Landscape Design Portfolio

XOLA MSINGAPHANTSI Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Horticulture Landscape Technology & Design Portfolio msingaphantsiavumile@gmail.com +27 73 315 6139

XOLA MSINGAPHANTSI Landscape Designer + Multi-disciplinary Artist

Education:

Software Skills:

• •

Beginner to Intermediate skills in: - ArchGis - AutoCAD - Adobe Photoshop - Adobe InDesign

Germiston High School / 2012 - 2016 Tshwane University of Technology/ 2018 - 2022 - Ndip /Landscape Technology

Work Experience: October 2018 - August 2019 Landscape Designer - Maano Green

Presentation & Public Speaking

- At Maano Green I was given the responsibility and trusted with the task of designing the landscapes of newly built homes in several estates like Bluehills Country Estate in Mid-rand.

Teamwork

DOB: 28 April 1999 ID: 199904285242081 22 Dreyfus Street Johannesburg South, 2097

073 315 6139

msingaphantsiavumile@ gmail.com

www.lindkedin.com/in/ xola-avumile-msingaphantsi-4a15b8190

https://www.issu.com/xola_ msingaphantsi

General Skills:

August 2019 - 31 October 2019 Landscape Designer - ROTHE Plantscapers

Creativity & Problem Solving

Language:

- Alongside my mentor and lecturer, I designed a concept and design of a show garden for the 2019 Johannesburg International Flower Show which was hosted on the 31 October 2019 - 4 November 2019.

English

April 2020 - January 2021 Landscape Designer - Sibahle Landscapes

Zulu

Xhosa

Sotho - At Sbu Landscape Studio, I was subcontracted and was tasked with responsibility to design residential gardens for Sibahle Landscapes.

August 2021 - November 2021 Landscape Designer (Internship) - Down2Earth Garden Creations - My time here was spent as a student in learning as I was completing my Work Integrated Learning (WIL).

References: Mr. Sibusiso Percival Dladla (Lecturer, Mentor & Owner of Sbu Landscape Studio) Email: DladlaSP@tut.ac.za Phone: 084 568 6874 Office: 071 238 25319 Mrs. Lana Sanderson (Lecturer & WIL Coordinator) Email: MaraisL@tut.ac.za Phone: 082 881 2202

Table of Contents 01.

Final Year Design Project: Philip Nel Park - This was an academic project I did as my final year project in 2019.

We were tasked with redesigning neighbouring spaces around the university and the Pretoria city centre, I chose the park in Philip Nel Park, Pretoria.

02.

Personal Project: House Gaborone - House Gaborone was a project I was involved in during my internship at Down 2 Earth Creations. I provided a preliminary design and made 3D visualization of the residential garden.

03.

Personal Project: Johannesburg International Flower Show 2019 - Was tasked with the responsibility to conceptualize and provide a preliminary design for a show garden.

Table of Contents 04.

Personal Project: Protea Glen, Protea Park - While working along with Sbu Landscape Studio we were contracted by Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo to conceptualize and design a park in Protea Glen.

The Principle: The idea is to build and redesign a public space on the principle which is based on promoting communication and human interaction, creating adventurous spaces which “force” individuals to interact with each other and the space itself. This means using lines that will connect all spaces, find a centralizing component, such as a swimming pool or in our case, a utility and ablution which is right in the centre of the site. Odd choice of feature, yes, but everyone uses them and that is the whole point, to have people

01. Philip Nel Park, Pretoria

moving towards a specific area to promote interaction.

The zig-zag layout of the park aims to address the idea and concept of

Project Name: Zig-Zag Philip Nel

“intersectionality” and creates meeting points in order to promote inter-

Objective: Redesign an existing public space

action amongst the users of the space.

Period: 2nd Year, November 2019 This project focuses on redesigning the park on Tom Claridge Avenue and Norman Eaton Avenue, Philip Nel Park, Pretoria. Sustainability and sociability are the key aspects of this project, the main problem to solve is communication and the lack thereof. Antisocial behaviour is a common practice in public spaces and this project aims to change this phenomenon.

