2 minute read
Depaving paradise
Depaving paradise
Staff and students take on initiative to transform concrete into green space.
Together with the London Environmental Network (LEN), several Fanshawe student teams have been busy converting unused paved space in the courtyard between D and A buildings into an aesthetically pleasing and ecologically supportive environment for students, staff and visitors.
Led by the School of Design and the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology, and supported by Campus Planning and Capital Development, the project is part of a partnership with the national Depave Paradise program, promoting sustainable landscapes and reducing ‘heat islands’ in urban centres.
“Depave Paradise targets underutilized paved spaces and replaces them with permeable surfaces that slow and filter water runoff, including gardens rich in native biodiversity,” says Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning student Cole Taylor. “Fanshawe is London’s first site for Depave Paradise.”
Cole is currently completing his co-op work placement as the Green Infrastructure Support and Depave Paradise Event Coordinator for LEN.
In August 2021, Cole and roughly 20 other volunteers removed asphalt—and sent it away to be recycled—so the roughly 100-squaremetre courtyard could be transformed with native, storm water retentive plants and pollination gardens.
“The plant palette uses predominantly native species and focuses on fall, winter and spring seasonal interest,” explains Professor Corinne Wilmink, who helped to plan, purchase and plant flora for the space. “It creates a sustainable and low-maintenance environment that will provide attractive views throughout the school year.”
