ilo

iylea olson, mla | landscape architecture | planning | photography | graphic design

contents | 3

theoryplanning + design

fusionslife flows through ittransformations campus plazashow low college campus planparque estrella polarseeds.habitat.oasis.home.english romanticismwillamettedavis

other explorationsphotographygraphic design

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4 | theory

Task: In my fisrt-year studio I was asked to find the most beautiful object I could, spending no more than two dollars.

Outcome: Before going shopping I thought about the characteristics that I might consider when judging an object’s beauty…

Because of the emotion that it evoked, I decided to buy a Chinese tea ball that unfurls in hot water. Its natural earthy qualities; in regard to color, texture, smell, and taste; are calming and peaceful. The unfurling tea ball is beautiful because it makes my mind stop racing; it makes me stop thinking; it takes me to a deeper place within myself. True beauty is all the things and people and events in life that evoke a sense of awe, which momentarily renders you unable to speak or think; it quiets you and your mind.

Aside from the intuitive and emotional aspects that make the tea ball beautiful, it can be considered beautiful based on its physical characteristics. It is beautiful because of its imperfect, asymmetrical form; the spaces that it creates; the way it interacts with light; and the combination of colors that it is composed of.

space

beauty chinese tea ball

movement

color function

meaning

texturesound

weighttaste

form

purple flame [canon digital slr]

purple flame | 5

6 | fusions

LEFT Photos from projects by James Rose that blend indoor and outdoor space.

BELOW ‘Gravitation’ by Wassily Kandinsky.

fusions residential design

Location: Tucson, AZSize: 2500 sq. ft.

Task: For a planting design studio project I was asked to choose 1) a painting to use as the foundation of a planting design and 2) a style of garden design or a noted landscape architect as an influence for transforming the painting into a landscape. This exersize could either be applied on a residential scale or a commercial scale.

Outcome: James Rose was the inspiring landscape architect for the project. His later works were mainly residential projects, which influenced the scale chosen for this exploration. He is known for his experimentations with the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces as well as for the simplicity of his designs, the main materials being plants, rocks, water, and materials recycled from the project site.

Wassily Kandinsky’s ‘Gravitation’ was the painting chosen to inspire the layout and plant palette for a hypothetical residential courtyard.

The final concept of the design was the fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces in a composition of unique spaces that are revealed as a person moves through the courtyard. The courtyard is meant to be a multi-purpose place that the homeowner can use as a waiting area for patients who are there for acupunture treatments and a space to observe patients’ movements. It is a place to hold qi gong classes, a retreat for relaxation, and a place to entertain family and friends.

hou

se +

clin

ic

fusions | 7

final planting plan [autocad + hand graphics + photoshop]

1/8" = 1'

Eremophila 'Valentine' (10), 5 galValentine emu bush

Hesperaloe funifera (10), 5 galgiant hesperaloe

Callistemon viminalis (3), 15 galbottlebrush tree

Acacia r. 'Desert Carpet' (5), 5 galgiant hesperaloe

Zepheranthes candida (5), 1 galrain lily*in raised planter

Acacia salicina (3), 15 galwillow acacia

Euphorbia antisyphilitica (5), 1 galwax plant*in raised planter

Callistemon v. 'Little John' (9), 5 galdwarf bottlebrush

Macfadyena unguis-cati (4), 1 galcat claw vine

Acacia willardiana (3), 15 galpalo blanco

Cynodon dactylon, sodburmudagrass

redwood bench (2)

metal rain trough*connected to roof of house

hot tub on raised redwood deck

rain chain into pond

redwood bridge over pond raised redwood deck with vine-covered Arbor

rock garden

exposed aggregate concretepatient entrancenative soil

pond overflow feature*drains into planting areas

pea gravel

clinic entrance

house

8 | fusions

perspective [hand graphics]

fusions | 9

perspectives [sketchup + photoshop]

These perspectives were generated after the completion of the project as a part of an assignment for a 3D graphics and visualization course.

