jeffrey bittenbender portfolio

[email protected] - 484.894.5038 - MLA Cornell University

Portfolio of Work in the Fields of Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

August 09, 2011

Jeffrey BittenbenderJeffrey Bittenbender

16Jeffrey Bittenbender

ResumeJ E F F R E Y W. B I T T E N B E N D E [email protected] - 484.894.5038 - 6 Islington St. - Boston, MA 02134

EDUCATIONCornell University, Ithaca, NY. Graduated May 2011 Master of Landscape ArchitectureLafayette College, Easton, PA. Graduated May 2007 Bachelor of Arts in Art History Minor: Geology and Environmental Geosciences

FIRM EXPERIENCE McKnight Associates Landscape Architecture, Cleveland, OH. Summer 2010 Landscape Architect Intern. Construction documents, planting design, park design, construction adminstration shadowingMcLaughlin Garden, South Paris, ME. Summer 2009 Horticulture Intern. Planting, pruning, propagation & maintenance of a four-acre perennial gardenIMG, Cleveland, OH. Summer 2008 GolfCourseDesignIntern.Createdproposedgrading,stakingandclearingplans,cut-fillcalculations,puttinggreenmicro- grading, cart path grading and layoutA Dye Design Landscape Architecture, Phoenix, AZ. August - November 2007 & February - May 2008 Landscape Architect Intern. Construction documents, mass transit extension alternative analysis, planting design, cost esti- mates,trafficcalming,pedestrianmobilitystudy,publiccharettefacilitationWestlake Reed Leskosky Architects, Phoenix, AZ. December 2007 through January 2008 LandscapeArchitectIntern.Siteplananalysis,parkinglotdesign&analysis,materialspecification

INDEPENDENT DESIGN EXPERIENCEStrnad Fellowship at University School: Team leader for the design & construction of a ~1200 sq.ft. rock climbing wall in con-junction with creating an outdoor leadership program. Fall 2002 through 2003Team leader for design & construction of a ~400 sq. ft. green roof on the balcony of the Landscape Architecture Department at Cornell through Student ASLA Organization. Fall 2009 to Spring 2010Created site and grading plan for parking lot redesign and improvements in landscaping and sustainability over a two-acre indus-trial complex in Euclid, OH. July 2011 to presentDesigned and created construction documents for ~500 sq. ft. deck with trellis at private residence in Cleveland, OH. Designed Spring 2008, construction completed Fall 2008Colliers Ostendorf-Morris Inc., created planting plan for disturbed 2500 sq. ft. area of property. Aug. 2010Created planting plan for one-acre summer home in Casco, ME. Summer 2009

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIESTeaching Assistant - Cornell University - LA 3020 - Junior Studio. Spring 2011Student ASLA - Cornell Chapter (August 2008 to date President. Spring & Fall 2010, Treasurer. Spring & Fall 2009National ASLA Member. August 2007 to dateNational Outdoor Leadership School, Lander, WY. Summer 2004 Leadership training (through the University of Utah), hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing in NW WyomingOther:AdvancedCertifiedSCUBADiver&UnitedStatesSoccerFederationcertifiedreferee

SKILLSComputer (In order of experience: most to least): AutoCAD (‘05, ’06, ’08, ‘10); Adobe Creative Suite (3&5); Google Sketchup; Manifold GIS; Autodesk 3D Studio Max

REFERENCESPeter Trowbridge - Cornell University - LA Department Chair & Professor - 607.255.1650Jim McKnight - McKnight Associates - Principal - 216.771.1800Angela D. Dye - A Dye Design - Principal - ASLA President (2009) - 602.234.2111Brit Stenson - IMG - Director of Design - 216.522.1200

Jeffrey Bittenbender17

Zone Recreation ParkMcKnight Associates - Cleveland, OH - August 2010

Grand Army Plaza RedesignCornell University LA 7010 - Brooklyn, NY - Fall 2009

Cherokee Woods Agricultural DevelopmentCornell University LA602 - Philadelphia, PA - Spring 2010

Ithaca College AIDS MemorialCornell University LA5020 - Ithaca, NY - Spring 2009

Ice Formation & Year-Round Water Features Cornell University - Independent Study - Spring 2011

