portfolio - rj aldrich

Phone: +64 21 0288 5960 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rjaldrich.com Curriculum vitae & LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/rjaldrich

Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012

R y a n J a m e s A l d r i c hB a c h e l o r o f L 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 oL a n d s c a p e A r c h i t e c t u r e & C r e a t i v e w o r k



The IFLA 2013 World Congress student design competition called for examples of landscape architecture in response to landscapes afflicted by disaster. Spec-ulating on a 100 year sea level rise landscape architects can provide dynamic solutions. This is an impending disaster affecting the Auckland isthmus. The character of Auckland is defined by its connection to water and our coastal life-style. Mission Bay is a well-known and iconic destination in Auckland threatened by sea level rise. Allowing flooding and a scheduled implementation of design interventions over the course of 100 years gives opportunity for a more active and recognizable space as well as the creation of more coastal public space.

Mission Retreat (2012)Mission Bay, Auckland, NZ

1.Allow the coastline to flood, creating a new public space. 2.Allow for ad hoc occupation and colonization of spaces and remnant infrastructure. 3.Redemption through amphibious landscapes & coastal public space



An investigation into transport orientated development within and around Panmure. Panmure is situated adjacent to the eastern rail network and along the main con-nection across the Tamaki estuary into the East and South of Auckland. Auckland is growing and needs to accommodated population increases. Panmure and Mt Wellington are not connected to the water. The AMETI project places Panmure train station at the centre of a significant transport node. These conditions open room for transport orientated development to occur within and around Panmure and to reconfigure the area to connect to the water and Mt Wellington.

Exploring Panmure (2011)Panmure, Auckland, NZ


Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012Topography Model (2010)Unitec, Auckland, NZ

The Unitec sports fields are a landform with varied and large topography changes. The assignment was to model this topography. Buildings are used for reference and context. An area of focuses was given to the rugby fields and its surrounding buildings with objects fading in detail relative to their depth.


Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012Pockets of Exploration (2010)Springbank Preschool, Kerikeri, NZ

Springbank Preschool – pockets of exploration was a de-sign concept to resolve the current issues with the site (poor circulation, intimidation) by providing quality outdoor space for children while engaging them with the landscape, provid-ing learning opportunities, and adding visual amenity to the centre. The concept aimed to deliver these outcomes while keeping the budget for implementation minimum.



Wire Balustrade nb: 1Scale 1:5 at A3

Water Feature nb: 2Scale 1:5 at A3

Deck Detail nb: 4Scale 1:5 at A3

Deck to Lime Stone nb: 1Scale 1:5 at A3

Construction Details



Planter Box nb: 1Scale 1:5 at A3

Disposal Bin nb: 1Scale 1:5 at A3

Pergola Junction nb: 2Scale 1:5 at A3

Water Feature nb: 1Scale 1:5 at A3

Construction Details



‘Reversing landscape mosaics’ or ‘tri-patched’ at a larger scale are concepts placing bush reserves at the center of city nodes, density decrees moving out from the node. An exploration of how a streetscape would work was developed. This was driven from catchment management perspective with integrated water treatment devices.

Reversing Landscape Mosaics (2011)Silverdale, Auckland, NZ


Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012CAD & Visualisation (2010)Imagined City + Unitec Courtyard

Exploring modeling at the largest scale; a city. This city is based on prose by Italio Calvino from his 1972 book ‘Invisible Cities’. This project aimed to control the level of detail while working at a large scale and to utilize modular moduleing techniques.Imagined City (2010)

Prose by Italio Calvino

Unitec Courtyard (2010)Unitec, Auckland, NZ



A visual representation of the Birken-head Library siting amongst Nell Fisher Reserve. I created a model in Archi CAD before rendering images and video in VUE. Photoshop was used to place people and enhance the images further.

Nell Fisher Reserve (2011)Birkenhead Library, Auckland, NZ


Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012Urban Ecology (2011)Rosebank, Auckland, NZ

An urban ecology driven design focusing on storm water management and LIUDD principles for an industrial site located in Rosebank, Auckland.

