Ryan Jacobson's Design Portfolio

WASTE + INDUSTRY FUSION 1

design portfolio

Ryan Jacobson

DESIGN PORTFOLIO • URBAN DESIGN2

+contact information 354 W. 110th Street, Apt 4A New York, NY 10025 [email protected] 847.529.4388

ryan jacobson

table of contents

An investment and design attention to a city’s periphery allows the future city to integrate an equal opportunity for quality of life.Completed at Columbia University

The formation of a manufacturing improvement district will create an efficient exchange between different industries and allow vacant space to transform into functional public space.Completed at Columbia University

Introduction of a flexible urban fabric, that may vertically adapt to its demands, which is arranged along a vibrant social corridor that allows for a holistic live-work community. Completed at Columbia University

peripheral investment

waste + industry fusion

live|work community

A high-end golf course community located 20 miles west of Cairo, Egypt.Completed at Argos Design, Inc.

A middle-income residential development that offers a fully equipped equestrian center.Completed at Argos Design, Inc.

High-end residential and golf course construction projects.Completed at various companies

allegria community

el yousr community

built work

Introduction of a public amenity that re-energizes Chicago’s lakefront north of Navy Pier.Completed at Purdue University

lakefront revitalization

Restructuring living opportunities to encourage holistic recovery and well-being for US Veterans. Completed at Purdue University

indiana veteran’s home

A selection of images from my photography portfolio during Architectural Photography class.Completed at Columbia University

photography

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urban design + landscape architecture

Various master planning projects completed in Latin American and the UAE.Completed at EDSA Landscape Architecture

edsa internship33

An overiew of my related work experience, academic accomplishments and volunteer work.

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peripheral investment

Atlantic Avenue

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Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City

The corridor of the post industrial city leads us through different levels of lifestyle that segregate the peripheral neighborhood from the activity and opportunity that exists in the city core. Atlantic Avenue is a major arterial route connecting downtown Brooklyn’s new Barclays Center to its outer peripheral neighborhoods. Although portions of this avenue support industrial functions much of the present-day real estate is left dilapidating and under-utilized, and in many instances has no relation to its adjacent neighborhoods.

What if a portion of the investment made at the city core was replicated at the peripheral neighborhood, creating an anchor opposite the Barclays Center? What if the corridor between these two developments became a series of local “social exchange” zones? Would it lead to equitable growth and better integration of activity between the core and periphery?

The strategy to transform Atlantic Avenue into a socially rich corridor begins by making an investment in the periphery.

Columbia University: SMART CITIES | LEARNING REGIONS STUDIO

Thesis: An investment and design attention to a city’s periphery allows the future city to integrate an equal opportunity for quality of life.


Perceived Core & Periphery

Multiplicity of Cores Along Corridor

Major Corridors

Atlantic Avenue is a major arterial transportation route which connects downtown Brooklyn’s new Barclays Center to its outer peripheral neighborhoods (i.e. East New York. A taxonomy of under-utilized spaces and exploration of social/economic disparities along Atlantic reveal the opportunities to activate Atlantic avenue as a catalyst for equitable growth between a city’s core and periphery.

Along this corridor there exists 3 distinct moments of racial and income segregation that lead to a low quality of supportive lifestyle amenities: poor education, lack of fresh food, poor health care and high crime rates.

Although portions of this avenue continue to support what historically was a productive industrial corridor much of the present-day real estate is left dilapidating and under-utilized, and in many instances has no relation to its adjacent neighborhoods.

The strategy to transform Atlantic Avenue into a socially rich corridor lies in the hands of tactical urban design. Insertion of strategic programming into the 3 highly under-utilized areas will cut through racial and economic boundaries to introduce new neighborhood amenities that enrich the cultural experience along the length of Atlantic Avenue. These interventions will open the gates

PERIPHERAL INVESTMENT 7

for natural urban processes to provide for amenities (public health, education, safety and access to fresh food) that begin to bring equal living opportunity to peripheral neighborhoods.

