Adrian Porter is a graduate of USC’s Master of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism (MLA + U) at the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture. Adrian is focused on working for an Urban Design/Landscape Architecture firm, emphasizing public projects, site design, and construction and materials. Currently, Adrian is placing a large emphasis and commitment to working with 2D and 3D digital workflows, through drawing and drafting software such as Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD, as well as 3D modeling software like Rhino, Grasshopper and Twinmotion. He has many skills in geographic information systems (GIS) which is due to his interest in working in large scale urban environments, where spatial data analytics are critical to any informative design process. While Adrian has experience with large scale landscape projects, he hopes to work closely within construction and materials, paying deep attention to each and every design element. Adrian’s life experience so far, living on four different continents has instilled in him a strong curiosity and global outlook. Cultural adaptability and respect for principals of diversity and inclusion have allowed him to make the most of these varied experiences.
EXPERIENCE
Landscape Architect | Intern
Tom Stuart Smith | London | Summer 2023
Scope of Work - Design / Planting Plan / Construction
Documentation / Site Visits / Presentations / Renders / Garden
Installation
Projects - Maggie’s Cambridge / Turville Heath Home / Edinburgh Center For Music
Architectural Designer | Intern
Great White | Los Angeles | Summer 2022
Scope of Work - Design / Graphic Design / Construction
Documentation / Site Visits / Site Analysis / Renders / Planting Plan / Garden Installation / Materiel Study
Projects - Great White Venice Restaurant / Great White
Mellrose Restaurant
Mountain Access
Yellowstone Club | Montana | 2021
Scope of Work - Mountain Operations / Guest Services / Mountain Knowledge / Site Visits / Site Analysis / Renders / Planting Plan / Garden Installation / Materiel Study
Projects - On Mountain Assistance / Concierge
Sustainability Consultant | Intern
Sea Going Green | Amsterdam | 2019
Scope of Work - Environmental Analysis / GIS Analysis / Social Media / Site Analysis / Blogs / Attended Climate Conferences In The Hague
When it comes to reducing pathogen burden and avoiding the chances of stripe rust spreading throughout the Central Valley, there has been only one singular solution towards its prevention. Breeding programs, many of which have been operated by only a handful of companies, create gene-resistant varieties able to withstand the disease. However, over prioritization of breeding programs as the only means of defense has allowed for spatial and temporal assemblages to become vulnerable to disease spread if gene resistance were to fail. This project looks at other landscape methods of stopping disease spread, such as wind breaks, topography, and species diversity, in order to create a stronger system of disease evasion and mitigation.
1. Elements of Design
Detailing the various programmatic elements such as crop production, wind breaks, and recreation
2. Site Plan & Tools for Design
In order to create the form, site data was collected on wind velocity / direction, and humidity; all variables impacting pathogen spread and therefore influencing crop configuration. Thus, the eventual design was determined based on these principles.
Through analyzing disease causation throughout 3 standard variables; Host, Environment, and Pathogen we begin to see the multi-scale dependencies that influence plant pathology. Host analysis is concerned with the spatiality and uniformity of genetics within crop cultivars. Through GIS analysis we begin to see global trends where each primary crop’s fractional proportions per grid cell have become dangerously
high, meaning less genetic diversity and crop variety within the region. This creates a genetic vulnerability amongst crops as low genetic variety allows crop pathogens a higher chance of infection (refer to pathogen diagram). Secondly, Environmental analysis is concerned with the future implications of climate change on latitudinal shifts of temperature dependent fungal and oomycete pathologies. Stud-
ies show that driven by global warming pathogen burden will decrease throughout the tropics and increase further to the polls. Lastly through understanding the life cycle of currently one of the world’s most dangerous pathogens, Wheat Stem Rust, we understand the spatio-temporal patterns that promote pathogen burden within industrial agricultural conditions.
2. Conceptual Model Model exploring the question of what if you took the Jeffersonian grid associated with Agriculture in California, and created a 3 dimensionality to it’s logic.
stripe rust.
1. GIS Map
Detailing not only the spatial homogeneity in wheat production but the temporal singularity of the crop.
2. Perspective
Showing the wind tunnel design which sinks into the sub grade
1. On Site Analysis DataHygrometer testing of wind velocity and direction in order to understand how fungal spores carrying the strip rust pathogen spread into the valley.
2. Fluid dynamic systems testing - Studies various forms of wind breaks to see how the prevailing winds travel along these barriers.
