A l i c j a O t t oLANDSCAPE ARCHITECTUREP O R T F O L I O

r é s u m éAlicja Barbara Otto

ALICJA BARBARA OTTO

31/12/1989 Warsaw, Polandnationality: polishe-mail: alicja.otto@gmail.commobile: +48 662192626skype: alicja.przadka

EDUCATION

Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Horticulture and Landcape Architecture, Master studies in Landscape Architecture2013-2014 (expected thesis defense: 07/2016)

Universidade do Porto, Faculty of Science, Bachelor studies in Landscape Architecture (erasmus scholarship)2011-2012

Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Horticulture and Landcape Architecture, Engineer studies in Landscape ArchitectureB.Sc in Landscape Architecture2009-2012

University of Warsaw, Faculty of biology, Bachelor studies in biology2008-2009 (postponed)

EXPERIENCE

atelier FLERA, Czech Republicprofessional internship in leading Prague’s landscape architecture office. Responsibilities: general design ideas, graphic work (master plans, vizualisations), technical drawings, local visions, planting designs.February - October 2015

Residential garden designer (freelancer)summer 2014, 2013

scape Landschaftsarchitekten, Germany - student internship (local visions, preparing CAD files, analyses and concept ideas for compe-titions, small office and graphic work)July-September 2012

Garden center „Drzewa i krzewy” - salesman, customer advisor, plant protectorJune-July 2011

SOFTWARE SKILLS

AutoCAD Photoshop Illustrator InDesignVectorWorks SketchUp

LANGUAGE SKILLS

polishenglishportuguesegermanfrench

CONFERENCES

National conference „Application of the con-cept of green infrastructure”, Warsaw Univer-sity of Life SciencesDecember 2013

ELLS Scientific Student Conference „Susta-inability Challenge”,Vienna.poster presentation Landscape and visual impact assessment of New Port of PragaNovember 2013

c o n t e n t sprojects & realization

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ILLUSIONS square revitalization bachelor degree project, Warsaw, Poland

REnature PARK river restorationacademic project, Warsaw, Poland

LIVING WITH THE WATER green infrastructure in practiceacademic work, London, UK

BETWEEN NATURE AND CULTURE city forest for everyoneacademic work, Warsaw, Poland

MARKI’S POST-INDUSTRIAL DREAM satellite city transformationacademic internal competition project (1st prize), Marki, Poland

THE WHITE GARDEN commercial project: design and realization, Warsaw, Poland

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THE NEW IN THE OLD baroque castle’s park restorationcommercial project for Mitrowicz a.s., Koloděje nad Lužnici, Czech Republic

MARKI’S POST-INDUSTRIAL DREAM

2014Marki, Poland14 haacademic competition project (1st prize)Elżbieta Sokołowska PhDPaulina Smakulska, Katarzyna Solarek, Barbara Dziduszko, Alicja Otto

year location

areaclienttutorteam

Marki - small satellite city just few kilometers from Warsaw has an interesting history related to british family who started textile industry here at the end of XIX century. Many historical buildings preserved from these times but unfortu-nately they are falling into ruins. Marki has one huge disadvantage - big national road going through it, divide the city and cause noise. But there is a chance - in few years a new ring road will be built and release the center from the traffic. Released space will be given back to people of Marki. How they can use it?

pedestrian &tram access

culture &commercial

sacredbuildings green areaspublic offices

revitalization

1 a b c

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1: The analyses gave the answer which areas might be used as a public spaces and where new commercial, cultural and recreation spots should be located (a), (b). Releasing a part of the main street from car traffic (c) gives an opportunity to bring back social life, create a new quality of the city center and as a result attract new residents and cause economic revival.

2: Instead of cars, on the cenral part of main streetwill be communicated by a tram line, as it was in the history.

3: The revitalization ideas were derived from industrial heritage which distinguish Marki from other satellite cities around Warsaw. Marki should be more recognizable by light elements: bulbs, reflectors, lighten seats etc.

the first light bulb in Mazovia region was lit in Marki!

Town Hall Police Office Park and Briggs’ Factory Cultural Centre

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4: Marki’s new alley offers a lot - big plaza in

front of the Town Hall, playground, protected

channel banks with canoe rental, huge park, old

factory with new cultural and commercial functions,

and small cozy squares. Everything in modern

geometrical shapes that create variable pace and

rythm.

5: Cross-sections through different road situations

show diversity of paving and plant design.