In our specific site implementation we’ve identified four areas in cross-section of Atlantic Avenue that have completely differing living conditions (the Barclays Center, Nostrand Avenue, and Ralph Avenue). We’ve research these areas based on percentage of impoverished, unemployement rate, high school drop-out rate, crime rate and obesity rate. This study determined that our presumptions of a lessened quality of life were

true as you moved to the periphery. Next, we identified underutilized spaces that could be opportunistic infill areas. Based on what we found lacking in each of those neighborhoods we programmed these spaces so that they could benefit the community in the long term. These tactical interventions could be community built and phased based on available revenue.

The new American corridor encourages a mixed race and mixed income transition between the city core and its periphery that allows for amenities of quality of life (public health, education, safety and access to fresh food) to be available to all city residents.


Under-Utilized Building Typology

Vacant Lot Typology


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mixed useevent space & nightlifecharter primary schoolcommercial space

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1. A Clear Point of Entry with Visual Corridors

2. Increased Accessibility and Connectivity

3. Strategic Lighting

4. Programmed Space: Educational Pod

5. Programmed Space: Water Catchment Roof

6. Seating and Lighting Screens

7. Surface Rail Connection

8. Commercial and Residential Mixology Options

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The strategy to transform Atlantic Avenue into a socially rich corridor begins by making an investment in the periphery. Broadway Junction - Atlantic Avenue is a public transportation hub which lies in East New York, a peripheral neighborhood of Brooklyn. The area has been suffering from high crime rates, poverty and lack of education since blue collar jobs left New York after World War II. Corrupt real estate agent practices, such as blockbusting, led to a decrease in racial mix and resulted in a predominant Hispanic and African American population. The decline of the manufacturing industry has left buildings unoccupied, parking lots fenced off, and contributed to a disconnect of East New York streets. Presently the area struggles to attract new, positive growth because of its lifeless streets and high crime rates.

The project strives to create a multi-functional anchor that reintroduces a social mix of culture and provides a platform for economic growth; which may only be accomplished if the area’s safety is improved. The project builds on specific design principles established in ‘Defensible Space, Crime Prevention Through Urban Design’ and ‘Crime Prevention Thorugh Environmental Design.’ A safer East New York can be achieved through the following factors:

1. Introduction of a large public realm with mulit-modal pedestrian connectivity across Atlantic Avenue 2. Adaptive re-use of existing physical infrastructure as a means to experience space 3. Mixed-income programming 4. Scheduled programming to cover all times of day

An investment and design attention to a city’s periphery allows the future city to integrate an equal opportunity for quality of life and be a major draw in attracting newcomers in what may continue to be, a highly competitive market.

*The images above are still-clips from a moving-image movie production. To view the full movie please visit:https://vimeo.com/55418373

PERIPHERAL INVESTMENT 11



waste + industry fusionRavenswood

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Queens, New York City

The vision for Ravenswood was to embrace its historical value as an industrial hub that has supported Manhattan for the past century. New concepts were introduced to encourage different complexities of this neighborhood to thrive. In doing so, Ravenswood will:

1. function more efficiently as supporter of product distribution for New York City construction 2. provide more job opportunities for nearby residents 3. offer an improved environment for cultural institutions and working artists

The formation of a core industrial business district in Ravenswood encourages the opportunity for local businesses to work as a symbiotic system. This district will be concentrated to a four block radius adjacent to Ravenswood Generating Station in order to provide a more direct truck loop and allows forclosure of truck access on preferred pedestrian routes. These efforts will also discontinue industrial sprawl, forcing companies to grow vertically and use their space efficiently.

Columbia University: THE FIVE BOROUGHS STUDIO

Thesis: The formation of a manufacturing improvement district will create an efficient exchange between different industries and allow vacant space to transform into functional public space.


College Point Morning deliveries to Manhattan leave at 4:30 AM

RavenswoodMorning deliveries to Manhattan leave at 6:30

Midtown ManhattanConstruction can legally

begin at 7:00 AM Power Plant constricts land value prices

Industrial sprawl creates poor public realm for housing to access

A typical Ravenswood industrial business contains a 12-cubic yard recycling dumpster that is serviced once per month

Ravenswood Industrial District

Hugo Neu Transfer Station

Sorted, Bailed and Exported

Hugo Neu Processing Center(Jersey City)


In order to capture the extent of the value of this business district a new, local recycling program and facility will service nearby industries. This will allow the system to work independently from the current city structure in order to retain local material, capital, greatly reduce the city’s carbon emissions and establish a new sense of community structure. Local recyclables will be sorted, processed and traded between businesses, local artists and homeowners. The recycling program will create new job opportunities for Ravenswood’s low income population and offer educational programs on the importance of living efficiently.