3. Rearranging the Jeffersonian grid - Sketching out a new spatial arrangement that considers the wind data collected.
4. Plan - Visual representation of wind testing on new design.
02. Palagos Park : Regrading for Multi Benefit Storm Water Capture Design
Year: Spring 22’
Course: Studio 2 of 6 – Macarthur Park Reimagined
Professor: Takako Tajima
Project Description
For our second semester (1st year), our studio focused on redesigning MacArthur Park, a historically rich and culturally significant piece of Los Angeles’s landscape.
Firstly, we researched precedents effective in their grading and drainage methods, not only for their efficiency in using water on the site but also for the overall design choices influenced by the type of grading.
Secondly, we delved deeper into site-specific research of the types of ‘everyday urbanism’ observed throughout the park and the surrounding community. Understanding how space is used, both formally and informally,
provided essential information on how to create and maintain these opportunities for everyday urbanism within our reimagining of the site.
Lastly, we moved into regrading and redesigning the park. It was critical for my design to implement a topographic strategy that considered not only presentday storm water management but also the future effects of climate change. The outcome was a regrading that created over 20 pools functioning as constructed wetlands during major storm events, which could be reprogrammed to create opportunities for ‘everyday urbanism’ during dry periods.
1. Conceptual Sections - through a physical and digital workflow I explored how different landscapes determine how water is navigated from surface runoff to discharge into the ocean or aquifer.
1. Leventritt Shrub & Vine Garden Topography Model - Before designing for MacArthur park it is important to study historical precedents which understand storm water runnoff and site grading.
2. Section
3. Axonometric - Showing circulation, program, storm water runoff and green space.
4. Everyday Urbanism Sketches - Studying the site adjacent to the park is critical to understanding program and the needs of the surrounding community.
Wetlands
Inlet Picnic
1. Final Design Topography Model
2. Section
3. Persepective - Rain event used to clean water from surrounding drainage area.
4. Persepctive - Dry event Reprogrammed for recreation
5. Section - Showing the ephemeral ponds
03. Crocker Plaza: Designing For A Forgotten Piece To USC
Year: Spring 22’
Course: Studio 1 of 6 – Dialectics and Translation
Professor: Alexander Robinson
Project Description
In the studio course, we learned a comprehensive method for designing landscapes. We explored Herbert Simon’s concept of design as a process of “translation,” where we took the idea of ‘translation’ through the various stages of design.We practiced translating between different drawing and modeling techniques, which helped us develop a critical understanding of how space is navigated and landscapes are most utilized. The final project involved redesigning a disregarded corner of the campus, Crocker Plaza, with a design that reignites the landscape by integrating more green space, enhancing aesthetic appeal, and fostering community engagement.
1. Model Making - Constructing maquette models to understand site design
1. CAD Section
1. Rendered Section 1:8
1. CAD Site Plan
1. Planting Plan
2. Construction Details
04. Heart Of A Hometown: Future Proofing A Farm Town Through Post Industrial Design
Year: Spring 24’
Course: Studio 6 of 6 – Advanced Research Project
Professor: Alison Hirsch, PH.D., FAAR
Project Description
Located an hour south of Fresno, Huron is a small agricultural town of approximately 6,240 residents. Among these 6,754 residents 95.7% are Latino or Hispanic, with 32.1% falling below the poverty line. Towns like Huron and its citizens have a critical role in making up the labor needed for the agricultural industry in the state. While such towns are crucial to the 40 billion dollar industry, they are often disregarded outside of the labor they provide.
This project aims to strategically navigate the constraints imposed by the current economic, environmental, and social landscapes experienced in small agricultural towns in the Central Valley. Laying a platform for diversifying economies, creating resilient environmental infrastructure, and recentering the modern American farm town, Huron and its residents may be better adapted to the 21st century.
1. Aerial Imagery - Drone footage capturing existing site conditions with industrial food processing facilities on the left and scrap yard on right.
3. Diagram - Detailing existing ownership of site.
Phase 1
2. Graphics - Showing the main goals for phases 1 and 2.
REMEDIATE
Huron’s post industrial sites, creating an environmental community asset, while improving the health and wellbeing of the town.
EDUCATE
Local resident’s on conservation techniques in order to create job transitioning from agriculture into conservation & preservation.
Phase 2
CONNECT
The center of town to the conservation area through a bike path, allowing easier accessibility and connectivity between the town and it’s surrounding conservation zones
PRESERVE
Conservation area for future generations, future proofing the town and the economy against agricultural decline.
2. Aerial Render - Phytoremediation project on abandoned scrap yard.
4. Isometrics - Showing preparation process for existing site conditions.
1. Axonometric - Showing inside design of ‘Mercadito’, children’s play area, and courtyard.
3. Perspective - Render showing new design of Mercadito and exterior area.
2. Perspective - Render showing new design of Mercadito and exterior area.
1. Map - Showing distance from center of town to critical preservation zones & bike path to Arroyo Pasajero conservation area.