As a final project, the aim of this project was to test our ability to conduct site analysis and site inventory on large sites, our ability to conceptualize and redesign large sites. The project also tested the ability to integrate social behaviour to design.

Bubble Diagram/ Zoning Plan.

This is a bubble diagram/ Zoning plan of the Philip Nel Park. The intention of the diagram is to show the different proposed areas after the conduction and completion of a site analysis and site inventory.

The bubble diagram attempts to show the future and proposed functions of the different spaces, show proposed focal points, views, elevation and even possible ways to move around the site, both primary and secondary movements.

In the bubble diagram, movement is shown using arrows. The thicker arrows show the primary movement. This would be considered the main pathways that lead the user of the space to core functions of the park like the entrances and utility/ablution. The thinner and rather dotted lines show the secondary movement, this may be movement in and around the core functions and rest of the space.

Master Plan.

A.

L. A.

B.

K.

C.

I. D. J. I.

D.

H. G. F. E. Site Features & Keys: A - Vegetable Garden B - Private Snug (Pod Concept) C - Seating Deck (Talk Deck Concept) D - Ticket Booth

E - Lawn F - Jungle Gym G - Sand Pit H - Swimming Pool

I - Seating Area J - Utility & Ablution K - Futsal/ 5-a-Side L - Back Residential Access/Entrance

Scale: 1:175

North:

Zoom-In Views.

Below: A view of the sports area which consists of a futsal/5-a-Side and provision for seating for spectators.

The area is also intelligently screened using large dense trees to prevent the ball from going into the neighbouring residences and also provide shade. This view also shows the residential/community vegetable gardens and the private snug area. This view also features the concepts “Talk Deck” and “Kitty Snug” which will be explored further.

On the Right: Right A zoom-in view of the park’s ablution and utility space and the jungle gym with sand pit.

The jungle gym also acts as a structure one can walk underneath to create an adventure from the usual walkway.

Also shown on the view is the “Talk Deck” concept which will be addressed in detail.

On the Right: A zoom-in of the pool area surrounded by decking which has groundcover growing in between giving it a modern and contemporary aesthetic. The proposed groundcover would most likely be a hardy and fast spreading kind that can take wear like Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass).

The view also shows the proposed seating area next to the swimming pool area.

The proposed type of seating in the area are concrete benches that will stay intact and also keep users from sleeping on the benches because they will not be comfortable enough.

Plant Selection & Features Features & Hardlandscaping:

6.

1.

A.

7. 5.

8.

B.

I.

C.

A. Concrete Pathway B. Ticket Booth C. Clear Vu Barrier D. Concrete Seating Area E. Decking F. Swimming Pool G. Deck Seating “Talk Deck” H. Jungle Gym I. Utility & Ablution J. Sand Pit K. Slate Paving L. Bench

Plant Selection: Trees:

5.

D.

H.

1. Celtis africana 2. Olea europeae subsp. africana Shrubs and Grasses:

2.

4.

G.

3.

3. Stipa tenuissima 4. Elegia tectorum 5. Buddleja salviofolia 6. Buddleja auriculata 7. Abelia grandifolia Groundcover:

F.

E.

8. Ophiopogon japonicus

8.

J. L.

Scale: 1:250

2.

North:

Concept:

“ Talk , Talk Talk,, Talk! ”

Kitty Snug: The “Kitty Snug” intends to be a seating pod where two people can sit and have a view of the firepit which will also be located in the private seating area. The private seating area intends not to be private at all, it is simply the thought behind it. The thought that one can go there if they want a feeling of quietness and a sense that they are alone and in private in the space.

The main objective of this project is to create and promote social behaviour in public spaces and the park. The site has two important seating concepts which help us towards our goal of making people talk again.

The “Talk Deck” and the “Kitty Snug”

Talk Deck: The “Talk Deck” is a sunken seating deck which also incorporates planters and smaller plants. Having plants within the deck makes the individual feel amongst the plants and this will lead to relaxation and a rather tranquil space.

