Seed(ing) for Refugees

Seed(ing) for Refugees In a City

Some Kind of Nature

Master of Landscape Architecture (Part 2), Manchester School Of Architecture

Ankita Rani

Bradford, Manchester

A vision for connectingNon-Humans Habitat Manchester City

we are at Manchester, the UK

HOW CAN THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE IN A POST-INDUSTRIAL CITY BE RE-USED TO PROVIDE REFUGE FOR NON-HUMAN CLIMATE REFUGEES?

Connecting Manchester City to Bradford in Manchester: To use the potential (future) disused spaces for expanding and re-linking the isolated vegetative patches in the city with the wider landscape in the extended regions of the city.

In the age of the Anthropocene, where the natural and built environments are disconnected, there arises a pressing need for ecologically responsive developments. This project seeks to confront the climate and biodiversity crises afflicting Manchester city and the Bradford region in Manchester by prioritizing the perspectives of non-human species in the proposed Masterplan. Through a radical approach, it aims to bolster the city’s resilience against non-human migration and extreme weather events, now & in the future.

The design approach revolves around designing simple affordances that can be modified/reworked further by non-humans as per their need and comfort during their lifetime, hence welcoming their voice and their individual design capabilities to make a successful refugees abode.

By establishing this complex network of non-human species within urban mosaics, it necessitates the creation of resilient habitats and the facilitation of species migration to nearby vegetation zones within the city in response to natural changes and human disturbances. The project acknowledges the vital role of non-humans as seed carriers (pollinators/dispersers) during their search for shelter and respite.

By incorporating these elements, “SEED(ING) FOR REFUGEES” strives to propose an inclusive and ecologically balanced urban refuge for both non-human and human populations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings in our shared habitat.

Project Seed(ing) for Refugees Description:

Answering How & Where

Through

Bradford Colliery

Histric Image

Source: Atelier Atlas

AGE OF GROWTH OR AN AGE OF LOSS?

Since the Industrial Revolution, nearly half of Britain’s biodiversity has vanished. According to Professor Andy Purvis of the museum’s life science department, “Britain has lost more of its natural biodiversity than almost anywhere else in western Europe, the most of the G7 nations, and more than many other nations, such as China.” (McKie, 2021)

Humans took everything away from us—our land, our home, our family, our affordances,... amidst that designated a small (fragmented) patch to Live or to Die... (~if Non-Humans had a voice!!)

INTRODUCING BRADFORD, MANCHESTER

SITE | Bradford, East Manchester, the UK

Bradford, a neighbourhood in East Manchester, has a long industrial history and has been the site of numerous coalmining projects over the years. The location offers the ideal chance to restore the degraded ecosystems by reconnecting the fragmented vegetation and using them as refuge spaces from the extreme weather events caused by climate change.

Therefore, as part of the investigation, the approach is to critically examine the site and its history through a timeline to understand the place and propose the most suitable strategies for the site’s future that would benefit all the species.

Land Cover Transformation

‘To investigate relations of landscape is to question practices of how landscapes are produced, imagined, situated and lived.’ (Wall et al., 2020)

The map shows the expanding ‘industrial-scape’ and shrinking rich green cover, rivers and brooks network that has impacted the biodiversity loss

KEY

Biodiverse Land

River/Canal/Brooks

MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE

EAST MANCHESTER | BRADFORD

WIDER MANCHESTER

THE MASTERPLAN

The prime goal is to re-connect and restore communication and linkages between multiple species living in the biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere in order to create a habitat for them that reverses (or reduces) the migration pattern of non-human species from city to city’s suburb or from suburb to an even faroff region.

The masterplan approach is to connect the city’s and surrounding areas’ fragmented landscapes with existing vegetation by reclaiming parking lots, private gardens, golf courses, and so on, allowing species to find suitable refuge for purposes like: nesting, resting & breeding in the city.