2. Imagery Sections - Field Imagery of the proposed bike path route to the conservation area.
3. Chunk - section chunk showing a portion of the bike path with proposed dimensions.
1. Perspective - Night rendering of the reconverted wharehouse into a public art gallery.
Wharehouse Facility converted into public art gallery space. The shell of the wharehouse is maintained along with the existing concrete, which forms the public square in front. The inside is converted into an art space, highlighting local artists in the area.
Call outs
3. Sequence Diagram - Form finding for the downtown framework.
1. Phase 3 Plan &
3. Axonometric - Illustrating the third densification and urbanization phase for the farm town.
4. Program Diagram - Showing the massing and volumes of each new building for phase 3.
05. PROFESSIONAL WORK
Year: Summer 23’, Summer 24’
Designs: Edinburugh
Professor: Alison Hirsch, PH.D., FAAR
Project Description
These projects were completed during two separate design internships. While working with Tom StuartSmith, I contributed to numerous projects across the United Kingdom. Much of my work involved graphically translating Tom’s designs into measured CAD documents and rendered plans. Site visits allowed me to better understand effective planting design—one of Tom’s most cherished and respected aspects of his projects—and the construction process.
The scale of these projects ranged from small garden designs, such as the Maggie’s Project, to larger residential projects, which featured prairie and meadow planting schemes on the outside and more selective plant schemes, including vegetable gardens, on the inside of the residence. The Great White project focused more on the structural components and construction of the restaurant. Most days, I was on-site taking measurements and paying close attention to implementation, particularly when it came to the pergola, which later became one of the most successful and appreciated parts of the outer dining area.
6/25/24, 9:46 AM
2. Edinburgh Music Center - Plan detailing the new renovations and conversion of the Edinburgh Music Center, containing public gardens and courtyard.
Drawing Contributors: Yaniv Korman, Adrian Porter
Concept & Design: Shankar Kothapuram, Tom Stuart-Smith
Drawing Contributers: Adrian Porter
Concept & Design: Honor Reekie, Tom Stuart-Smith, Adrian Porter
1. Turville Heath Rendered Plan - Residential landscape plan for Turville Heath. A fenced garden opens up to sprawling meadows and a picturesque landscape of scattered trees.
Professional Work | Tom Stuart Smith
2. Maggie’s Cambridge - Cancer Center in Cambridge which offers a variety of different planting schemes, aimed to heal, soot, and comfort the patients as they go through treatment.
Drawing Contributors: Adrian Porter
Concept and Design: Ed Shackleton, Tom Stuart Smith
1. Modeling Outside Patio & Built Product - Much of my work was the design and implementation of the pergola, using restored white oak beams that intersect wooden slates to create a shaded yet open design, which allows wind and sun to pass through each of the vertical slats.
GREAT WHITE | DESIGN INTERN 2022
2. Final Product - The pink plaster design and Mediterranean planting, along with an open street-facing patio, are meant to emulate a more inviting, Southern European concept for dining. 3. Graphic Design
06. COMPETITIONS
Year: Spring 23’ - 24’
Project Description
Submissions features a range of projects from various design competitions. Included is a collaborative urban design competition where teamwork and shared vision played a crucial role in developing innovative urban solutions. Additionally, you’ll find my individual entry for the Arc GIS competition, which involved detailed analysis of atmospheric and hydrological flows in California’s Central Valley. These projects highlight my ability to work both collaboratively and independently, showcasing a diverse skill set and a dedication to thoughtful design.
Professor: Esther Marguiles, Guang Ping, Jared
Edgar
- Arc GIS maps tracking atmospheric and hydrological flows in the central valley.
Maps
The ULI Hines Student Competition
Teams of five students pursuing degrees in at least three different disciplines have two weeks to devise a development program for a real, largescale site in a North American city. Teams provide graphic boards and narratives of their proposals including designs and market-feasible financial data.
Team:
Anya Avdayan
Viraj Gupta
Tom Hicks
Adrian Porter
Project Value: $1,857M
Project Cost: $1,404M
Debt: $787m
Equity: $520M
Public finance: $99M
Unit Total: 2,781
Affordable Units: 805 (29%)
Market Rate: 1976 (71%)
Total Gross Floor Area: 3,764,344 sq ft
Avg. FAR: 11.
Regenerative Urban Energy For Sustainable Living Regional Forces adn Local Challenges
