Blake Osland

Landscape Architecture PortfolioBlake Osland

“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life” - Robin Sharma

ObjectiveTo obtain a position at a landscape architecture firm in order to pursue my passion in urban design and innovative design practices. I aspire to work, learn, and collaborate with talented professionals in an interactive environment.

EducationIowa State University | 2010-2016Bachelors of Landscape ArchitectureEnvironmental Studies Secondary Major

North Iowa Area Community College | 2008-2010Associates of Arts Degree

Achievement & Involvement • 2016 Merit Award Recipient - ASLA Central States Chapter• 2016 Merit Award Recipient - ASLA Iowa Chapter • Fundraising Chair - Student Society of Landscape Architecture• Student member of American Society of Landscape Architecture• Entered “Water_Works” design competition held by Gowanus by Design

SkillsAutocadArcmap GISCritical ThinkingCollaboratingIllustratorIndesignLumionModel MakingPhotoshopSketchupSketching

Interests

Experience Intern | ConfluenceJanuary 2015 - May 2016Schematic design, design development, construction documents, graphics creation, client relations, attended meetings, and presentation preparation in the Des Moines, Iowa office.

Landscaper & Design Assistant | Turtle Island LandscapesMay 2014 - August 2014Landscape maintenance of owner’s previous built works, maintain and build client relationships, assisted in small scale residential designs, installation of new residential landscapes, and on-site problem-solving.

Nursery Employee | Country LandscapesMarch 2014 - May 2014 & August 2014 - October 2014Expanded knowledge of Midwestern plant palette, hardscaping materials, and customer relations. Responsible for nursery grounds maintenance and keeping plants and product displays fully stocked.

Landscape Laborer | Country LandscapesMay 2013 - August 2013Gained hands-on knowledge installing streetscapes, residential landscapes, planting designs, on-site grading, client interactions, and onsite problem solving.

Intern | Summit FarmsMay 2010 - August 2010 & April 2011 - August 2011Landscape maintenance for corporate headquarters and owner’s grounds, installing and maintaining irrigation systems, plant installations, woodland trail maintenance, and wetland preservation.

References Brian [email protected] | 515.412.5512 Director of Development - Ryan Companies US, Inc. Chris Della [email protected] | 515.971.1883 Senior Principal - ConfluenceBambi Yost [email protected] | 720.217.2871 Associate Professor - Iowa State University

Motorcycles Hockey Running Travel Cinnamon Rolls

ConnectivityUrban Design Studio: New Orleans Vacant Lots • 2014Professors: Matthew Gordy & Ben Shirtcliff

PlayCommunity Design Studio: Philadelphia Schoolyards • 2015Professor: Bambi Yost

RecreationSite Design II: Gowanus Canal • 2012Professors: Tom Neppl, Carl Rogers, Bambi Yost

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OasisHealthcare Design: Behavioral Health Center • 2016Professors: Cameron Campbell & Jihyan Song11

PlazaUrban Entry: Wells Fargo Card Services • 2015Landscape Architects: Seth Gray & Chris Della Vedova

IdentityMaster Planning: Centennial Park • 2016Landscape Architect: Matt Carlile

Personal rendering from collaborative project presented to Landscape Structures for innovative stormwater usage in playground design.

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Project ChallengeThe Big Sandbox and my team of Iowa State students partnered fostered collaboration with local community members to improve Philadelphia public school grounds. We were to create enriching playscapes benefiting six schools in the Mt. Airy neighborhood and the surrounding community through sustainable practices, universal design, and innovative principles of play. There were also needed improvements to place identity, amenities for all ages, improve safety, and raise awareness of educational opportunities.

RoleI was elected project manager by fellow students. As the project manager, I oversaw and contributed to the timely completion of the Houston Elementary Master Plan submission to the Philadelphia School District. In addition to the document I contributed in our community charrette, scheduled and attended meetings with collaborators, and managed design production.