Existing Vegetation

Existing Water Network

Reclaimed Private/shared residential garden

Proposed Vegetation Expansion

Proposed Brook Network

Key Affordance Element for Non-Human Refugees

Travel Corridor Links

Required Intervention Zone

Phase I: Manchester City, Phase II: Bradford, Manchester

Proposed Immense Biodiversiry Nodes

Node Selected for Design at the scale of 1:200

CAN WE ENVISION AN AGE OF GROWTH NOW?

By embracing the concept of timescape, we delve into the intricate interplay between space and time within ecology. This exploration allows us to deepen our understanding of the relationship and envision transformative steps towards reconnecting fragmented vegetation.

Is there a better future for Non-Humans?

Wild/Rural pre industrial

Semi-urban areas

Rewilding Urban spaces

Industrial City

Wider Landscape Scale 1:2500

Masterplan Scale 1:15000

PAINTING BIODIVERSITY OVER THE EXISTING (?)-SCAPE

On the other side, I see non-humans looking for a home—a patch of vegetation, a crevice, or a tree—a small place. And that was difficult to come by for them! by Blurring the lines: Finding ways to reconnect the fragmented vegetation

CONNECTING CITY’S FRAGMENTS

IDENTIFYING SITES FOR NON-HUMANS

The wider landscape goal is to re-connect the fragmented landscapes in different planes (horizontal, vertical etc.) to improve the species connectivity. This is achieved through two proposed linkages, and two connections:

Horizontal links are proposed to directly connect the vegetative spaces through land

Vertical links are proposed for the areas where connecting landscapes horizontally is either difficult or impossible due to existing skyscraper. The vertical links in this case will include options to green the wall or introduce the roof gardens.

Cross connections - bridges is the term used particularly for the non-human species to be able to cross the river.

Socket connections are the future landscape extentions (such as roads) that can be plugged in directly with the other proposed landscape projects.

Section AA’

Existing crosssection through city’s fragmented vegetative patches

Proposed Section AA’

Creating new links that reconnects with existing vegetation patches

THE SITE & HUMAN NETWORK TRANSPORT

The map depicts strong road/rail connectivity, parking facilities--all to meet the needs of humans!

All done at the expense of ecological ‘community’ being shrinked to peripheries alongside the roads, river edge, plot edge, and so on..

Wide angle view of parking sites in the Manchester Parking spaces in the site surrounding

Which way should I go?

of a Non-Human

Connectivity for Humans

Road/Rail connectivity

Primary Road Network

Secondary Road Network

Metrolink Line

Rail Network

Rail Station

Metrolink Stops

Parking

Major Surface Parking /NCP

Surface Parking

Site view from River Irwell

SITE SPECIFIC AND WIDER LANDSCAPE GOALS

To restore a multi-species connection with the landscape, the approach involves modifying or eliminating site limitations to ensure the provision of essential elements such as affordances and dedicated spaces for predators, breeding, foraging, and population growth.

REWORKING ON LIMITATIONS

PROVIDING THE ESSENTIALS

Breaking the Barriers

Limit the usage of physical barrier for non human species. Any existing hard edges such as fences, kerbs, planter edges to be limited/ removed and to be replaced with soft edges

Variation in Topography

Design to include variation in topography (mounds and depressions) to allow species to burrow, hide, nest that they find suitable

Extending Site limits

Expansion of the site towards the exisitng green so as to strengthen the link and communication between the non-human and plant species

Providing affordances

This will contain the birds/animals food balls, seed balls of vegetation that rely on seed dispersal, mud balls and twig balls for supporting nesting requirements

Species Selection

Selection of reselient plant species that survive the extreme weather with the consideration for water, air and land species that adapt easily in the city environment

Establishing connections

To allow multiple species to find their habitat, freely move, take a rest and to be able to find & feed themselves in the designed landscape

KEY

Existing River Edge

Extending the vegetation Limit

Proposed Variation in Topography

Establishing Connections

Providing Affordances

SCALE 1:500

THE MESSAGE

Resting, Nesting & a Journey

The constant threats posed by human activities hinder the journey of non-human city dwellers and survivors in search of food, rest, and nesting opportunities amidst a changing climate. This project aims to address these challenges by examining essential processes, devising strategies, and incorporating design elements that advocate for the needs of non-human beings through intentional design decisions.