10 | life flows through it

Flow Concept | WaterRainwater flows off of the parking lot that is located to the east of the site into a series of basins that are defined by large rocks. There are four square culverts that carry water under the pedestrian path at various points and one that serves as the final overflow that carries water from the last basin, under the gabion style seat/retaining wall, into the wash to the north of the site. The culverts are slightly exposed to serve as a visual connection to the flow of water through the site. Where water does not need to cross the path to overflow into the next basin, it travels through an exposed, rock-lined swale.

Flow Concept | PeoplePedestrians are invited to cut across the site via two stabilized decomposed granite paths that flow between the planted water harvesting basins. People are also invited to linger and enjoy the site in the two eddies formed by the basins, where there are large boulders for sitting in the shade of the trees.

Flow Concept | Water

Flow Concept | People

The site, outlined in blue, is bordered on the west and south by busy streets. A wash forms the northern boundary of the site, and a parking lot is adjacent to the east side of the site.

Location: Tucson, AZ

Task: This was a planting design studio project in which we were to demonstrate water harvesting along a city street. We each worked with staff from the City of Tucson to develop a plan for a small site neighboring downtown Tucson.

Outcome: As we journey through life a vital energy flows through us, makes us smile, makes us laugh, makes us love. It is the same energy that flows through our landscapes, making them vibrant and full of life. This design explores the concept of flow, transforming a public right of way at the corner of St. Mary’s and Granada into a dynamic place for people, wildlife, and water to rest for a while before flowing onward. It highlights passive rainwater harvesting techniques that people who move through the site can use in their own spaces.

The forms of the rainwater harvesting basins flow gracefully into one another from south to north across the site. As a collective, the basins form fluid routes for both stormwater and people.

life flows through it city pocket park

final plan [autocad + photoshop] perspective [photoshop]

llife flows through it | 11

PROPOSED The main interior pedestrian corridor. [photoshop]

CURRENT

NTS

existing palo verde

gabion style seat/retaning wall

Senna wislizenii (28), 1 gal

exposted metal culvert

Olneya tesota (3), 15 gal

Chilopsis linearis (3), 15 gal

Atriplex lentiformis (11), 5 gal

Prosopis velutina (3), 15 gal

Aloysia wrightii (15), 5 gal

large boulders for sitting

Calliandra eriophylla (22), 1 gal

Yucca elata (8), 5 gal

Celtis pallida (12), 5 gal

Parkinsonia x‘Desert Museum’ (8), 15 gal

existing mesquite

wash

St. Mary’s

Gra

nad

a

Location: Tucson, AZ

Task: This was a first-year design studio project in which we focused on the design process. We were to demonstrate the design process through the re-design of a courtyard on the UA campus.

Outcome: The Transformations Courtyard will be an animated, multi-use place that is welcoming and accessible to all students, faculty, and campus visitors. The design will maintain the overall character of the campus and will also attempt to create a place that has its own unique identity so that faculty and students who work and learn in the surrounding buildings feel like they have an inviting sanctuary that was designed just for them, kindling a sense of community. Not only will the site will be aesthetically pleasing and functional, serving as a place that is conducive to education, relaxation, recreation, and socialization, but it will be a place of distinction, a place that stands out as a superb example of an oasis on campus, where people go to refresh the mind and revitalize the spirit. User comfort will be enhanced by working with the existing microclimate to extend the outdoor usable season. The design will strive toward sustainability, addressing modern needs with innovative solutions.

This bubble diagram was derived from a compatibility matrix and shows important spacial relationships between proposed site elements. Most elements have high to medium compatibility and are well suited to be in close proximity to one another.

The site analysis considered user groups, circulation, noise, views, slope, microclimate, and structures as factors influencing design opportunities and constraints

A sun-shade study using SketchUp indicated areas that needed additional shading.