The convenience of Ravenswood’s proximity to Manhattan, Roosevelt Island’s new Cornell Campus and numerous cultural institutions (Socrates Park, MOMA PS1, and the Noguchi Museum) promote an opportunity for the community to grow as an emerging market for art, production and new prototyping. The effort of restructuring and reducing truck routes allows for an enhanced pedestrian experience, and more defined circulation routes. The peri-core location of Ravenswood must be used as an asset in order for it to develop as other post industrial New York City locations have in the recent years.


ravenswood artisanproduction improvement district


The impact of industrial degredation has spatially left its mark in Ravenswood. An inventory of underutilized space identifies approximately 40% vacant land use; including abandoned structures, vacant lots, deteriorating buildings and unused parking lots. The addition of the internal recycling system poses an opportunity for these spaces to be used both as building infill areas and public space. Strategically chosen public spaces weave through a road network to create an opportunity for exchange between a production hub and its residents. While much of the manufacturing expects to evolve into smaller, less polluting operations this will offer a new relationship between residential and industry that has not frequented

cities in the present day. The recycling system may be weaved into these public spaces as one of the mobiles transforms into a flea market center on weekends. The public spaces may be charged with programs that relate to the building materials of their adjacent businesses such as a metal sculpting area outside a scrap metal producer or a seating area adjacent to a wood shop. The spaces will also serve as relief from the harsh, concrete perimeter that surrounds them and will offer employees a better environment to eat their lunch. Ravenswood Artisan Production Improvement District allows a new synthetic relationship to exist between residents and industry through the connection of recycling and public space.


LIVE | WORK COMMUNITY 19

live|work communityVienna, Austria

Liesing

Vienna

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This project fundamentally embraces the current mode of piecemeal development process within Vienna’s peri-urban areas. The City of Vienna estimates that approximately 25,000 new residents are expected within the city limits annually, most of which are likely to be accommodated within the peri-urban areas due to availability of space. The five developer-owned sites that our studio was challenged to develop schemes for were termed “the urban germ cells” because there isolation between each other. The existing sites were located adjacent to a fragmented urban fabric, mixed with social housing, single family homes, tower in the park development and an industrial district to the immediate south. The design offers a solution that responds to the linear striations of the existing land parcels and as well as the fragmented physical and social context by the introduction of a pedestrian corridor that acts as the unifying element.

Columbia University: URBAN GERM CELLS STUDIOClients: Wien Sud Nonprofit Housing Cooperative Raiffeisen Evolution Project Development BUWOG Propert ManagersPartners: Vienna City Planning and Urban Development

Thesis: To introduce a flexible urban fabric, that may vertically adapt to its demands, which is arranged along a vibrant social corridor that allows for a holistic live-work community.


Project Site

A breakdown of Liesing’s current economy shows an underwhelming participation in the service sector. This fact can be attributed to three main factors: 1. A lacking critical mass of customer base to necessitate the coagulation of service-sector firms in the area 2. Lack of cohesive identity which cripples its potential to market itself as a viable location to accommodate the continued growth of the service industry; 3. The extensive industrial floorplates in Liesing are under-utilized as most companies comprise of micro businessesOur project sites, located to the north of the industrial area allow to opportunity to offer the necessary space

for micro-businesses to migrate north to free up large industrial floorplates that may be used for something more productive. In turn this would lead to two more distinguishable communities that feed off each other. To the north, a community mix of live and work will activate a much needed public realm, and be located directly adjacent to two subway stations. The establishment of a neccesary critical mass to the north will activate the opportunity for the existing industrial area to function based on the demand of the new community. Vacant buildings with large floorplates would offer new programmatic elements (i.e. service sector centers, manufacturers related to renewable energy, agricultural production, retail malls). Strategic planning and efficient use of space can be the anchor in creating a new identity in Liesing.