Layers of Complexity in a Landscape Visualisation

Source: Self

RESTING, NESTING, & A JOURNEY

This chapter takes you through the visual journey of a seed, showcasing its growth and the expansion of its form and territory. It explores how plants and trees, as they mature, offer nesting, resting, and habitation spaces for nonhuman creatures.

SEED(ING)

FOR A BEGINNING

How does a Seed become a Tree? It disperses independently to a land where it finds a safe space to begin an individual journey of life. More often in cities, most of the seeds never come to life, or may come to the life for a short span only.

A BEGINNING...

FOR NESTING, RESTING & A JOURNEY

When a seed becomes a plant with leaves and flowers, it draws various insect species that can rest occasionally or eat sap and nectar before setting out on their own journey. Nesting and Resting is used here specifically in relation with non-human species

A BEGINNING OF LIFE-CYCLE

PROCREATION, NESTING, RESTING

As a plant grows further and start to bear fruits and/or flowers (depends on the plant species), the non-human species such as birds, rodents and insects find it a safe place to rest and even nest. This stage allows successful dispersal of seeds from plants or transfer of pollen from one flower to other. The stage also allows the birds and animal species to depend on plant/tree to feed themselves and their young ones.

A BEGINNING FOR NESTING

WHERE IN A CITY?

The typical pattern of these urban dwellers (non-humans) survivors continues to change and adapt as cities grow. Future success depends on their current reproductive cycle, which is what will allow them to continue.

AND A BEGINNING FOR RESTING

WHERE IN A CITY?

These processes holds within them a wide range of complexity. To establish a complex network of non-humans to prolifer in a land of urban mosaics (a city) it requires more resilient habitats and allowing species to migrate in the near by zones (of vegetation) if any natural changes or human disturbances occur.

GOING ON A JOURNEY SEED JOURNEY | Finding a New Home

As non-humans brings themselves to nest and rest they carry with themselves seeds that may drop in a river, or an impermeable road in the city. In the best scenario these seed may land in the fragmented vegetation where if the condition remain suitable, they may come to life. The graphic shows the five selected sites at 2km radius from the Site location and shows a present and an alternate scenario

A Present Scenario if Seed drops in/on:

The Site Section Visualisation Source: Self

ANSWERING HOW & WHERE

This chapter introduces you to the design package that contains following drawings:

General Arrangement Plan

Levels Plan

Site Long Sections

Vegetation Strategy

Tree Planting Plan

LEVELS PLAN

A variation in Topography will provide multiple options for nonhuman species to rest and nest that best suites the requirement of their nesting habitats. A change in level through elevation of mounds or depths of pond will bring in rich diversity of species to the site.

SITE LONG SECTIONS

Although both sections has a Non-Human and a Human angle, the Sections ‘AA’ shows site space area that is only accessible by nonhumans. Sections ‘BB’ shows the Human Trail journey

Year 1

A section for Year 1 shows the land patches left vacant to allow natural dispersal of seeds and pollen.

In the best case scenario, the proposed trees will grow to bear fruits and flowers that can be dispersed by the non-human actors.

Section AA’ | A Non-Human Angle

Section BB’ | A Human Angle

PLANTING PROGRESSION

The best-case scenario, in which dispersed seeds persisted and grew into plants or reached maturity, is depicted in a section for Year 15. As a result, dense vegetation covers the majority of the open spaces that were intentionally left as part of the design.

VEGETATION STRATEGY

The vegetation strategy aligns with the trail’s progression, with low-height ground cover at the trail’s start gradually giving way to taller and more complex vegetation. The transition deck (2) features woodland and emergent trees before reaching the tree silo.

