BRANDON PARSONS717 Mathews St., Fort Collins, CO 80524brandon.a.parsons@gmail.com512 517 4001

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emergent Park Location Detroit, Mi

The Detroit River creates a critical linkage between Lake Michigan and Lake Erie to the south. This strategic location has allowed the city of Detroit to flourish on its banks and profit from its natural resources. However, in recent years the city's glory has faded into muted aspirations.

In 2003, the Detroit River Front Conservancy was formed with the hope of transforming 5 miles of the River Front into a destination for its citizens and a buffer between the hard degraded scape of the city and soft natural green scape that once flourished in the region.

Emergent Park is the culmination of this greenway initiative.

130 acre siteApproximately 1 mile long

Home of freight consolidation services.

Site:

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emergent Park Location Detroit, Mi

The Detroit River creates a critical linkage between Lake Michigan and Lake Erie to the south. This strategic location has allowed the city of Detroit to flourish on its banks and profit from its natural resources. However, in recent years the city's glory has faded into muted aspirations.

In 2003, the Detroit River Front Conservancy was formed with the hope of transforming 5 miles of the River Front into a destination for its citizens and a buffer between the hard degraded scape of the city and soft natural green scape that once flourished in the region.

Emergent Park is the culmination of this greenway initiative.

130 acre siteApproximately 1 mile long

Home of freight consolidation services.

Site:

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Environment

Connections

Urban Renewal

CommunityPerformance Space

Activity Spaces

Personal Spaces

Historical Context

Urban AgricultureOutdoor Learning

Ecologic Responsibility

Mixed Use Development

River ConnectionsCommunity Connections

Fusion with the built environment is key to achieving a regenerative design.Capturing storm water runoff from the roofs of new mixed use developments will provide a clean source of water for on-site irrigation.

Perimeter Access Rails Views River Flow

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A. Planted EntrywayCherry OrchardUndulating PathBig GreenShippingContainerWaterStoragePedestrian PromenadeRail GardenOutdoor Education CenterChildren’s GardenBoardwalkClean LagoonAmphitheaterIntimate Oak GrovePermaculture GardenCommunity GardenFarmers MarketPedestrian Plaza

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Environment

Connections

Urban Renewal

CommunityPerformance Space

Activity Spaces

Personal Spaces

Historical Context

Urban AgricultureOutdoor Learning

Ecologic Responsibility

Mixed Use Development

River ConnectionsCommunity Connections

Fusion with the built environment is key to achieving a regenerative design.Capturing storm water runoff from the roofs of new mixed use developments will provide a clean source of water for on-site irrigation.

Perimeter Access Rails Views River Flow

3

M

M.

N

N.

O

O.

P

P.QQ.

LL.

K

K.

J J.

I

I.

H

H.

G

G.

F

F.

E

E.

D

D.

B

B.

A

A. Planted EntrywayCherry OrchardUndulating PathBig GreenShippingContainerWaterStoragePedestrian PromenadeRail GardenOutdoor Education CenterChildren’s GardenBoardwalkClean LagoonAmphitheaterIntimate Oak GrovePermaculture GardenCommunity GardenFarmers MarketPedestrian Plaza

C

C.

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Phytoremediation plays a key role in this park’s form and function. The fluidity of this process is represented in the meandering character of this channel gesturing to the natural action of the river.

As the dirty water from the Detroit River passes through the site, plant material bordering this remediation channel cleanses the water before it empties out into the protected lagoon.

Cherry Orchard

Big Green

Pedestrian Plaza

Lagoon: Phyoremediation diagram representing the vegetation used and species hierarchy created.

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Phytoremediation plays a key role in this park’s form and function. The fluidity of this process is represented in the meandering character of this channel gesturing to the natural action of the river.

As the dirty water from the Detroit River passes through the site, plant material bordering this remediation channel cleanses the water before it empties out into the protected lagoon.

Cherry Orchard

Big Green

Pedestrian Plaza

Lagoon: Phyoremediation diagram representing the vegetation used and species hierarchy created.

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Rail Garden Pedestrian Plaza

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Boardwalk Lagoon

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Rail Garden Pedestrian Plaza

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Boardwalk Lagoon

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Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Salvation Army’s High Peaks Camp currently holds a variety of outdoor learning programs aimed toward educating inner city youth, families, and passersby on the benefits the natural world can instill.

