s t a t i b a H n a
Urb
e
l By Samp i Tor
ents t n o C f .. Pg.3 . o . . . e . l . . . b . Ta ..... .......... ........ . . t c a Abstr
... Pg.5 . . . . . . : . . e . c ... er On Chapt Urban Fabri l Natura g.14 P . . . : . . o . . ....... er Tw Chapt stems ...... y City S hree: T r e t p Cha g.25 . l . P . a . . c . i . . g . Ecolo ctives... Perspe g.34 P . . . . . . . . . sion . u l c n o C
The ur ba future. n environmen Ou t need s to dest r currently s egmen to adapt in o roy wh r ted pa at ecolog tternin der to succee ical sys has been bu g d in a il llo te t incorp orate t ms. We have as well as dis ws natural p the hese p r to take rocess the oppor tun connect curr ocesses advant e e it s and s n y a future ystems to reconnec t of sym ge of its ben t w an e b ithin ou fit io them t r fabric d o hous tic living spa s as well as des eo ce. in withou t destr ther species Using curre ign a better, order uc nt ,o sm natura l syste tion would be r allow a floo forms and ad ar ter m d ju examp s from p les of h to pass throu sting ast mis through urb a g o t n h a w Our cit k to inco ies can es and solve massing. As r p o r a te de e c concre te carp volve and inc urrent issues signers we c these a orpora et. more s te the within the cit n learn ustaina In the end, t h b e reconn le proc design natural world yscape. ect dis esses goals a within con with healthie re to in t corpor he r living nected syste in urban reg at io ms, pro space. vide ha ns in order to e bitat, a nd cre ate a
Abstrac
t
3
Four Ke
Simple Interve n Using nature tions as insp landsc ira ape ba lanced tion in the de superfl while k s uous, fo eeping ign of enviro cusing n it simp only on le and ments. Keep ing w c lean. A h at is ne Comm void ab the unity In cessar sently y volvem . Using adding ent social the a nd com urban munity setting s pa th propos ed. As e human mo tterns to deriv well as ve e looking ment will dic the core as p tate th into ov Redes e form ects of desig erlapp igning n. a in nd stra Infr g ecolo Design tegies In gical p ing infr astructure t hat are r ocesse as within s. the urb tructure to in co an creatin g a dyn forms. Crea rporate many ting an amic li differen u ving en vironm rban fabric th t species and Sustain ent an vegeta ab d new at acts as a tion Addres le Implemen h p a e b r s it pective at to m sin tation any, s. sustain g the issue of able pr actices vegetation w cities. it and ve getatio hin the urban n that have a mesh. Incor poratin dapted g to the conditio more ns of
y Topic
4
s
Chapter One:
Urban F abric
/up loa
ds/ 2
015
/03 /LL
SV
_Jo aqu in1 .jp g
Natural
Ch
htt p:/
/w
ww .gla
dst on eho tel. com /
wp
-co nte nt
a Re pter To Sp adin pic g o s Ve nta n By getat eou Pe ion s U ter rba De n Le l Tr c e dic By ture i Mi ch ae Ch lR .Va ap Int nG eg ter T es an he rat se l urb d veg ing n me cre an fa etati atura an ate a bric on w l form dp it i rod more n ord hin t s h e uc tive sust r to e a cit ina ysc ble ap e.
5
Spontaneous Urban Vegetation: Reflection of Change in a Globalized World Peter Del Tredici After reading Spontaneous vegetation, my perspective of invasive species and their role in the urban environment has changed drastically. Naively I felt invasive species should be removed at all cost and could alter the entire ecosystem. However, as our environment and climate changes so must our “natural� environment. By trying to maintain a historically accurate landscape we could be sacrificing natural resources as well as energy. What has invasive species really done to damage our system? The truth is it has done nothing but adapt to the current conditions and thrive better than what existed earlier. We could benefit greatly from these species due to their better adapted qualities. These species need no assistance, unlike the species we are so desperately trying to preserve. It is hypocritical of us as humans to preserve these species we believe to be native to the area because they weren’t the original species either. The ecology and natural landscape has been fluctuating constantly even without human intervention. This new era has become drier and more polluted, unless those conditions are going to change drastically soon then there will be no point trying to preserve the landscape of our past. The past conditions may have been suitable for those species, however, things have changed and these species need to adapt in order to survive. If they are unable to they will be replaced by a much better suited species, which is the way of nature and how the global system works.