Project Completed By:Blake Osland, Eric Cook, Sara Davids, and Taylor Wald*All graphics completed by personal contribution unless stated otherwise with asterisk

Play Community Visioning & Playground DesignPhiladelphia, PA | Fall 2015Academic | Iowa State University

2016 Merit Award Recipient - ASLA Central States Chapter2016 Merit Award Recipient - ASLA Iowa Chapter

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Henry H. Houston Elementary PlaygroundExisting Condition

Project Collaborators

Legend

0-19,00019,001-26,00026,001-35,00035,001-48,00048,001-70,00070,001-100,000>100,000

LegendParks and Green Space

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Philadelphia Population: 1,526,00628,484382

Mt. Airy Population:Houston Elementary Enrollment:

Population TotalsAnnual household income of $23,283 or less

25%27%

92%

75%73%

8%

Hou

ston

Ele

men

tary

Mt.

Air

y

Phila

delp

hia

U.S. Poverty Line

Poverty Level

Population GrowthMount Airy Neighborhood

Philadelphia County

1,536,704

+1.3%

1,517,550

22,667

+2.2%

22,174

% Change:

2013

2000

Philadelphia

Mt. Airy

Parks

Mt. A

iry

Houston Elementary

Median AgeMt. A

iry

Houston Elementary

Median Income

Mt. A

iry

Houston Elementary

Context & School

Legend

<1818-2627-3233-3940-4950-55>60

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CaucasianAfrican AmericanAsianOther



Philadelphia

Caucasian African American Asian Other

Philadelphia

41%10%

6%

43%

Mt. Airy

White African American Asian Other

Mt. Airy

28%5%1%

66%

Houston Elementary

White African American Latino Other

Houston Elementary

3%7%2%

88%

76Livability

10th best in all of Philadelphia

57Bike Score

Average bike infrastructure

88%H.S. Graduation Rate

14% higher than Philadelphia

67Walkability Score

Somewhat walkable

44%Lower than the rest of Philadelphia

Crime Rate

52Good transit

Public Transit Score

Staff Parking

Dumpsters

Emergency Access Drive

OvergrownVegetation

KindergartenCourtyard

Dated Chain-linkFence

CongestedEntry Drive

CongestedEntry Drive

Failing RetainingWall

Staff Parking

Bus Drop-off

Site Boundary

Allens Lane

Line-upBasketball

Library

Rur

al L

ane

Bryant Street

Classrooms,Auditorium, & Gym

Existing Playground

Houston Site InventoryMt. Airy ScoresEthnicity

The student’s most requested playground element received in their drawings and in conversation was roller coasters. Realistically we could not meet their longing request. Instead, we let their desire for roller coasters foster the way we designed the site.

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October 13th October 13th October 16th

October 16th3r

d G

rade

Dra

win

gs

6th

Gra

de D

raw

ings

October 17th

October 28th November 1st

Pre-design Charrette

CommunityCharrette

Houston Community Design Charrette

Final Adjustments

Organizational Concept: Roller Coasters

Community Engagement

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Lawn

Existing Playground

Surface Games

ClimbingMounds

Net Climber

RetentionBasin

Allens Lane

Rur

al L

ane

ADA AccessTree

Trench

Motion Track

Amphitheater

Outdoor Classroom

Staff Parking

0’ 20’ 40’ 80’

Master Plan

November 19th December 10th

Final Bubble Diagram Staff Parking

Street Tree TrenchPlayground Tree Trench

Infiltration

Overflow to Existing Stormwater System

Connect to Existing Stormwater System

Allens Lane

8’ Sidewalk

Exis

ting W

all

Uptake by Roots

Surface Flow Surface

Flow

Evapotranspiration

Infiltration Build

ing

Vent

Tree GratePermeable Pavers

Build

ing

Surface Flow

Evapotranspiration

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Stormwater Systems

*Both section & axonometric graphic completed by Taylor Wald, while design process of specific was done in collaboration with entire team.