12 | transformations

transformations college campus plaza [sketchup + illustrator + hand graphics]

performancelarge gathering

recreation

pedestrianpaths

bike pathsbike

parking

foodservice

info/display

quiet zones

January 9am

January 3pm

August 9am

August 3pm

N

NTS

wind

transformations | 13

‘Transformations’ was the concept chosen to explore in the schematic design phase. It is based on the idea that wood, fire, earth, metal, water, air, and space make up the language of the world around us. The design explores their interaction with each other and takes visitors on a journey from apparent order to apparent chaos. Others may see it as a journey from restraint to liberation. The journey of a visitor from the main campus, through the courtyard, toward the Steward observatory is about letting go of the rigid physical word that we know (or think we know) and delving into the unknown.

A ‘Nebula’ is a source of new material in the universe. That idea is conveyed in this concept by the designation of a sky garden as a central feature, from which all other spaces in the courtyard stem and radiate. The sky garden would offer a new vantage point, where users could retreat from the hectic nature of life below to a calmer place that offers a new perspective on the life that carries on around them. Different activity zones within the courtyard are at slightly varied elevations to give them physical definition and to add further interest to the courtyard.

‘Languages’ was inspired by the idea that DNA is the language of life. A DNA strand inspired the circulation system that makes up the backbone of the main north-south corridor. The themes of the other zones in the courtyard are based on the idea that water, earth, fire, wood, metal, air, and space are the language of our physical world. Visitors are encouraged to explore the languages of life as they work, study, play, relax, socialize, and dream in this revitalizing, invigorating campus courtyard.

concepts [hand graphics + illustrator + photoshop]

Design FeaturesOpen PlazasThere are open plazas at the entrances of the Education, Modern Languages, and Psychology buildings. The plazas are based on the strict, orderly grid of the surrounding campus and are the start of visitors’ journeys from order to “chaos”.

EarthThe earth element is associates with the nourishment and a central position. The earth zone is located under the sky garden as the central area in the design and is designated by stabilized decomposed granite in the ground plane. It features a food service area surrounded by ample seating.

WoodThe color green is associated with the wood element, as is activity, motion, and plants. There are two wood zones in the courtyard. The northern wood area features open turf for recreation. The area could also accommodate large gatherings. The southern wood area is comprised of turf and a grove of trees. This area is also conducive to recreation and relaxation but offers a shady alternative to its northern counterpart.

final plan [autocad + hand graphics + photoshop]

14 | transformations

N

Fire Amphitheater

WoodGrove

Open Plaza

Fire Plaza

Wood Turf Recreation Area

Open Plaza

Air & SpaceSky GardenCatwalk

Metal Art Display AreaLounge

Bike Parking

Water Terrace Gardens

Earth Food Service Area

Education Building

Psychology Building

Modern Languages Building

Steward Observatory

NTS

Water terraces around the observatory.

WaterWater gives life in the form of plants, so where wood and water meet in the northeast portion of the courtyard there is an increase in vegetation density. The water area becomes a lush, terraced garden area surrounding the observatory. The terraces exhibit a water feature that collects rainwater from the surrounding buildings and carries it in a channel that winds its way down the terraces to the vegetated basin at the ground level. The ground-level terrace is composed of concrete inset with blue glass to mimic a winding stream, which terminates in the metal area.

FireThe color red is associated with the fire element, so one of the key materials in the space is brick. It is used to help define the grid in the ground plane as well as the circular shape of the amphitheater. The use of brick also correlates the existing architecture of the surrounding buildings. The fire element is characterized by vibrant energy, so this zone incorporates space for performance gathering and celebration. It features a small amphitheater with grassy terraces for seating and a green wall as a backdrop, buffering the amphitheater from the building wall. The amphitheater would be a great place for performances associated with the annual language fair or other events. It would also be a comfortable place to hold a small lecture and could even be used as 1st amendment space. The element is represented literally by two tall torches that frame the entrance to the amphitheater. The fire zone also includes open plaza space for group gatherings and events.

transformations | 15

graphics [autocad + hand graphics + photoshop]

