Portfolio

RACHEL PORITZP O R T F O L I O

Esperanza International, a non-governmental organization has been working with the communities adversely affected by oil contamination in the Ecuadorian Amazon since 2003. In a place where rain forest destruction is rampant my goal was to combine all of the native species into one small space, creating a mini oasis of what once existed in an informational setting.

Lewison Lawn is a study based on climate and location. The site is located on Columbia University’s Morningside cam-pus. The goal of the schematic site plan was to maintain a pedestrian-oriented camps and promote a sense of community while preserving the original design of the campus.

Lewison Stair is a rendered section through the stair between Lewison Hall and the Mathematics Building on Columbia University’s Morningside Campus. The plan cuts across Broadway beyond the median. Landscapes, as well as architec-tural details are present in this drawing as outdoors furniture was brought into consideration for this urban setting.

Sunken Garden is a perspective view of a garden space. The gardens three levels have plantings that will grow in warmer months for maximum display giving a dense feeling of lush over growth. Visitors descend down a ramp into an open garden space that is meant to be enjoyed whether alone or with the company of others.

View A, 10’ Eye Level is an exercise in constructing equal spacing in perspective. The goal was to create dense tree plantings surrounding the inner courtyard giving the garden a greater feeling on enclosure and intimacy.

The Westport Connecticut clients wished to create a patio in their back yard reminiscent of an English garden. The premise behind the design was to create a space where the family can sit and enjoy summers in quiet contemplation.

Green Park is a site in the Southern Hills of Jinan, China. The community garden was designed for the residents and visitors of the Agricultural Park. The garden uses renewable energy in many forms attempting to be as environmentally sustainable as possible. Grow walls filter out the CO2 from passing vehicles, water retention tanks hold rain water and pump it back into the gardens while also serving as sculptural elements in the landscape, wind turbines generate energy and thermal mass transfer heat conducted in the existing limestone quarries. Before entering the garden visitors may ride down the water canal and lotus pond in a dug out canoe.

Intermix LA is a landscape project for the storefront of Intermix’s first store in California. The concept was to create a jungle feel on the one of the most urban streets in the United States, Hollywood. These planters frame the space with dy-namic bursts of eclectic-chic plant life. These strategically placed organic signifiers reinforce the Intermix brand through their energetic uniqueness and signature color. The shapes and sizes of a carefully selected grouping of exotic plants provide a rich visual texture, reinforcing the luxury branding.

INTERIORD E S I G N