Taking Root DesignLandscape Planning Portfolio

Kristin Thomas • Easthampton, MA • takingrootdesign@gmail.com

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Index

Design and Planning

Site Design and Management PlanUrban Design Residential Landscape Design

Related Works

PhotographyWatercolorWriting

Resume

2-5 6-910-13

14-15 1617

18-19

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Tully Lake Campground25 acres

Royalston, MA Spring 2010

Project Context:Tully Lake Campground is a quiet refuge on 200-acre Tully Lake, offering 35 tent-only campsites. Tully Lake is an artificial lake created as a result of the construction of the Tully Dam and many of the most popular campsites are located directly on the water’s edge. As the campground contin-ues to grow in popularity the aging facilities are no longer adequate for camper demand. At the broader scale, some of the shoreline campsites are experiencing significant erosion. The tower-ing canopy of white pines is in decline and may no longer be there within a few decades. The site design of this project focused on the common area of the campground, and looked to increase ranger work and storage space, increase the ranger station and comfort station facilities and de-fine and enhance visitor gathering areas. The project then looked at the broad scale to develop best management practices for entire campground, addressing such issues as shoreline erosion and declining forest health.

Site Design and Management Plan

SKILLS & TECHNOLOGY USED: Autocad, GIS, Indesign, Photoshop, Hand Drafting/Rendering, Alternative Designs, Client Presentation

The campground is located in a large expanse of undeveloped land, much of which is white pine. Many of the pines along the shore are in decline.

Looking west at the ranger station. While it is con-veniently sited near the entrance, it is too small to meet the current demand.

Looking northeast towards ranger station and common area. The overnight parking and fire pit area experience some mid-day shade but are mostly hot and exposed.

Annual flooding of Tully Lake is contributing to severe shoreline erosion and declining forest health. The final design proposes limiting visitor access to the shoreline while it is under restoration. Soil bioen-gineering techniques are recommended to stabilize the shoreline. Revegetating with native species toler-ant of seasonal flooding is also recommended for those areas losing large populations of white pines.

FEMA 100-YEAR FLOOD-PLAIN: The campground sits just above Tully Lake and is very susceptible to flooding.

Campground

Doane Hill Road

Tully Lake

Tully Dam

Common Area

Kristin Thomas, Tabitha Kaigle, Jamie ScottAll graphics by Kristin Thomas

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AnalysisThe site analysis of this project occurred at the scales: • Broad scale analysis of the whole campground including shoreline erosion, declining forest health, and trail overuse.• Fine scale analysis of the campground common area where visitor check in and all campground facilities are located.The fine scale analysis included access and circulation, sun and shade, legal restrictions, soils and vegetation. The analyses revealed many constraints within the common area, limiting where new buildings, parking, and additional group gathering spaces can be located.

Foot Traffic

Ranger Vehicle Access

High Use Areas

Areas of Crowding, High Use

Visitor Vehicles

Direction of Water Flow

Puddling Water

Overnight Parking

Picnic/Fire Pit Area

Doa

ne H

ill R

oad

Rec Area

To Western Campsites

Comfort Station

Ranger

Station

To Southern Campsites

To Boat

Launch

Day-use Parking

ACCESS AND CIRCULATION ANALYSIS: This analysis of the common area revealed that there are few paths or edges to direct pedestrians. Surface water is predominantly shed away from the site and buildings towards the surrounding forest edge or across the parking area onto Doane Hill Road.

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Final Design

Looking south into the newly designed entrance and common area, tall and medium size shade trees dot the landscape, helping to define spaces and give afternoon shade. An enlarged ranger station greets visitors with a broad front porch and accessible ramp while the heart of the common area draws visitors in with a broad lawn and a fire pit surrounded by a pergola. Accessible parking, sited east of the fire pit, is located close to accessible campsites and is reached via a narrow access road. Ranger Station

Parking

Access Road

Firewood

Boats

Solar Pergola and Fire Circle

Accessible Parking

Recycling/Trash

Ranger Work Area

Comfort Station

Common Lawn

Volleyball

Horseshoes

Seating Wall

Overflow Parking

Doane Hill Road

A new ranger work area is located on the southern end of the common area and is buffered from visitors’ view with tall vegetation. A newly designed comfort station is accessed via paths lined with meadow grasses and native shrubs and perennials. The recreation area has remained in the same location over the leach field and stone seating walls offer a place for onlookers to gather. The parking has been collected near the entrance and large trees have been added to provide shade. An overflow parking area has been developed west of the primary parking lot and can be used during busy weekends.

