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Site Planning + Landscape Design

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EMPTY SPACE OCULUS

PROJECT

Empty Space Oculus | Sevier Lake, UT | 2022


TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Rhino, Lumion, photography, & photomicrography

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Empty Space Oculus is a land art piece that serves as both a 'locus' and a 'lens.' It offers a multi-scale and multi-use space that provides visitors with immersive and interactive experiences in an environment often characterized as 'empty' and 'void.' Situated in the Great Basin Region, the site's unique attributes include abundant minerals, vast open spaces, and a dark sky for optimal stargazing. Blurring the boundaries between art and natural science, the design integrates patterns found in nature and embodies regenerative principles. The vision statement for this land art project is: “To develop a multi-scale and multi-use observation site which provides opportunities for experiencing unity, pattern discoveries, and inspiration for local communities, students, and visitors.” The vision and design processes were guided by the principles of experiential engagement, sense making, regenerative design, architectural communication with the landscape, and artistry. With a holistic intention of celebrating and respecting the Great Basin's patterns and unity, the Oculus will be sustained through ongoing collaboration with indigenous partners. Please CLICK HERE to view the Empty Space Oculus

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MOSAIC

PROJECT

MOSAIC | Burnham Yards, Denver | 2021


TOOLS
Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Lumion, & ArcGIS

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

MOSAIC pulls inspiration from a complex post-industrial landscape to weave together a new spatial fabric. Similar to a mosaic, the proposed site design inlays many parts including rehabilitation, remediation, soundscape design, and social programming to form a cohesive space. Special consideration was given to varied complexity zones during the planning of the site. This allows all users, including neurodivergent, to enjoy differed acoustic, anthropogenic, and biophilic experiences based on their individual sensory needs and preferences. The vision for MOSAIC was informed by an earlier project REDEFINING THE EDGE and intends to serve the greater Denver area while also considering the diverse local community and site histories. For instance, the historic assets onsite are proposed to be rehabilitated for modern use and the central plaza brings to attention the regions historic redlining through pattern and materiality. The development also proposes a financial and policy investigation to create a mitigation fee structure, such as a monthly dividend, to offset tax increases and financial impacts to the local community. This measure aims to reduce unintended impacts of gentrification created by the development. Please CLICK HERE to view MOSAIC's site analysis, planning, and design boards.

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UMOJA MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT

UMOJA | Denver, CO | 2021


TOOLS

AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Lumion, Adobe Creative Suite, & MS Office

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The site name, UMOJA, is from Kwanzaa and defined as “Unity - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.” The concept was developed by a team of MLA (Master of Landscape Architecture) students in which I coordinated. The vision is to "create a self-sufficient, mixed-use development which provides equity, employment opportunities, and security for marginalized community members" -- this was informed by demographic research, site inventory, social equity analysis, and asset mapping of the community. The proposed development includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent mixed housing units. The green space incorporates urban agriculture and the non-profit restaurant on site, “Project Unite,” offers opportunities for the community to come together. Social services are also proposed on site to help uplift the houseless population in this underserved Denver community.

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HEARTLAND VILLAGE

PROJECT

Heartland Village | Kentucky City, MO | 2021


TOOLS
Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Rhino, Lumion, & ArcGIS

ORGANIZATION
ULI Hines 2021 Student Competition 

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Our interdisciplinary graduate student team from UCD and UCB collaborated to plan and design an inclusive 2.5 million square foot mixed-use development for the ULI Hines 2021 Student Competition. Our 3 core pillars of Community Wellness, Equity, and Resiliency were carefully crafted into the site plan. My primary roles were planning, site design, 3d modeling, and rendering the vignettes. I was the lead planner and designer for the central plaza, pedestrian way, multi-modal transit center, and rooftop urban agriculture. I also supported our teams' strategic goals and objectives, analyses, master planning, narratives, project branding, & financials specific to renewable energy ROI and beneficial electrification. Other project deliverables provided by the team included the phasing diagram, a rendered site plan overview, cross section, demographic data, and a pro forma. We received an honorable mention from the jury for the pedestrian way, Holmes Street. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Heartland Village.  

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UTICA WAVE + CAYUGA WATERCOURSE

PROJECTS

Utica Wave & Cayuga Watercourse | New York | 2019


TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite & Hand Drafting Supplies

ORGANIZATION

RiverRestoration.org

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Utica Wave and Cayuga Watercourse conceptual plan proposals were co-developed with a multidisciplinary team of river engineers, watershed scientists, landscape architects, and artists. My primary roles were identifying recreation opportunities, highlighting community access points to the waterways, developing aquatic and terrestrial circulation diagrams, and rendering site plans for the proposed development sites for New York State. I also collaborated with Charlie Manus, an artist based in Marble, Colorado, to co-create the final artistic concept of the Utica Wave by providing visual and written guidance throughout drafting phases. Please CLICK HERE to view the project boards and artistic concept.