An examination of Vienna’s fast-growing service sector reveals a significant agglomeration of service-sector firms within its urban hinterlands that are both spatially and functionally emancipated from the traditional city core. The emergence of a strong service sector in this location exhibits a direct correlation to the propensity of service-sector firms to service their customers directly and maximize profits by leveraging the availability of inexpensive real estate at the periphery. These firms appear to cluster amidst the fastest-growing localities along the main trans-national highway to that runs south to Graz and Italy. Given the site’s peri-urban location at the confluence of major East-West and North-South highways, the project

is strategically situated to become a thriving center for service industries. In addition, the adjacent industrial area has potential to strengthen its positioning as a key manufacturing center with enhanced accessibility to major truck routes along the highways. Liesing’s industrial area is among the oldest in Vienna and traditionally functioned as a heavy manufacturing zone. As this scale of manufacturing has declined since World War II the area has began to acquire a smaller business outfit. Liesing is currently attempting to reposition itself as a light manufacturing zone with a commitment towards environmentally concious industries. However, Liesing’s current model shows a significant participation in the automobile industry.



Reading Between The Lines responds to the anomalies of the existing urban fabric in Liesing by setting out a system of guidelines for further development to follow. The existing site lines allow us to break the large, linear parcels down to manageable blocks that relate to the human scale. Based on the existing site lines the new set of development blocks range in scale from 0.1 to 0.9 hectares.

Due to lack of ownership between continuous parcels the uncertainty of which parcels would be obtained challenged the ability for the developers to create a comprehensive community in phase 1. The “Rules of Engagement” were established in order to help the various developers get

to a final product that allows each of their developments to feed from the other and build a successful community that evolves over the next 25 years. The construction of this series of rules directs us to the goal of forming a public spine to acts as the social glue of the community. The taxonomy above is a series of arrangements the public space could maintain based on the rules system. This series of configurations allow the future developer to organize his site in a way that best suits his development goals, while also positively contributing to the community fabric. This set of development guidelines would help Liesing build a diverse community that does not suffer from monotomy, and excels in community life due to a continuous public space.

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R1, E3

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Possible Public Space Configurations*R=Road, E=Easement

Rules of Engagement

25% of site area to public space

Minimum 3m wide pedestrian easements

Building edge to front road

Public space to front easements

Developments that front social corridor obtain FAR of 3.0 while others max out at 2.0

Existing Site Lines


reading between the lines



DESIGN PORTFOLIO • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE26


allegria community Sheikh Zayed City, Cairo, Egypt

Sheikh Zayed City

Cairo

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River Nile

Alexandria

Allegria is a high-end golf course community 20 miles west of Cairo. The development is bordered to the north by the major Cairo-Alexandria highway, which allows for front door marketing exposure. Luxury homes designed by Michael Graves, Arquitectonica, MACK Architects and others line each side of this Greg Norman signature golf course. Allegria is part of Sheikh Zayed City, a new satellite city that plans to house over 2 million people during Cairo’s rapid growth period. In combination with Allegria’s residential community along its western border, Westtown, will be a major mixed-use development that will act as the service hub for regional desert developments. Thematically programmed public spaces and different building typologies establish separate identities for each of Allegria’s seven neighborhoods.

Argos Design, Inc.Client: SODIC Real Estate Development Company Turner Construction


S.D. Phase

D.D. Phase C.D. Phase

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1. Neighborhood signature parks (left)2. Greg Norman signature golf course3. Neighborhood pocket park4. 5-a-side football complex5. Designopolis retail and sales center

Argos Design took AECOM’s conceptual master plan through the Schematic, Design Development and Construction Documentation Phases. Each of the 12 signature parks in the master plan were contracted out to different landscape consultants. We were contracted for parks 2, 3, 6 and 7 while I was a member of the project team at Argos. We were also responsible for the overall site landscape master plan that involved constant collaboration between

Egyptian team members and the existing golf course. Park 2 (left) is an example of one of the projects I was responsible for taking from schematic through construction documentation. The design for responds to the severe change in level transitioning from the north-east of the site to the south-west. Strategically located seating nooks are arranged through the vista to serve as shaded resting areas. A complex retaining wall system is meant to create an aesthetic yet functional dynamic.



el yousr community Sheikh Zayed City, Cairo, Egypt

Sheikh Zayed City

Cairo

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River Nile

Alexandria

El Yousr is located approximately 7 kilometers west of the previous project, Allegria. Since the property is owned by the same developer the concept for El Yousr is to offer a different lifestyle opportunities. While Allegria caters to an upper-class, high profile clientele, El Yousr is geared towards attracting middle-income, younger families. It offers an all-equiped equestrian center as its regional attractor and will use Westtown as its service hub.