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Existing Forest Woodland Shrub Border MeadowWoodland Perennial Border Low-Mow Lawn

Replanting with Native Species

For the common area, a number of different plant species are recommended to create a transition from the surrounding, mature forest down to a common lawn area. The woodland shrub and perennial border uses native species, some of which

are endangered, to provide habitat for wildlife and help maintain ecosystem diversity. The recommended plants help define spaces in the common area while still maintaining a naturalized aesthetic.

The use of native species is also recommended when revegetating the forest in place of deteriorating white pines. Native species tolerant of seasonal flooding are

recommended for the shoreline area.

VEGETATION TRANSITION: A gradient from the existing forest edge to a low-mow lawn provides a gradual transition from dense vegetation to a more developed open

common area.

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Main Street Revitalization10 Blocks

Hopkinton, MA Winter 2010Kristin Thomas, Gareth Crosby, Lily Jacobson

All graphics by Kristin Thomas

Project Context:Downtown Hopkinton, situated only four miles from I-495, holds the intersection of Routes 135 and 85 and is characterized by fast, heavy traffic and frequent accidents. Overhead utility wires overshadow the downtown’s beautiful old buildings, and crumbling sidewalks and minimal greenery also visually define the streetscape. For a town of 14,000 people, Hopkinton’s town center has relatively few businesses or lively social spaces.

This plan takes a multifaceted approach to revitalization. It proposes economic development measures, walkability improvements and traffic calming measures, streetscape improvements, stormwater runoff mitigation techniques, and strategies for creating lively social spaces.

Municipal Bldg

RoadsResidential Bldg

TreesCommercial Bldg

EXISTING CONDITIONS: Within this 10 block stretch, four distinct character zones are evident.

Residential on the Hill Commercial at the Crossroads

Dense Commercial

Downtown Residential

Historic homes house various downtown businesses and have large setbacks.

Historic homes dot the hill but pedestrians are exposed to fast moving traffic.

The dense commercial area has many faded crosswalks and sees heavy traffic.

The crossroads of Rts. 85 and 135 bring heavy traffic through the town center.

Urban Design

SKILLS & TECHNOLOGY USED: ArcGIS, Google Earth, Indesign, Photoshop, Hand Drafting/Rendering, Alternative Conceptual Plans, Public Meetings and Presentations

Rt. 135

Rt.

85

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AnalysisDuring the analysis process of this project, the physical and social com-ponents of Hopkinton’s town center, seen in relationship to the town as a whole and the regional context, were explored. Various types of analyses were done to inform this project, including regional and community connec-tions, land use, population growth, zoning, pedestrian and vehicular move-ment, stormwater, aesthetics, and social spaces.

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TOWN-WIDE LAND USE: Much of the development throughout the town is low-density residences, which results in the majority of the residents living away from the downtown.

Land UseCommercialIndustrialUndeveloped LandNurseryWaterHigh-Density ResidentialMedium-Density ResidentialLow-Density ResidentialRoads

RoadsCommercialHigh Density Residential

Low Density Residential

Medium Density Residential

SURROUNDING COMMERCIAL CENTERS: A lack in variety of downtown retail stores as well as strong commercial centers in surrounding towns draw Hopkinton residents out of town.

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In the future Hopkinton that this plan envisions, the downtown is becoming the heart of the community with many lively places where people interact. This conceptual plan outlines measures to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow, aesthetics, social spaces, and allows for infill development to encourage more businesses and residents downtown. All of these factors and more contribute to a downtown that is part of an increasingly resilient, thriving community.

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Large, broad trees

Small street trees

Parallel street parking

Rain gardens

Municipal parking lot

Pocket park

Municipal parking garage

Farmers market

Gateway

Point of interest

Mixed use infill

Medians

Unaltered roads

Project Focus Area

Narrowed roadsCommercial Center DowntownGreenway

Final Conceptual Plan

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Tree lined streets, as this photo simulation shows, are suggested for the majority of downtown Hopkinton. They help narrow overly wide travel lanes and slow speeding vehicles. They also provide a visual buffer between pedestrians and vehicles and can visually unify the different areas of the downtown.

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PHOTO SIMULATION: Existing street trees on Main Street, above left. A significant increase in street trees, above right, greatly improve the streetscape.