R y a n J a m e s A l d r i c hD E S I G N D R I V E R S

F O O D P R O D U C T I O NBlum is a cabinetry producing company. They create kitchens at the Rosebank Site. During consultation Blum described the environment they wanted to create in the showroom. They planed to host lunch and diner functions for potential customers and that food would be prepared on site. To compliment this idea food pro-ducing plants could be incorporated into design moves. Avondale also has agricultural history that can be referenced, and staff could enjoy the produce.

C O S TA L W A L K W AYNear to the Blum site a costal walkway has been created running along the costal fringe of the industrial lots. It features loosely defined public and private boundaries. It provides amenity value for staff and community. Having access to and long the water socially desired and valued as important. Currently there is no public walkway or access to or along the cost at the front of the Blum site.

The Rosebank area is highly developed. It is mostly industrial and commercial property. The main from of transport is by personal car, secondary is the public transport system of busses. As a result of this urban form there are large areas of impervious surfaces. Concrete is dominant. This is damaging to the environment as large amounts of storm water runs off into water bodies untreated and containing pollutants. Storm water increases additionally put pressure on water systems as increased flow rates effect erosion.

I M P E R V I O U S S U R F A C E S

Mangroves dominate

R y a n J a m e s A l d r i c h

AB

C

mangroves

mangrovesoi oi

mangroves

oi oiflaxprivetred matipo

garnia hange hange coprosma robusta

oi oi toi toi privet mahoe

coprosma arialata bambooginger asparagus

fern fatsia Chinese privet

chinese privet mahoe blechnum

privet organic matter

pampas saltmarsh ribbonwood phoenix palm wattle privet coprosma robusta

privet

soil

onion weed coprosma privet

red matipo

privet mahoe kowhai red matipo

plantain ranuculus weeds onion weed honeysucklewattle

wooly nightshade weeds black nightshade

tobacco weed privet moth weed hedge privet bidi bid wattle

bamboo privet wattleblackberry

A

B

CMangroves dominate

Rosebank Peninsula has a mix of vegetation found amongst and bordering the industrial, and commercial matrix from native to exotic, naturalised to planted.

The main forms of vegetation in the Rosebank area are street trees, some amen-ity planting and the occasional unique patches of vegetation. The most dominate forms of vegetation are the mangrove covered shoreline and the scruffy mixed exotic and native boundary edges between the industrial lots and the mangroves. Although this land is council ownd it directly efects the Blum New Zealand site, and any design moves should also incorporate the costal fring.

There have been innumerable impacts to the land and water on and surround-ing the Blum New Zealand site. Vegetation has been cleared. The main area of vegitation grows on land that has had rubbish dumped mixed with soil to claim more land as it slopes into the peninsular. This area of the site is highly disturbed. A fundamental component of any design move would be to address this area and its issues.

“The edges are a mix of primarily naturalised exotics and natives and have the most ecological value from a traditional perspective in the peninsula. However the quantity of exotic species that have invasive weed status is high and greatly re-duce their beneficial impacts. They can provide habitat for certain fauna but there are superior options that work better in this environment. Re vegetation is starting to happen along some of the edges and although many of the plant choices are suitable for the environment, there are some that may not be successful or suit-able for the location despite being natives.” (Lunberry, G. (2011). Site and Context Analysis - Vegetation. Auckland.)

V E G E TAT I O N

R y a n J a m e s A l d r i c hC O N T E X T

Blum New Zealand has a site located on 612 Rosebank Road, Avondale Peninsula, Auckland, New Zealand. An urban ecology study of the site has been undertaken and has been used to generate information to inform and guide the suggested design moves. Urban ecology encompasses systems and interactions. It has no boundaries. Therefor the Blum New Zealand site cannot be solely investigated, or viewed. The eco-logical condition and functions of and across Avondale form a suitable base context to design exploration and moves.

The site is located in Rosebank or on the Rosebank peninsula which extends out from Henderson into the Waitema-ta harbour. The Te Atatu peninsula situated to the west is separated from Rosebank by the Whau river. Topography of the site is generally flat and level until the ground slopes steeply down to the water. The area features underling soils of Pumiceous mud, sand and gravel with black muddy peat and lignite. The site has a history prior to industry as being predominantly agricultural and horticultural. This past land use may be responsible for contaminates. DDT components are present in the soils of some areas of the site at low concentrations. (Pattle Delamore Part-ners, 2010). The Rosebank site has an industrial and commercial surrounding. It is situated in a highly disturbed area where impervious concrete dominates. The site is boarded by large buildings and the Avondale Peninsula.

