PortfolioDANIEL RIDGWAY

I have recently achieved a Merit award for the completion of my Post Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture from Leeds Metropolitan University. I chose this degree because I want to create spaces for people to enjoy, relax and remember. I am currently studying toward my Masters and would like eventually to become well known in my field.

I am a warm, friendly person, quick and eager to learn new skills and excel at what I am doing. I have excellent communication and people skills and enjoy working both alone and as part of a wider team. I work hard and take pride in my work.

I am proficient in various design programs such as, AutoCad, Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. During my gap year, I spend 6 months in full time employment at James Blake Associates (Landscape Architects) as a Landscape Assistant, I then returned in the summer of 2010 for three months. Working for a professional practice gave me excellent practical experience within the discipline of Landscape Architecture, and gave me the first taste of working on real live projects. Other qualifications include a City and Guilds Level 2 for the completion of an AutoCad course.

Outside of university I enjoy getting out and about in both the city and countryside, playing sports and trying to see as many new sights as I can. I revel in experiencing the atmosphere of new places, and I try to capture just a small moment of these experiences through my passion for photography.

About me

PEELING BACK THE CITYTo design and build a

Park(ing) Day installation with inspiration take from the human perception of a connection with

nature.

This was a self directed project towards my masters degree.

With more people living in the city than the countryside these days, creating a ‘connection with nature’ within the urban environment is in high demand by city dwellers and a theme in much of modern day landscape architecture. In my masters project I wanted to explore what gives people this connection and how these ideas can be translated into design. The project was a design installation for PARK(ing) Day 2013. PARK(ing) Day is an internationally celebrated event in which people all around the world take over parking spaces for a day and turn them into a small area of public space, with the aim of highlighting the importance of green space in the urban environment.

The human desire to connect with the natural environment has been explained in the theory of Biophilia. This is defined as the inherent bond between human beings and other living things, a psychological need rather than a whim. In my design I wanted to explore this idea by looking at the balance between the man made and the natural.

Biophilia

Peeling Back The City The installation was called ‘Peeling back the City’, my design suggests the tarmac of the road peeling back to reveal planting beneath. This symbolised the constancy and underlying presence of the natural world even in urban environments as well as the idea of the conscious, subconscious and physical connection between human beings and nature.

STOWMARKET MAJOR DESIGNTo create a sustainable, f lexible vision that will connect, enhance and benef it the lives of local

community

Local Field patterns

Existing Land Form

Desire Lines and route ways

Concept Design

Introduction and Conceptual work

Stowmarket is a small rural town in central Suffolk. It has seen the arrival of a canal, the wealth of a booming malt production industry, the industrial revolution, introduction of the railway and continued to evolve and adapt to cope with the new demands. The 20th and 21st century have brought new challenges that will effect every town and city in England.

New dense and maze like housing developments are continuously expanding and wider roads are being constructed. This causes an increasingly strained connection with the surrounding environment and town centre. This is a very unsustainable way for our towns and cities to progress into the future.

Stowmarket has seen a large amount of residential development over the last 10 years, including development such as the Cedars Park and Chilton fields. This rapid, continuous growth has started to dilute the cultural elements and character of the town. This is some what due to big national developers implementing the same planning methods, architectural and landscape style across all their projects.

Cedar Park was master planned as a mixed use development but only a very small amount of the employment areas have been developed, resulting in a longer commute for workers and many areas left derelict and unused, resulting a the residents having to commute to work and the site not being in use for the majority of the working week.

Another issue is global warming and the very real prospect of huge changes in climate. The proposed Stowmarket Development hopes to counteract the problems that arise from global warming such as increased rainfall, rising C02 levels and water levels, as well as creating a vibrant and exciting place to live and work for both people and nature.

A Vision of Affluence This master plan was focused on the south-east side of the town. The ethos behind the design was to merge natural forms and system in to a new business district. With ‘energy plus’ offices and ‘passive’ warehouses in industrial areas, the site will become a model for future commercial development. These principals will draw large investment due to the ever growing need and current interest in ‘sustainable’ development. With excellent transport links to Felixstowe and London, this site will become a desirable location for small and large companies. The creation of a range of job types will result improved prospects for young people and the local economy.

A Vision of Connectivity

I have introduced a strong green infrastructure making its way from the A14 access road and the edge of the Cedars Park development, to the Town centre. This green connection will pass through the new Gipping river side gardens and encourage people to walk and cycle in to the town centre to visit the local market and shops in the shopping area proposed in the Stowmarket master Plan.