The study of current environmental systems, views, circulation, and existing structures was essential to developing a cohesive interactive design that suits participants of all ages and backgrounds. To establish this cohesion, I reorganized the circulation structures and modified the stagnant natural elements to provide dynamic regenerative systems, while also accounting for the anthropocentric experience through a variety of entertainment areas, gathering spaces, personal explorative routes, educational centers, and naturalistic viewing platforms.

Ultimately this design meets the desired criteria of the Salvation Army while paying homage to its founding principles, participants, and natural areas that make it special.

High Peaks Camp Estes Park, CO

Circulation

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ViewsExisting Structures Environment Concept

A. Amphitheater

B. Dorms

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D

A

BC

C. Plaza

E. Lodge

D. Activity Area

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Salvation Army’s High Peaks Camp currently holds a variety of outdoor learning programs aimed toward educating inner city youth, families, and passersby on the benefits the natural world can instill.

The study of current environmental systems, views, circulation, and existing structures was essential to developing a cohesive interactive design that suits participants of all ages and backgrounds. To establish this cohesion, I reorganized the circulation structures and modified the stagnant natural elements to provide dynamic regenerative systems, while also accounting for the anthropocentric experience through a variety of entertainment areas, gathering spaces, personal explorative routes, educational centers, and naturalistic viewing platforms.

Ultimately this design meets the desired criteria of the Salvation Army while paying homage to its founding principles, participants, and natural areas that make it special.

High Peaks Camp Estes Park, CO

Circulation

9

ViewsExisting Structures Environment Concept

A. Amphitheater

B. Dorms

E

D

A

BC

C. Plaza

E. Lodge

D. Activity Area

WetlandBoardwalk Children’s Play Fort

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AmphitheaterNature Trail

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WetlandBoardwalk Children’s Play Fort

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AmphitheaterNature Trail

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Fort Collins Framed Fort Collins, CO

This PARK(ing) Day installation is a testament to sustainable “cradle to grave” construction practices, while also promoting community through the creation of SUSTAINABLE public space.

The lumber used in the construction of our (PARK) was sustainably harvested from a recent burn area, milled by us, and found a second life cycle in the form of a chicken coup shortly after its original use. The chalk boards have been saved as a display of what Fort Collins stands for and what it aims to be. The bike parts and bus seats have been donated to provide alternative transportation in the future. Lastly, the picture frame now has a happy future promoting local artists.

Fort Collins Framed created NO waste!

Constructing the chalk boards

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Milling the lumber

Final Product

Community Input

Public Enjoyment

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Fort Collins Framed Fort Collins, CO

This PARK(ing) Day installation is a testament to sustainable “cradle to grave” construction practices, while also promoting community through the creation of SUSTAINABLE public space.

The lumber used in the construction of our (PARK) was sustainably harvested from a recent burn area, milled by us, and found a second life cycle in the form of a chicken coup shortly after its original use. The chalk boards have been saved as a display of what Fort Collins stands for and what it aims to be. The bike parts and bus seats have been donated to provide alternative transportation in the future. Lastly, the picture frame now has a happy future promoting local artists.

Fort Collins Framed created NO waste!

Constructing the chalk boards

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Milling the lumber

Final Product

Community Input

Public Enjoyment

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Douche Hose

Aluminum Die Casting Brace

Steel Support

Polypropylene Box

Imbedded BoltGreen MatCementWall

Plant Material

2”CaliperWesternSandCherry

3” Bark Mulch

Root Ball

Compacted Substrate

D1 D2

Village Retreat Ridgecrest, CA

This courtyard is the epicenter of the new Village Retreat Apartments. My role was to develop a sustainable landscape system that used water and resources efficiently. The entire system runs on grey and storm water coupled with naturalistic design systems that increase efficiency.

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Douche Hose

Aluminum Die Casting Brace

Steel Support

Polypropylene Box

Imbedded BoltGreen MatCementWall

Plant Material

2”CaliperWesternSandCherry

3” Bark Mulch

Root Ball

Compacted Substrate

D1 D2

Village Retreat Ridgecrest, CA

This courtyard is the epicenter of the new Village Retreat Apartments. My role was to develop a sustainable landscape system that used water and resources efficiently. The entire system runs on grey and storm water coupled with naturalistic design systems that increase efficiency.

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Spruce Room Natural Installation Element

“Spruce Room” is a unique landscape element that uses the natural void created by the cascading branches of a spruce tree to form a modern sanctuary for the designed landscape.