G.R.I.C. Property - Planting & Irrigation Plan A Dye Design - Chandler, AZ - November 2007

Da Yi Golf Course - Retief Goosen Design IMG - Chengdu, China - July 2009

Independent Design ExperienceCornell LA Department Green RoofPrivate Residence Planting Design

University School Rock Climbing WallPrivate Residence Outdoor Room

Alma Pointe Transit Oriented DevelopmentCornell University CRP5075 - Wheaton, MD - Spring 2011

Table of Contents

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Context- McKnight Associates was asked to redesign an aging 22-acre park one-mile outside of downtown Cleveland, OH with a focus on sustainability

Involvement- Designed the layout for the spray park area within budget- Designed the layout for the skateboard station within budget- Created a 3-D model of site with fly through for use at public meetings

Urban Recreation Park- Balancing public demands with the city’s requests all while finding space and staying within budget

Sustainable Focus- Showcase of proper storm water management and use to mirror the nearby Eco-Village Neighborhood. - 96% of rain water retained on site directed through a series of constructed wetlands. - Pervious asphalt for parking spaces

Brownfield Site- A former highway construction staging area, compacted and degraded soil limited grading and planting options

Rehabilitation / ModernizationProduction Tools: Google Sketchup, Auto CAD, Adobe Illustrator

Zone Recreation ParkMcKnight Associates - Cleveland, OH - August 2010

07.22.10

City of Cleveland - Department of Parks, Recreation and PropertiesDetroit Shoreway - EcoVillage Neighborhood, Ward 17

PlanGreenspace @ Zone Recreation Center

PlanGreenspace @ Zone Recreation Center

07.22.10

City of Cleveland - Department of Parks, Recreation and PropertiesDetroit Shoreway - EcoVillage Neighborhood, Ward 17

Dog Park

Existing Soccer Field and Bleachers

Varsity Baseball Diamond with Lighting

Softball/ Little League Baseball Diamond

Tennis Courts

Biofiltration

Splash Park

Renovated Basketball Courts and Seating

Grandstands

W 6

5th

W 5

3rd

LORAIN

Red Line Station

TWE Enhancement @ Red Line

RTA

I-90

Biofiltration

Parking for 20

Biofiltration

104 Parking Spaces

Picnic Pavilion @ “Alum Court”

Play Area26 Parking

Spaces and 2 Drop off areas

New Soccer Field

Multipurpose Trail

Existing Building

Turn Around/ Drop Off

with Pervious Paving

Bus Stop

Biofiltration

Skateboard Station

Fitness Stations

Fitness Station

Handball Courts

LEGEND:

Overland Flow

Impermeable Surface Flow

Solid Pipe Flow

Perforated Pipe Flow

Wetland Detention Area

Weir

Flow Direction

Pipe to Daylight

Catch Basin

Permeable Paving


Context- 11-acre site in the middle of an 8-lane rotary at the civic heart of Brooklyn

Assignment- To activate an unused central plaza and revive it to its intended purpose by Olmsted and Vaux as a gateway to Prospect Park

Transit Oriented Open Space- Activation of public open space through high pedestrian traffic- Integrated existing subway and bus lines with proposed bus rapid transit to and from Manhattan, creating an all inclusive transit hub- Clear wayfinding with an emphasis on framing views toward destinations so the pedestrian will be familiar and comfortable in the site

Historical Integration- Attempted to combine Olmsted and Vaux’s original ideas for the site with the modern needs of Brooklyn- Historic fountain and archway remain in place at grade as the design is constructed around the elements

Neighborhood Integration- Glass is a common material used in the area, particularly as the centerpiece for multiple civic buildings adjacent to the site- The street grid of Brooklyn is broken up by Grand Army Plaza’s curves and the juxtaposition of grid and curves is mimicked in design details

Pedestrian / Vehicle Circulation- Existing central plaza under-used due to long and complicated crosswalks- One of the greatest strengths of this design is the widening and simplifying of pedestrian crossing options

Stormwater Mitigation- Impervious surfaces were increased by 300%. to reduce CSO events- Redundant stormwater collection systems for reliability

Production Tools: Google Sketchup, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Grand Army Plaza RedesignCornell University LA 7010 - Brooklyn, NY - Fall 2009