Argos Design, Inc.Client: SODIC Real Estate Development Company


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Our responsiblity for El Yousr at Argos Design was to complete a schematic master plan for our client to bring to present to authorities in order to attain approval for construction. El Yousr sits on a 130 hectare, relatively flat site that is bordered by development to its eastern side (a gated, residential community). The program for the master plan was based on achieving over 65% total sellable land. Community ammenities include an all-equipped equestrian center with on-site stables, community clubhouse with pool, deck, tennis facilities, neighborhood pocket parks and a central valley park.

The functionality of the master plan is based on site efficiency. The stormwater drainage concept is to capture runoff from irrigation and rain in the central valley retention pond, which would double as a community oasis. In order for our client to obtain building approval a certain landscape demand must be met since this land was zoned as agricultural land. The planting concept was to utilize a base grid of palms and fruit trees that create a productive landscape. Flowering trees will accent the traditional planting grid and highlight pedestrian and vehicular routes. Five parcel typologies differing in scale will give the developer an opportunity to diversify their land offerings. The far north end of the site offers local commercial space to service the community’s daily needs.

EL YOUSR COMMUNITY 33



ZihuatanejoTampico

UAE

Honduras

edsa internship Various Locations

My year-long internship opportunity in the Larrea Studio of EDSA was my introduction to the professional world of landscape architecture. My project team and I worked on large-scale master planning projects mainly in the Latin American region. I participated in a studio cultural that believed highly in representation by hand graphics so that skill I was able to attain over the year I was there. My experience at EDSA was great in participating in the functionality of a large company.

Destin, FL

Riviera Maya

NicaraguaCosta RicaPanama

St LuciaCartagena


Phase ITotal Units - 248 UnitsPhase IITotal Units - 160 UnitsPhase IIITotal Units - 223 Units


Phase ITotal Units - 248 UnitsPhase IITotal Units - 160 UnitsPhase IIITotal Units - 223 Units



built workVarious Locations

ChicagoNew York

Cairo

This section illustrates the projects I was involved with through the construction phase. My tasks varied from participation on golf course construction and maintenance teams to being a member of the landscape design team that carried the project through construction documentation. My experience in construction has provided me with a strong foundation for understanding how designs are constructed and more importantly, what are the important relationships between the designer, contractor and developer at this particular phase of the project.


The motor court to a private Scarsdale residence (left) was completed in 2011 at Argos Design. The motor court was designed in order to respond to the architectural design and materials of the estate. It provides the client with an aesthetic that matches that of their property. I was involved from the early concepual stage (client meetings) through final construction. Through multiple iterations we presented the client a design that was successfully constructed. Stone materials in the specifications were locally selected from upstate New York quarries. It was beneficial for me to be involved with a project that truly came to fruition. The time period from start to completion was just over one year. The motor court is in-use as depicted on the previous page.

BUILT WORK 41

My experience in golf course construction and maintenance exposed me to the design implementation process. During my fieldwork at Strawberry Creek, Evanston Country Club and Sunset Ridge Country Club I learned the importance of ‘putting the pieces together.’ My tasks included working with drainage construction crews to layout and staking work. This experience helped me to appreciate the importance of legibility in construction drawings and functionality of a design concept. As spatial problem solvers I believe we also have the responsibility of showing a process of how our design is constructed and how our design system functions. My early experience in construction provided my foundation for design.



lakefront revitalization Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

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Lake Shore Drive

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

The Chicago lakefront has suffered from urban expansion and its adjacent parks provide little physical connection to Lake Michigan. Our design solution along this mile-long lakefront stretch builds upon the lake’s historic natural edge, while still taking a modern design approach to revitalize the character of this previously successful space. Our ideas strive to draw the surrounding community to Lake Michigan and provide them with the ability to interact with the power of the water in a number of ways. Whether you feel the mist from the waves crashing against the interactive wave wall, hear the wind chimes whistling in your ear while running along the lake, or taste the food in Chicago’s newest lakefront market your five senses will be engaged in our design.