16 | transformations

graphics [ hand graphics + photoshop]

MetalThe metal element is associated with creativity and reflection, so part of this zone is set aside as a lounge, which is designated by a concrete pad inset with blue glass that extends from the water zone. This lounge area features a sculpture made of copper and steel that is designed to patina and rust over time to exemplify the interaction of water and metal. The seating in the lounge is buffered from the building sections of green wall as well as other planting areas. The rest of the metal area is designated as space to display interactive art features. Metal is also associated with the autumn season, so the trees chosen for this area will exhibit fall color. The element is represented literally by veins of copper or rusted steel that run through the granite that serves as the ground treatment in the art display area.

Catwalk + Sky GardenRepresent the elements air+space. At twenty feet in the air visitors have a unique view of the courtyard and of the Steward Observatory, which represents the element of space, the unknown. Air and space are characterized by meditation and observation, so the sky garden encourages users to delve into the unknown realms of the self to reach a new understanding of the world around them by providing a peaceful environment conducive to quite contemplation. Hopefully, the new vantage point will provide a sense of liberation from the normal, daily routine and way of thinking. On the east side, the garden is supported by a metal column that corresponds to the proximity to the metal area. On the west side there is a glass elevator that serves as an access alternative to the stairs and catwalk. Glass was chosen as the main construction material to represent the interaction of earth and fire since the elevator lies at the junction of those to areas.

cloudscape | 17

cloudscape [canon digital slr + photoshop]

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18 | ahow low college

LEFT The UA design team in Show Low.

RIGHT A design meeting.

A stakeholder meeting.

A stakeholder meeting.Location: Show Low, AZSize: 7+ acresDesign Team: Iylea Olson, Christopher Kiefer, Jessica Hawn, Eirin Beries, Ken Mills, Carla Kenworthy, Leanna Broersma, Ashley Whiteside

Task: In the forth design studio of the MLA program at UA the class was devided into teams to work on three projects. I worked with a team of seven other people, including two undergraduate architecture students, on a master plan for a potential extension campus in Show Low, AZ.

Outcome: The UA design team worked with local stakeholders to create master plan for an extension campus and its connections to downtown Show Low. ??? boost economy. Mixed-use development. pedestrianism. Project outcomes included a book, presentation boards, and a website.

show low college campus master plan

show low college | 19

The main city planning ideas agreed upon by the team were that parcels to the north of the proposed campus site had the most potential for future expansion of the campus and that the street to the east of the site had the most potential to be developed as a mixed use corridor connecting the campus with the city’s existing commercial center.

We then narrowed our focus to the campus site. Each person brought concepts to the table, and we desided on two unique alternatives to explore in greater detail.

The team of 8 then divided into three smaller groups, one to further develop campus-city connections and two to work on alternative concepts for the campus site.

Process sketch for a stormwater management feature along the Huning Street pedestrian mall.

the site + city connections

The 7-acre campus site.

The college site proposed by the city in orange. Potential areas of connection between new campus and existing commercial development in blue.Graphic by Ken Mills.

20 | show low college

As a small design team, Chris, Jessica, and I worked together to develop one of the design alternatives for the campus site.

natural flow campus concept

LEFT Simplification of starting concept.Graphic by Christopher Kiefer.

RIGHT Final concept.

One of two starting concepts for the camus site.

Final plan for one of two design alternatives.Graphic by Ken Mills.

show low college | 21

aspen creek [autocad + photoshop]

the clearing [hand graphics]

22 | show low college

show low college | 23

the clearing [sketchup + autocad + photoshop]

parque estrella polar city park [illustrator + photoshop]

Location: Tucson, AZSize: 100+ acresDesign Team: Iylea Olson, Olivia Alicea, Daniel Bradshaw, Scott Stephens

Task: For this studio project our task was to develop a city park master plan that would be viable and relevant 100 years in the future.

Outcome: They keys to long-term viability of a site are participation, recreation, and regeneration.