This installation blends seamlessly into the landscape and is disguised during the day by the existing foliage of the spruce tree. However, as night draws near its presence becomes illuminated creating a warm glowing sanctuary where the natural and anthropocentric world fuses.

Modular design makes for easy construction with minimal impact.17 18

Spruce Room Natural Installation Element

“Spruce Room” is a unique landscape element that uses the natural void created by the cascading branches of a spruce tree to form a modern sanctuary for the designed landscape.

This installation blends seamlessly into the landscape and is disguised during the day by the existing foliage of the spruce tree. However, as night draws near its presence becomes illuminated creating a warm glowing sanctuary where the natural and anthropocentric world fuses.

Modular design makes for easy construction with minimal impact.17 18

Exterior

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Interior Captivating Illumination

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Exterior

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Interior Captivating Illumination

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Green Roof Fort Collins, CO

The new Behavioral Science Building on the Colorado State University campus is a LEED certified Gold building which creates a precedent for future green building in the city of Fort Collins.

This green roof plays off the existing architecture and views established by the building to foster a soft creative outdoor space in a hard structural environment. Establishing an outlet for environmental interaction and sustainable architectural

innovation, the Green Roof at the Behavioral Science Building will usher in a new era of “green” design.

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Green Roof Fort Collins, CO

The new Behavioral Science Building on the Colorado State University campus is a LEED certified Gold building which creates a precedent for future green building in the city of Fort Collins.

This green roof plays off the existing architecture and views established by the building to foster a soft creative outdoor space in a hard structural environment. Establishing an outlet for environmental interaction and sustainable architectural

innovation, the Green Roof at the Behavioral Science Building will usher in a new era of “green” design.

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Growing Medium

Root Barrier

Drainage Filter

Protection Layer

WaterproofMembrane

Insulation

Vapor Barrier23

Irrigation for the green roof will be primarily driven by storm water. The surface area of the Behavioral Science Building will act as a catch basin for vast amounts of storm water that are then funneled down a series of down spouts into an advanced drip system irrigating the planting beds with zero evaporation.

The planting areas themselves contain a variety of alpine vegetation, such as sedums, that can tolerate the intense conditions and shallow growing medium that exists on the green roof.

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Growing Medium

Root Barrier

Drainage Filter

Protection Layer

WaterproofMembrane

Insulation

Vapor Barrier23

Irrigation for the green roof will be primarily driven by storm water. The surface area of the Behavioral Science Building will act as a catch basin for vast amounts of storm water that are then funneled down a series of down spouts into an advanced drip system irrigating the planting beds with zero evaporation.

The planting areas themselves contain a variety of alpine vegetation, such as sedums, that can tolerate the intense conditions and shallow growing medium that exists on the green roof.

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Evening Studies

25WinterOverlook

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Evening Studies

25WinterOverlook

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Photography

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Photography

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RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

The Urban Lab: 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-5041 www.urbanlab.colostate.edu• Founding Member• Steering Committee Member• Responsible for working with city officials involved in current policy development in order to implement programs that encourage civic engagement and

biodiversity• Identify potential city projects prime for interdisciplinary involvement and establish local connections to achieve a successful outcome

The Food School: 4825 S. Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 672-7356 • LeadDesignerandPhaseOneProjectManager • Responsiblefordevelopinganaestheticallypleasingeducationaloutdoorenvironmentaimedatfosteringcommunitygrowthandpersonalized nutritional independence • Engageinmaterialacquisitionandindividualizedbids

Urban Oasis: Landscape Design Firm: McConnell Dr, Lyons, CO 80540 (303) 823-2389 • DesignBuildTechnician • Learnedandexecutedessentiallandscapeconstructionelements • Designedinnovativelandscapeelementsthroughhandsonconstruction

Institute for the Built Environment: Blue Dot House: 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-5041 • LandscapeArchitectureConsultant • LandscapeDesignforBlueDotprototypesustainablehouse • Developedaregenerativelandscapesystemirrigatedfullybygreyandstormwater

City of Fort Collins: Department of Advanced Planning: 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 221-6760 • LandscapeArchitectureIntern • WorkedcloselywiththeCityofFortCollinsLandscapeArchitectsandCityPlannerstodevelopanewstreetscapestandardforthecity • Focusedonadvancingthegraphicimagerythatthecitycurrentlyusestorepresentthesestreetscapedesigns • Thisexperiencehasallowedmetogethandsonexperiencewiththeprofessionaldesignprocessandhasenabledmetounderstandtheintricaciesof actually taking a project from design to implementation