6
In the urban landscape, one where green space and resources are sparse, there is a need for species that can handle the intensity of a largely populated area. There are species that can and have dealt with the conditions of the urban fabric. However, they are the result of a space being left to its own devices, adopting the appearance of an abandoned lot or ill-maintained area. These species get a bad name because they thrive in areas of abandonment and are thusly associated with it. Using these species in an intelligent way is key to their success in areas other than abandoned lots and between cracks. They should be incorporated into the populated open areas and fill in spaces such as medians, parks, and bordering areas. The key is to design the spaces along with these plants. As long as the space has an intent and appears to be visited instead of abandoned it can be successful.
7
Ruderal Vegetation: growing where the natural vegetational cover has been disturbed by humans <ruderal weeds of old fields and roadsides> (Merriam Webster) Ruderal vegetation is very common in the urban environment and can be a beneficial tool for future urban designs. This is significant when describing the types of vegetation the city can be using, taking advantage of the adapted species. This is an easily overlooked aspect of the city environment that could be where our future designs are headed. Due to The the lack of resources and pollution, task this term and species will be much more discussed and more for the common as design adapts to future is no the current conditions. Urban longer about habitats can take advantage how to eliminate of ruderal environments, these plants, but rather using them to how to use them in a way sustainably allow a that increases their ecological, coexistence between social, and aesthetic values. It the natural and would also be a much more sustainable human systems.
8
strategy than attempting to restore the ecosystems of the past, before the existence of the cities. These species are stress tolerant and take little to no maintenance, ideal for an urban system where resources are limited and vegetation has little space. Overall, vegetation has a different role in cities and urban environments when compared to other areas. We must take advantage of these species and make room for adjustment in how we look at landscape and the natural in the urban fabric.
Geospatial: of or relating to the relative position of things on the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface (dictionary.com) This term, in reference to landscape architecture, is important to consider when designing. The way a design relates to the earth and the ecological processes are important and will create certain experiences. The way a form is positioned within the earth can be affected by solar exposure, wind condition, ground conditions, and many more. Each of these systems can be taken advantage of and make the design successful. However, if ignored, these systems can cause the design to fail or be unsuccessful. Overall the way a Littoral: design interacts with the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of, relating surface is important to analyze to, or situated or and understand before going growing on or near too far in the design. It is a shore especially of the one of the first things sea (Merriam Webster) to look into during the design process. When dealing with a coastal landscape this term would be very useful. Considering that many coastal areas have to adapt to current conditions including pollution. Current sites, like Surfridge in Los Angeles, needs to take these situation into consideration due to their connection to the coast. This is a current site that needs a design intervention as well as a coastal influence. Many designs are affected by littoral influences. The shore has many natural ecologies that should be considered when designing along or near a coast. In these design situations this term would be used and beneficial in supporting your design goals.
9
Archaeophyte: Any plant which was introduced to an area by humans and became naturalised before 1500 CE. (www.yourdictionary.com) This term is useful in discussions about invasive species versus the natives. This is a popular discussion that has become important considering climate change and pollution. It also has to account for baselines, which is the time in history which is used as a reference when determining a plants origin and ability to be considered a native. This argument refers to natural processes of fluctuation and the constant change of plant material versus the impact of humanity. This term is exemplifies that most plants in our landscape has been introduced by humans in the past and arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t true natives to begin with. This brings up the sustainability of maintaining a landscape that is considered natives. The resources to maintain and protect these plants, may not outweigh their benefit.
10
Poetr y
Inspir e By M d by Lect u ichae l R.Va re nG
essel
Invisible work Transparent lines between design and place Hold back Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overdesign Let the beauty of place speak for itself Otherwise ego will take its place Time and process are key Anxious there is no variety Juxtaposition of the male To the form of the female Think for people just incase Understand how they use space Incorporate the uses of nature Using ground is mature Landscape architecture is the creation of environments Using the minimum Resulting in the maximum We intervene But nature takes over We do not overcome We allow it to intertwine A good transformation Old and new A creation of man An intervention of nature
11
Naturalistic versus nature Incorporate into the urban fabric Make it dark To keep them in Use the light As a beacon Take the drawbacks As inspiration Make it positive From the restriction Take a building Made of stucco Keep it simple Remove a layer Open up a new perspective See things in a different way A stucco building without stucco What does it become? Can you see it? What is it? Start a conversation A simple method A strong response An urge to shape nature We are not alone An ant builds a hill A beaver damns a river A bird assembles a nest Landscape architects shape the living The human urge is our profession
12
Approach design by cleaning up Empty out and create quiet Long for balance A combination of contrast The sturdy versus the fragile The informal versus formal The sturdy versus fragile Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the details
13
Chapter Two:
City Sy
stems
Ch
14
a Re pter To La adin pic g n s Ur dsc : ba ap En nis e I By ginee m Be nfras Pie rin yo tru nd ctu rre g Le re: c B ela By ture ng En : er riq Wa ue n No Ch der r to ac ing n o Ch Ca : a n pte yo Th nN ec e ur r The ew b o m Me sy nom an e t s xic e o i m c in cia o , s a t pro heir are nd l, sy duc sus seg ecolo m s ad tem tivity taina en gica res is . A bil ted l s t ne un ity he ce ive an d se ss r iss ary sal ue to s.
