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Taylor Fletcher

Taylor Fletcher

Clemson, SC, US

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Site overview, located at the Botanical Gardens in Clemson, SC. The structure was to be build at the southwest corner of the parking lot, so that it was angled properly relative two trees that would be populated with the native Warbler birds in the Spring.
Site overview, located at the Botanical Gardens in Clemson, SC. The structure was to be build at the southwest corner of the parking lot, so that it was angled properly relative two trees that would be populated with the native Warbler birds in the Spring.
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Botanical Gardens Bird Watching Structure

As part of a Community 1:1 course, my peers and I were tasked with completing the design and construction phases of a bird watching structure. I specialized in the site development, which focused on site design, site preparation, and stormwater management. Though site design and preliminary site preparation was complete, construction was halted due to COVID-19. This project gave me exposure to project budgeting and scheduling, stormwater management, and collaboration between subsets of the same work-team. 

As the project was funded by the University, we had a very small budget to work with. This led us to work strategically with local equipment vendors and to repurpose existing site elements. For instance, a portion of the existing parking lot was to be removed. Rather than dispose of this material, the intent was to remove it purposefully so that it could be assembled as a rock wall to create a boundary between the parking lot and the bird watching structure. My background in engineering was helpful in the calculations aspect of this, as we were limited only to the pavement that was being removed. By calculating the available pavement (and accounting for possible losses), the site team and I were able to design a double-sided wall with local greenery and a hidden drainage system. Before classes were moved online (and therefore project progression halted at the pre-construction phase), we were able to begin the process of pavement removal, and we were happy to determine that we would be able to accomplish our vision with the given materials.

 
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Status: School Project
Location: Clemson, SC, US
My Role: Site Development
Additional Credits: Dan Harding, Blake Sanders, Clemson University Spring 2020 Community 1:1 students

 
Existing site conditions. A portion of the parking lot (closest to the tree line) was to be removed using a walk-behind concrete saw and then repurposed as a wall/seating area.
Existing site conditions. A portion of the parking lot (closest to the tree line) was to be removed using a walk-behind concrete saw and then repurposed as a wall/seating area.
With the utilization of a walk-behind concrete saw, chalk and string, and surveying equipment we were able to create a grid system relative to a known point and measure out 'bricks' from the existing parking lot for use as a rock wall.
With the utilization of a walk-behind concrete saw, chalk and string, and surveying equipment we were able to create a grid system relative to a known point and measure out "bricks" from the existing parking lot for use as a rock wall.
Design intent for the rock wall that was to run along the site and parking lot boundary.
Design intent for the rock wall that was to run along the site and parking lot boundary.
All Site Team members contributed to possible design ideas for this rock wall. These ideas were then conceptualized by team member Eden Wright.
All Site Team members contributed to possible design ideas for this rock wall. These ideas were then conceptualized by team member Eden Wright.