6: Main plaza with green

hills, water fountains--sprays, coffee gardens and light elements like

sculpture caption „Nocne Marki” (night Marks).

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7: Square in front of historical building which a Cultural Centre is located. Place for creativity and innovative ideas. Perfor-mances and exhibitions can take place on the square.

8: Building of Register Office with suprising light sculpture can be in intere-sting scenery for wedding photo sessions.

9: People and bicycles - oriented street can make Marki one of the most desired cities for new residents coming around Warsaw.

THE NEW IN THE OLD

20152015 - 2017Koloděje nad Lužnicí, Czech Republic2,2 haMitrowicz a.s.Anna Chomjakova, Ferdinand Leffler, Alicja Otto

yearrealisation

locationarea

clientteam

The property of Mitrowicz family is located in the southern part of Czech Re-public, 130 km from Prague. The family decided to return the splendor to this place throughout fully revitalization of both: the building and the surroundings. Historical atmosfere together with modern design creates an unique place for bussiness (hotel, restaurant, weddings) as well as serve the local community by organising historical picnics and festivals. The main task was to create elegant and multifunctional open space consisting of reception area between entrance and castle, huge open lawn, vegetable garden, playground, tennis court, orchard with a nook. The realisation was devided into parts, the first one - entrance and close surroundigs of the castle was implemented in 2015.

RECREATIONSPORT

CULTIVATIONDINING

EVENTSMAINTENANCE

ACTIVITIES

EDIBLE

RECREATION

ACTIVITIES

SPORTCULTIVATIONDINING

EVENTSMAINTENANCE

FUN

RECREATIONSPORT

CULTIVATIONDINING

EVENTSMAINTENANCE

ACTIVITIES

ORNAMENTAL

RECREATIONSPORT

CULTIVATIONDINING

EVENTSMAINTENANCE

ACTIVITIES

NATURAL

GREENERY STRUCTURE

MASTER PLAN

ZONING PLAN

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1 a & b: The multifunctio-nal goal was reached by careful zones’ definition. Reception area and surroundings of the castle were taken together as the most important ornamental zone which was implemented in 2015. Every other zone gives a chance to realize different activities and that was taken under consideration while designing the green structure of the park (2). Three other zones have more natural character and do not require a lot of maintenance (except tennis court) which is cheaper and more eco--friendly.

3: In the master plan some new gravel paths were designed to allow access to the park and have a seat in a pleasent surroundings of shrubs, flowers and art. In the backyard, vegetables (in raised wooden beds) and fruit will be cultivated for a internal use of the castle’s restaurant.

1b

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44 & 5: The reception

area’s design was focused on giving lightness and

a modern look to the old buildings. Fine grasses,

different perennials’ textures and pastel colors

seem to be perfect for weddings to which the

place is dedicated.

6: The park itself with well maintained greene-

ry is a perfect spot for celebrating bigger and

smaller occasions in an inspiring surroundings of plants and sculptures by

goodstuff.cz.

7: Cultivation area gives a chance for more sustaina-ble bussiness connected with educational function

for the smallest visitors of the Mitrowicz Castle.

8 & 9: The first stage of the implementation took place in spring/summer

2015 and consisted of constructing gravel paths,

plantation around castle and new english-like lawn

establishment.

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10 & 11: The reception area during sunny early autumn day: the plants are not mature yet but clear and light design can be eye-cathing as well.

12 & 13: Wedding cere-monies have their own rules; the clients require perfection in every aspect - beautiful surroundings make this special day unforgettable.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ILLUSIONS

year location

areaclienttutorteam

2013 Antoni Słonimski Square, Warsaw, Poland1,23 habachelor projectprof. Jeremi T. KrólikowskiAlicja Otto (a bachelor project)

Non-commercial cinema „Iluzjon” from early 50’s is situated in a small square which has a park-like character. Between two big streets the place plays a big communcation role. But nothing more. In 2011 building of the cinema was modernized and now shows best of the best movies from all over the world. This place attracts elders and youngsters; those who remember it from their childhood and those who are looking for some trendy spot with cultural back-ground. Obviously, the cinema deserves proper surroundings...

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heading to...

1 & 2: Any other recreation areas are in a distance at least 500m from the square. Great connections with public transport and residential neighbourhood make this place full of pe-ople from different social groups: elders, mothers with babies, students, wor-kers and cinema visitors.