Bordering vegetation

Access to the site

Mangroves dominate

Exposed fill soil

Site parking

Industrial context

Industrial context

Steep banks

Vegetation is scarce


A

B

C D


rain garden

re-vegetation walk way

D E S I G N I D E A S

food garden / community gardenA B

C D


The new architectural arraignment of the site places a driveway and carpark access running from Rosebank road directly to the main entrances of the Blum showroom. This driveway and carpark increases the amount of impervious surface on the site. The formal axis and parking arraignment designed by the architects should function well and be aesthetically pleasing. However it is an opportunity to incorporate urban ecology into the design.

Instead of the proposed gardens being simple ornamental or aesthetic, they should function eco-logically. The gardens should be green infrastructure. Rain gardens could be installed between and around the car park spaces. Rain gardens are sunken areas or depression covered with vegetation. They aim to capture and hold and absorb storm water from impervious surfaces. Rain water will run from the car parks on the Blum site into the rain gardens and soak into the ground. Rain gardens reduce erosion, water pollution and flooding while being aesthetically pleasing al-ternative to conventional drains that do not offer these functions. With the introduction of flora in-stead of impervious surfaces there is reduced heat build up from solar radiation. Habitat and food sources are also created for certain species.

The Blum New Zealand site could implement rain gardens featuring native plants such as rushes (Juncus and Apodasmia/Leptocarpus species), sedges (Baumea and Carex species) and flaxes . Oioi is a common and attractive option, the Waitakere city council carpark features rain gardens planted with oioi.

R A I N G A R D E N

Curently the Blum site has little to no vegitation. imiditly adjasent to the site is the council ownd costal fringe. the costal fringe is a sruffy mixed of exotic and native plants growing on land coverd in dumped rubish and fill soil. the Blum show room has is designd to take advantage of the costal views. the view shaft runs directly through / over the costal fringe area. for this reason it is reco-momented that Blum relandscape this area of council ownd land. specific flura can be retained such as the signifigant pohutakawa trees which can be finded to maintain views over the water. the rubish exsiting in this area should be removed and desposed of corectly. the bank should be replanted in native species that can be selected for there asethetic value. exotics can also be in-corporated beside natives to achive a desired aesthetic.

By re-vegitating the costal fringe with natives habitat and conectiverty across the landscape is increased. having plants growing on the steep banks prevents errosion. certain plants will also act to filter storm water befor it reaches the Waitemata harbour.

R E - V E G I TAT I O N

re-vegetation

rain gardens beside car parks

rain gardens

oioi

rain gardin

view from show room

nearby costal re-vegitation

A

B

R y a n J a m e s A l d r i c hE X P L A I N I N G D E S I G N I D E A S

With a re-vegetated costal fringe the visual aesthetics of the Blum site will be increased. Visually it will be an attractive area. However access should be provided through and to this area so it can be enjoyed by Blum staff and the public. An axis should be created running along the costal border. Near to the Blum site a costal walkway has been created running along the coastal fringe of the industrial lots. It features loosely defined public and private boundaries. By incorporating a costal axis future the implementation of a full costal track is easier and more likely to be realised. There are different forms this path could take such as an elevated board walk, paved path, or gravel track.

This type of access facilitates social interaction at and with the site. It also acts as a cue for care. It shows people the importance and relevance of a re-vegetation project, and the aesthetic beauty of New Zealand coast fringe environments that my otherwise be unnoticed.

C O A S TA L W A L K W AY

coastal walkway

food producing plants

C

Food producing plants should be incorporated into planting plans to be located near or immedi-ately beside the showroom. Plants chosen to be placed near the show room should be considered for there ability to produce food. Having food producing plants references the agricultural history of Avondale. However more importantly produce can be consumed by staff and visiting public. Preference is mostly for low maintenance tree and shrub like plants which could range from a herbs such rosemary hedge to lemon trees. These food producing plants can be incorporated into design to be visually appealing.