Purdue University: URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

Thesis: To introduce a public amenity that re-energizes Chicago’s lakefront north of Navy Pier.

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LAKEFRONT REVITALIZATION 45

1. North Avenue Beach (existing)2. dune restoration project3. interactive wavebreak structure4. active pedestrian promenade with boulevard5. iconic architectural element at terminus6. Lake Shore Drive (Hwy 41)7. Inner Lake Shore Drive8. stairs down to interact with lake9. Oak Street Beach (improved)10. raised boardwalk11. Urban Sensation Spa & Gardens12. iconic architectural elements13. islands to look natural and act as wavebreak14. public beach15. existing wavebreak structure16. market area (farmers and art)17. Lake Shore Drive tunnel skylights18. Contemporary Art Museum19. Ohio Street Beach (improved)20. Jane Addams Memorial Park (existing)21. Olive Pavilion & Amphitheatre22. Lake Michigan


urban sensation spaand gardens

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Urban Sensation Spa & Gardens will be a destination to escape from the density of Chicago’s city center. The new archipelago acts as an artificial water break to protect Lake Michigan shores from further erosion. The main island will be publicly accessible by landbridge from the waterfront edge or from marina for vessel owners. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful urban botanical gardens or relax at Chicago’s newest 5-star hotel and spa. The outdoor gardens offer a publicly accessable amenity that the city currently lacks in its political boundaries. The Botanical gardens will include a widespread collection of plants native to the Lake Michigan region, while the indoor greenhouse gives guests the opportunity to experience tropical plants from around the world. Indoor classrooms will provide for educational space. The upper floors of the state-of-the-art facility become privatized, and will be home to the spa and hotel. The hotel offers 60 guest suites, each with a view of Chicago’s beautiful skyline.

1. building (modern architecture + 1st floor - urban botanical garden + 2nd-4th floors - boutique hotel/spa 2. pedestrian/shuttle access from city with guardhouse3. main garden plaza with iconic art piece4. outdoor urban botanical garden

5. tropically planted greenhouse6. spa pool deck7. transient boat slips8. marina check-in center & water sports recreation rental9. access to islands & private woodland suites10. helipad11. lake michigan



indiana veteran’s homeWest Lafayette, IN

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West Lafayette

Indianapolis

The Indiana Veteran’s Home is located in north-west Indiana along major highway Interstate 65. Founded in 1896, Indiana Veteran’s Home was originally developed to offer the Indiana Veterans of the Civil War and Spanish American War a place to live. The initial purpose was never to act as a ‘retirement home,’ yet the campus has evolved into just that and struggles to offer a lifestyle that promotes recovery.

The campus is physically comprised of 24 buildings (7 of which plan to be demolished in the next 3 years because they are outdated and dysfunctional). The campus sits above on a bluff of the Wabash River and struggles to fight erosion on the exterior of its circular vehicular drive. Approximately 70% of residents have some sort of cognitive impairment ranging from Alzheimer’s Disease to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Through our research and partnership with the Indiana Veteran’s Home we defined four areas of room for improvement: Social Enhancement, Campus Circulation, Environmental Stewardship and Campus Appeal. These are the basis in creating a new environment where physical, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and vocational wellness can be fulfilled.

Purdue University: THESIS PROJECT Client: Indiana Veteran’s Home

Thesis: To create a living opportunity that assists United States Veteran’s in a more holistic recovery.