3: Paths system seems to be enough for the traffic there. However the loca-tion of dogs potty area is questionable and doesn’t fit to the cinema building.

4: Existing flora design is accidential and does not emphasize the square’s composition. Some of the trees are in a bad condition and should be cut down.

5: Paving on the square is mostly grey concrete brick in a very bad condiditon. Only surrounding of the cinema have nice sandsto-ne slabs which fits there very well.

6: New ideas for the square are mostly focused

on rearranging zones for dogs and children, clearing views and new shrubs and

perennial design.

7: Dogs potty area and creative playground are

now located in the oppo-site side of the park and

connected with cinema by wide alley.

8: Cinema surroundings became more represen-

tative by naturalistic perennial plantation. The

lower ground level around rotunda allows to use

steps as benches.

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PHILADELPHUSCORONARIUS

LUZULASYLVATICA

DRYOPTERISFILIX-MAS

HEDERAHELIX

CORNUSSTOLONIFERA

ANEMONENEMOROSA

SAMBUCUS NIGRA

DEUTZIASCABRA

POTENTILLAFRUTICOSA

LAMIUMGALEOBDON

ASARUMEUROPAEUM

CORYDALISCAVA

CORNUSALBA

PHYSOCARPOSOPULIFOLIUS

GRAVEL WHITE CONCRETESANDSTONE TERRAWAY © PINE WOOD BLACK STEEL

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9: Wide alley allows to see cinema from a distant view.

10: Sunny spots in front of the cinema.

11: Species chosen for this design are mostly shade tolerant plants flowering in beautiful colors and attractive all year round.

12: Interesting paving design may be additional value of the square - it can help in space orientation and improve bioretention.

BETWEEN NATURE AND CULTURE

2014Warsaw, Poland902haacademic projectMarlies Brinkhuijsen PhD (Wageningen University, The Netherlands)Barbara Dziduszko, Alicja Otto

year location

areaclienttutor

team

Kabacki Forest Nature Reserve seems to be the most popular recreational desti-nation for south-western part of Warsaw. During weekends thousand of people visit it to jog, cycle, hike, admire nature and picnic. However it doesn’t have very special flora or fauna species, it is a crucial part of Warsaw ecosystem and air exchanging element. How to reconcile both ecological and cultural functions? How to manage the nature reserve to meet the needs of people and nature?

1: Kabacki Forest borders mostly with intensive and extensive residential areas but from the north there are plenty of multifamily blocks. Metro station is also just in the nearby and that makes the northern part of forest such well accessible and crowded.

2: Analyses were useful to design new zoning plan. They show which areas are the most used, where are the most valuable flora and fauna habitats.

3: New zones division was made to collect people that are not interested in nature in the northern „cultural” part of forest and access the center for runners, hikers and cyclists. There are new educational zones at two edges and a calm wildlife area in the south.

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3: Colors attracts people and give to the

place modern character. For Kabacki Forerst the

best was red because it’s not visible for mammals

(dichromacy).

4: The entrance zone consists of paths with red arches, meadows, hills for kites, picnic and grill spo-ts, graffiti wall and a skate

park. Just at the edge of forest an information center with cafeteria is

located.

5: Cross-sections show the kite hill and a view

point from which people can watch birds and trees’

crowns.

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6: It’s just 400m from metro station and you are in different realities: which one will you choose?

7: If you preffer relaxing with your friends having barbecue spend your time by the red elements. If you need to calm down, listen to birds and rustling leaves just cross the edge of forest...

LIVING WITH THE WATER

2014London, United Kingdom43,8 haacademic projectprof. Barbara SzulczewskaKatarzyna Solarek, Alicja Otto

year location

areaclienttutorteam

Royal Docks used to play a significant role in maritime transport of the United Kingdom. Nowadays they are partially abandoned and are a target of complex revitalization. The city of London is looking for ideas to create a multifunctional space that will deliver whole range of ecosystem services. The solution may be a concept of green infrastructure.

1 & 2: Although Royal Docks have Thames flood protection, still remains of stormwater management. Huge pro-blems are noise (that can be easily solved with new plantation) and pollution from old warehouses.

3: The target model which modern cities like London are reaching to has both high social and ecological values.

4: Design principles for Royal Docks represent the holistic attitude for revitalization and the concept of green infrastructure fits here perfectly.

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1stormwater noise runoff

NATURAL LANDSCAPE GREY INFRASTRUCTURE

MULTIFUNCTIONAL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

wrong practice

good practicecomplex revitalization

5: Revitalization into multifunctional green

infrastructure can provide most of

ecosystem services.

