Landscape Architecture Portfolio - Kate O'Hara

Kate O’HaraLandscape Architecture Portfolio

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P r o f i l eI am a creative and capable landscape student offering versatile skills in many areas of landscape architecture with both professional and academic experience. I consider myself a person with excellent communication skills, business ethics and motivated to learn and assume responsibilities both in large and small team environments.

E d u c a t i o n2012 – 2015 Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

University of Canberra

2009 Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)Kaplan Professional Australia

S k i l l sSoftware InDesign / Photoshop / AutoCAD / Sketchup / Microsoft Office Applications / MYOB / General Graphic Design work.

Drawing Plan / Section / Perspective Drawings of landscape spaces.

Office Office Management / Executive Support / Event Management.

M e m b e r s h i p s & A w a r d s2015 LinkedIn 2013 Dean’s Excellence Award (Semester 2)

https://au.linkedin.com/pub/kate-o-hara/b3/881/9ba University of Canberra

2014 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects 2012 Dean’s Excellence AwardCanberra Region University of Canberra

2013 Golden Key International Honour SocietyAsia-Pacific

W o r k E x p e r i e n c e s2015 Queanbeyan City Council

Barrack’s Flat Park

I was invited to tender and prepare a concept design for proposed landscape works at Barrack’s Flat Park as part of the ongoing CBD Master Plan. A concept design was developed which complimented historical and functional aspects through staged strategies which allowed successful outcomes from a limited budget. A multifaceted planting plan was developed through existing environmental influences and historical planting characteristics. The following testimonial was provided by council worker Debbie Sibbick:

“I engaged Kate for an initial landscape project to design a concept for the redevelopment of a recreational reserve in Queanbeyan as she was reasonably priced. What I discovered was that Kate went above and beyond my expectation in designing this concept. Not only was the concept of a very high quality but it was extremely relevant to the site. Kate had researched the site, consulted with the neighbouring residents and researched the historical significance of the site through the local museum. I was extremely impressed with Kate’s commitment to this job. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Kate for any future landscape design works. We will certainly be calling on Kate again for our future needs.”

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e

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W o r k i n g E x p e r i e n c e s2014 Erindale Neighbourhood Garden

Community Garden

Develop a landscape design master plan for the Erindale Neighbourhood community garden project. Achieved project objectives through effective planning of considered elements such as age groups, disability services, functionality, identity, maintenance, etc. Created maintenance strategies to incorporate into existing volunteer support mechanisms. The following testimonial was provided the Erindale Neighbourhood Garden Coordinator, Karen Macpherson:

“A group of community organisations is starting a neighbourhood garden at Erindale in Canberra in early 2015. Kate O'Hara of Soul2Soil Landscape Design provided a terrific concept design for our garden. From consultation to on-time delivery of a thoughtfully produced design, Kate was interested and professional. Kate listened to what we wanted in our garden. She developed her design with those specifications incorporated, and built on them with creative flair. Kate's design will help us build the garden we wanted.”

2013 University of CanberraCommunity Garden

In collaboration with other faculties, I was involved in the design and construction of the campus’ community garden. Practicable and functional aspects were paramount whilst adhering to a strict time schedule. Outcome produced a sustainable hub for faculties to produce local harvest and for surrounding community groups to engage with the University.

E m p l o y m e n t

2010 - 2012 Bosom Buddies ACT IncOffice Manager and Non-Voting Committee Member

2008 - 2009 Bridges Financial Services Pty LtdClient Services Manager

2008 Evans Yeend Family LawyersLegal Secretary

1999 - 2008 Creative Edge Secretarial ServicesBusiness Manager

1995 - 1999 AXA Australian Health InsurancePersonal Assistant

1994 - 1995 Turnbull Fox PhillipsAdministrative Assistant

R e f e r e n c e sDr Susan Boden Ms Debbie Sibbick Mr Graham Fletcher Ms Azra KhanLandscape Studio Convenor Technical Officer – Parks & Recreation UC Lecturer (2015) [email protected] of Canberra Queanbeyan City Council [email protected] 0406 566 460 Mobile 0427 238 149

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e

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P r o f e s s i o n a l A s s e s s m e n t

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 2

C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 6

B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 1 2

B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 1 4

B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B a r t o n 2 2

B e a c h p o r t ( S o u t h A u s t r a l i a ) A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n 2 4

B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 6

P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 3 0

Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 3 4

P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 3 6

C o n t e n t s

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P a r a d i s e G a r d e nThis project presented an opportunity to be involved in a realistic client engagement whereby traditional design sequences of research, inventory, analysis, public participation, design and critique were essential to its success.

