figure5: chosen site slope analysis, left is exiting site, right is simulation, created by XIN LIU

The absence of slope in the existing model hinders effective rainwater discharge and collection, leading to potential vulnerabilities for the site's ecosystem. In contrast, the simulation demonstrates that widening the bed of the BadoBerong Creek could effectively enhance the habitat for aquatic plants and animals while also increasing the site's resilience to floods and rising sea levels.

By comparing the existing model and the simulation, the report highlights the significance of landscape design interventions in improving the ecological health and overall resilience of the Rockdale Wetland Corridor. This study serves as a foundation for future landscape planning and management strategies, ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of this vital ecological system.

https://www.midlandbrick.com.au/Products/Pavers/Permeable-Paving

Permeable Paving: To enhance flood resilience and manage stormwater runoff, permeable paving can be integrated into the landscape design. Permeable paving materials, such as permeable concrete, porous asphalt, or permeable pavers, allow water to infiltrate the surface and be absorbed by the underlying soil, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. This technology is suitable for the site as it can help manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and reduce the need for additional drainage infrastructure. Moreover, permeable paving is durable, lowmaintenance, and cost-effective.

Wildlife-friendly Lighting: To minimize the impact of artificial lighting on the flora and fauna in RWC, wildlifefriendly lighting solutions can be implemented. These technologies use energy-efficient LED lights with specific spectral outputs that minimize disturbance to wildlife while maintaining adequate illumination for human use (Gaston et al., 2012). Examples include amber or red LEDs, which have been shown to have less impact on nocturnal species (Longcore & Rich, 2004). Wildlife-friendly lighting is energyefficient, low-maintenance, and can contribute to the site's sustainability goals while preserving habitat integrity.

Nocturnal animals, such as insects, birds, and bats, are most sensitive to artificial lighting as they have evolved to rely on natural light/dark cycles for critical behaviours like foraging, migration, and reproduction (Longcore & Rich, 2004). Light pollution, even at low levels, can disrupt these behaviours and negatively impact population dynamics. Similarly, some plant species are sensitive to artificial lighting, especially those that rely on seasonal cues like day length to regulate growth and reproduction (Bennie et al., 2016). However, the impact of lighting on plants can differ significantly depending on the species and the timing and intensity of the light exposure.

In summary, while a lighting level of 20 lux is unlikely to have a major impact on flora and fauna, it is crucial to consider the potential ecological effects of lighting when designing and implementing outdoor lighting schemes, particularly in sensitive areas such as wildlife reserves, wetlands, and parks. Given the sensitivity of the wetland ecosystem to light, it is not recommended to add extra lighting in the Rockdale Wetland Corridor at night; thus, no additional simulations were conducted.

Figure6: chosen site Hydrology analysis, left is exiting site, right is simulation, created by XIN LIU

Figure8: Permeable Paving, source:

Figure7: chosen site existing external lighting analysis, created by XIN LIU

Figure9: Mitigating the ecological impacts of nighttime light pollution on wildlife, source: http://www.apscience.org.au/apsf_15_3/

ROCKDALE WETLAND CORRIDOR

ROCKDALE, NSW, AUSTRALIA

FIRST YEAR GRADUATE 2023 | LAND 7321

Plenty Grogey Park is a natural place, until1950 when people found abundantmineral resources that they began to exploit them wantonly, damaging the local environment, and many EVCs began to gradually decrease or even disappear. The Charming Spider Orchid was listed as endangered in1999.

I found the Plenty Gorge Parklands have unbalanced native eniornment habitat by intruder human beings. In this porject my aspect is use my designs and APP to help coexsit spider orchid and human beings balance the nature.

Design Process drawings

Site Issue Narotive

Site Anaylise Mapping

LEGEND

EVC 1750 Charming Spider-orchid

EVC 2005 Charming Spider-orchid

Charming Spider-orchid Defined In Site

Hydro Vegetation Fragmentation

Informal Paths

MTB Trails

Plenty Gorge River

Vegtaion Dense Trees

Contour 1m

Charming Spider Orchid Detail Drawing

Site issue finding collage

Spider Orchid Treat anaylise

Informal Bike Trail in Spider Orchid Habitat

Perspective Render - Approach 01

Perspective Render - Approach 02

Issue On Site

The main issue for the Plenty Gorge Parklands is vistors don’t know thesspider orchid is endangered, and how is it look like.

My further design and Application development will fous to convey the message to the park users. Using landscape design methods, let spider orchids and mountain bikers have a symbiotic relationship.

Construction Dawing - Bumping Berm

Bumping Berm Seqential Section

After Designed Seqential Section

Application Support

Application - VISION is a software that uses augmented reality functions to transmit species information. It changes the boring way of reading to obtain information about funa and flora, and uses a more participatory AR function to simulate the growth and living habitat of animals and plants.

In this project, VISION perfectly solves the problem of habitat destruction caused by park users’ lack of knowledge about the endangered charming spider orchid.

The Photo Monitoring and Review/Report functions help park managers better monitor the health of the spider orchid habitat and Report emergency issues, facilitating the first time rescue with the staff.