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Bioretention Basin

Bioswale

Bioswale

Lawn

Tree Trench

Tree Trench

Tree TrenchBioretention

Basins

2

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7

8

9

Site Watersheds & Calculations

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Stormwater CalculationsTotal Site Area: 3.172 Acres

2.205 Acres.967 Acres

Peak Runoff Rate

3.75 Cu. ft./sec

3.34 Cu. ft./sec

.43 Cu. ft./sec

1.27 Cu. ft./sec` .24 Cu. ft./sec

.38 Cu. ft./sec

.23 Cu. ft./sec

.20 Cu. ft./sec

.77 Cu. ft./sec

.17 Cu. ft./sec

.09 Cu. ft./sec

Impervious:Pervious:

Pervious:

Peak Runoff Rate:(Existing)

Peak Runoff Rate:(Proposed)

Watershed 1:

Watershed 2:

Watershed 3:

Watershed 4:

Watershed 5:

Watershed 6:

Watershed 7:

Watershed 8:

Watershed 9:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

BMP SizingParking Lot Bioswale: 622 SF

2,917 SF640 SF392 SF339 SF720 SF605 SF

Central Bioswale:Playground Tree Trench:

Upper Bioretention Basin:Lower Bioretention Basin:

Rural Lane Tree Trench:Lane Tree Trench:

Storm DrainDirection of Surface Flow

Legend

Community Gateway

ADA Accessible Entrance

Allens Lane

Mobile Vegetable Gardens

Shade Structure

Rubber Play Mounds

*Design collaboration between team and graphic completed by Sara Davids

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After: ADA Ramp

After: Kindergarten Zone

Before

Before

Access and universal design were crucial. The proposed ramp would make these amenities accessible to anyone with mobility hindrance.

The community wanted to improve the existing kindergarten space. The new space will encourage elements that encourage greater physical and mental development.

*Graphic completed by Taylor Wald

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Bioretention Basin

Overflow from Upper Basin

Service Vehicle Ramp

Slide

Teaching Platform

After: Amphitheater

BeforeThe client’s desire for an outdoor amphitheater space incorporated with an interactive stormwater element that is both educational and interactive.

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OasisHealthcare DesignMinneapolis, MN | Spring 2016Academic | Iowa State University

Project ChallengeTo design an adult behavioral health facility in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and create a brand for the new site. The facility was to have inpatient and outpatient services while providing public retail space on the ground level. The existing site is an L-shaped parking lot at the epicenter of critical city districts: Theater & Arts, Downtown Corporate & Retail, Institutional, Nightlife, Sports & Entertainment, and the historic Warehouse District. More than 5 million visitors experience this area of downtown annually.

Approach:To create a resilient landscape that promotes patient healing and celebrates the Minnesota ecoregion, while creating an inviting space for local users to enjoy. The park space brings new life into a highly built urban environment that lacks greenspace. The building and patient room orientation provide ample views of vegetation. Finally, a unique stormwater system that captures, treats, and recycles all water on site in order to sustain a healthy site long-term.

Project Completed By:Blake Osland, Andrew Meyer, Jessica Haack, Lu Hong, and Wenqian Wen.*All graphics completed by personal contribution unless stated otherwise with asterisk.

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Sports & Entertainment

WarehouseDistrict

Institution

Nightlife

Financial District

Theaters & Arts

Project Site

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Context & Vision Skyway Network

Frequency

Transportation

Site Access

Surrounding Usage

Noise Level Activity

Site Circulation

Frequency and sound work together to define the site throughout the landscape, building, and into the interior with the use of curves and spaces created in relation to fluctuating sound levels. The diverse number of activities happening at any given moment around the site allowed for a landmark opportunity with this design.