Landscape Infrastructure: Urbanism Beyond Engineering Pierre Belanger This book discusses the different perspectives of design, looking at it through the lens of other design fields. Therefore, after discussing the many branches of design, the author begins to question the segmented way of design and encourages the blending of the fields. He also discusses the result of some of these projects and how, due to a lack of double checking, disasters and infrastructural failures occur. For example rolling blackouts, levee breaks, hurricanes, bridge collapses, power outages, and oil spills have all risen in the past three decades. The author, Pierre Belanger, states that these incidences are because of outmoded patterns of land development upheld by the sprawl of standardization, Euclidean land use zoning, and uncoordinated, reactionary planning. He suggests that designers need to rethink the current models of city building and adopt contemporary pattern of spatial distribution that adapt to the current conditions and resources. Design needs to bridge the gap between economy and ecology, this reading discusses the future of infrastructure and how it works within the economy of the world wide systems. Looking at the city as a system of segmentation and lack of flowing processes, you see the dilemma in the future for infrastructure. It is a symbol of the past that will be whipped out by the future systems if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take advantage of them and use them within our designs. The ecological systems we adopt could benefit the urban landscape and prevent future disasters and failures in terms of infrastructure.
15
With the help of landscape architects, who understand the ecological more than most, they can incorporate the ecological ideas within the infrastructure of their colleagues from other fields. Revolutionizing the past typologies into ones that are beneficial to both. It is a new hybrid style of design, incorporating the ecological benefits along with the urban necessities. This will allow people a better understanding of the conditions they may have been blind to in the past. It will also open their eyes to the truth of the current situation we are in, one that will change how things are designed and influenced. The incorporation of the natural processes in the urban fabric is a revolutionary idea that could be beneficial to more than the people that are part of the urban system. It will benefit the natural surroundings, allowing a blending and more connected space, one that had been cut off by a mound of concrete. Incorporation of the ecological will create access and connection to the ecologies that had been filed away and organized into green spaces, keeping it in areas specifically for that.
16
Fractal: a geometrical or physical structure having an irregular or fragmented shape at all scales of measurement between a greatest and smallest scale such that certain mathematical or physical properties of the structure. (dictionary.com)
With a more systematic and widespread This term can be used to describe designs and approach, these their characteristics. It can also describe the green spaces endlessly repeating patterns across scales. can stretch out and Patterns are consistently used in design become incorporated and can refer to many different types in the concrete forms. and styles. Fractals can relate to many Overall, Belanger scales, describing a buildings function, a states that landscape landscapes systems, a cities programs. is infrastructure’s most It is a versatile word that describes the geometric formula of whatever flexible strategy. If we don’t it is referring to. Fractals can pay attention and don’t take also describe the separation or advantage of it by merging segmentation of designs. It is a the urban networks with current term that can emphasize the ecologies, we will be designed patterns of a surface or of by them, pushed by natural a design. Ecologically this disasters and ecological can act as a tool to show systems. A system overtaking an intertwining and one that refuses to accept it’s pattern that flows with important and significance. the current system.
17
18
Disaggregate: to separate into component parts (Merriam Webster)
Poetr y Inspired b y Lec By En ture rique N or ton
How This is common in diagraming design concept, like can democracy a kit of parts. This allows people to understand the exist without public design more and get a better idea of the goals. it space? helps breakdown the key parts of a project and It must be occupied is useful when presenting to those who may A permeable space not understand design as well as those within Where backgrounds the design fields. Diagrammatically it allows come together you to see connections much better as well A lot of work as go more into detail within those parts. A lot of conflicts coming Overall, the components being separate together allow the onlooker and designer better Solved with design understand how they overlap and play their part within the bigger picture Modernity while seeing the details. An important aspect of our future The relationship between architecture and objects Within a city of objects How will it stand out? Will be bizarre? Will it be weird? Is this the only way A bright mark on a dull land A deformed face within many The future is weird The future of the strange Is it right? Should it continue? Is weirder better?
