University of Tennessee College of architecture and design Landscape Architecture 551 Design Studio I Fall 2014
University of Tennessee CoAD Landscape Architecture 551 Design Studio I Fall 2014
“Animals and plants live all around us and exploit us when they can.� -Tim Low, The New Nature Vacant or abandoned urban areas are often overlooked, dismissed, or condemned as blighted landscapes that should be razed and redeveloped to patch holes in the urban fabric. Utility easements, road rights-of-way, and other remnants of public space are necessary parts of urban infrastructure but are usually over-maintained, reducing their capacity for ecological potential. When combined, these inconspicuous areas can contribute to urban ecological networks. Many vacant sites play host to opportunistic vegetative communities that are particularly well-adapted to harsh urban environments and are likely to become more significant in the face of increased urban-
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Stream Synthesis Lindsey Bradley
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Light Lures Darwin Carey
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Recusant Ruins Natalie Graham
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Ruderal Railroads Sarah Newton
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Adaptive Alleys Erica Phannamvong
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Metropolitan Meadows Ruxin Tao
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Liminal Lots Kenny Townsend
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Culvert Operations Kyra Wu
ization and climate change (Del Tredici 2010). Open spaces that buffer infrastructure projects often provide large swaths of contiguous open space, an increasingly rare occurrence in urban areas. This collection of urban site biographies was prepared by first year landscape architecture students to discover, document, and explore the types of ruderal and spontaneous ecologies that exploit vacant and remnant urban sites in Knoxville, TN. Valerie S. Friedmann, Assoc. ASLA Adjunct Assistant Professor, Landscape Architecture University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design http://archdesign.utk.edu
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Stream Synthesis Lindsey Bradley
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Channelized Streams Streams are a natural resource that have existed long before we did. As the US developed, people came up with ways to manipulate streams so they are “out of the way� by channelizing them instead of working with the movement of the streams. This accomplished getting storm water off sites quickly and made space for more development. Although these may be positive things, there are also many negative effects. These channelized streams are straight, deep, steep, and filled with concrete. This leaves little area for plants and animals to grow and thrive which can cause off balances in the water and the environment in general. These plants and animals have found ways to attach and live in little things that get pushed to the sides of the streams, such as trash. These organisms are adapting in these urban, channelized streams even though it is very different from their natural environment.
Adaptive
Conduit
Spontaneous Resilient
Incidental
Continuous 4
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Adaptation Bag Ecosystem
A bag that has been washed to the shoreline is normally thought of as trash or litter, but for these organisms it provides a home and shelter. The channelized streams make it very difficult for organisms to live, but litter has become temporary, unlikely ecosytems.
The Water-Cycle in a Bag
A bag partly on the shoreline and partly in the water, produces a water-cycle in the bag itself. The water evaporates due to the sun and the humidity in the bag. Water rises to the top of the bag, forming dew, which then drops back into the water.
Grasses and other plants sprouting from the bag on the shoreline The sun beaming on the bag allows algae to grow
Snails making a home inside and on top of the bag
The underwater portion of the bag is suitable for fish eggs
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Evaporatio n
Cond en
Pr e c
tation ipi
tion sa
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Refuse Refugee Common freshwater snails are native to Tennessee. Their population is rapidly decreasing due to channelize streams washing them away with each significant rain storm. The channeled streams do not have sediment build up like natural streams have to house these snail ecologies. In order for these snails to live and grow in an environment, they need cool water temperatures, algae as a food source, shelter for the snails and eggs, and water movement. I devised a plan to develop an object to fulfill all of these element. My idea came from bags and cups of trash that had washed up on the shoreline that these snails made into a temporary home until a storm came and washed the trash and snails downstream. I needed to come up with a more permanent shelter for these snails. This angled funnel-shape allows for morning sun to enter the top portion to allow algae the grow. Inside there are a series of shells and pockets getting smaller all the way down on the back side. The small portion is for snail eggs, where the water will always be. The middle portion is for the snails to rest. The largest portion is for the algae where it will be moist and sunny, but rarely have water on it. There are holes that replicate the portions of the pockets and shelves to allow water flow and light to enter, but not too much to wash them away or heat up the water at an uncomfortable temperature for the snails. Eggs Eggs
6.5”
Snail Homes Snail Homes
Snail Homes
Natural Streams Natural Streams
Channelized Streams Channelized Streams
Natural Streams
Channelized Streams
Shelter
Shelter
Shelter Eggs
Food Source Food Source
Water Source Water Source
Food Source
Water Source
Adult Snails Adult Snails
Algae
Adult Snails
Algae
Cool Temperature Cool Tempera
Algae
Cool Temperature
Moisture Moisture
Sunlight Sunlight
Moisture
Sunlight 3.5”
6.5”
3.5”
3.5”
6.5”
1”
1”
Allows sunlight Allows sunlight .75” to enter to enter
.75” 1”
Allows sunlight to enter
.75”
Waterline after rainfallafter rainfall Waterline
.75”
Waterline after rainfall
10”
10”
.5” .75”
Typical waterline Typical waterline
10”
.5”
.5” .25”
Typical waterline
.5” .25”
.75”
Allows snails to snails to Allows .5” enter and exit enter and exit Allows snails to .5” exit enter and Keeps predators Keepsout predators out .25” Keeps predators out Material: Material: Quarter inch hard plastic Quarter inch hard plastic Material: Quarter inch hard plastic
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r
r
Morning to to Morning midmid -morning sunsun -morning
Cond en Cond en
tion ion sa sat
Pre Pre c c
tation ipi tation ipi
varaptoioratio EvapEo n n
Pockets Pockets capture capture moisture andand moisture allow algae allow algae growth growth
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Colander Colony In channelized streams there are virtually no permanent ecosystems. The lives of snails made temporary ecosystems by clinging to garbage that can be washed away with even a small rain event. Channelized streams are largely used as a solution to prevent flooding—which is vital in urban areas. However, these practices lead to a drastic decrease in urban stream habitat. Combining gray infrastructure with a natural modified topography provides a hybrid solution to more than one problem that is caused by managing stormwater in urban areas; stormwater treatment, bank stabilization, and habitat creation. With a hybrid gray-green infrastructure, flood plains can be expanded, permanent ecosystems can be restored, and water quality can be increased in dense urban areas. Implementing hybrid infrastructure in areas that have the most stormwater runoff and have the greatest chance of flooding in urban areas would provide bank stabilization, promote ground water infiltration, stormwater treatment, and restore ecologies while preventing flooding. It encourages human interaction and education to bring awareness to urban habitat, water quality and quantity issues by being in urban areas and near schools.