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0’ 50’ 100’ 200’

N. 1st

Avenue

Hennipen

Avenue

N. 5th Street

N. 6th Street

Legend:1. Patient Tower Greenroof2. Proposed Skyway3. Parking Garage Ramps4. Patient Dropoff 5. Vehicular Access6. Vehicular Exit7. Water Feature8. Plaza Space9. Terraced Roof System10. Terraced Wall System11. Tree Trench System12. Light Rail Station13. North Plaza Retail Entry14. Southwest Plaza Retail Entry15. Open Lawn

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2

3

4

5

67

8

8

15

9

10

13

1410

11

12

Master Plan

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Building Section

Southwest Plaza Entry

Nurse Station & Community Space

Place Identity

Terraced Vegetative Wall

Proposed Skyway Retail Level 2

*Graphic by Jessica Haack

*Graphic by Andrew Meyer

Personal sketch: The water feature inspired by Minnehaha Falls in the Minneapolis city park, Minnehaha Park.

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Patient Drop-off & Pickup

Interconnected Stormwater System

Patient Tower (2 Floors)

Retail Level 1

Retail Level 2

Legend:Green RoofTerraced WallUnderground Storage TankBioretention CellCirculating Water FeatureTree Trench

Winter

MountainMaple

ShadblowServiceberry

Summer

Fall

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Terraced Wall System

Seasonal Variety

RedosierDogwood

CockspurHawthorn

EasternRedbud

SilverMaple

Red Oak

Winterberry WhitePine

P.J.M.Rhododendron

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Stormwater Plant Schedule

Falls & Park Access

Pale PurpleConeflower

Prairie Blazing Star

Black EyedSusan

Great BlueLobelia

SiberianIris

New England Aster

Astilbe Salvia RedosierDogwood

Serviceberry

Pennsylvania Sedge

Fox Sedge

Sprengel’s Sedge

LittleBluestem

June Grass

Prairie Dropseed

Indian Grass

Allium Orange Coneflower

Sedum Roof Garden Mix

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ConnectivityUrban DesignNew Orleans, LA | Fall 2014Academic | Iowa State University

Project ChallengeBreaking through existing edge conditions is a major challenge when reconnecting fractured neighborhoods in the City of New Orleans. Existing city infrastructure creates spaces of isolation and distress throughout New Orleans neighborhoods. This infrastructure along with ineffective zoning ordinance led to the isolation of the north quarter of St. Roch neighborhood. My exploration focuses on the St. Roch area and its relationship with existing edge conditions.

ApproachThe overhead highways, rail line, and canal left this area segregated from the St. Roch neighborhood. In order to reconnect the neighborhood, the severed St. Roch Avenue needed to come together again with green transportation technology. Environmental justice, recreation, enhanced infrastructure, and redevelopment became the catalyst to reconnect St. Roch Neighborhood. The end goal was to reconnect a struggling neighborhood and set a precedent for the City of New Orleans.

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North St. Roch

St. Roch Neighborhood




North St. Roch

North St. Roch

South St. Roch

South St. Roch

South St. Roch

Infrastructure

Existing Parks

Zoning

Lake Ponchartrain

Mississippi River

New Orleans

Context & Analysis

1

1

2

3

2

3

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North St. Roch

South St. Roch

Incoming School

St. R

och

Ave

nue

Our Lady of the SeaCatholic Church

Campo SantoCemetery

NeighborhoodDisconnect

St. Roch Park

St. Roch Market

Along St. Roch Corridor Phasing Plan

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Phase 5

Implement Multi-transitbridge to re-establish the connection between North and South St. Roch.

Utilize vacant lotsfor basketball parks.Recreational benefit establish New Orleans Midnight BasketballProgram.

Implement one pocket park per block in North St. Roch utilizing vacant lots to increase neighborhood greenspace.

Plant trees in vacant lots parallel to overhead highway corridor to reduce air pollution.

Residential redevelopment.Phases 1-4 act as initial catalyst to this phase for remaining vacant lot development.