At the start of the year, emphasis was given to research whereby collaborative actions through selected partnerships enabled a cross section of results and findings which enhanced and further questioned design principles and key outcomes.

Schematic and conceptual designs were produced and built upon through mentorships and university principles who provided feedback and encouragement whilst also addressing key individual design skills and knowledge.

Over the course of the year, design vision was altered to include unique and functional options which would lead to further development and opportunities of the original site.

The Canberra Islamic Centre Paradise Garden design project presented an opportunity to bring to life explorations of design through Islamic and Australian influences. The landscape vision for this project encompassed a design outcome that would meet the social needs of the Canberra Islamic Community through specific design guidelines. In order to foster insightful and sensitive applications, it was imperative to explore the human element and it’s behaviouralforms and how these aspects exist within the centreand the wider Tuggeranong community; bringing forth opportunities to contribute to the urban fabric of the south side of Canberra.

C a n b e r r a I s l a m i c C e n t r e 2 0 1 5

S I T E A N A L Y S I S D E S I G N P R I N C I P L E S

B O U N D A R Y C O N S T R A I N T S

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P a r a d i s e G a r d e nVisual Analysis & Schematic Design

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The backbone of this design and the reason it’s functionality works so well is due to the influence and implementation of the

traditional Charhar-Bagh design element. The existing building (courtyard pillars) enabled a structured pathway to form

the axial paths which encourage movement and circulation in and around the space.

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Curvilinear raised seating under tree grove plantings

Centre axis of garden

Community members sitting under grove setting

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C a n b e r r a C e n t e n a r y T r a i l P a r kThe simplicity of this park is why is works so well. The main feature is the axial pathways which link to the CIC garden pathways; encouraging a strong link due to the visual imagery of planted tree avenues. Winding paths traverse through this main pathway creating mystery and curiosity. Sculptural elements are purposefully positioned in order to create movement and interest through casting shadows.

Small coherent spaces open up through the thinning of tree canopies, providing opportunities for picnicking and recreational usage. Traversing pathway surfaces are crushed granite which are contrasted with a more formal and functional setting of pavers. These two textures balance well with one another, one increasing the textural quality of exploration and the other acknowledging a formal visual cue of direction.

The experience should be one of exploration and participation whereby people are encouraged to venture out and explore their environment; offer possibilities of discovery and adventure. It is people’s exploration of a space and from considering options, wondering and imagining that places become cherished memories.


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C a n b e r r a C e n t e n a r y T r a i l P a r k

New axis’ created from the central garden design improves circulation and directional opportunities, whilst also strengthening South Canberra’s urban framework. The North West central garden path axis connects to Oxley Hill and also points towards Mecca. The North East central garden path axis connects to Fadden Pines.

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B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 2 0 1 5

L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n C o n c e p tD e s i g n B r i e f & S i t e V i s i t

This project was organized through a personal contact within the Queanbeyan Council. As part of the Council’s CBD Master Plan upgrade, I was asked to design and prepare drawings (as per the Queanbeyan Parks and Recreation Facilities Improvement tender) for proposed landscape works within the Barrack’s Flat Park.

Through site visits and respective research, it was apparent that the project area is used by a diverse group of community members; families, mums and bubs, children, visitors, etc. This research contributed to however did not solely influence the landscape design outcome.

As outlined in the Queanbeyan Parks and Recreational Facilities Improvement document, the proposed concept must be a design that is suitable for use by the Queanbeyan community and visitors to Queanbeyan; therefore should take into consideration the following attributes:

• Community space for all.• Family oriented.• All ages access.• All abilities access.• Include boundaries; consider relationships to adjacent facilities.

