from a
DERELICT state
carlos reyes
Abstract Our eyes and minds have been trained to perceive clean and organized landscapes as an ideal and desired space in urban areas. These formal looking spaces are appealing to the eyes, but looking past their charm, they reveal that they are purely aesthetics and serve no biological purpose. Many of these open spaces are only meant to accommodate the human user, and forget to address the presence of the thousands other inhabitants that have been forgotten. The damage that urban settings bring with its development affects all previous life forms. Today planting native vegetation and returning habitats to its
pristine condition has taken precedence in the environmental thought process, but there is an alternative way of thinking. Letting sites develop their own rules, and letting plant volunteers that can tolerate these harsh conditions determine the final outcome of the space.
Table of Content reading response spontaneous vegetation.......................................................................1-4 the necessity for ruins..........................................................................5-8 Brave New ecologies............................................................................9-10 wanderings Taylor yards........................................................................................11-13 San Grabriel Mountains.......................................................................13-14 lectures Enrique Norton...................................................................................15 Michael van Gessel.............................................................................16 lexicon Vocabulary..........................................................................................17-25
Reading Response
Spontaneous Urban Vegetation by Peter Del Tredici
Our eyes and minds have been trained to perceive clean and organized landscapes as an ideal and desired space in urban areas. These formal looking spaces are appealing to the eyes, but looking past their charm, they reveal that they are purely aesthetics and serve no biological function Peter Del Tredici states in his article Spontaneous Urban Vegetation. “In cities human values-driven mainly by socio-economic considerations— typically trump biological factors such that people encourage the presence of organisms that make the environment a more attractive, livable, or profitable place to be, and vilify as weeds and pests those that flourish in contradistinction to these goals”. Many of these spaces are only meant to accommodate the human user, and forget to address the presence of the thousands other inhabitants that have been forgotten. The damage that urban settings bring with its development affects all previous life forms. Del Tredici quotes in his article, “Such disturbances drastically alter existing soil and drainage characteristics, thereby changing the growing conditions for the associated biota”. Today planting native vegetation and returning habitats to its pristine condition has taken precedence in the environmental thought process. We think that changing back what we have damaged is going to fix all these problems that have risen. In an urban area, impenetrable infrastructure like
concrete and asphalt covers most of the surface, reducing the amount of water returned back into the ground and an increase the temperature. These cities bring other significant factors to light “These factors include elevated levels of carbon dioxide, altered solar radiation regimens, altered wind patterns, decreased humidity, increased or decreased ozone levels, increased soil and air temperatures, and extended growing season length” (Del Tredici, 304)
These are factors that limit the amount species that are able to thrive in these conditions, in many cases not even the native species can are able to survive the conditions. The other alternative to bring back habitat and allow the existing ecosystems and nature to take its own course and decide for itself what needs
to present in order to re-introduce a working ecology. Ecosystems are always changing, never staying the same, always changing along with its environments conditions. These spontaneous emergent plants colonies flourish in these harsh conditions because they are pre-adapted to these disturbed condition.
They don’t require attention or maintenance to survive. With them they bring many positive attributes that benefit the urban environment. “Ecosystem services provided by spontaneous urban vegetation, including: temperature reduction; food and/or habitat for wildlife; erosion control on slopes, absorption in wetlands (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus); soil building on degraded land; improved air and water quality; sound reduction; phytoremediation of contaminated soil�. (Del Tredici, 308) These invasive plants are fast growing
and can change the appearance of a place quickly, if given the chance. In reality it takes far more time, effort, and money to try and fix and return environments back to their original organic state. Integrating new plants that are adaptable in such harsh conditions into our urban spaces could be the answer we are looking for. We have to keep in mind that nature is ever changing, and that nothing is permanent.
Reading Response
The Necessity for Ruins by John Jackson The historical value of the land on which you stand or the item in which you gaze is in the eye of the beholder. As quoted by the John Jackson of The Necessity for Ruins “I’m quite unable to guess; but as I look around the contemporary American scene I am puzzled by what seems generally to pass for a historical object or a monument”(Jackson, 89). One has to wonder what makes these locations and these items worth remembering? What do they represent? Are they the opportunity to keep unwanted neighbors away, unwanted developments out of the towns or is there true historical truth and admiration behind these locations? Is it Nostalgia associated with a phase in our past or a desire to stop the unstoppable, the inevitable death of
time. Around the U.S there are many landmarks which are considered to be famous or worth knowing about. Chaco canyon for example, considered to be sacred ancestral homelands, a melting pot in which civilisation traveled to meet for trade. It was discovered many years after its sudden disapearance, thought to be due to climate change.