19
Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time (Merriam Webster) This can be used to describe many layers of a Architecture design. It can be used to describe conditions of a A landscape site, like the urban conditions. It can even be used An infrastructure to describe the existence of climate conditions, A public space natural systems, and pollution. These systems A huge responsibility are permanent conditions that are everywhere To consider the and must be considered for intelligent design. environment The overlapping of these layers will make The community a design that takes advantage of the The politics ubiquitous and is influenced by it. This An accommodation of uses will create solutions that are beneficial To recognize and reinvent on many levels. On a global, urban, Adaptation ecological, economical levels. Becoming topographies Overall a useful term to describe An emerging landscape the necessary conditions to Sprouting from urbanity consider in design. A sustainable cycle Becoming a sequence of spaces The organization of geometry An accumulation of meaning Bridging connections Relationships between people and the environment Making the city react Tipping the scale Beginning the race Knocking over the first domino Its affect, a positive reaction Mending the fragmented city A chain reaction to one another A series of living spaces Points of convergence Creating a new city
20
A reinterpretation of modernity Reconcile the structural with the social An adaptable language of design More than a replicated and repeated model A city of complexity Layers of meaning More than a unique shape Using interaction Accumulating the senses Having meaning A blending of culture A mixture of movements A chain of spaces A city of diversity The true urban form A mesh A patchwork quilt The urban fabric
21
Wande rin
g Chac
o Cany on New
Mexico
Poem
A civilization connected to the sky Following the moon and stars A calendar of connections, guiding the people A story of travel A story of collection A story of home Constantly building Constantly growing A home to many A place of trade A place of beyond A connection to nature A piece of the world A long path A high climb A rocky terrain A sea of grass
22
I see a horizon I can see A never ending field A need to travel A need to discover A deep history and yet A constant flux and continuance A path most traveled Not traveled enough A deeper meaning A better experience Leaving behind the comfort Adopting the new Embracing the risk of the unknown A sharp edge A falling rock A deep crack A calm pool A bathing snake A small path Writing on the wall A story of the past A selfish conquest A destruction of artifacts Missing pieces Assumptions A quest for gold A quest for truth Conflicting goals
23
A life of coexistence An abundant landscape A flowing river A path of travel Of mystery Of communication Of symbolism Of the unknown A visitor arrives A visitor sees A visitor thinks A visitor believes A visitor questions A visitor discovers A visitor is in awe A place of abundance A place of culture A place of wealth A place of resources A place of hard work A place of trade A place of significance A place of history An empty place
24
Ecolog
Chapter Three:
ical Pe
rspecti
ves
Ch
a Re pter To Ur adin pic ba g: s Int nC eg o Co rat nn By mmu ing In ector Os Dav nitie form s: id s c al Wa ar Gr Gou Sa nder auer vern eu n D ing ra ieg : nd oZ Ch oo ap Lo te as okin r The m of pec g in en our t an to th e fut vior citie d th e e nm s ur co e h we gath abita e des ent, on n impa logic al are ered ts. I ign wil atur ct de fro nsp s of l ben al ter i m ou efi mi t rat ne he v ion c r con t the d t ery an cre os te eg syste be me nt. ms
25
Urban Connectors: Integrating Informal Communities David Gouverneur and Oscar Grauer Urban areas that are informal, in other words slums, are more likely to be affected my natural disasters. They are typically near flood plains, steep slopes, riverbanks, or geologically unstable areas. These locations are chosen because they are close to jobs, transportation, amenities, and services. Nature is predictable and will keep reoccurring unless we take the ecological conditions into consideration when designing all urban areas, especially the most at risk areas. The author suggests that these at risks areas can improve dramatically if we change the way we treat them and see them. Similar to ruderal vegetation. Simply by referring to them as something other than slums or other negative connotations as well as communicating with the community on their needs. Incorporating solutions to the urban problems of the area will dramatically change the way of life in these communities. By adding deign to an abandoned landscape, even just a little, you can change the way it is seen and how it works. The author also suggest that the designs of these settlements should be influenced by the patterns of current development, the informal patterns of the way of life in the community. This contemporary pattern would benefit the community more than a design that follows previous styles and pattern because it is unique to the region and the areas unique characteristics. It is an adaptation of the community and its ecological processes.
