Landscape Architecture Portfolio

CHARLES MCDOWELLCHARLES MCDOWELLlandscape architecture portfolio

design philosophyIn every person there is an appreciation and respect for the natural environment. This comes from a primitive relationship with the environment that some may have forgotten, ignored, or never experienced, but it is still rooted deep within us. Through design, it is possible to provide an environment in which people can reconnect to that basic relationship with nature. Each project has a unique opportunity to reveal and expose the local environmental and cultural conditions to the users. In this way people can reconnect with nature through their own personal experience and learn to appreciate and respect the natural environment in their own way.

An extended version of the portfolio can be accessed at: http://www.wix.com/charlesmmcdowell/landscapearchitect

“There is a love of wild nature in everybody, an ancient mother-love showing itself whether recognized or no, and however covered by cares and duties.” - John Muir

brush creek eco-park

mks watershed plan

north rainier t.o.d.

colorado lights

sand turn scenic overlook

construction drawings

hand graphics

photography

1122334455667788

kansas city, missouri

brush creek eco-park

Proposed design solutions are represented by two different alternatives, each responding to the same design concept but envisioned in unique ways. Alternative 1 is a more costly solution to the design problem and would involve a greater amount of maintenance up front and over the long run. In Alternative 1, the site is manipulated significantly to amplify the users experience. Alternative 2 is less costly since the site is manipulated minimally and much is done to utilize vegetational changes within the existing context. Material and maintenance estimates were provided as to compare and contrast the two design ideas.

The report, in its entirety can be viewed at:http://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/8761

media: ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

The Brush Creek Corridor was the focus of a study to assess the impacts of urbanization on stream systems and to explore what designers can do to mitigate those impacts. Through research and precedent studies, the following four project goals were determined for the Brush Creek Corridor: Improve local environmental conditions through ecological design; Connect the corridor for improved pedestrian use; Educate users to the environmental benefits of ecological design; Reveal and interpret ecological processes and phenomena through design. The project process included a corridor study which was used to determine the site for design exploration and the design of the site addressing the project goals.

REVEALnew ecologies for an urban stream corridor

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projIMPROVE local environmental conditions through ecological design

manage localized flooding to reduce flash flooding

increase stormwater infiltration

improve water quality within brush creek

REFINE

INVENTORY . ANALYSISPRELIMINARY

CONCEPT

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APPLY

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goalskey questionsmethodologysite potentialsite program

analysisexplorationprogram

site explorationconceptual designdocument design

competition january 17 - 31

case

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documentdesign28

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annotated outline11

march

final document text02april

final document . defense11 / 25

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december

refine conceptsexplore solutionsdiagram

presentationdocumentgraphicstext

DEVELOPPRODUCE

DEFEND

COMPETITION finalist stage febuary 21 - march 31

ject goalsjCONNECT the corridor for improved pedestrian use

create a design language that can be implemented throughout the corridor

improve access to the corridor

link the existing corridor projects

EDUCATE users to the environmental benefits of ecological design

target selected user groups that could have a potential association with the project

link up with existing environmental improvement goals and initiatives

implement innovative strategies for environmental education

REVEAL and interpret ecological processes and phenomena through design

promote environmental stewardship subconsciously through experience

explore new means for conveying environmental education

allow users to create their own relationship with the natural world in a designed setting

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1 parking area2 rain garden3 bioswale4 open green space5 primary walkway6 plaza7 constructed wetland8 elevated outlook area9 pedestrian bridge10 deck overlook11 wetlands12 lowland area

alternative one

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1 parking area2 rain garden3 bioswale4 open green space5 vegetated filter strip6 plaza7 constructed wetland8 elevated outlook area9 pedestrian bridge10 wetlands11 stormwater collection area off of bridge12 lowland area

alternative two

rain garden

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brush creek

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manhattan, kansas

watershed plan

The solution to the design problem is a framework for planning by watershed which highlights the concepts of preserving natural and cultural resources, including the prairie ecosystem and agricultural lands, while promoting stewardship through community education. Through stream setbacks, and land use proposals a set of typologies have been created to set the framework for new development within the watersheds of Manhattan, Kansas.

The design team consisted of three landscape architecture graduate students.

media: ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

Manhattan, Kansas will grow by over twenty thousand people in the next ten years due to the relocation of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and the initiation of the Base Realignment and Closure which will effect the military base at Fort Riley. Currently Manhattan’s community plan and vision will not handle this increase in population effectively. The current political boundaries are not consistent with watershed boundaries. Existing zoning and subdivision boundaries cross watersheds, making it difficult to effectively manage water resources. There is little evidence of environmental stewardship in the community, illustrated by the inadequate protection of agricultural and open space areas. There is an extensive park and trail network within the existing city but there is a lack of connectivity.