A Vision on Natural beauty

Gipping Riverside gardens will be situated on the old Bosch site along the river Gipping’s banks. This will act as flood alleviation, a centre park, a reconnection to nature, and a gateway to the town centre. Enhancing bio diversity is vital in the creation of sustainable developments, and being located on the river it will proved an important green space along the narrow green corridor that is the river Gipping.

Master Plan

Off ice environment

Riverside Gardens

Built form, Office space

High Business Investment

Low Business Investment

Built form, Office space Route ways and circulation

Route ways and circulation

External Parking area

External Parking area

With Stowmarket’s continued growth it is important to have a place of escape for resident and a sanctuary for flora and forna acting as a physical and visual break from the sprawling industrial and residential site.

Taking inspiration from the surround environment and the natural evolution of modern landscapes the idea of the creation of a grid system of field pattern developed. This will have many benefits. One of them being a relatively quick impact, through the planting of fast growing species in the hedge rows allow for slower growing species to be planted in the enclosed areas. A hedge row system will also create areas of isolation that will allow the space to be used as an escape for both local residents and workers.

Looking at local field patterns, landform on the site and desirable paths through the site lead to further development of the sketch design. Originally the hedge structure took its form from a simple grid pattern with random section taken out in an effort to give the chaotic jumble of patch work seen in aerial photos of agricultural areas. However this desired effect did not come, so further research in to historical field patterns and their evolution to done and it became clear that the lay of the land is partially reflected in the shape and orientation of fields. However this was not the only defining factor as thing such as land ownership also played a

major part. As a result through overlay existing field patterns with contours across the site help a more realistic set of field patters to be created. The introduction of a new access route across the Tomo industrial estate will provide a route from Cedar park housing estate to the town centre with reduced pedestrian and vehicular interaction.

At present the river Gipping is fairly unaccessible. Through opening up the river bank and surrounding it with green public open space it will help the river become recognized as an iconic asset of the future Stowmarket.

As mentioned above employment has been some what over looked in majority of recent development in the area. To the left you can see how the challenge for sustainable employment and economic stability has been met. Through the use of shipping container construction and the opportunity for the part of the site north of the railway to expand and contract (in regards to office space) as needed, will reduce the risk of employ buildings whilst also offering a unique working environment with views of wild flower meadows and wood land rather that car park after car park. The uniqueness will attract investment from companies that believe that working with a connection to nature can reduce stress and thus increase output.

Code Latin Name Common Name Size Spacing (per m²) NumberAst nov Aster novae-angliae New England Aster 3L 2 p/m² 138

Cal bra Calamagrostis brachytricha Korean feather reed grass 5L 1 p/m² 93

Car pen Carex pendula Pendulous sedge 5L 1 p/m² 132

Cim jap Cimicifuga japonica Japanese Bugbane 3L 2 p/m² 48

Eup pur Eupatorium purpureum subsp. Maculatum 'album' Gravel root 3L 2 p/m² 94

Ger 'pil' Geranium 'pilippe vapelle' Cranesbill 3L 2 p/m² 68

Hell arg Helleborus argutiflolius Holly-leaved hellebore 2L 2 p/m² 112

Lim gme Limonium gmelinii Sea Lavender 3L 3 p/m² 180

Mis sin Miscanthus sinensis Eulalia 'Malepartus' 5L 1 p/m² 67

Phl tub Phlomis tuberosa Jerusalem Sage 2L 3 p/m² 180

Sed tel Sedum telephium Orpine 'Strawberries and Cream' 2L 3 p/m² 75

Sti gig Stipa gigantea Giant feather grass 5L 1 p/m² 55

Ver vir Veronicastrum virginicum Culver's root 'Fascination' 2L 3 p/m² 256

Planting design The ethos behind this planting scheme was to give year round interest, low maintenance beds, colour, movement and form. Serpentine Box hedging that runs through the centre of the bed will be unveiled in winter months when other perennials die back. They will ensure the organic forms remain strong. Arching grasses and tall flowering perennials will give the sense of wildness and intrigue as they encroach on the secondary paths.

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Modelling

Wire support for climbers

Steel hand rail to be 1100mm fromtread height

Steal support structure fixedwith 10mm rivets

No riser

Vertical steel 'L' shaped joists.Size:100x100mm to be sunken in toconcrete foundations

Vertical hand rail support to be sunkeninto tread to avoid and trip hazards

Wire support to be looped and fixedthough holes in stairs.

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Stairs where needed to the north of the Riverside Gardens to allow access to the fly over. The page opposite shows a Sketch Up model and an axonometric AuctoCad drawing the left.

MIJBURG AMSTERDAMTo build an exemplary model for contemporary living, within a vibrant urban social fabric that

will evolve into the future.