Existing Pedestrian Circulation Proposed Pedestrian Circulation


Context- 9-acre site in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb, adjacent to the Wissahickon Creek

Assignment- To create an agriculturally centered development with 30 residential units

Energy System Analysis- Divided into teams, the class investigated the systems affecting the site and how a change in use on the site would effect the region. My portion of this investigation sought to maximize the collection and use of solar radiation

Mixed Use Integration- Multi-story residential buildings and agriculture are not often seen together, however, that was the request of the client, so emphasis was placed on separating the private, semi-public and public spaces, or the homes, productive areas, and storefront / restaurant spaces respectively

Productive Landscape- Climate limits the traditional growing season and crop types, however, food production was maximized through a mix of traditional fields, orchards, herb gardens, micro climate gardens and greenhouses

Residential Development- Oriented and designed for maximum solar gain, the 30 units are stacked in a way so that all have views out over the fields and valley as well as each having their own courtyard and garden plots

Production Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Manifold GIS

Cherokee Woods Agricultural DevelopmentCornell University LA602 - Philadelphia, PA - Spring 2010

CHEROKEE WOODS | SITE CONTEXT | PAGE #

LOCAL

Neighborhoods Roadways Natural Systems

Passenger Rail Human Power Distances

TIMEENERGY USAGE SOLAR IMPUT

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101112

LEGEND Energy Sold to Grid Energy Bought from Grid Solar Imput Energy Use

DESIGN MEDIUM-FOOTPRINT LIVING SYSTEMS: ENERGY PRODUCTION & RECYCLINGruns on sunl ight | recycles everything | fits form to funct ion

ENERGY

Wissahickon Creek

Schuykill River

PHILADELPHIA

McCallum Street

Te

Cherokee Street T

McCallum Street

tre

e

T

METER

INVERTER

CIRCUIT BREAKER

TIMEENERGY USAGE SOLAR RADIATION

TIMEENERGY INPUT FROM GRID ENERGY OUTPUT TO GRID

123456789

101112123456789

101112

11111123456

6789

101112

789

10111212345

66666666667777777777

5555555556666666

Solar Layout

a. Flat Plate Tilted South

b. One-Axis Tracking

c. Two-Axis Tracking

3.25

5.50

5.75

kW hours/sq. m//day

c

ba

15 - 1 STORY UNITS 7.5 - 2 STORY UNITS

1 Acre

HousingFootprintPhotovoltaicFootprint

SPATIAL REQUIREMENT - PROPOSED SOLAR

10,500 kW hours / month

874 kW hours / month

29.1 kW hours / day

AVERAGE PENNSYLVANIA HOME PHOTOVOLTAIC ORIENTATION

To achieve 100% Electricity offset, we need 114.5 kW ekatdluowtahtmetsys11,450 sq. ft. of photovoltaic panels.

15874kW hours/mo.avg. PA house

x = 13,110 kW hours/mo.

4.75kW hours / sq. m. / day

AVERAGE ANNUAL SOLAR RADIATION

PHOTOVOLTAIC FEASIBILITY

DAILY ENERGY SHIFT

In order to avoid using large and toxic batteries for energy storage and in order to sell excess energy produced, our site must remain tied to the electric grid.

During daylight hours, a significant surplus is created even though it is during the time of heaviest electric use. This surplus is sold to the utility company at their standard rate.

During nighttime hours, electricity is bought from the grid in order to keep with demand.

Topographic Map of Philadelphia County

Cherokee Woods

Analysis Drawings

Daily solar collection and use Energy supply and use at three scales


Base Plan

Green Space

Surface Water

Road / Pathways

Agriculture

Structures

Existing DrainageUse Overlay

Potential Access Points

Potential Agricultural Placement

Potential Housing Placement

Potential Maintenance Placement

Proposed Site Plan Land Use Axonometric


Context- The central quad of Ithaca College, located between the primary dining hall, fitness center and health center. Currently an empty open lawn

Assignment- To use any or all of the quad space for a memorial to the collective members of the College community who have lost their life to AIDS

Memorial Design- The design was intended to appear natural & not directly apparent as a memorial except for the water disappearing about 10 feet from the reflecting pool, relating to the many lives cut short by AIDS at Ithaca College. The water reemerges in the reflecting pool before recirculating- Other analogies are more subtly incorporated into the design such as the stream diverging halfway down, signifying the average age of diagnosis and the upper pool as childhood.