2IMKS

land use

food sources

education

wildlife corridors

trails

stream classification

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schools and parks agricultural lands flood prone areas

big blue river

buffer type 1

buffer type 2

buffer type 3

conservation land

agricultural land

urban land

parkland

kansas state university

existing schools, food markets

existing trails

city proposed trails

proposed trails

existing city of manhattan

proposed land use plan

trail

trail

trail

trail

trail

and green spaceoutdoor classroom

agriculturecommunity

green spacecommunity

areanatural

wetlands

stream type 1bufferparkstreamriverfront

• wildlife corridor• trails• healthy ecosystem

300 ft. setbackbufferstream

• native prairie grasses• woodlands• wetlands

• stormwater management• stormwater treatment• restored ecosystem

300 ft. setbackproduce agriculturecommercial

• highly fertile soil• vegetable and fruit production• local employment

• community events• community celebrations• community center• agriculture education

• passive recreation• active recreation• community involvement• environmental education

500 year floodplain

100 year floodplain

agriculture landkansas state university

i l l d agriculture landkansas state university

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100 ft. setback

stream type 2

trail

trail

trail

trail

stream type 3

residentialdevelopment• stormwater retrofits• transitional buffer areas• pedestrian connectivity • runoff managed in watershed

residentialdevelopment• native vegetation• stormwater best management practices• low impact development

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seattle, washington

north rainier t.o.d.

The concept for the Rainier Transit Oriented Development was based on the local and regional juxtaposition between the city, the land, and the water. Through research, our team discovered that, in the pre-developed history of the site, a large stream draining the valley, existed and was eventually piped into an underground drainage network. The design proposal reconstructs and exposes the idea of the stream that flows through the site. Although the proposal does not daylight the underground stream, the proposal collects all on-site stormwater in a corridor which symbolizes the historical stream.

media: Marker, ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

The interdisciplinary team was comprised of three landscape architecture graduate students, one architecture graduate student, and a business graduate student who’s emphasis was in real estate. The Competition Stage was a two week period where the team focused on a conceptual strategy to address the project needs while creating a unique urban environment focused around the Mount Baker Transit Station on Rainier Boulevard.

The challenge for the 2011 Urban Land Institute/Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition was to redevelop the 33.5 acre site as a transit oriented development that is focused on improving multi-modal transportation, carbon neutrality, stormwater management, cultural identity, and creating a profitable market.

urban land institutegerald d. hines student urban design competition

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design process dprocess design psign process desdesign process

design process sign pro design

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1 mt. baker light rail station2 elevated office campus - ground level bus transfer station3 iconic pedestrian bridge4 north rainier square5 stormwater stream corridor 6 rooftop agriculture plot7 residential tower8 residential node9 art studios and boardwalk

Site Section

Sustainable building typologyincluding balconies and setbacks for shading, daylighting, and ventilation while considering solar orientation

Stormwater planterstructured network that collects stormwater runoff fi ltering and infi ltrating water

Geo-exchange thermal systemsuses ground source temperature to effi ciently heat and cool structures

Linear greenwaytext

Stormwater cisternscollect stormwater runoff buildings for greywater use

Building atriumprovides natural ventilation

and sunlight

Rainier Boulevarda green corridor connecting to downtown

Seattle, creating a pedestrian environment that supports multi-modal transportation

ArtSpace Collaborationcreating housing opportunities for artists in the Seattle region

Greenroofsvegetated roofs increase biodiversity, infi ltrate water, and reduce the heat island eff ect

0 25 50 100 150 200

y10

0 75 150

terrain analysis slope analysishistoric hydrology overlay

sustainable initiatives

Urban stream corridorincreasing biodiversity, collect on-site stormwater runoff , fi ltering and infi ltrating water, sequestering carbon, and providing and urban aesthetic

Art space boardwalkmain art space contianing studios, galleries, and exhibit spaces

Rooftop gardenprovides produce to in- building grocery store

Structured parkingsupporting residential and retail needs

Photovoltaic panels provides renewable energy to powers electric charging station in carpark

Bioswalecollects stormwater runoff fi ltering and infi ltrating water

300 450 600

5 minute walk with transit10 minute walk with transit5 minute bike with transit10 minute bike with transitlight rail stationcentral link light rail linenorth rainier t.o.d.mount baker light rail station

walking network analysis

transit times from north rainier t.o.d.

denver, colorado

colorado lights

Colorado Lights is an outdoor mall located within a mixed-use development at 9th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. in downtown Denver, Colorado. This development encompasses approximately twelve blocks formerly the site of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

The project was broken into two phases, the first being to determine site potential by designing a mixed-use development while retaining existing historical or iconic buildings for adaptive reuse. The second phase of the project was to look at a specific site within the redevelopment to design in more detail.