North St. Roch:Vacant Lots

North St. Rock:Phasing Analysis

LegendNora Vacant LotsOther Vacant Lots

LegendHousing RedevelopmentPocket ParksBasketball ParkTree Canopy Installation

Phasing: Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

Existing Features Community Landmarks Parks School

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Before After

Phase 1: Overhead Highway Tree Planting

Reducing Our Carbon Emissions

A comparative study addressed the effects vehicular pollution had on humans and how we can counter those health risks by increasing tree canopy along highways. Increased tree planting along these corridors will benefit environmental and human preservation.

Key:CO: Carbon monoxideCO2: Carbon dioxidePM: Particulate matter

*Information obtained from EPA, American Forest Conservation Organization, and Arbor Environmental Alliance

Annual Emissions:CO: 249 lbsCO2: 9,737 lbsPM: .23 lbs Tree Facts:

• Reduces up to 60% particulate matter when present

• One tree can absorb 120-240 lbs of soot annually

• One tree can absorb up to 48 lbs of CO2 Annually

PollutionFilter

StomataAbsorbsPollutantsAnnual Emissions:

CO: 313 lbsCO2: 13,573 lbsPM: .25 lbs

Annual Emissions:CO: 63 lbsCO2: 4,467 lbsPM: 11.8 lbs

Car

Small Truck / SUV

Semi-truck

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Basketball Park

Section: Basketball Park

Legend: Proposed Parks Potential Parks Existing Parks

St. R

och

Cor

rido

r

Basketball Structure: Doubles as Hurricane Protection Structure

Entirely Open Entirely Closed Partially Open

Phase 2:Basketball Parks

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Bridge Connection

Phase 3: Green Bridge

Canal

Bioretention System

North St. Roch

South St. Roch

Overhead HighwayInfrastructure

OLD | Existing NEW | Proposed

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Pedestrian View

10’-6” 2’ 2’ 2’3’ 3’12’

VegetatedInfiltration

VegetatedInfiltration

Vehicular TrafficPl

ante

r

Plan

ter

Plan

ter

Buffe

r

Buffe

r Pedestrian & Bicycle Traffic

12’ 15’ 10’-6”12’

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RecreationSite DesignBrooklyn, NY | Fall 2012Academic | Iowa State University

Project ChallengeTo create a park that captures the first flush during a rain storm and provides a center for community building. The pollution left behind from the once thriving industrial district, combined with outdated sewage management results in one of the most toxic superfund sites in the country. Heavy rainfalls result in sewage overflow running into the canal. High levels of pollution threaten the site, wildlife, and community members. What was once a key urban growth location has long been forgotten and is in need of change.

Approach:Strong emphasis was given to activating people and recreational programs, the goal was to create a community center where people could go to involve themselves in a multitude of activities throughout all four seasons. The way the muscular system reacts to the circulatory system activated the way the site programs respond to each other while moving through space. The site is home to multiple stormwater elements to improve water quality and to educate the community about the adjacent environmental challenges faced with the Gowanus Canal. The end result was to create a local landmark and place of pride for community members.

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Canoing the Gowanus Canal created an opportunity to investigate the canal from yet another perspective.

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Context & VisionMovement

Motion

Flow

The muscular system, circulatory system, and skeletal system come together to create a dynamic strength building relationship. This inspired me to create dynamic spaces derived from the study of muscle cells at multiple scales.

Schematic Process

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Gow

anus

Can

al

Nev

ins

Stre

et

3rd

Ave

nue

Douglas Street

Degraw Street

Recreation

Structure

Greenspace

Circulation

Legend:1. Visitor Center2. Skate Park3. Splash Pad (Summer) & Ice Rink (Winter)4. Outdoor Workout Space

5. Great Lawn6. Tree Trench7. Green Gutter8. Indoor Pool9. Large Pool10. Children’s Pool

11. Pool Entry (Locker rooms, Storage, Concessions, Pump House)12. Retaining Wall13. Recreation Facility14. Rooftop Track

15. Bioretention Basin 16. Basketball Court17. Handball Court18. Playground19. Nature Corridor20. Canal Overlook

B

A 1

4

5

2

8910

1112

13

1515

16 1617 18

15

13

14

192067

Master Plan

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’