Campus Design- Designed primarily for a specific age group, 18-22 year old students- Ample formal and informal seating, open lawn for informal recreation- Because classes are in session primarily in the winter months, especially in cold, windy Ithaca, a dense periphery of trees was planted to block wind and the center was left open to allow plenty of sunshine

Year-Round Water Feature- Designed with a groud-source heat pump, the recirculating water returns to the source warm enough to allow the feature to flow year round - During especially cold winter mornings, steam would rise from the water feature, providing dynamic visual interest as well as ever-changing ice formations along the edges

Production Tools: Model (foam core, local shale, water, dry ice), Photoshop

Ithaca College - Memorial FountainCornell University LA5020 - Ithaca, NY - Spring 2009

Dry ice imitating fog in winter

Shale gorge - 3/4 mi. West of site

Reflecting Pool

Seating / Retaining Wall

Level Grade for Informal Activities

Sunken Seating

ADA Ramp to Reflecting Pool

Existing Path

Seating for Cafe

Vanishing Stream

Stream Origin (Weeps from face of rock wall)

Shale - 150 yds. from site Shale gorge - 1 1/4mi. East of site


Context- This project came together from three elements: My interest in water features, my disinterest in hibernating water features in the winter and being motivated after the feasibility of my design for a year-round water feature was called into question regarding the Ithaca College Memorial Fountain

Assignment- Create a comprehensive report that investigates the problems and potential solutions to designing and constructing year-round water features as well as exploring the rate and forms to which ice can be intentionally created

Case Studies- In-depth look at existing seasonal, year-round and ice-forming features including among others: Teardrop Park Ice Wall in Brooklyn, The Yuerba Buena Gardens Feature in San Francisco, and the work of Carl Nesjar

Ithaca is Ice- Not only is Ithaca, NY below freezing for much of the winter, it has a plethora of water and elevation change. These conditions create a unique case study of how nature works with ice- Several locations were monitored periodically through the winter, providing a first-hand understanding of the changing conditions through the winter season and through freeze-thaw cycles- All phases of the cycle from water to ice and back were monitored to understand the effects of temperature, shade, water contact and others

Technical Research- Investigating the mechanics and plumbing of water features- Sustainable water heating methods- The intricacies as water changes from liquid to solid and solid to liquid

Original Experimentation- Six experiments were conducted involving a mist of water spraying various objects to understand how ice forms under various conditions such as: temperature, sunlight, wind, and orientation. The experiments also looked at how ice forms on objects of different: materials, sizes, shapes, and textures

Material Study -Aluminum coil, nylon rope, and steel cable comparison of size and texture of ice build-up

Light Study - Ice forming over fiber optic wires from mist of water

Ice Formation over stepped falls

Ice formation in a river course

Ice Formation & Year-Round Water Features Cornell University - Independent Study - Spring 2011

1.5 hours - 19oF

4.5 hours - 17oF

8 hours - 16oF

2 hours - 18oF

6 hours - 25oF

12 hours - 21oF


Context- 6-acre site in the rural Arizona Desert surrounding a renovated 1-story office building

Involvement- Designed planting plan and plant palette- Designed irrigation layout and specified equipment with assistance- Created full set of construction documents

Planting Design- Dense planting was used around the building to provide shade and visual interest through the office windows. Outer areas are intended to mimic the surrounding desert landscape as well as to hide the surrounding security wall from both inside and outside of the property

Irrigation Plan- Designed to use minimal piping for both shrub and tree irrigation lines while safely working around existing utility lines and minimizing sleeves below paving

Production Tools: Auto CAD

G.R.I.C. Property - Planting & Irrigation PlanA Dye Design - Chandler, AZ - November 2007


Context- 27 hole golf course with practice facility and clubhouse, located on extremely rough terrain near a large Western Chinese city

Involvement- Converted rough sketch of course layout and grading to full set of construction documents (Grading plan, Staking plan, Clearing plan)- Refined one-meter contours of grading plan to 1/4-meter contours around putting greens, providing adequate drainage off of green and around sand bunkers- Created Sketchup model for client to visualize the design

Large Scale Grading- The golf course was designed to be built on a relatively steep mountain so significant grading was needed throughout the site - The cart path proved to be the toughest challenge to grade as several earth dams & switchbacks were required to create a navigable course.