24 | parque estrella polar

the biozone [sketchup + photoshop]

parque estrella polar | 25

seeds.habitat.oasis.home. residential design [hand graphics]

26 | seeds.habitat.oasis.home.

Location: Tucson, AZDesign Team: Iylea Olson, Jessica Hawn, Theresa Gredig, Matthew Bossler

Task: Our planting design studio held a design competition to choose a design for the landscape of a low-income house that the undergraduate architecture students were in the process of building.

Outcome: My team’s design was chosen to be installed. The design was simple, low-maintenance, and low-water-use. Trees are located to shade outdoor rooms. Understory plants were specified based on their attractiveness to wildlife. A native seed mix was specified to be added to a drainage swale with the intent that seeds an plants would grow and migrate over time, creating a more dynamic landscape.

fireworks [canon digital slr + photoshop]

fire works | 27

28 | english romanticism

Location: Tucson, AZDesign Team: Iylea Olson, Scott Stephens

Task: For a landscape history assignment we were asked to research a landscape style. We presented our findings in a paper, a design that reflected the landscape style of inquiry, and a powerpoint presentation.

Outcome: The roof of the CALA building was hypothetically transformed into a roof garden that was reminiscent of the English Romantic style.

english romaticism roof garden [sketchup + photoshop]

english romanticism | 29

before + after [sketchup + photoshop]

willamette housing development potential

Location: Willamette, OR

Task: Determine the most suitable place from new housing development.

Outcome: The criteria I used to identify potential sites for new development were as follows: I was looking for areas that did not already have designated zoning. The areas had to be outside the river buffers and the wildlife/vegetation zones so as to have as little impact on those systems as possible. The areas should be in areas of 7% slope or less to keep cost of development low.

Originally I included some areas in the southeast corner of the project area but decided that those areas weren’t as appropriate for development since they are outside of existing development and would be considered greenfield sites. They also don’t seem to be very accessible since they are surrounded by rivers and wildlife areas.

The final area I outlined is more of an infill site, surrounded by existing development. It is near the river but is well away from the wildlife areas. Another important aspect of the location is that is closer to the existing parks than the potential housing areas in the southeast corner were. Overall, the final area that is outlined in the fourth data frame is most in keeping with the development goals of the area and therefore seems like the most appropriate site for new development.

30 | willamette

davis open space analysis

davis | 31

Location: Davis, CA

Task: Determine whether or not the city of Davis is adequately served by open space.

Outcome: Based on the quarter mile buffer rings around schools, parks, greenbelts, and ponds West Davis is adequately covered by open space. If only public parks are considered, there is an area in the northwest corner of West Davis that doesn’t fall within the quarter mile buffers, so you might say that the distribution of parks is inadequate. This is would be useful for Davis to look at in determining future project areas; they may want to focus efforts in the areas that aren’t within a quarter mile of public parks, which is about the distance most people are willing to walk.

I also did an analysis based on the City of Davis’s required ratio of 5 acres of parks/1000 people. I calculated estimated populations based on the following assumptions/calculations:

3 units per acre of low density, 550.77 acres12 units per acre of medium density, 24.93 acres20 units per acre of high density, 111.23 acres3 people per unit (independent of density)

There are an estimated 12529 persons in West Davis. This means that there should be 62.64 acres of parks (community, neighborhood, mini, and other combined). According to the land use layer for West Davis there are only 32. 13 acres of land designated as “parks/recreation”. Just based on that acreage, there isn’t

enough park space to serve the population in West Davis. However, there is a lot more open space in West Davis other than just parks. When looking at acreage for parks/recreation combined with acreage for neighborhood and community greenbelts, public/semi-public land, and natural habitat area there is an estimated total of 198 acres, which more than covers the acreage needed per capita. While West Davis isn’t adequately served by parks, there is plenty of other uable open space that serves the area.