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1. bridged entry to campus core2. wetland retention pond 3. restored native area 4. visitor entry roundabout plaza5. existing administration building 6. community gardens7. hummingbird garden with trellis structure 8. alzheimer’s garden 9. new dementia care facility with greenroof10. new physical rehabilitation center

The comprehensive master plan focuses on the four identified goals by introducing new built facilities as well as a landsacpe that functions to benefit the campus. Vehicular connection is much improved by offering visitors a direct entry experience to the administration building. Impervious surface is greatly reduced by re-orienting this entry road, and allows multiple opportunities for an extension of garden and recreational space. The historic east-west axis is maintained as a pedestrian route and visual easement. The area where the east-west axis and new entry axis meet is identified as the preferred area for a new memorial plaza to take shape. The north portion of the campus includes a natural restoration area with walking trails that encourage daily exercise for residents. This area also offers an alternative solution for erosion control. The stormwater retention pond will retain over 80% of stormwater within the ring road to relieve stress on the campus’ geological foundation. All elements add to a drastically improved campus aesthetic and functionality.

INDIANA VERTERAN’S HOME 51


designing for tranquility

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The opportunity to take activities outdoors can add a whole new dimension to the equation of physical and emotional wellness for individuals. The production of endorphins caused by exposure to nature confirms that the outdoor environment is the seventh dimension of wellness. Allowing activities to occur outside (community gardening, bird-watching, bocce ball, basic exercise classes, etc) are key components to stimulate physical and mental muscles. The concept of “active living” and exercising these muscles is a key attribute to recovery. Competition and teamwork may stimulate Veterans early-age memories and result in positive social interaction. Outdoor recreation is directly linked to self motivation and life enhancement.

Healing gardens (hummingbird and fragrance garden above) trigger the sense of sight and smell. Scents recall up joyful memories of the past and transform an ordinary present into a romantic idyll; they are not only invisible spirits but powerful ones. Developing these type of gardens that have certain nodes identifiable by fragrance can help patients with Alzheimers relate their memories of smell to certain experiences in those areas targeting signs of memory improvement. Paths meander through these gardens and help to distinguish different fragrant experiences from others. Raising planting beds in some areas wll bring the scent of plants closer to those in wheelchairs.

DESIGN PORTFOLIO • PHOTOGRAPHY54


photographyNew York City, NY

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New York CityColumbia University: ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

My photos are a visual documentary of the reasonI choose to live in this city; for its unmatched energy. New York City’s historical presence as the entry point of our ancestors to the “New World” has created a mix of informality and fragmentation in the physical environment where one can see exaggerated contrasts. This complex system is unmatched amongst any other US city. The contrasts shown in my photographs will highlight change in the urban fabric, the mix of different cultures and the juxtaposition of natural landscape against the built environment. Whether these contrasts create conflict or bring different elements together, they are the ingredients of the energy that this city generates subconciously. The portfolio is outlined in five different categories that are listed at the bottom of each sheet: nature’s tenacity, seasonally ephemeral, reflective juxtaposition, line of separation and timewarp evolution.


Central Park - seasonally ephemeralA morning steam sets over compost, separating the natural environment from the densely constructed upper east side.



Brownsville, Brooklyn - nature’s tenacityShadows cast as the support beams are the spirit of the once-standing building in this current side yard lot.




Ingersoll Houses - nature’s tenacityEvolution of the natural landscape molding in and around physical infrastructure has created beauty in this highway overpass.

DESIGN PORTFOLIO62

contact information Ryan Jacobson 354 W 110th St, Apt. 4A New York, NY 10025 M: 847.529.4388 E: [email protected]

work experience The Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability (February 2012-Current) New York, NY - Research and Marketing Intern Columbia University (September 2012 - December 2012) New York, NY - Urban Design Studio Teaching Assistant ARGOS Design (June 2010 - May 2012) Bloomfield, NJ - Entry Level Landscape Designer Purdue University (January 2010 - May 2010) West Lafayette, IN - 3rd Year Studio - Community Planning & Design Teaching Assistant Purdue University (August 2009 - December 2009) West Lafayette, IN - 2nd Year Studio - Planting Design Teaching Assistant EDSA (August 2008 - August 2009) Fort Lauderdale, FL - Landscape Architecture Internship Purdue University (August 2007 - December 2007) West Lafayette, IN - Plant Identification Teaching Assistant Jacobson Golf Course Design, Inc. (June 2006 - August 2007, June 2008 - August 2008) Libertyville, IL - Part-time Intern Sunset Ridge Country Club (July 2007 - August 2007) Northfield, IL - Golf Course Maintenance (Private Club) Wadsworth Golf Construction (May 2006 - August 2006) Midwest Office - Drainage & Irrigation Takeoffs, As-Builts & Construction Bidding Documentation Evanston Country Club - Construction Layout, Grading, & Drainage Crew The Club at Strawberry Creek (June 2005 - August 2005) Kenosha, WI - Golf Course Maintenance (Grow-in Process)

professional assets ASLA Student Member (2005-2010) - Purdue Student Chapter Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Participant of 2006 LABASH - Louisianna State University Environmental News Network

education Columbia University - Masters of Science in Architecture & Urban Design (June 2012-Current) Purdue University - Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture (2005-2010)

RESUME 63

resumecontact information Ryan Jacobson 354 W 110th St, Apt. 4A New York, NY 10025 M: 847.529.4388 E: [email protected]

work experience The Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability (February 2012-Current) New York, NY - Research and Marketing Intern Columbia University (September 2012 - December 2012) New York, NY - Urban Design Studio Teaching Assistant ARGOS Design (June 2010 - May 2012) Bloomfield, NJ - Entry Level Landscape Designer Purdue University (January 2010 - May 2010) West Lafayette, IN - 3rd Year Studio - Community Planning & Design Teaching Assistant Purdue University (August 2009 - December 2009) West Lafayette, IN - 2nd Year Studio - Planting Design Teaching Assistant EDSA (August 2008 - August 2009) Fort Lauderdale, FL - Landscape Architecture Internship Purdue University (August 2007 - December 2007) West Lafayette, IN - Plant Identification Teaching Assistant Jacobson Golf Course Design, Inc. (June 2006 - August 2007, June 2008 - August 2008) Libertyville, IL - Part-time Intern Sunset Ridge Country Club (July 2007 - August 2007) Northfield, IL - Golf Course Maintenance (Private Club) Wadsworth Golf Construction (May 2006 - August 2006) Midwest Office - Drainage & Irrigation Takeoffs, As-Builts & Construction Bidding Documentation Evanston Country Club - Construction Layout, Grading, & Drainage Crew The Club at Strawberry Creek (June 2005 - August 2005) Kenosha, WI - Golf Course Maintenance (Grow-in Process)

professional assets ASLA Student Member (2005-2010) - Purdue Student Chapter Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Participant of 2006 LABASH - Louisianna State University Environmental News Network

education Columbia University - Masters of Science in Architecture & Urban Design (June 2012-Current) Purdue University - Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture (2005-2010)

volunteer work Purdue Alumni Club of New York City - Communications Director (March 2011-Current) New York Cares Day (April 2012) - Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, NY Participation in Habitat for Humanity (June 2009) - Ft. Lauderdale, FL Service Learning Class in Sustainable Village Redevelopment in Ecuador (May 2008) Tri-County Community Redevelopment (Spring 2008) - Remington & Wolcott, IN

skills Hand Graphics Hand Drafting, Color Rendering, Section, Perspective, & Isometric Drawings Computer Graphics ArchGIS, Maya, AutoCAD, Adobe Design Premium, Adobe After Effects, SketchUP

honors & activities 2010 Purdue University Outstanding Senior in Landscape Architecture 2010 University Olmsted Scholar 2010 ASLA Student Honor Award Purdue University - Dean’s List & Semester Honors Mike Lin Graphic Workshop (May 2007 - June 2007) - Two-Week Manhattan, KS Workshop 2006 Unilock Challenge Champions - LA 246 Design Competition Libertyville High School - Varsity Golf Team (2001-2004) All Conference (2002, 2003, 2004) Sectional Qualifier (2002, 2003, 2004) Team MVP & Captain (2004) Nationwide Competitive Golf - AJGA, FCWT, PJGT, IJGA, CDGA FCWT Midwest Regional Champion (May 2004) Colbert Hills - Manhattan, KS FCWT National Championship Participant (June 2004) PGA West - Palm Springs, CA North Suburban Conference Leadership Council (2004-2005)

Documents

Ryan Jacobson's Design Portfolio