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BasketballCourt

Seating Mound

ImperviousWalkway

Indoor Pool

Pool Retaining Wall

Tree Trench

Degraw Street

PoolEntrance

Section Cut A

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RecreationFacility

StormwaterStorage Tanks

BioretentionBasin

RooftopTrack

ImperviousWalkway

Pool Retaining Wall

Children’sPool

LargePool

NevinsStreet

Section Cut B

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ProfessionalInternshipDes Moines, IA | 2015 - 2016Professional | Confluence

OverviewI had the opportunity to intern full-time for 8 months at Confluence in Des Moines, Iowa and was able to continue part time during my 5th year at Iowa State University. During my internship handled many responsibilities and worked on a variety of projects. The experience gave me insight into the life cycle of a project within a professional setting while giving me an idea of what is needed for me to be a valuable asset to a firm after graduating.

Project Involvement3D ModelingAutocad DrawingsConstruction DocumentsClient MeetingsDesign DevelopmentPhotoshop RenderingPresentation PreparationSchematic DesignSite Visits

2016 Annual Confluence gathering in Des Moines, Iowa. 34

West Des Moines

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PlazaEntry DesignSpring 2015 | West Des Moines, IAProfessional | ConfluenceClient: R&R Realty

Personal InvolvementWorking with Seth Gray and Chris Della Vedova I performed as a designer, draftsman, and graphic illustrator on this project. This project was meaningful to me because it’s the first urban built works that I had a strong hand in throughout the entire process of getting our design built.

Project ApproachWe were approached by a return client, R&R Realty, to redesign the entry for Wells Fargo Card Services corporate building for improved facility aesthetic and functionality. Our charge was to completely demo the entire site except for the existing water feature. We addressed our design with respect to the fountain, building materials, urban appeal, proper site drainage, and mindfulness for pedestrian circulation.

Before Proposed Perspective

Post Construction

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

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Master Plan

Legend:1. Honey Locust (9)2. Serviceberry (9)3. Sedges Bed4. Concrete Benches5. Security Benches6. Permeable Pavers7. Existing Fountains8. Re-used Planters

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2

3

5

6

6

6

7

8

4

Blue Zinger Sedge

Bowles Golden Sedge

Fox Sedge

Pennsylvania Sedge

Shadblow Serviceberry

Honey Locust

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Identity Park Master PlanningSpring 2016 | Waukee, IAProfessional | ConfluenceClient: Waukee Parks & Recreation

Personal InvolvementUpon completing the final master plan layout with Matt Carlile, I was given free reign for the design of the southwest corner. Beginning with selecting a nature-theme, I took loose bubble diagrams to a refined detailed design. In respect to Iowa’s landscape, I developed the plant and materials palette alongside select landscape features. I worked with a playground vendor to create a unique nature themed playground. Other involvement included developing a pavilion, cost estimate, and site grading including an ADA accessible ramp.

Project ApproachThe clients approached us to enhance Centennial Park. The site is currently home to a variety of athletic amenities, playgrounds, a stream, and event spaces. Among their new requests were a variety of recreational programming, more parking, and a new pavilion. After the initial meeting, the project was to be phased out over several years. In phase 1 we addressed the southwest corner with the concept of nature in the city. The built elements including the pavilion and the playground tie in with the surrounding design elements including a proposed wetland system, improved tree canopy, and swaths of prairie plantings.

Site Photos Schematic Diagrams

0’ 30’ 60’ 120’

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Master PlanSchematic Diagrams

Pavi

lion

Enla

rgem

ent

Sout

hwes

t C

orne

r En

larg

emen

t

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Schematic Design

Schematic Pavilion

Deck

Existing Grade

Walkout PatioAlternative Event Space / Storage

Event Space

0’ 15’ 30’ 60’

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Phase 1 Enlargement

Green today, for a sustainable tomorrow.

Green today, for a sustainable tomorrow.