A great deal of thought, time and care goes into its preservation. Much has to be considered in order to preserve its integrity. Many tourists come to visit this location to see the history and take a step back in time. To expierance a portion of history. Due to the decay of certain areas, unfortuantly sections have had to be closed to the public to prevent further decay of the existing ruins. This landmark is special due to its historical value. It’s valued for its architecture, history and relevance.
A landmark that isn’t well know but holds a great deal of historical value is Taylor yards, originally the home for centuries of the Tongva indians. Its relevant due to its early connection to the history of Los Angeles, a place called home by so many now. It’s thought to be the exact location in which Los Angeles was named, where the first recorded words were written. “But there has to be an interval of neglect, there has to be discontinuity; it is religiously and artistically essential.
That is what I mean when I refer to the necessity for ruins: ruins provide the incentive for restoration, and for a return to origins”(Jackson,102) Are we preserving history or are we making it up. Anything could be of historic value, but is it really valuable. When the children of our future grow up and have children what will these monuments and Historic items preserve. What will they mean to those who look a them. This is something to be considered. A large amount of monuments seem to be spaces for the public with famous quotes from people of relevance in our history. “I’m no sort of architectural critic but I am inclined to believe that when a designer relies on inscriptions to make his point he tactily admitting artistic incompetence” (Jackson, 95). I think working history into public parks is great, allowing children to play and receive educational information is wonderful in theory. However the historical value needs to be seen not read or it’s nothing more than reading a passage from a history textbook.
Reading Response
Brave New Ecologies by Peter Del Tredici Invasive plants do not have a very good reputation. They come in, unwelcomed and can take over and drive out native plants and disrupt the surrounding environment and animals that live in it. However as quoted in Brave New Ecology by Peter Del Tredici “Regardless of how we feel about the unique assemblages of plants that populate our sprawling cities, they have the de facto native Vegetation of the urban environment. As such, we need to acknowlege that they are actually performing significant ecological function including water and air filteration, heat absorption, mineral cycling, and carbon storage.” (PG 50) It can take years of maintenance and large amount of pesticides to prevent the regrowth of an invasive species and it is more often than not that the invasive plant that required so much time to get rid of will regrow and or a new invasive species will move in and take its place. Perhaps it’s best to incorporate sustainable and native species that will require minimal maintenance, water and be less likely to take over large areas and overall be less costly. However it is also important to remember sustainability does not always mean self sustaining. Maintenance is needed to have a successful balance between nature and the naturally occuring disturbance that come from plants, animals and humans. Peter Del Tredici quote “Imposing such limitation reduces not only the the
aesthetic potential of the landscape, but also its overall adaptability to future environmental change”(PG 51) Perhaps what once was considered to be an invasive species will become what is most sustainable for an ever evolving environment. Despite there reputation they provide many beneficial services to the surrounding environment and serve a functioning purpose. Quote “Research has shown that a number of invasive plants have a similar kind of “Jekyll and Hyde” impact on the local ecology, pushing some native plants while providing food and shelter for a wide variety of native animals, especially pollinating insects and migrating birds.” (PG 50) Perhaps the good can outweigh the bad. Just maybe it is not only wise but necessary to look at the developing landscapes with new eyes, to bring forth a new reality vs forcing plants in their natural state to do something that is unnatural to them.
Wanderings
Taylor Yards An unconscious polluted rail yard with broken down remains of its previous existence, drained from any source of life, left to fend for its self. On lookers most likely to consider it deceased and uninhabitable. Here many life forms would not dare to set root for they would not survive. As I walked through this space with night fall approaching, the sun casting its evening light across the horizon, illuminating the fluffy tails of the invasive species,
layering the land in a blanket of golden yellow. Here where the chances of life emerging is close to none, these wild invasive grasses among others make these neglected conditions their homes. This beauty in the middle of a dense populated city is unexpected and unplanned. The empty presence of human inhabitants allowed for complete isolation to immerse oneself with in this wilderness.
Seeing primary succession taking place in this barren and sterile land leaves you in awe, thinking that if you let this process keep on developing you could eventually end up with a densely covered forest. Nature only needs a crack with in this impenetrable surface to emerge from. As I walked further into the grasses and lost sight of where I entered, I saw the struggles of life in action. Some lifeless
pigeons lay there being eaten away by ants. Perhaps the conditions were not suitable for these birds. This is what I imagined before coming here, seeing more of these struggles taking place and not the abundant life thriving that stood before me. It was nice to see that even if we do a great amount of damage to this earth, it will fight back and regain what we took from it.