32 | graphic design

graphic design design excellence [photoshop]

graphic design | 33

graphic design dreamscape [photoshop]

resume

Recent Employment

Sep10-present Lisa Ribes, LJ Design & Consulting, Tucson, AZIndependent Contractor Responsibilities: gathering data and drafting visual resource assessment reports, designing residential and public scale planting plans

Jul10-present Sonoita, AZLandscape Architect Responsibilities: work with a residential client to create a landscape plan

Jul10-present Tucson, AZLandscape Architect Responsibilities: work with a residential client to create a landscape plan

Dec08-May10 Margaret Livingston, PhD., Project P.I., Chamizal National Memorial Master Plan, Tucson, AZ | El Paso, TXInvestigator Responsibilities: conducting site assessment; mapping existing trees using GPS; presenting at NPS + public meetings; conducting literature + case reviews; formulating a master plan, management plans, site specific designs, a species replacement plan, and accompanying verbal + graphic communication of designs; documenting research + design outcomes in the form of PDF presentations, a book, and presentation boards

May08-Aug08 James B. Barker, P.E., Chief, Engineering Flight, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, AZLandscape Architecture Intern Responsibilities: verification of as-built conditions, design of planting plans, preparation of an area development plan, briefing of commanders

12/06-8/07 Jan Westenborg, Owner, Green Things, Tucson, AZPlant Specialist/Sales Associate Responsibilities: assisting customers, running cash register, stocking, planting, watering, design and maintenance at La Encantada

5/06-8/06 Noah Gessler, Grounds Manager, Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZAssistant Plant Specialist/Groundskeeper Responsibilities: annual flowerbed design and planting, miniature cactus garden design and planting, general grounds maintenance

9/04-12/05 Karen Schumaker, Associate Professor, Plant Sciences, Tucson, AZ Research Assistant Responsibilities: plant crosses, DNA constructs, protein expressions, and microscopy

Education

Master of Landscape ArchitectureGrade-Point Average: 3.930 (of 4.0)University of Arizona, Tucson, AZMay 2010

Bachelor of Science in Plant Science Grade-Point Average: 3.761 (of 4.0)University of Arizona, Tucson, AZDecember 2007

34 | resume

resume | 35

Honors + Awards

ASLA Student Merit Award 2010CALA School Service Award 2010CALA Highest Academic Average Award 2010Arizona Garden Club Scholarship 2008 Provost Scholarship 2003-2007Spirit of Discovery Scholarship 2003-2007Warren C. Gill Scholarship 2005-2006Howard Bendalin Scholarship 2005-2006Deans List with Distinction Fall 2004Deans List Fall 2005

Extra Skills/Abilities

digital photography, HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe InDesign CS3, Adobe Illustrator CS3, AutoCAD2008, Google SketchUp

Extracurricular Activities

Tucson Organic Gardeners, Member 2010-presentSigma Lambda Alpha, Member 2010-presentUA School of Landscape Architecture, Studio Tech 2008-2010ASLA UA Student Chapter Government, Web Manager 2009ASLA UA Student Chapter Government, Studio Manager 2008-2009American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Member 2007-presentUniversity of Arizona Horticulture Club, Member 2003-presentUniversity of Arizona Horticulture Club, Web Manager 2005-presentTucson Women’s Soccer League, co-ed division, Team Member 2004-2009Tucson Women’s Soccer League, co-ed division, Team Member + Captain 2006Women’s intramural soccer, Team Member 2004Co-ed intramural soccer, Team Member 2005, 2007Relay for Life, Team Member 2005Relay for Life, Team Captain 2006

ReferencesRon Stoltz James Barker Margaret Livingston Lisa Ribes[520] 626-7730 [520] 228-5295 [520] 621-5359 [520] 591-9992rstoltz@email.arizona.edu James.barker@dm.af.mil mlivings@email.arizona.edu lisa@ljdesignla.com

contact

iylealynnolson | 520.834.6932 | ilolson@comcast.net

36 | contact

cactus flower [canon digital slr + photoshop]

cactus flower | 37

ilo