The design of the non-human vegetation strategy takes inspiration from the interior space of the human abode, transitioning from public to semi-private and finally to the most interior zone.

Meadows Mix (proposed design) (923.1 sq.m.)

PT1.1

PT1.2

Wildflower, bulbs,annuals and Grasses mix

Meadows through seed dispersal (1798.5 sq.m.)

Food balls in the food box below the trail to have seed balls that can be dispersed by birds and rodent species. Food balls to contain seeds of wildflower, annuals, perennials, small trees

Bioswale edge planting mix (799.8 sq.m.)

PT2

a.perennials to add color and odour

b.ferns and grasses to add textural variety c.tall grasses on the border

Woodland Understorey Plants (807sq.m.)

PT3

PT4

Shade tolerant plants from annuals, bulbs and perennials

Hedgerow vegetation (102 ln.m.)

bushy shrubs to border the lower level plantations and mixed vegetation

Climbers against trellis & wires (523.9 sq.m.)

Existing mature to be retained so strong network of among new and Understorey Trees Height 3-5m, Total To give an impression the seed journey ground to being Canopy trees Height up to 12m, To give an impression into being plant with strength

Landmark trees To grow out from Silo. Landmark trees a translation to mark in the journey of Fallen trees, branches As a part of the strategy, and branches to to allow mosses to find a refuge in

PT5

Native species of climbers to grow against non-human trellis made of tensile net fence system and on upcycled timber stakes placed vertically against the trail.

Reclaiming the existing climbing vegetation on the site: The vegetation selections will be a mix of existing and proposed climber species

Grasses pocket (860.9 sq.m.)

PT1.1

PT1.2

Meadows Mix (proposed design) (923.1 sq.m.)

Wildflower, bulbs,annuals and Grasses mix

Meadows through seed dispersal (1798.5 sq.m.)

Food balls in the food box below the trail to have seed balls that can be dispersed by birds and rodent species. Food balls to contain seeds of wildflower, annuals, perennials, small trees

Bioswale edge planting mix (799.8 sq.m.)

PT2

a.perennials to add color and odour

b.ferns and grasses to add textural variety c.tall grasses on the border

Woodland Understorey Plants (807sq.m.)

PT3

PT4

Shade tolerant plants from annuals, bulbs and perennials

Hedgerow vegetation (102 ln.m.)

1:200 @ A1

bushy shrubs to border the lower level plantations and mixed vegetation

Climbers against trellis & wires (523.9 sq.m.)

PT6

A variety of tall grasses, rushes,sedges allocated in midst of the bio-pond that can be viewed from Trail Journey

Plantation Mix (1) pocket (660.6 sq.m.)

PT7

A mix of small to medium size shrubs with herbaceous ground layer enclosed within the trail journey

Plantation Mix (2) pocket (1226.8 sq.m.)

PT8

A mix of herbaceous ground cover, medium to large size shrubs with trees transplanted to a different location within the site

Existing mature trees to be retained so as to establish the strong network of communication among new and existing vegetation

Landmark trees (3)-

To grow out from Lookout deck and Silo. Landmark trees to be used as a translation to mark the transitions in the journey of the seed growth

Understorey Trees

Height 3-5m, Total number 19,

To give an impression of a transition of the seed journey from being under ground to being visible

Canopy trees

Height up to 12m, Total number 16,

To give an impression of seed growth into being plant with structure and strength

Fallen trees, branches

As a part of the strategy, fallen trees and branches to be retained on site to allow mosses and other species to find a refuge in it or to grow over it

TREE PLANTING PLAN

The strategy is to introduce the layers of Trees that extends beyond the existing framework of vegetation. The trees specifically native to UK has been selected that are habitat to birds, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and rodent species to say the least. These tree selection

PLANT SCHEDULE

Client:

Project:

provide food sources, resting & nesting opportunities, ensuring a vibrant habitat with rich biodiversity.