The aims for this project, in correlation with Queanbeyan City Council’s Concept Design Scope, include:

• Create a destination for families, children & community members. • Create a visually interesting and functional space. One that

stimulates, encourages play opportunities for children of all ages and allows restful spaces.

• Enhance the character, culture and sense of place. • Social engagement for community groups, families and visitors to

the park. • Incorporate Barrack’s Flat history back into the park through

historical settings. • Recognise the importance of the park and its contribution to the

community and surrounds. • Design allows for staged construction.

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B a r r a c k ’ s F l a t P a r k 2 0 1 5

S I T E V I S I T

S E C T I O N E L E V A T I O N

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B e l c o n n e n A r t s C e n t r e 2 0 1 5

L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n C o n c e p tD e s i g n B r i e f

Develop a staged landscape design response ranging in scale from precinct to detailed landscape design, which allowed BAC to integrate into an arts and cultural precinct.

The purpose of this project was to design an urban space that connected the centre to the surrounding landscape (including the foreshore) and improve access and shared use through comfortable spaces and sense of identity.

This design solution allowed people’s senses to be heightened, whilst creating connectivity both within and around the centre.

D e s i g n C o n c e p t

Introduce strong design lines that encouraged exploration, connectivity and aesthetically pleasing elements which integrated Stage 2 development plans.

No clutter, just open planning where people can congregate, reflect or pass through whilst experiencing functionality.

Paving styles and patterns delineate roads, pedestrian and bicycle circulation and define formal gathering spaces. Pattern detail reflects the architectural elements and cultural aspects of the Belconnen Arts Centre.

A mix of surface treatments and foreshore inclusiveness which allows visitor’s to experience the water’s edge through extended platforms, resulted in an interactive foreshore and relationship between BAC and the surrounding precinct.

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2 0 Y e a r P r e c i n c t C o n c e p t1 . U n d e r g r o u n d P a r k i n gOpportunity existed for underground parking due to infill proposal of Stage 2.

Similar to parking arrangements at the National Gallery of Australia, underground parking could provide a myriad of opportunities to improve such areas of poor disability access, steep undulating surfaces and safer access to the centre through underground access via lifts, etc.

Hard landscaping opportunities existed on top of this underground structure.

Improved access paths open up the rear of the building with improved accessibility via Eastern side of precinct.

2 . T r a f f i c C i r c u l a t i o nManage traffic flow in front of the Centre through implementation of one way traffic from skateboard park intersection up to Benjamin Way intersection.

Opens up opportunities for the Centre’s foyer/entrance area and pedestrian safety.

3 . B e n j a m i n W a yReclaiming Benjamin Way from the Town Centre exist, allowed expansion of the existing median strip. It also encouraged visual linkages of BAC foreshore through attractive plantings within the median strip and cultural/art displays.

4 . P o p U p M a r k e t

Reclaiming Emu Bank road structure (Beissel Street intersection) allowed safer pedestrian access whilst also providing opportunities for pop up markets and the like.

5 . C h i l d r e n ’ s P l a y g r o u n d

Installation of children’s playground or outdoor gym equipment encouraged further interaction with the precinct and the BAC.

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D o c u m e n t a t i o n P l a n s

M A T E R I A L S & F I N I S H E S

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M A T E R I A L S & F I N I S H E S

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S E T O U T P L A N

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S E T O U T P L A N

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P a t t e r n s a n d U r b a n C h a r a c t e rBarton has long been recognized as a prestigious office location, governed and characterized by large buildings which are set in generous landscape settings within the Parliamentary Triangle. Amendments to the Central National Area (Barton) Plan is changing Barton’s pattern, introducing a broader range of permitted uses, i.e. mixed use developments through apartments and commercial buildings.

V a l u e S t a t e m e n tQuestions going forward included:

Will current and future planning change the STORY of Barton’s spatial character? Projecting forward, can Barton cohesively interrelate with its surrounding areas in order to form a TOTAL SYSTEMS approach?