Customers attending lunch and diner functions at the show room can be presented with food that is prepared on site, with some items grown on site. Staff will also be able to take home produce. The companies and the staffs carbon footprint is reduced. This is a this is a sustainable practise.

F O O D P R O D U C T I O ND

rosemery hege

mangrove boardwalk

gravel path proposed coastal walkway



Originating from a collection of collaborative projects Village Photogra-phers emerged. It is a combined photography portfolio. A range of projects has seen work publish in different media from magazine to stationary. Event and portraiture has formed the base of our work, however a love for art, technology and landscape has driven our private projects.

Village Photographers (2011)Combined Photography Portfolio



Expanding Core Space

Definitions / AlgorithmsGenerative Design (2012)Process Explorations

Buffering-Different aproches

Buffering-Different aproches

Core Area Filterings

Area of Core

Open Space to Core Ratio

Core Area Difference

Open Space Area

Core Area

Compactness / Shape Of Core- Largest Inscribed Circle

Compactness / Shape Of Core -Gradient Comparison With Core Expansion

Viewing open space as refuge during emergency events, how can the analyses of open space networks through parametric processes inform the location and formation of new open space to enhance a city’s ability to effective-ly respond to emergency events?

BufferingDifferent Approaches

Open Space CoresArea Filtering

Core RatioMeasuring and Manipulating

Compactness / Shape Of Core -Gradient Comparison With Core Expansion

Core CompactnessMeasuring and Manipulating



Mixed use development to increase population density adjacent to park

Readiness - Zoning Readiness - Strengthened Ground / Earthquake Drains

Selevatedsurface

graded sports fields

Recovery

D

Z

ABC

D

E

FG

H

I

mirrored tree avenue

pedestrian steeping stone

changed road surface

programmable space

existing buildings

new pavilion

open fields

footpaths

hockey courts

Readiness recovery

B

D

E

FG

+

I

access onto site

water, sanitation, power, heat, fuel, light, communication

communication, shelter, power, san-itation

ppen space, area for congregation + temporary shelter

aid, triage, emergency operations

impermeable surface, overflow shelter, emer-gency, vehicle hub

Response

strengthened, flood resistant ground

emergency operations, triage and medical services overflow+

H movement across site

D

Z

buildings in open space become transitional community facilitates

transitional housing on demolished building gaps

Recovery

P secondary area of transitional housing

X primary area for transitional housing

Readiness - Light + Power

Pgenerators or other independent power supplies installed to buildings Fnew pavilion

E existing buildings

Readiness - Water + Sanitation

water harvesting and storage + sanitation provided at structures on site Fnew pavilion

E existing buildings

underground water storage

W

Response

D +Readiness - Programable Space

D

Response

D +

Research (2012)Negotiated Study Unitec

How can public open space be designed to respond effectively to the phases of emergency events?


Ryan James Aldrich, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Portfolio 2012Research (2012)Negotiated Study Unitec

Movement to Open Space

Strengthened Ground

SLiquefaction + Damage Mitigation

S

Surrounding Buildings Destroyed

ZTransitional Housing in Gaps

Z

ZS

Surrounding Buildings

Z

Programmable Space

D

F

Independent Infrastructure Engaged

WP F

Shelter D

OShelter

O

D

O

D

Programmable Space

D

Familiarity + Procedure

D O

Programmable Space

D

Awareness + Access

C

B

Dormant Infrastructure

H

S Z

Transitional Modular Housing

H

Civil emergencies are inevitable events. Landscape architects through planning and design can prepare cities for times of disaster. Approaching open space as emergency shelter is an established field in China and Japan. Analyses of these spaces can inform the planning and design of open public space in Christchurch. Improving access and awareness of ‘safe’ open space with installation of independent infrastructure and supplies at key locations as well as ground improvement techniques facilitates effective response to emergency events. This improved function and efficiency during the phases of emergency events, ultimately results in the saving of human life and alleviation of suffering.

portfolio - rj aldrich

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south of auckland