Wanderings
San Gabriel Mountains I feel the uneven gravel under my feet, the wind whipping against my face as I hike nearer to the top of mountain. The path in front of me is very clear, worn down by the many who walked it before me. Along the sides of the trail the trees are tall, bushes robust. I am careful to avoid the poison oak as I move to the side letting other hikers move by. Bikes fly past me as they come down the mountain, not a trail that should be biked anyone inexperienced. 5 miles later I have reached the top the mountain. Wind pushes against my entire body as I lean over to look down at the patches of town, people, pollution and the far and few between untouched patches nature. The ground below looks like a battle, you can see the clear and defined markings segregating the city
from the unkempt land. I retreat from the mountains side and make my way back down the steep hill carefully. With my eyes on the gravel in front of me I see a large tarantula who has dared step into the busy path. I stop for a minute to watch it walk quickly and carefully undisturbed by me and keep moving down the path out of its way. I am the guest here in the home of many.
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Lecture
Michael R. van Gessel
Poem Your work is based from Holland, that’s pretty cool, I guess. You talk about the beauty of simplicity in design, I agree sometimes less is more, clichÊ, but true to be grounded in the space, very important We as Landscape Architects, We create environments We merge old and new, We are Landscape Architects
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Lecture
Enrique Norten ten architectos Enrique Norton says that architecture is very complicated discipline. There is far too much information out there to try understand the world you’re trying to design in. Urban issues have always held a lot of information to try and solve for. These issues are either social ones or physical ones. Public space has always been an important topic for Norton. Most architects are always focused on the object which is the building, but don’t really focus on the greater scale of things, which is more important. These public spaces set for opportunities to happen within them, creating platforms for the future. Bringing these urban landscapes, topographies, territories into the design allows for a more diverse and opportunistic designs, truly accommodating the needs of the users.
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Lexicon
Holistic Definition Adjective characterized by comprehension of the parts of something as intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
In landscape architecture, having a holistic approach to design gives you more to offer than being stuck on one way of designing. A holistic mindset comes with environmentally sustainable results, spiritual and emotional wellbeing in design.
Lexicon
Biomimicricy noun the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes.
Biomimicry is the examination of nature and its models, systems processes, and elements that are used to solve human problems. The Eastgate building in Zimbabwe uses no traditional airconditioning or heating system. The architect looked at ho termite’s colonies and hoe they keep their homes cool. By using the termite’s technique the building uses 10 percent of the energy that it would normally need.
http://www.treeandlandscapecompany.com/saving-the-world/biomimicry/
Lexicon
Procession noun the act of moving along or proceedin in ordely succesion or in a formal and ceremonius manner, as a line of people, animals vehicles, ect
Procession is a movement that follows a destined path with a purpose. This ritual in which a person consciously sets him or herself on. It can be experienced by oneself or in a group. This way of movement implies a specific route with designated paths and even activities along the way leading you to an overall reveal.
winding procession
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Lexicon
Sustainability noun Sustainability - A modern word describing any process that does not use up more of something than it is possible to gain in return.
dictionary.com
Sustainable landscapes design respond directly to the environment in which it sits upon. Using sustainable practices can help sequester carbon, clean the air, promote water conservation, prevent resource depletion, and create value through significant economic and environmental benefits
Landscape sustainable design
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Lexicon
Biodiversity Definition: noun diversity among and within plant and animal species is an environment. dictionarry.com
Biodiversity is needed in ecosystems in order for organisms to function as a whole. The richness of different species in a given area is how biodiversity is measured. When there is an alteration in biodiverity, either by humans or in other forms, the overall fuction of the system is changed and the native species present could lead to their extintion.
Plant Biodiversity
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Destruction of biodiversity
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Lexicon
Juxtaposition Definition: noun an act or intance of placing close together or sis by side, especially for comparisonor contrast.
When placing and object next to a place that allows for a great contrast, bringing more attention and focus to it. This can be used on the field to bring out certain qualities. Juxtaposing two ideas can be a great way to compare the two extremes. This allows us to find new pathways in our thinking.
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Lexicon
Dichotomy Definition: noun a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different
A dichotomy is an idea split in two. When you point out a dichotomy, you pull a clear distinction between two things. For instance take a path, you can have it straight and direct or a winding path long path. They both take you to the same place but the experience is totally different.
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Lexicon
Derelict Definition: adjective in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect. “the cities were derelict and dying�
Derelict landscapes in urban settings occur when they lose their purpose and are no use to us anymore. Many landfills go through this process. They get used when waste is constantly coming in, but when it reaches its maximum capacity they are left behind to fend for them self, left in a state of neglect.
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