B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B A R T O N 2 0 1 4

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S Y M B O L I C - L I N K I N G – L I V I N G S P A C EThe landscape vision for Brisbane Avenue aims to capitalise on the site’s prominent location in order to create a high quality streetscape destination that will encourage community interaction and strong connections with the people living and working in the precinct.

PROJECT OBJECTIVESSYMBOLIC SPACE - provide a uniqueness to the Barton precinct.

LINKING SPACE - provide an open space that physically joins and unites.

LIVING SPACE - provide a series of accessible gardens for multiple uses.

Through a series of landscape changes, Brisbane Avenue will evolve into a community landscape that will synergise and provide a sense of place, enriching people’s experience of Barton and encouraging participation in the community. These landscape changes will be influenced via the Garden City theme through a series of gardens that provide a four season’s piece of work that gets better with age.

A newly design streetscape will also contribute to the creation of a safe environment which could potentially link Bowen Place and surrounding areas; reinforcing the image, identity and character of Barton. Design possibilities include changing the Avenue’s road structure allowing buildings adjacent to Darling Street with full, uninterrupted access to the gardens and replacing the storm water drain with a natural waterway.

Social, cultural and physical engagement are possible by incorporating a systems thinking approach through adapting and transforming the area. This design is a reimaging of the system through the transformation of Brisbane Avenue.

B r i s b a n e A v e n u e – B A R T O N 2 0 1 4

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B e a c h p o r t – S o u t h A u s t r a l i aLandscape Architecture students (third year) from the University of Canberra (UC) travelled to Beachport, South Australia to undertake a field study for the purpose of gathering information to contribute to the development of an access master plan for the town.

This study encompassed a range of cultural, community and environmental issues with each student being assigned a particular theme to focus on in order to frame an understanding of what did and did not need addressing. Each of these themes was based on an overall idea of the ‘journey’. The theme allocated to my concept design was Healing Journey.

Students were given the opportunity to interact with a range of community groups including local residents, local and state government representatives from Beachport and the surrounding areas.

Throughout the course of the week, information was compiled amongst the students to develop a broad access master plan in conjunction with individual concept areas that lie within the study area.

For further design and interview outcomes please refer to:

Sketchup Fly Through of Designhttp://www.slideshare.net/KateOHara1/healing-journey

Access Master Plan Reporthttps://www.slideshare.net/secret/37AbVkh7bBau5U

A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n & C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 4

H e a l i n g J o u r n e y sLocated in the centre of Beachport, Centennial Park comprises of six acres of parkland. A large lagoon encompasses the area with a bridge, BBQ facilities, playground and lawn area.

In collaboration with the Access Master Plan, it was important to observe and communicate with the community in order to understand the complexity of the people and the environment. What are their values? Who are the different community groups and organisations?

V i e w o v e r l o o k i n g B e a c h p o r t ’ s m a i n b e a c h

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http://www.slideshare.net/KateOHara1/healing-journey

https://www.slideshare.net/secret/37AbVkh7bBau5U

A c c e s s M a s t e r P l a n & C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 4

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B r i a n H e n n e s s y H o u s e 2 0 1 3

S c e n t e n a r y G a r d e nC o n c e p t D e s i g nBrian Hennessy House is a respite and care facility for people experiencing schizophrenia who need support in a rehabilitation setting.

This project was to design a landscape space that connected the residences with the Hub, which is the central meeting space for therapy, programs, social activities and events.

The outcome of this design fed into the Canberra 100 project which was to be built with a budget of $70,000. Each team was made of up 3 students who presented group outcomes and model representations.

T h e B r i e f• Physical activity spaces• Sturdy• Wishing well/Reflection site• Communal space vs individual space• Retain fig tree• Food production (vegetables & herbs)• Shade• Scented flowers• Artistic flexibility• No hanging points

D e s i g n P r i n c i p l e s• Organic edge• Texture and form• Contrasting colours• Trickling water• Senses• Window views• Sense of space and privacy• Divisions = interest

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A restorative environment allows the eye to focus effortlessly on things that are inviting and fascinating.