Date: 15/04/23

Created by: Ankita Rani - Manchester office

Location: manchester Schedule no.:

Schedule name: 2023-04-15 MLA 2 Tree Selection

Drawing ref.:

Revision:

Tree Schedule

Tree Selection

Abbrev.  Botanical Name   Common Name   Girth/ Dia. cm  Height cm    Root Zone    Specification Total number

A caAcer campestre Common Maple  6-8

A glAlnus glutinosa Common Alder  8-10

A lamAmelanchier lamarckiiJuneberry

B peBetula pendula Common Silver Birch

C avCorylus avellana Common Hazel

C monCrataegus monogyna Common Hawthorn

C x prCrataegus x prunifoliaPlum-leaf Thorn  8-10

F s Fagus sylvatica Common Beech  6-8

M syMalus sylvestris Common Crab Apple

P syPinus sylvestris Scots Pine

P padPrunus padus Bird Cherry

Q rQuercus robur Common Oak  16-18

S aSalix alba

White Willow  8-10

S c Salix caprea Goat Willow  6-8

250-300 20-25LLS; clear stem 150-175cm; 4 brks 2

250-300 RB 2x; Feathered; 5 brks 5

200-250 20L Feathered; 5 brks 5

200-250 15L Feathered; 5 brks 3

100-125 RB Branched; 5 brks 9

175-200 10-15LFeathered; 5 brks 9

250-300 RB 2x; Std; clear stem 175-200cm; 3 brks 3

250-300 B 2x; Feathered; 5 brks 3

125-150 B 2x; Feathered; 4 brks 8

250-300 RB 5x; leader with laterals; feathered to base 2

100-125 3L 1+2; Transplant - seed raised 8

400-450 80-100LEHS; clear stem min. 200cm 1

250-300 RB 2x; Std; clear stem 175-200cm; 3 brks 2

250-300 B 2x; LS; clear stem 150-175cm; 3 brks 5

N

1:200 @ A1

https://www.rhs.org.uk/ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ https://plantpartner.co.uk/

KEY:

Three Elements in One Frame Visualisation Source: Self

KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS

In this chapter, we explore three crucial design elements that serve as refuge spaces for nonhuman beings:

4A. Trail

4B. Silo

4C. Trellis

A. TRAIL B. SILO C. TRELLIS

ELEVATED TRAIL JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION

The Elevated Trail guides humans through a landscape shared by multiple species, symbolizing a transformative seed journey. It incorporates varying trail levels starting from Level +00 to 6500mm and two transitional outlook deck spaces, inviting individuals to pause, observe their surroundings, and then proceed on their journey.

TRAIL COLUMN SECTION

Trail Column Column With Four Branches

Trail Column supports the trail deck as humans make their Journey from the entry to the tree Silo. As the level of the trail rises, the tree column includes the four branches giving it a ‘V’ shape to transfer the dead and live load easily through the column.

Plan at Level +2500 from GL at SP

Scale: 1:50

Column Section (Type 1)

Plan at Level +4000 from GL at SP

Scale: 1:50

Column Section (Type 2)

Scale 1:15

TRAIL COLUMN SECTION

Trail Column With Branches & Linear Stands (1)

As the Trail level surpasses +4000mm, the branches extend vertically to accommodate seed and food ball boxes for birds, squirrels, and other rodents to feed from. A unique feature of these food balls is that humans on the journey can refill them, fostering a sense of involvement and allowing humans to contribute to the well-being of the non-human inhabitants.

Trail Column With Branches & Linear Stands (2)

Scale:

Scale:

Column Section (Type 3)

Column Section (Type 4)

Scale 1:15

Plan at Level +4250 from GL at SP

Plan at Level +5000 from GL at SP

1:50

1:50

REFUGEES SILO INTRODUCTION

Tree Silo for Non-Human Refugees stands as a key element for initial idea of creating a counter project to the existing and the upcoming skyscrapers on the other side of the River Irwell.