Micro Grading- The green of each hole required refining contours from one meter to 1/4 meter. The primary concern while grading the green area was to direct excess water off of the putting surface. The effect on play from the grading of the green was of secondary concern.

Cut - Fill Calculations- With massive regrading needed, it was a challenge to keep cut-fill near zero in order to keep costs down.

Production Tools: Auto CAD, Pencil & Trace, Google Sketchup

Da Yi Golf Course - Retief Goosen DesignIMG - Chengdu, China - July 2009

Clearing Plan

Grading Plan - 1 Meter Contours

Putting Green Grading - 1/4 m contours

3D model of course shown in grading plan (below)


Cornell LA Department Green RoofCornell Student ASLA - Ithaca, NY - Spring 2010

- 4th floor balcony adjacent to Cornell’s Landscape Architecture studio - Converted roughly 200 square feet of unused balcony space between two planting beds- Student constructed and maintained through the Student ASLA organization- Outdoor classroom as many plants are studied in required Urban Eden class- Funded by New York’s Upstate ASLA Chapter and donations of materials

Private Residence Planting DesignIndependent - Casco, ME - August 2009

- One-acre wooded lot with lake front summer home - Designed layout, selected plants at nursery and planted site by hand- Plant species chosen came from a combination of the owner’s favorites and local woodland herbaceous and wildflower species- With infrequent use of the property, plant species were chosen for low maintenance

Independent Design Experience


Independent Design Experience

University School Rock Climbing WallUniversity High School - Hunting Valley, OH - 2002-2003

- Year-long senior project- The team of three researched, designed, and constructed the entire project- The team completed the project well under the $14,500 budget for materials- Covers 95% of the perimeter of a 23’x23’ room (14’ tall)- 8 different wall angles to vary difficulty including underhang- Recycled shredded rubber with vinyl cover as safety padding

Private Residence Outdoor RoomShaker Heights, OH - August 2008

- Primary concern: Shading house from afternoon sun. Secondary concern: space for activity in all seasons; Third concern: hide air conditioning unit. - Inside views remain unobstructed while maintaining easy access from grill or kitchen to outdoor dining area.- Creating levels make the limited deck space more dynamic and interesting. Multiple “rooms” were designed to accommodate use for various times of day, seasons, and activities. - Worked with the builder and city to acquire proper approvals and permits.


Context- 4.5 acre site located four miles north of Washington DC- North parcel - existing surface parking lot. South parcel - existing and future bus terminal & subway stop

Assignment- As the lead designer for a team of 7 interdisciplinary students, we were to create a mixed-use transit oriented development that also functions as a new town center and is all financially feasible

Mixed Use T.O.D.- FAR of 4.6: Retail -140,000 sf, Office - 550,000 sf, Residential - 190 units, Hotel - 165 rooms - Parking - 1350 spaces, Movie Theater - 11 screens, Transit - 16 bus bays

Multi-Disciplinary Design Team- Four Real Estate , two landscape architects and a city planner.

City Center Design- The burgeoning small town lacked an identity and central space.

Architectural Integration- With no architects on our team, the massing, floor plates, amenities, aesthetics and vertical integration was left upon the landscape architects.

Branding and Marketing- Our chosen target demographic combined with project goals guided us on our logo, brand, slogan, advertising approach and target tenants.

Production Tools: Google Sketchup, Kerkythea, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Alma Pointe Transit Oriented DevelopmentCornell University CRP5075 - Wheaton, MD - Spring 2011

Proposed Retail Tenant Occupancy Plan

Site Layout by Use

Outdoor transit and theater information boardTransparency & wayfinding in underground terminalVisible Metro entrance, gentle serpentine staircase

Jeffrey Bittenbender15Holiday display in town center Water feature with concert stage Water feature with water play area

Central public space activated by transit, outdoor seating, water feature, retail, and hotel and residential balconies

Common lawn with concert stageView of amenities from office tower

jeffrey bittenbender portfolio

Documents

design construction

planting design

construction documents

spring fall

park design

landscape architect

created planting plan

university school