Above: A perspective drawing of the “Talk Deck” concept. On the sloping sections of the park, the Talk Deck is built using a retained wall to help it rise from the surface. The elevated position also helps create a position where the users of the Talk Deck can take full advantage of the views.

The structure can also be fitted with lights in case of events that happen at night and this will help with the general ambiance of the space itself.

On th Left: Hand rendered top View of the “Talk Deck” concept. The L-shaped seating allows for interaction and provides the least obstruction of the park views.

The planter boxes cut into the decking can be planted with plants with roots that are not aggressive and preferably with lush foliage, likewise with the tree to be planted.

2.

The “Kitty Snug” concept is based on cat with a mouth wide open. When used, it looks like the user is being eaten by the cat or less explicitly sitting in the conceptual cat’s mouth.

It will be constructed using concrete, which makes it easy to construct as it is going to be easily cast or alternatively the most sustainable material will be plastic as it is recyclable unlike concrete and it can easily be moved unlike concrete which can tend to look like it will stay in that one place forever.

The “Kitty Snug” will have solar panels on the structure’s ears which will help to provide the light. It also intends to act as an architectural installation and sculpture in the space, this contemporary feel runs through the design of this park.

On the Right: This is a hand-drawn zoom-in of the swimming pool area and decking. The view also shows the boma the client requested.

The decking plays an important role in this space as it joins the multiple functions in the area in an aesthetically pleasing way.

02. House Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana Project Name: House Gaborone Objective: Design a garden for House Gaborone & provide 3D models and render Period: 23 September 2021 - 19 October 2021 This project was a project assigned to me while working as an intern at Down2Earth Creations in 2021. I was tasked with designing a garden for a newly built residence in Gaborone, Botswana.

The client gave us full control of the design of the garden, they were not specific about any plant preferences or other requirements. They specified that the area of most importance is the swimming pool area and decking. This would mean us attempting to make the area unique and stand out as much as possible.

The big drive for this project was also functionality. This would be placing the different functions of the garden in a smart and functional way.

Above: This is a CAD drawn zoom-in of the narrow front portion of the garden. It is a pathway which goes towards the “Zen-Rock Garden” which function in the spaces as both a sanctuary of sorts and also a focal point. The rock garden sits directly opposed a long sliding door which leads into the entertainment area, we found it necessary that the users of that space had a view of something outside. This is the concept of bring the outside inside in practice.

The rock garden will have sand as its ground similar to the sand found in most zen gardens, it’ll have boulders and a water feature. A 3D visualization of this area will be provided in the following pages.

Garden Features

Master Plan.

A.

I. B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

A - L-Shaped Pergola B - Aluminum edged flower bed with decorative stones.

C - Boulder D - Boma & Braai with seating.

E - Decking F - Vegetable Garden with fruit trees.

G - Vegetable Bed H - Paving I - Existing Tree J - “Zen-Rock” Garden K - Water Feature L - Entrance Deck M - Pots

Scale:

1:200

J.

K.

L.

M.

North:

CAD Master Plan.

3D Visualization On the Right: The 3D visualization of the L-Shaped pergola, swimming pool and view of the boma.

The ground is covered with decorative stone and succulents planted alongside them. The concept is inspired by Mediterranean gardens and low-maintenance gardens.

Above: A view of the vegetable garden with retainers that will allow for vegetable planting. The view also show the proposed fruit trees in the vegetable gardens. Laid on the ground will be gravel which will create a natural type of aesthetic.

On the Left: This is a view of the “Zen-Rock” Garden which is inspired by both rock gardens and the Japanese garden.

This space functions a focal point and sanctuary for the user who either walks through it or is sitting in the entertainment area opposite the space.

On the Right: A view of the entrance of House Gaborone.

The house had to be rendered from scratch according to the architect’s original design.