The Silo’s height approximately 9m allows a number of species rooms to nest, rest and procreate. The use of age old natural-materials like daub, wattle, rammed earth and timber provide the interior space with a natural insulation and a refuge space in the extreme weather situations.

FINAL ITERATION

External Layer | Columns + Daub Structure

The intriguing aspect of the Daub and Wattle material is that it will go through a life cycle change, allowing non-human species to interact with it in different ways and perhaps opening up new perspectives on how a structure in a landscape can be viewed from a non-humans standpoint!

The ability of silo material to adapt and welcome non-humans to change its interior is another crucial quality. For instance, non-humans can enhance the wattle and timber rings of Silo’s structure by adding feathers, branches, and twigs, creating a remarkably comfortable environment, or possibly making a new nest made of mud, twigs and branches within the Silo. This intentional involvement of non-humans in design decisions adds a unique dimension to the process.

The Gabion wall base filled with the re-used tarmac from the existing parking site, with the sand layer in between tarmac allows refuge space for the spiders, ants, and nesting spaces for many other insect species.

Side Section ‘2’

Sectional Elevation ‘1’ (with Daub layer)

STRUCTURAL COMPLEXITY

Internal Layer | Wattle and Stakes structure

Plan at Level +5250

Sectional Elevation ‘1’ (Structural layer)

The sectional elevation shows the structural layer complexity of Silo, that is, without the Daub layer

TRELLIS FOR NON-HUMANS

INTRODUCTION

The non-Human Trellis is the design inspired by the nest structure which is entangled by twigs, straw, grasses, feathers, tree branches, mud, and other natural material. This enveloping mesh structure includes a variation in mesh opening sizes in its design to provide nesting habitats to birds of varying sizes. The structure along with nesting and resting opportunities for birds will welcome many rodent species to move freely for food and recreation.

THREE ELEMENTS IN ONE FRAME

Trail Journey Beginning Visualisation

Source: Self

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

The chapter takes you through ‘a final message’ that communicates temporal and spatial character of the space through Journeyer’s voice.

BEGINNING OF THE TRAIL JOURNEY

Journeyer (voice): June 30th, 4:15pm(approx)

I have began my Journey and ready to explore the space visually

AT TRAIL TRANSITION (1)

Journeyer (voice): A moment ago, I was inside the outlook deck.. and that felt enclosed, like a seed that’s enclosed within the seed cover... Looking for the best time to come out in the world.

AT TRAIL TRANSITION (2)

Journeyer (voice): As I am at Trail Transition (2), about to reach Outlook Deck (2), I see woodland understorey around me and non-human species nesting and resting in it. Excited to see what’s next?!

AT FINAL DESTINATION - THE SILO

Journeyer (voice): ‘The Silo is here!!’

I’m humbled with the complex interactions going...In between non-humans, and with the designed Silo.

It’s an experience of maturity starting from seed to plant and then to a matured tree.

FENESTRATION ON SILO

Journeyer (voice): These Openings! It’s like a portal to peep in or out into different worlds.

Journeyer (voice): As I travel back from my final destination and have a moment to reflect on the journey that I have just taken, I feel incredibly fortunate and humbled to have visited the non-humans’ abode. To comprehend how difficult it is to see things from their position, yet I find how readily they adapt to the affordances and give back more in return.

(Image: View from the trail leg connecting Silo back to the Outlook Deck (2), allowing humans to reflect on their way back.)

It has been a humbling journey throughout and I wouldn’t have explored the landscape from a non-human perspective had I not been in the SKN atelier. It was absolutely amazing to work on plans, sections, several key details, and visuals in the final unit. I felt almost immersed in complex visions and some abstract ideas as well, but my tutor’s unwavering support helped me refine each element of the design and bring layers of entanglements and absolute depth to the project. I am extremely motivated to continue taking the SKN approach in all future landscape projects that I work on.

And finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my tutor Becky Sobell for her superb lessons and her continuous support throughout this journey.