26
A strong design aspect of these communities are the connections between the urban spaces. There are many types and involve the public realm. The use of public space is successful in bring people together, people of all classes, races, and ages. It can encourage a type of communication which is typically segmented in the typical urban forms. By incorporating another layer of connection, one that overlaps the urban typologies with a natural component, a new kind of relationship will emerge. A relationship with the natural environment which will create a more symbiotic and united fabric. The experiences and perspectives of this new city will educate people of the way our future is moving toward, one where our resources and relationship with the wild environment has become closer than we expected. We as humans have tried to keep it separated, resulting in the disassembling of ecosystems and natural systems. Urban environments have blocked wild wanderings, migrations, and layers that have become segmented.
27
Neophyte: a person who has just started learning or doing something (Merriam Webster)
If our urban In the field of landscape architecture, t is hard to begin the field knowing everything or even anything. developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s It is a discipline that is not talked about much. take this into It is becoming much larger than it has in the account when past but as beginners in the field we will face designing we can being neophytes in a lot of things. We will be live in a world that introduced to many topics, issues, and tasks benefits more than as we gain experience and try new things. humanity. We can learn However, this term will always be relevant so much from these as long as you go out of your comfort ecosystems and have zone and experience as much as you a much more beneficial can, expanding your knowledge. sustainable relationship. Overall, these urban connections between the public spaces and ecosystems would benefit our future designs. It will be more educated and sustainable. It will also be more successful socially, ecologically, and economically. We can design with disasters, species, and communities in mind. Designs should look to the conditions of the environment for inspiration and reference. This will allow the spaces to take advantage of the systems within the urban areas as well as what moves through them.
28
Eschew: to avoid (something) especially because you do not think it is right, proper, etc (Merriam Webster) This term can refer to sensitive topics that may be involved in the design process. Certain things such as politics, religion, and certain cultural aspects can be sensitive and hard to discuss in design. Many designers tend to shy away from tough topics in their design, mainly public work, because it effects such a wide variety of people with a wide array of different cultures, religions, and political views. The design needs to shy away from these topics in order to prevent people from feeling singled out or avoided. It needs to maintain a balance and be poised for a wide variety of activities versus being designed specifically for such a specific topic. This is typical in public design work but can delve deeper in the tougher topics if it is private or a commissioned work.
29
Posit: to suggest (something, such as an idea or theory) especially in order to start a discussion (Merriam Webster) This term is important for the future where new ideas are being discussed every day. We are facing a future of the unknown. There is so much that can happen we need to discuss alternatives and solutions that need to be discussed. Ideas like including more habitats and natural forms within the urban fabric as well as the role plants play in urbanity. With resources and pollution at the levels there are at, we need to have discussion about theories for solving our current problems. Without discussion nothing will change and it will only get worse. Creative alternatives need to be brought up to make a smarter design that takes aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability to create a new style of design.
30
Wande rin
g San
Diego
Zoo Po
em
Monkey see, monkey do I can see as if I was you In the tree tops I will journey Through a world not known my many I can climb and I can hear The sounds of a rainforests soul You take me higher You take me lower I am seeing things through your eyes
What once was lost Is now found The two have come together Past and future Old and new Our world has changed And so have you We see less than before But without the feeling of loss How can we not feel? How can we not cry? A history of extinction A history of change Is this new? Is this old? It is what it is
A world of heat In an icy terrain A melting home A sinking feeling Unable to move Unable to roam A rumble A hunger A crack An ecosystem lost An ecosystem melting The snowy tundra A new beach
31
I take a walk into a world unknown A new experience A new life I wander into a world of life Full of sounds Full of movement So much depth A world of experience beyond a screen A window into a different life A simple life of survival A life we can see A life we can appreciate Hidden beauty in the simple life A wild beauty In our lives we pass by the wild We pass the world by We focus on ourselves And miss opportunities of experience If we use the wild perspective We can gain a new perspective A new life A wild life
32
33
Conclu
Our cu rre redesig nt urban sys tem ned. Th e focus s are segm throug ented hs of and ne grids th pace as quic the current ed archite k at dism ly as p cture is to be ossible ember in dam about . ecolog ag mov ical an This design these is es to both th s d t yle lea ing natura e citys sues a ds l pr cap the na new st tural w yle nee e and ecolo ocesses, res to orld g u ds to b ecolog e adop y. In order to lting ical sys and becom a t ed es insp d tems w reconn ired by . One that e dress ithin th ect as m e it w . b city wil I citysca e l allow ncorporating races pe. Ult ll as prevent eco im th see cit ies, loo ately, we as d ese ecologie logical net w or s king at e habitat it as bo signers need from damag ks to . ing the th a ho to chan me for man a ge the way w nd nat ure, an e urban
sion
34
35
36