The purpose of this project was to illustrate the proposed vision for the new island developments taking place in the River Ij in Amsterdam. This project was carried as group work and the brief was to design a new Ijburg island. The opposite page show the existing Ijburg located a shot trams journey ride from Amsterdam central station. To the right of the image you can see the beginnings of works for the proposed island. This work has, however been suspended due to funding issues brought about by the financial crisis. This project was carried out by Abigail Haire, Hannah Murton, Roger Williams and myself

Site Introduction

The proposals for the new islands have been studied after comprehensive analysis of the existing Steigereiland and Ijburg developments, and have been designed to showcase an exemplary model of contemporary urban living.

These diagrams shows how the design for the new Mijburg development mirrors the structure of the existing centre of Amsterdam. The city originated from the mouth of the river Amstel, through the construction of arching, concentric dikes the city expanded.

Radiating from a circular island specified as the commercial hub, this design will offer many benefits for the new resident. Giving each radial strip its own use resulting in a variety of easily accessible open space allows for uninterrupted green routes across the islands as well as making it possible to accommodate for all 7 of Amsterdam’s habitat types.

Design Development

Amsterdam’s radial development

The goal of this study was to build an exemplary model for contemporary living, within a vibrant urban social fabric that will evolve into the future.

The Mijburg Masterplan has achieved this through extensive research of existing plans, policies, history, culture and ecology. Together with an exciting application of landscape knowledge and imagination, the resulting plans showcase a well thought out landscape strategy that could provide the development with the sustainable future plan that it needs.

The overriding theme is of balance and harmony. Whilst complete self-sufficiency is unlikely to be achievable (given certain constraints such as space and climate), the Mijburg development aims to be balanced in terms of production and consumption of energy, fuel and food.

The Masterplan caters for human, animal and plant life to equal status, and puts great focus on the creation and conservation of the habitat biotopes that are prevalent in Amsterdam.

The crucial plan for cities of the future is to harmonise with their environments; to create an equilibrium between the built form and the natural processes that surround them. The Mijburg Masterplan is one more step toward achieving this balance.

Master Plan

A key aspect of the design is that the islands are free from private cars. To compensate for this a exemplary car share scheme will be put in place, Micar.

This scheme will involve a fleet of 1,500 vehicles (1 for every 6 people), with Micar stations spread across the development all within easy walking distance from residential areas. The tram routes will be seen as the primary transport method with the Micar scheme being ideal for the weekly shop, school run and the transport of goods.

The Mijburg public transport scheme will be sustainable and will free residential areas from domineering traffic.

By having residential streets as drop off and pick up points only, the Micar station charging the vehicles through renewable energy sources reducing pressures on the climate.

Mijburg has provided spaces for 2,500 Micars to allow for expansion of the island’s population.

Bellow is a section showing the layout of the underground parking area closest to the commercial hub. This space accommodates Micar parking for access to the commercial hub and also provides a place where the cars can be serviced, repaired and cleaned.

Underground Parking

Green InfrastructureMultifunctional green space

Habitat Island

Agriculture

Woodland

Raised park above car parking

Public open spaces interspersed within residential developments

A network of strategically positioned green spaces provide invaluable access to nature in a variety of forms for both residents and visitors. The radial formation creates a dynamic experience as you travel across the island. A key feature is that green space is never further than a ten minute walk away.

A linear park provides a necessary visual green link from the commercial hub to the habitat island aiming to attract visitors to explore what’s beyond. Micar parking is situated below a green park, providing panoramic views and keeping the cars hidden from view.

Habitat DistributionBiotope 1: BuildingsBiotope 2: InfrastructureBiotope 3: Managed GreenBiotope 4: Rough GreenBiotope 5: Water and ShoresBiotope 6: Reed SwampBiotope 7: Agriculture

VisionThe Vision was to integrate all 7 biotope habitat types within the urban city fabric, allowing for progression of both humans and nature within Mijburg.

PUBLIC ART To increase our understanding

and awareness of the importance of public art

This was a self-directed project product by Hannah Murton and myself. It was an opportunity for us to shape our own project all the way from brief to completion and design. The brief was to increase our understanding, critical awareness and application of contextual issues, e.g. Sustainability, influencing design in the landscape. It was primarily a research project looking in to the diversity, importance and implementation of public art. We went on several research trips to look art public art in Bradford, Leeds and Manchester. Our Research culminated in creative design ideas, site sensitive and a response to site and user, for a development under regeneration in Leeds, Clarence Dock.

Please view the final presentation at: http:/ /prezi .com/gghginbgurg8/present/?auth_key=6jbpowp&follow=9mvseelh5o-g&kw=present-gghginbgurg8&rc=ref-25420785

Project Introduction

DANIEL RIDGWAY:daniel.e.ridgway@gmail.com07511358330