Colorado Lights is a linear outdoor mall surrounded by mixed-use retail and residential units. The focal point of the space is a low wall that undulates both horizontally and vertically. The wall is lit from within with LED lights that can be programed to change the lighting scheme throughout the night. Running directly along side the wall is a bioswale which collects all the water that runs off of the plaza. Water is also taken from the surrounding buildings and channelled across the walkways through grates into the bioswale. The vibrancy and activity of Colorado Lights makes it a unique place within downtown Denver and creates a new sense of place for the entire development.

media: Colored Pencil, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

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detail plan

longitudinal section

LED wall concept sketches

detail section

materials section

bighorn national forest

sand turn scenic overlook

The Sand Turn Scenic Overlook is the proposed location of the Highway 14 Forest Portal for the northeast entry of Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. The proposal includes a pedestrian oriented overlook with interpretive signage, a trail head for a proposed short loop trail, as well as the siting of a new toilette facility.

The pedestrian overlook responds to the lines and geographic formations of the surrounding mountain landscape. Users can view informational signage as they drive up, from their cars, or they can walk to the viewing area where they have a better view and can read more information about the Powder River Basin and surrounding context. The overlook has three viewing areas that can be directly accessed from the parking area. These areas support elevated viewing and allow for access to a short trail. The viewing area located at the bottom of the ramp and stairs has signage integrated into the barrier walls and allows users to move closer to the edge of the site for unobstructed views.

media: ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, Pen & Ink

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concept sketches

manhattan, kansas

construction drawings

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dimensioning and layout plan

C1 318.53 F1 360.83 K1 14.06C2 3324.85 F2 173.80 K2 0.00C3 1535.38 F3 0.00 K3 0.00

Total Sub Cut Area= C1..C10 5178.76 Total Sub Fill Area

= F1..F10 534.63 Total K Area= K1..K10 14.06

Adjusted for KTotal Sub Cut Area

=( C1..C10)+( K1..K10)5192.82

Section Vertical Exaggeration 10.00 Section Vertical Exaggeration 10.00Corrected Sub Cut Area

sq.ft.=Total Cut / Vert.Exag.

519.28Corrected Sub Fill Area


53.46

Section 2+51.75Sub Cut Area(s) sq.ft. Sub Fill Area(s) sq.ft. K (Cut in Fill Area)

Sub Cut Volume for Sections

Corrected Sub Cut Areassq.ft.

Average Sub Cut Area sq.ft.

= (Sta1+Sta2) / 2

DistanceBetweenSections

Sub Cut Volumecu.ft.

=Avg Cut Area * Dist.

Sub Cut Volume cu.yds.

=Cut Volume / 27

2+51.75 519.282+90.60 706.57

Sub Fill Volume for Sections

Corrected Sub Fill Areassq.ft.

Average Sub Fill Area sq.ft.

= (Sta1+Sta2) / 2


Sub Fill Volume cu.ft.

Sub Fill Volumecu.yds.

=Fill Volume / 272+51.75 53.462+90.60 3.47

612.93 38.85 23812.17 881.93

28.47 38.85 1105.91 40.96

C1 318.53 F1 360.83 K1 14.06C2 3324.85 F2 173.80 K2 0.00C3 1535.38 F3 0.00 K3 0.00

Total Sub Cut Area= C1..C10 5178.76 Total Sub Fill Area

= F1..F10 534.63 Total K Area= K1..K10 14.06

Adjusted for KTotal Sub Cut Area

=( C1..C10)+( K1..K10)5192.82

Section Vertical Exaggeration 10.00 Section Vertical Exaggeration 10.00Corrected Sub Cut Area


519.28Corrected Sub Fill Area


53.46

Section 2+51.75Sub Cut Area(s) sq.ft. Sub Fill Area(s) sq.ft. K (Cut in Fill Area)

Sub Cut Volume for Sections

Corrected Sub Cut Areassq.ft.

Average Sub Cut Area sq.ft.

= (Sta1+Sta2) / 2


Sub Cut Volumecu.ft.

=Avg Cut Area * Dist.

Sub Cut Volume cu.yds.

=Cut Volume / 27

2+51.75 519.282+90.60 706.57

Sub Fill Volume for Sections

Corrected Sub Fill Areassq.ft.

Average Sub Fill Area sq.ft.

= (Sta1+Sta2) / 2


Sub Fill Volume cu.ft.

Sub Fill Volumecu.yds.

=Fill Volume / 272+51.75 53.462+90.60 3.47

612.93 38.85 23812.17 881.93

28.47 38.85 1105.91 40.96

grading plan earthwork estimation

hand graphics

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photography

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professional projectsgrand boulevard streetscape plan . kansas city, missourituscaloosa forward - detail area planning and design . tuscaloosa, alabamarebuildspringfield - final document production . springfield, massachusetts sand turn scenic overlook . bighorn national forest, wyomingranger creek campground . bighorn national forest, wyoming

7305 nw tomahawk ln • platte woods, mo 64151 • usaphone. 816.878.3965 • e-mail. [email protected]

website. http://www.wix.com/charlesmmcdowell/landscapearchitect

CHARLES MCDOWELL

7305 nw tomahawk ln • platte woods, mo 64151 • usaphone. 816.878.3965 • e-mail. [email protected]. http://www.wix.com/charlesmmcdowell/landscapearchitect

CHARLES MCDOWELL