Rainforest Partnerships: 505WillowSt.,Austin,TX78701(512)420-0101 • LeaddesignerfortheArtisanStudiointhevillageofChipaota,Peru • Workedwithindigenouspeopletoproducelocalartisangoodsfrom native materials in the village of Chipaota, Peru • Developedamanagementplanforsustainableagriculturebasedonthehierarchicalsystemofvegetationintherainforesttodiminishslashandburn practices

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, 2013

Minor in Global Environmental Sustainability

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

Proficient In:Auto CADAdobe SuiteSketch-upMS Office SuiteArchGIS

ACHIEVEMENTS:

President of TEDxCSU (CSU’s TED talks)Published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly ExcellencePermaculture Design CertifiedSteering Committee Member of the Urban LabMember of the CSU chapter of ASLA

REFERENCES:

Jane ChoiAssistant Professor of LAJane.Choi@colostate.edu970-491-4298

Brian DunbarExecutive Director of IBE, LEED Fellowbrian.dunbar@colostate.edu(970) 491-5041

29 30

(August 2013 - December 2013)

(September 2012 - Current)

(May 2013 - August 2013)

(August 2012 - December 2012)

(February 2012 - June 2012)

(July 2010 - December 2010)

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

The Urban Lab: 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-5041 www.urbanlab.colostate.edu• Founding Member• Steering Committee Member• Responsible for working with city officials involved in current policy development in order to implement programs that encourage civic engagement and

biodiversity• Identify potential city projects prime for interdisciplinary involvement and establish local connections to achieve a successful outcome

The Food School: 4825 S. Lemay Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 672-7356 • LeadDesignerandPhaseOneProjectManager • Responsiblefordevelopinganaestheticallypleasingeducationaloutdoorenvironmentaimedatfosteringcommunitygrowthandpersonalized nutritional independence • Engageinmaterialacquisitionandindividualizedbids

Urban Oasis: Landscape Design Firm: McConnell Dr, Lyons, CO 80540 (303) 823-2389 • DesignBuildTechnician • Learnedandexecutedessentiallandscapeconstructionelements • Designedinnovativelandscapeelementsthroughhandsonconstruction

Institute for the Built Environment: Blue Dot House: 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (970) 491-5041 • LandscapeArchitectureConsultant • LandscapeDesignforBlueDotprototypesustainablehouse • Developedaregenerativelandscapesystemirrigatedfullybygreyandstormwater

City of Fort Collins: Department of Advanced Planning: 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 221-6760 • LandscapeArchitectureIntern • WorkedcloselywiththeCityofFortCollinsLandscapeArchitectsandCityPlannerstodevelopanewstreetscapestandardforthecity • Focusedonadvancingthegraphicimagerythatthecitycurrentlyusestorepresentthesestreetscapedesigns • Thisexperiencehasallowedmetogethandsonexperiencewiththeprofessionaldesignprocessandhasenabledmetounderstandtheintricaciesof actually taking a project from design to implementation

Rainforest Partnerships: 505WillowSt.,Austin,TX78701(512)420-0101 • LeaddesignerfortheArtisanStudiointhevillageofChipaota,Peru • Workedwithindigenouspeopletoproducelocalartisangoodsfrom native materials in the village of Chipaota, Peru • Developedamanagementplanforsustainableagriculturebasedonthehierarchicalsystemofvegetationintherainforesttodiminishslashandburn practices

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, 2013

Minor in Global Environmental Sustainability

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:

Proficient In:Auto CADAdobe SuiteSketch-upMS Office SuiteArchGIS

ACHIEVEMENTS:

President of TEDxCSU (CSU’s TED talks)Published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly ExcellencePermaculture Design CertifiedSteering Committee Member of the Urban LabMember of the CSU chapter of ASLA

REFERENCES:

Jane ChoiAssistant Professor of LAJane.Choi@colostate.edu970-491-4298

Brian DunbarExecutive Director of IBE, LEED Fellowbrian.dunbar@colostate.edu(970) 491-5041

29 30

(August 2013 - December 2013)

(September 2012 - Current)

(May 2013 - August 2013)

(August 2012 - December 2012)

(February 2012 - June 2012)

(July 2010 - December 2010)