6: System of retention ponds, water gardens and artificial marshes

should be enough to protect Royal Docks from

sudden stormwater.

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7: Artificial pond on the neighbourhood square has not only ecological values but also plays a significant role in social life of the residents. 8: Rain gardens are resto-ring water cycle and miti-gating the urbanization. They are also reducing the accumulation of toxins and increasing local biodi-versity and the quality in nearby bodies of water.

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REnature PARK

2013Dolina Służewska, Warsaw, Poland33 haacademic projectAgata Cieszewska PhD, Elżbieta Myjak-Sokołowska PhD, Jakub Botwina PhDDorota Rychlik, Alicja Otto

year location

areaclienttutor

team

Służewka river previously had natural apperance but because of progressive developement in the 70’s fields around were changed into socialist housing blocks area and the riverbed was built up in a geometric shape. Now this huge place (33 hectares) is a provisional park but people in the neighbourhood love to spend their time there. It’s an unique place in whole Warsaw and has huge po-tential to be a re-natured park with interesting program connected with ecology and environment.

1 & 2: Watershed of Słu-żewka is almost 50km2 in mostly paved areas!During rain a lot of water goes through storm channels and fall into the river causes local flood (4). However there are many small ponds along it, they are silted up and overgrown.

3: Analyses give a glimpse of strengths and weaknesses that occur. The noise standards (a) for recreation areas are exceed by 15 dB so visi-tors preffer not to walk in the nearby of a big street (5). The most of gathering spots (b) are also situated in the northern part of the park as well as the most valuable plant commmu-nities (c).

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c d

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flood noise

70-75 dB

65-70 dB

60-65 dB

55-60 dB

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6: The solutions for problems were brought

by nature itself; using at least 10m wide trees and

shrubs line stops the noise and dust from the

street. Wider riverbed and more curved shape incre-

ase water capacity and slow down the runoff.

7: New park design allows the visitors to participate

in many different activities especially connected with water that plays a signifi-

cant role in the park. Many benches, decks, meadows and urban gardens create a space for vibrant social life. New Cultural Centre

became the heart of Służew district and gather

people in different age.

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8: All of the entrances and points of interest are marked by red poles and can be easily reached by the visitors.

9: Raised wooden decks give more place for recreation and new visual perception of interesting plant communities.

10: Meandring shape of the river makes the park more naturalistic and romantic. New perennial plantation revives river-banks and invites to seat and relax there.

A WHITE GARDEN

2013Białołęka, Warszawa, Poland350m2

Joanna and Grzegorz TurekAlicja Otto - individual project and realization

year location

areaclientteam

Joanna and Grzegorz moved to the house on the border of Wasaw few years ago and both fell in love with it. They dreamed of a garden that is modern, elegant and full of birds. They weren’t afraid of building it by themselves nor subsequent main-tenance. Now the couple can admire functional and beautiful garden with mostly white blossoming plants and scented herbs. Taking care of plants and lawn gives them a lot of satisfaction.

AMELANCHIER LAMARCKII CONVALLARIA MAJALIS

CENTAUREA MONTANA

STACHYS LANATA PENNISETUM ALOPECUROIDES

SAGINA SUBULATA RODGERSIA AESCUTIFOLIA

VIBURNUM OPULUS L.

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1: The garden is not very big so it has simple geometrical design. It consists of representative zone with geometrical plantation, recreation zone with lawn and utility zone with vegetable/herb boxes and wooden tool house.

2 & 3: Planting design assumed a minimum workload of the owners so most of the plants were planted in a naturalistic way. Fruit of some species are food for the birds. White color is elegant and fresh and it fits to the interior of the house no matter what changes the owners will ever make.

4 & 5: Make of. White crushed stones on white nonwoven fabric + wood + green.

6: The aim was to create garden that is attractive and beautiful all year ro-

und. In the picture Stachys lanata which silver leaves

remain whole winter.

7 & 8: Utility corner - raised wooden boxes are

perfect for eatable plants. The lady of the house

started to grown there herbs, tomatoes, lettuce,

paprica and sweet wild strawberries.

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9 & 10: The garden is located just at the edge of forest and marshes. During the day you can hear many species of birds and during the night crickets and frogs. The owners love to spend their time there and feel like this is their place on Earth.

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c o n t a c talicja.otto@gmail.com