Retail Shop

Seasonal Planter

Rain Gardens and Additional VegetationRt. 135 East

A PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY MAIN STREET: Increased vegetation and widened sidewalks welcome pedestrians downtown.

In the redesigned cross-roads of routes 135 and 85, rain gardens surround and beautify the inter-section, softening hard surfaces and providing a barrier between pedes-trians and moving traffic. Wider sidewalks welcome pedestrians and additional street trees offer shade.

Seasonal Planter

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Main Entry

GarageDriveway

Neighbor’s Garage

Neighbor’s Shed

Mai

n St

reet

Neighbor

Senior Center

Porch

Common LilacsAnnabelle Hydrangeas

Red Maple

NorwaySpruces

Norway Maple

Side

wal

k

Historic Residence0.25 acres

Shelburne Falls, MA Fall 2009

The front entry porch lacks vegetation and can be hot in the afternoon sun. The driveway slopes towards the house, causing puddling water along the foundation.

The rear of the house lacks an attractive and stable point of access to the side yard. There is also no dedicated outdoor entertaining space.

EXISTING CONDITIONS: A lack of privacy, little vegetation, and neighbors on three sides create a feeling of exposure on this historic site.

Project Context:Being a 19th century home, there was a strong desire to preserve and improve exist-ing, historic vegetation. Increasing privacy through strong visual and sound buffers, particularly in the rear yard, and addressing inefficient access from the home to outdoor spaces were also areas of concern. Finally, improving drainage along the driveway and considering alternatives for outdoor living spaces was also a priority.

Residential Landscape Design

SKILLS & TECHNOLOGY USED: Property Survey, Vectorworks, Google Earth, Indesign, Photoshop, Hand Drafting/Rendering, Alternative Designs, Client Presentation

Historic plants, including maples, lilacs, and hydran-geas, surround the home but provide little privacy on a what is a very open and exposed site. Neigh-bors surround the home on 3 sides.

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SECTION THROUGH SIDE YARD OF EXISTING

CONDITIONS: The property has minimal existing vegetation, making privacy a challenge.

AnalysisThe site analysis of this project revealed numerous challenges and opportunities thorughout the property. A sun and shade analysis, shown above, revealed that the front entrance area is exposed to hot afternoon sun while the side yard has has mixture of sun and shade throughout the day. The senior center to the south and the Norway spruces to the east cast significant shade all year long. This informa-tion as well as other analysis, including drainage, views, and access and circulation, informed final design decisions.

SUN/SHADE ANALYSIS AT SUMMER SOLSTICE: Sun and shade, shown above at 9 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm on June 22, reveals areas in need of summer shade.

Red Maple

Common Purple Lilac Norway SpruceEntry Porch Rear

EntryGarage

Annabelle Hydrangea

Side Entrances to Kitchen

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6’Fence

MainEntry

Garage

Neighbor’s

Garage

Neighbor’s

Shed

Neighbor

Senior Center

Pervious Pavers on

Driveway

EmtpyConcretePad

New Patio

Lawn

RearEntry

Gate

u

w

y

Final Design

The driveway has been re-graded to create positive drainage away from the house A new vegetated drainage swale along the northern property bound-ary catches runoff from the neighbor’s gutter.

A welcoming front garden has been cre-ated with serviceberry trees that provide spring flowering interest, summer shade, as well as strategic buff-ering of views into the backyard.

A trellised gateway indicates the transi-tion from public to private space and panels of trellis extend on either side of the arbor to maintain privacy for the backyard.

A stone patio steps up to a covered porch where deep shade creates a comfortable space to relax and the kitchen is easily acces-sible.

To increase winter solar gain, the three Norway spruces have been re-placed with a red maple transplanted from the front yard and smaller flowering trees.

A new private garden is surrounded with large shrubs and flowering perennials.

w

u

v

y

z

x

Gate

vx

z

New Covered Porch

Picket Fence

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FINAL DESIGN SECTION THROUGH SIDE YARD: New ornamental trees provide shade to the western-facing entry porch. A gateway and arbor and tall shrubs provide privacy for the backyard and a new covered porch along the southern face of the house provides additional outdoor living space. A covered ramp improves the transition from the garage to the rear entry.