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P R E L I M I N A R Y D R A W I N G S

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An environment becomes a landscape only when it is so regarded by

people and especially when they begin to shape it in accord with their taste and needs.

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P r i v a t e C o u r t y a r d C o n c e p t D e s i g n 2 0 1 3

C o u r t y a r d D e s i g nThis project involved working with a client to develop a brief and design response for a series of interconnected courtyard spaces in a domestic home.

The house is located in Aranda and is of architectural significance and has a distinct design palette. While respecting this it was essential to respond to the needs of the client, the street context, micro-climate, budget, installation and maintenance.

In addition to the specific preferences of the client and features of the site, we were asked to explore the following elements within our design compositions:

• Figure/Ground

• Leading Lines

• The rule of thirds

• The Golden Mean

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C O U R T Y A R D D E S I G N S

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Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 2 0 1 3

R i v e r W a l kN o d e C o n c e p t D e s i g nThe Queanbeyan River is a water course of significant value. Its natural features provide recreational opportunities as well as wildlife habitation in a combined urban setting.

This project involved designing a physical landscape that supported people using the Couch 25k (www.c25k.com) program.

In collaboration with local Council, a riverside walk concept design was produced which integrated 3 design nodes along the riparian corridor.

The project involved research into the river system and sensitive environmental factors. Site analysis, concept development, site design, node design and details were all packaged together and presented to university staff and Council representatives.

This project investigated urban environments that promote resilience, biodiversity and ecological integrity. A common goal amongst all parties involves was to create a built site and urban fabric that enabled valued environmental processes to be resilient to changes over time. This process encourages life forms to become resilient, increase biodiversity and improve the health of both human and non-human communities.

This ecological design promotes cyclical rather than linear flows of energy and seeks to maximize environmental integrity whilst also connecting people with nature in ways that reveal processes and promote stewardship.

This project had the capacity to demonstrate sensitivity to social, cultural and physical contexts, by focusing on improved accessibility and community linkages.

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Q u e a n b e y a n R i v e r C o r r i d o r 2 0 1 3

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P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 2 0 1 3

“Art grows out of nat ive so i ls and enr iches l i fe as people attempt to express and develop th is growth” . Jens Jensen

C l i e n t & S i t e D e t a i l s

Mr & Mrs Botanical and FamilyStrassendorfHahndorf South Australia

Located within the Adelaide Hills, 27 kilometers South-East of Adelaide.

Topographical features

Situated in undulating expanse of the Mount Lofty Ranges, East of Adelaide.

Drainage systems dominated by the Onkaparinga River.

Terrain is irregular.

Fertile soils – sandy loams to clay loams with acid neutral sands over clay subsoils (dark in colour).

Surrounding landscape consists of sclerophyllousforest, multi-aged eucalyptus, hard-leafed shrubs and grasses.

The average annual rainfall is 300-600mm with long periods of dry and wet spells. The area is considered to be of a temperate climate zone; consisting of warm/mild summers, cool/cold winters with frosts common in winter and early spring.

Mr & Mrs Botanical, you have requested a Prairie School style of design which blends the outer edges of the tended garden into the surrounding countryside so that the transition from one to the other is gradual; heightening the appearance of a larger garden.

P r a i r i e S c h o o l

CONSERVATION of native sceneryNative trees, shrubs and flowers.

RESTORATION of local vegetationRestoring local colour and character vegetation.

REPETITION of a dominant lineStrong horizontal branches or flower clusters;

repeated in obvious or subtle ways.

K e y E l e m e n t s t o t h i s D e s i g n

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P r a i r i e S c h o o l D e s i g n S t y l e 2 0 1 3

“ … t h e n e e d t o s t u d y n a t u r e f o r d e s i g n i n s p i r a t i o n … p r o m o t e s t h e u s e o f n a t i v e t r e e s a n d s h r u b s … ” .

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Landscape Architecture Portfolio - Kate O'Hara

Design

Transcript of Landscape Architecture Portfolio - Kate O'Hara