 

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ROOT AND BRANCH TRANSITION TRAIL

PROJECT

Root and Branch Transition Trail | Loveland, CO | 2021


TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Lumion, & China Markers

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Oxbow Natural Area is a landscape marked by transition from root to branch. The ROOT AND BRANCH TRANSITION TRAIL guides visitors through this ecotone (transitional area) along an interpretive multi-use path and connects visitors with the natural assets of this diverse landscape through varied experiences. Locally, this ecotone is home to riparian habitat, upland fields, and glorious cottonwoods. Regionally, the Oxbow Natural Area is a geographic transitional area between the Plains and the Rocky Mountains. This spatially transitive site, nestled in the foothills, provides important habitats for raptors, songbirds, trout, seasonal ungulates, and small critters. The main loop meets ADA requirements and incorporates Universal Design principles, including the multi-generational play structure. 

The Solar Plaza at Mesa View Estate Park

SOLAR PLAZA

PROJECT
The Solar Plaza | Mesa View Estate Park, CO | 2020


TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, & AutoCAD

 

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Solar Plaza plan for Mesa View Estate Park incorporates a series of power generating solar photovoltaic pavers that form a multi-functional community plaza. The solar cell pavers are specified to handle foot traffic and capture enough solar energy to power the public lighting within the site. Directly surrounding the plaza are locally commissioned artisan stained-glass light sculptures. They create a luminous spectacle during both day and night. The sculptures are a celebratory symbol of renewable energy and community resilience. Outdoor site furniture and a large canopy are complementary site elements for the community to enjoy. Please CLICK HERE to view project details. 

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TRAIL ANALYSIS

PROJECT

Trail Analysis | Glenwood Springs, CO | 2020


TOOLS
Photography, InDesign, & Hand Drafting Supplies

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

I conducted an analysis of failed trail infrastructure in Glenwood Springs, along with identifying solutions to resolve the issue. The primary issue is the trail’s steep 58% grade, which is slick and dangerous when there is heavy moisture absorption. The trail also erodes easily with light foot traffic. The proposed solutions are either a slab stone stairway or reconstructing the trail as a switchback with integrated river rocks for stabilization. Both options would help stabilize the trail and enable safer river access for the community while aesthetically aligning with the surrounding natural environment. Please CLICK HERE to learn more. 

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SITE CONNECTIVITY & DESCRIPTION

PROJECT

Site Connectivity & Description | Glenwood Springs, CO | 2021


TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Lumion, & Online Databases

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Please CLICK HERE to view a site analysis and description that I conducted which includes political and infrastructure systems, legal descriptions, and systems connectivity. 

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SITE INVENTORY & SUITABILITY ANALYSIS

PROJECT

Site Inventory & Suitability Analysis | Punch Bowl Stapleton, Denver, CO | 2020


TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite & Online GIS Databases

ORGANIZATION
UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This site inventory and suitability analyses were part of a collaborative student project for the proposed development at Punch Bowl Stapleton in Denver, CO. Please CLICK HERE to view the full site inventory and suitability analysis.

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6TH STREET RAIN GARDEN PLANT PALETTE

PROJECT

6th Street Rain Garden Plant Palette | Garfield County, CO | 2021


TOOLS

AutoCAD & Adobe Creative Suite​

ORGANIZATION

Clauson Rawley Associates, Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

While interning with Clauson Rawley Associates Inc. (formerly known as Stan Clauson Associates, Inc.) I developed a drought tolerant planting palette for a rain garden for Garfield County’s 6th Street Project. I also assisted the team with the site's 30% CD set. Please CLICK HERE to view the planting palette, site plan, and planting plan. 

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GOLDA MEIR HISTORIC HOUSE

PROJECT

Golda Meir Historic House Planting Plan | Denver, CO | 2021


TOOLS

AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, & Colored Pencils​

ORGANIZATION

UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Golda Meir Historic House is a site of historical significance at the University of Colorado, Denver. A thorough site inventory and analysis were conducted to align the planting plan with the historic value, cultural requirements, seasonal interest, existing conditions, and other environmental factors of the location. Please CLICK HERE to view the planting plan and plant schedule. 

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STAR MESA ENTERANCE GATEWAY

PROJECT

Star Mesa Entrance Gateway | Aspen, CO | 2021

 
TOOLS

AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Lumion, & Adobe Creative Suite​​

ORGANIZATION

Clauson Rawley Associates, Inc.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

I designed the entrance gateway for the Star Mesa community in Aspen, Colorado. The project deliverables included a schematic design and vignette. Please CLICK HERE to view the project.

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SPLIT RAIL BAMBOO FENCING DETAILS

PROJECT

Split Rail Bamboo Fencing & Glass Foam Gravel Fill Details | 2020

TOOLS

AutoCAD & Adobe Creative Suite 

ORGANIZATION

UCD | College of Architecture & Planning

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

An alternative method to build split rail fencing more sustainably is by using bamboo and foam glass gravel. Please CLICK HERE to view project details. For other CAD project example CLICK HERE.

© 2023 by Kathryn Finnigan

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