Amelanchier canadensis (3)

Mixture: Buxus macrophylla, Syringa ‘Josee”, Ilex glabra

Mixture: Hydrangea macrophylla, Nepeta faassenii

Mixture: Syringa vulgaris, Taxus media, Vaccinium corymbosum

Mixture: Ilex glabra, Juniperus chinensis, Kolkwitzia amabilis, Taxus media

Main Entry

Gateway & Arbor

Covered Porch Covered RampRearEntry

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I am inspired by shapes and patterns I see in both the natural world...

Photography

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... and the built world, particularly when the two are intertwined.

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Watercolor is another way that I see the landscape; it al-lows me to observe and record shape and form in a free flowing medium.

Watercolor

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Writing

Reflections on Sustainability and Regenerative Design

At a fundamental level, many of us are looking for a more sustainable future. I believe most people would agree that we wish to see human life continue on. I would also propose that people want to see our natural environment restored and even improved for current and future generations. These two desires comprise a core part of the notion of sustainability; sustainability is based on the value of meeting current human needs without compromising resources for future generations. Sustainability at its core is a hopeful, forward looking approach. It recognizes that our current actions can and will affect the future of our natural world. However, if we stop here, we could potentially still view humans and nature as separate entities.

In a linear view, we may think that human ingenuity and technology will provide for us in the long run, focusing solely on the end prod-uct. However, technology will not feed and shelter us and it certain-ly cannot replace the complex, awe-inspiring wonders that we see in the natural world. It is necessary to have a paradigm shift, to view nature and humans as part of the same system and to view them in a cyclical, interconnected way.

Regenerative design embodies that necessary paradigm shift and is based on principles that make leaps and bounds towards a more sustainable future. The crux of regenerative design is in its view of nature and people. It has a systems approach, viewing all the ele-ments of nature, including people, as a part of a larger ecosystem. Within that larger ecosystem exist smaller ecosystems. The funda-mental theory of regenerative design is recognizing that nature and humans exist within a mutual framework, have impacts on each other and perhaps most important, have the potential for a symbi-otic relationship.

Regenerative design also recognizes that human growth and development are real, unavoidable factors and sets out to modify and adapt landscapes to meet human needs in such a way that is self-renewing. It acknowledges that completely natural ecosystems evolved prior to human intervention and are essentially an unat-tainable state of being. Therefore, this design approach sets out to establish systems that allow for constant replacement, or regenera-tion, by using their own functions, materials and energy. Regen-erative design at its core means shedding a linear view of resource extraction, production, consumption and waste and taking on a cyclical view of the flow of resources at their source, consumption, and waste stages.

In recognizing the presence and associated needs of humans within nature, one also recognizes the inevitability of necessary develop-ment to meet those human needs. Currently, our development pat-terns are highly destructive, or degenerative, and highly consump-tive of natural resources. In contrast, regenerative design recognizes the inherent complexities of nature and seeks to learn from them, creating regenerative and sustainable development patterns for hu-mans. In his pioneering work in the field, regenerative designer John Lyle recognized that human systems often simplify development, such as our monocultural agricultural system, while natural systems often add more complexity to development. Along with creating complex, resilient systems, regenerative design also recognizes that it exists in the specific context of its location and qualities of place. It analyzes and responds to the particulars of soils, vegetation, hydrol-ogy, topography, climate and culture.

While every landscape may not need to be designed for human activities and functions, humans must be considered as a contribut-ing factor at some level in the design process to allow for effective planning of future ecosystem needs and impacts. Furthermore, when necessary, incorporating humans into the design solution, as exemplified through the principles of regenerative design, will cre-ate resilient, lasting landscapes for current and future generations.

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Education

Conway School of Landscape Design Conway, Massachusetts June 2010M.A.L.D. (Masters in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design)• Design theory and learned skills are applied to real projects including a residential landscape design, regional public planning project and

master plan project • Relevant Classes: Landscape Ecology, Design Workshop, Site Engineering and Hand Graphics, Humanities, and Graphic Design

The University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Burlington, Vermont May 2006Bachelor of Science in Private Outdoor Recreation Management Concentration in Sustainable Landscape Design and Horticulture• G.P.A.: 3.66• Relevant Classes: Landscape Design, Sketching and Illustration, Design Strategies, Park and Recreation Design, Community Design and

Planning, Natural History and Field Ecology, Ecosystem Management

Main Street Revitalization PlanDowntown Revitalization Committee, Hopkinton, MA Conway School Winter 2010

• As part of a three-person team, conducted site research and analysis and mapped GIS data