Above: A view of the water feature which is placed so that it is enjoyed from inside as well. The view also shows the pots near the entrance and the glimpse of the entrance deck.

Concept: - Isibaya is where cattle can find peace, a home for cattle where they can rest after a long day of grazing the green,vast grasses of O Tatomkhulu (Our Forefathers), its where they call home.

- This garden is designed to symbolize the importance of remaining rooted in ones roots and identity even though we are in constant pursuit of global recognition and success. It is a symbol of not forgetting where you come from.

03. Johannesburg International Flower Show

- Isibaya (The Kraal) is a seating area concept designed to do away the conventional way of experiencing a sitting space.

Project Name: Isibaya (The Kraal) Objective: Design a show garden for the 2019 JIFS Period: September 2019 - October 2019

The concept takes direct inspiration from the kraal itself, this is evident by the wood around the seating concept that resemble the kraal’s wooden fence. The enclosure aims to create a comfortable, “cozy” and private space for its occupants.

This project is a concept and design of a show garden for the Johannesburg International Flower Show 2019 hosted in Waterfall City, opening on the 31st October and closing on the 4th of November 2019.

I was contracted by Rothe Plantscapers who are a landscaping company who for most years have

It was important to stay on the theme and be unapologetic about expressing the intention of the design and the meaning behind it.

specialized and focused more on maintenance. I was tasked with the responsibility to design a show

The brief from Rothe Plantscapers was to design a show gar-

garden for the company which would be on display on at the Johannesburg International Flower Show

den that would boast our indigenous plants, we took it a step further and went on to boast about our heritage by using an african structure as a metaphor for home, safety and a form of identity.

hosted at Waterfall City, Midrand, Gauteng.

The kraal has more than an identity influence amongst Africans but also carries spiritual and ancestral significance which links very well with ones journey of being rooted because spirituality and identity keeps one rooted.

CAD Master Plan.

The Principle: The idea is to create a space that reflects and speaks to the area and people of Protea Glen.

After some research, we established that there are not many places in Protea Glen that give the area an identity, compared to neighbouring townships in the Soweto area who boast their history and ooze identity. The aim of this park is to change that.

04. Protea Park, Protea Glen

Concept: The concept for Protea Park takes direct inspiration from the Pro-

Project Name: Protea Park

tea caffra native to South Africa.

Objective: Design and conceptualize park for the area of Protea Glen Period: March 2021 - July 2021

In this concept, the Protea plant is used as a catalyst for bringing meaning to the park, with relation to its situation, create an iden-

This project is a proposed concept and design of a park in Protea Glen Ext 26. Sbu Landscape

tity for the Protea Glen area and have the people of Protea Glen

Studios was appointed to design the park for the park for the residents of Protea Glen.

identify with the park itself which in turn gives the users of the park and the community a sense of belonging.

The key factor in designing this park was to create a space that had meaning to the people of the area, something they can hold dear and cherish. We have identified that this factor is

The Protea park is the pride of the South African nation and can

what is missing in most developments in black townships, creating a trend of neglect and

be the pride of Protea Glen as well. The establishment of this

vandalism of parks.

connection will give the park meaning and will allow it to settle in this prosperous township and become a part of its blueprint.

Concept Development:

Below is the stripped back and simple version of the concept, which still manages to retain the same principles and layout of the design. They both have the Protea as the cornerstone of the design.

As mentioned above, the concept is based on the Protea plant. The design of the park is simply a cross sectioning of the Protea plant. The flowers of the Protea make of the conceptual pathways and the various park spaces. The head of the Protea makes up the entrance paths and flower bed.

The idea is also to keep the colours of the Protea caffra constant in the park. Red paving of the paths, symbolizing the flower’s petals. Concrete paving along the entrance paths to symbolize the grey and white of the head of the Protea flower.

Below is a concept of the proposed mosaic and entrance.

The figure above is the first conceptual draft. Multiple pathways run across the conceptual Protea petals which act as the backbone of the layout of the design.

Master Concept Plan: