CHARLES M McDOWELLL a n d s c a p e A r c h i t e c t u r e P o r t f o l i o

DESIGNPHILOSOPHY In 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.

“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

pen & ink sketches

hand renderings

watershed plan

colorado lights

rainier t.o.d. competition

sand turn overlook

doane college r.a.c.

brush creek eco-design

Every project throughout this portfolio has one thing in common, they all reveal and expose the local environmental conditions to the users. The ability to connect people to their environment is addressed at multiple scales in different ways. Each project responds to the design philosophy uniquely to create a sense of place specific to each project.

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

PEN & INKumbria - tuscany, italy

sheridan, wyoming

SKETCHES

course: Study Abroad - Orvieto, Italy - Spring 2010 Internship - Bighorn National Forest - Summer 2010media: Pen & Ink

HANDRENDERINGS

dallas, texaskanas city, missouri

course: Graphic Design & Visual Thinking - Fall 2007 Planting Design - Fall 2008 Mixed Use Design - Fall 2009media: Pen & Ink, Marker, Colored Pencil, Watercolor

maker and colored pencil

maker and colored pencil

watercolor

watercolor

watercolor

maker and colored pencil

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.

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.

WATERSHEDPLAN

manhattan, kansas

course: MKS Futures - Summer 2009media: ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

elementary education at neighborhood greenway

environmental education at wetlands

community stream cleaning and trail construction

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

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Nproposed land use plan

The dilemmas that were addressed in the comprehensive watershed plan focused around existing conditions which included: schools and parks, highly productive agricultural lands, and flood prone areas. The proposed land use plan maximizes the amount of developable land, not within flood prone areas, while increasing agricultural opportunities and creating new connections between schools, parks, and open spaces.

schools and parks agricultural lands flood prone areas

trail

trail

trail

trail

trail

and green spaceoutdoor classroom

agriculturecommunity

green spacecommunity

areanatural

wetlands

stream type 1

bm

p

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bufferparkstreamriverfront

• 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

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

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

• 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

i l l dbufferstream

• wildlife corridor• trails• healthy ecosystem

100 ft. setbackbufferstream

• native prairie grasses• woodlands• wetlands

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

bufferstream

• wildlife corridor• trails• healthy ecosystem

50 ft. setbackbufferstream

• native prairie grasses• woodlands• wetlands

50 ft. setbackStream types were defined by the existing conditions of the stream and by the size of the stream; type 1 being the largest and type 3 being the smallest. From the defined stream types, stream typologies were developed to serve as an example of how land uses could be implemented. The main result of setting stream typologies was the implementation of a 300 ft. riparian buffer for type 1 streams , a 100 ft. buffer for type 2 streams, and a 50 ft. buffer for type 3 streams.

stream types

stream type 1

stream type 2

stream type 3

kansas state university

city of manhattan

food sources

education

wildlife corridors

trails

buffer agricultureoutput

buffer naturaloutput

buffer urbanizationoutput

One strategic move to improve water quality within the watershed was to implement stream buffers on existing streams. As the stream buffers are implemented on different types of land uses, the buffers will function to filter out different types of pollutants.

runoff

sediment

fertilizer

chemicals

buffer function

COLORADOLIGHTS

denver, colorado

course: Denver Metropolitan Studio - Spring 2009media: Colored Pencil, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

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.

wall and bioswale section sketch

wall and bioswale perspective sketch

concept sketch

LED wall concept sketches

view of outdoor dining area

N

longitudinal section

master plan

LED wall perspective

detail section materials cross section

seattle, washington

RAINIER T.O.D.COMPETITION

course: Urban Land Institute/Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition - Spring 2011media: Marker, ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

walking and biking distances from light rail stations

stream corridor concept development sketch

node concept development sketch

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.

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 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.

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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

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

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 75 150 300 450 600

site section

view of restored stream corridor

proposed major bicycle route connections Nmaster plan

1 mt. baker light rail station2 elevated office campus - ground level bus transfer station3 iconic pedestrian bridge4 north rainier square

5 stormwater stream corridor 6 rooftop agriculture plot7 residential tower8 residential node9 art studios and boardwalk

bighorn national forest, wyoming

SAND TURN OVERLOOK

course: Internship - Bighorn National Forest - Summer 2010media: ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, Pen & Ink

view of guardrail barrier

view to the south

view to the east

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.

context diagram

detail plan aerial perspectiveN

DOANEcrete, nebraska

COLLEGE R.A.C.

course: Land Construction I & II - Fall 2008 - Spring 2009 media: AutoCAD Civil 3D, Land F/X, Microsoft Excel

Doane College, located in Crete, Nebraska, was the client for which a set of construction documents was prepared. The project was to site a new Recreation and Athletics Complex as well as complete site design. This was followed by a series of construction documents. The challenge of the project was siting a large facility on a fairly small lot while providing adequate site circulation and vehicular access. Existing site features that had to be addressed were steep slopes near the proposed entry drive and a wooded riparian area owned and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The general program included: siting a facility which had a building footprint of approximately 30,000 sq. ft., an entry plaza, a parking lot accommodating 75+ vehicles, a trash pickup area, a visitor’s drop-off point, adequate space for bus parking, an outdoor open air structure, planting, lighting, and irrigation.

The project went through many stages from site design to detailing. The process of the Doane College R.A.C. included: Proposal of Professional Services, Survey of Existing Conditions/ Site Analysis, General Development/ Site Design, Site Grading, Earthwork Estimation - Contour Area Method, Earthwork Estimation - Average End Area Method, Layout and Dimensioning, Irrigation, Lighting, and Construction Details.

construction details

planting plan

watershed calculations

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

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

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

DistanceBetweenSections

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

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

519.28Corrected Sub Fill Area

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

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

DistanceBetweenSections

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

layout and dimensioning plan grading plan earthwork estimationN

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.

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

BRUSH CREEKkansas city, missouri

ECO-DESIGN

course: Project Programming - Fall 2010 Master’s Project and Report - Spring 2011media: ArcGIS, Google Sketchup, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop

interactive water flow signage

stormwater management demonstration site

restored meander and vegetation

¯ 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000500Feet0eet

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000,0¯ 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000500Feet

¯ 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000500Feet

¯ 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000500Feet

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educate suitability analysis

connect suitability analysis

improve vulnerability analysis

The goals of the corridor study were to determine a specific site, or sites, that are suitable for design and development, and to prioritize the selected sites based on a select set of factors to determine an order for site exploration, design, and development. The study specifically addresses the project goals of Improve, Connect, and Educate. The corridor study is broken up into the Improve vulnerability study, the Connect suitability study, and the Educate suitability study.

The Improve vulnerability study is an inventory of the major factors affecting environmental vulnerability: current project status, in-stream conditions, degree of confinement, and flood prone areas.

The Connect suitability study is an inventory of the major factors affecting connectivity of the corridor: pedestrian circulation, near-stream conditions, adjacent and crossing roads, and population.

The Educate suitability study is an inventory of the major factors affecting the ability to educate the users of the corridor: special interest areas, green impact zone, schools, and population.

corridor study

site selection

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Nalternative one master plan

stream alignment area of inundation vegetation zones

In alternative one, the land was manipulated to create flowing landforms which helped to expand the floodplain, and elevate walkways above the site. Existing mowed turf on the site is replaced with native vegetation which relates to the availability of moisture in the soils. Users can interact with signage and view the ecosystems at different vantage points throughout the site.

alternative one

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

rain garden

bio

swale

bio

swale

brush creek

upland transitional

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slopes

vegetation interaction and education section

restored lowland vegetation and proposed walkway

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Nalternative two master plan

stream alignment area of inundation vegetation zones

A much more liberal approach to the manipulation of landform is taken in alternative two. This alternative is much less costly due to the minimal earthwork movement involved. The project goals are addressed primarily through the changes in vegetational patterns. The vegetational areas flow through the site and replace the mowed turf which currently exists on site.

alternative two

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

turf upland uplandslopesupland

slopes

bio

swale

bio

swale

brush creek

upland transitional

constructed wetland

vegetation interaction and education section

restored meander and wetland vegetation