• Held public meetings• Researched aspects of revitalization, including economic development, sustainability

standards and stormwater management• Developed a two-phase schematic revitalization plan for the 0.7-mile stretch of

Main Street in the downtown, increasing pedestrian safety, improving aesthetics and vehicular movement, and creating opportunities for social interactions and community building

• Created a series of design guidelines for topics including economic development, pe-destrian and vehicular movement, infrastructure, aesthetics, social spaces and sustain-ability

• Developed a timeline of implementation for the revitalization plan

ExpEriEncECampground Site Design and Management PlanTully Lake Campground, The Trustees of Reservations, Royalston, MA Conway School Spring 2010

• As part of a three-person team, analyzed site conditions at two scales: Broad scale analysis of the whole campground including shoreline erosion, declining forest health, and trail overuse Fine scale analysis of the campground common area including solar aspect, drainage, and legal restrictions• Determined solutions for numerous facility issues including an overcrowded comfort sta-

tion and ranger station, insufficient ranger work and storage space, and limited parking • Identified opportunities for sustainable management practices including alternative energy

and composting toilets • Created a series of sustainable management practices for issues such as restoring and man-

aging forest health, improving universal access, and managing invasive species. • Designed a master plan for the common area including an expanded ranger station, ad-

ditional parking, a solar-pergola gathering area, and a native planting plan• Developed a three-part phasing of design implementation and a preliminary cost estimate

Resume

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Residential Site PlanShelburne Falls, MA Conway School Fall 2009 • Surveyed and mapped a 0.25-acre historic site• Analyzed such factors as sun/shade, vegetation, views, drainage, and access and circulation• Presented landscape designs to clients• Developed a site plan that increases privacy and outdoor living spaces, improves drainage

and circulation throughout the property, and highlights and builds upon existing historic plantings

• Created a driveway grading plan, a materials palette using locally sourced products, and a comprehensive planting plan

Nursery Supervisor Gardeners Supply Company, Burlington, VT November 2008 –August 2009 • Interviewed, hired and scheduled a team of 6 seasonal employees, working within a set

seasonal employment budget• Responded to and addressed customer complaints• Balanced constantly shifting priorities, including staff needs, plant care and customer

requests• As staff horticulturalist, prescribed organic treatments for pest and disease issues among

nursery stock and for customer inquires• Built seasonal and weekly orders for all plant material, including annuals, perennials, trees,

shrubs and tropicals• Oversaw receiving of plant material, handling of claims and follow-through on special

orders• Designed seasonal layout of nursery and merchandising of nursery stock, including rotat-

ing weekly vignettes• Developed curriculums for and taught numerous seminars, including Introductory

Principles to Landscape Design

Nursery Supervisor Assistant Gardeners Supply Company, Burlington, VT April 2007 - November 2008

• Educated customers on organic gardening practices and assisted in selection of site-

appropriate plant material• Cared for plant material, including scouting and treating for pests and diseases • Acted as staff horticulturalist and assisted with purchasing and receiving of plant orders• Created and executed marketing-related merchandising plans• Managed all green goods tasks in absence of green goods supervisor, ensuring an efficient

and productive work environment

SoftwarE KnowlEdgE

• Adobe CS4 (Photoshop, InDesign and introductory knowledge of Illustrator)• ArcGIS• Introductory knowledge of AutoCAD 2011• Google Docs• Microsoft Office• Introductory knowledge of Google SketchUp 7

Freelance Landscape Designer Still River Gardens, Riverton, CT May - September 2006

• Drafted comprehensive landscape designs and planting plans for residences• Consulted with clients on design and implementation options• Mapped sites• Developed multiple design solutions for site renovations

Landscape Designer/Installer Shepherd Landscape & Design, Inc., Otis, MA Seasonal 2002 - 2006

• Entrusted with increasing responsibility over four years from intern to full-time position, including overseeing the installation of plantings

• Planned and implemented various landscape designs• Installed and maintained lawns, driveways and annual plantings• Crafted basic stone walls and walkways• Executed seasonal maintenance for established landscapes

Landscape Architect InternLandworks Landscape Architecture and Planning, Middlebury, VT April - May 2005

• Designed restoration landscape plans with Vectorworks CAD• Transformed GIS aerial photos into base maps for land-use planning• Identified underutilized sites at The University of Vermont and contributed suggestions

for future uses to the master plan• Photographed sites and indexed native species of shrubs and trees