Concrete channelized stream
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Natural stream
Collect
X 50
Separate
Filter
Disperse
Hybrid: meandering streams with concrete bank system
Dispersal Disperses the water to
Filter Tolerant native plants
promote groundwater
clean the water from pollutants
Separation Filled partly with sand to separate the oils from the stormwater
Collection trap the trash from
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Site Proposal
First Creek First Creek Watershed Knox County TN River
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Site Other Sites Waterway Culverts Buildings
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Light Lures Darwin Carey
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Street lights are so common in the modern urban landscape that most of the time they go unnoticed. Only when looking down from the window of a plane at night can one grasp the enormous role they play in our landscape. Humans need street lights to illuminate pathways, but other organisms have found another use for them. Bats, spiders, and frogs use these lights as bait for insects that are drawn to the glow. These organisms have exploited this human structure for many years, however scientist still do not know exactly why the prey is drawn to artificial light, or if the predators seek areas with artificial light sources to hunt. An organism’s response to light with motion is known as phototaxis. Positively photatic species move towards light sources; this includes most insects that fly. The prevailing theory as to why these positively phototatic insects are attracted to light is that they use light for navigation. When they see artificial light clearly they know that there is an unobstructed pathway and they take it. When they arrive most will stay within four feet of the light source until it is turned off or they die. Bats, spiders, and frogs are negatively phototatic, but they fight their nature in order to take advantage of easy meals. Some scientist believe that spiders have evolved to actually seek lighted areas for a place to hunt but this in unproven. Regardless it is easy to examine the area around a high wattage light source and see that these opportunistic predators are taking full advantage of human engineering and technology.
Opportunistic
Palimpsest
Adaptive
Incidental
Fragmented
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Location The sites are located in downtown Knoxville because there is a strong concentration of street lights. In fact in a two mile stretch along a section of the Tennessee River and Second Creek, there are 143 street lights. Each light lures in both predators and prey.
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The sites examined are in close proximity to the Tennessee River and it’s tributary Second Creek. These sites are ideal because they are very well lit and attract many insects.
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Structure
5’ Range
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20’ Range
40’ Range
Lantern 1000 watt High Pressure Sodium Bulb
Bracket
Column Containing Electrical Wiring
Bowl/Shade
30’ Scattered Light
15’ Focused Light
Maintenance Door
Subterranean Electrical Wiring
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Exploitative Ecology Spiders build their webs near lights
People need street lights to see at night
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Moths are extremely attracted to light
Frogs sit on street lights while hunting
Common insects become easy prey
Bats are nocturnal hunters and find food around street lights
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The Bat Pod As the project was refined the focus turned completely to bats. Bats are specialized predators that use human infrastructure to create habitat and optimize hunting. Unfortunately bats have been hit hard by a fungus that cases White Nose Syndrome, a disease that disrupts the bats sleep cycle and eventually kills them. The losses have been significant and White Nose Syndrome is spreading rapidly. The bat pod is designed to house bats during nesting and hibernation providing ideal conditions for 150 to 200 pats per pod. The pods are made to hang under bridges spanning bodies of water which offer conditions that are crucial to all life food and water. Furthermore, a high wattage light built into the bottom of the center pod will attract insects to give the bats guaranteed success in hunting.
3.5’
2’
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Interior: Wood shingles provide spaces for bats to squeeze into and sleep
The space between each shingle varies between 2 and 6 inches allowing for bats of all sizes.
Exterior: An aluminum exterior shell provides shelter from the elements and predators
Each Shingle is scored to make climbing inside the pod very easy
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The Bat Pier The Bat Pier is design to inform and bring people closer to a fascinating and mysterious creature, the bat. Bats are very beneficial to humans all over the world. Eating insects that spread disease, such as mosquitoes, and insects that feast on crops, such as corn mites, is very useful to humans and is often overlooked. When bat populations are healthy in a subtropical area, malaria is kept in check. Also a healthy bat population in an agricultural area can keep farmers from losing millions of dollars in crops. People need to understand how bats can help us so that we will want to help them. The bat pods and bat pier will educate people about our furry friends which will manufacture interest in helping them. This is very important because our nocturnal friends are dying by the thousands due to the disease White Nose Syndrome. This
Inspired by the shape of the shingles inside the bat pod, the pier extends below the bridge allowing people to interact with the river and witness the bats feeding
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disease spreads quickly and, while not effecting humans, it is devastating to bats. The pier and pods is one way that humans can help bats in their struggle. The bat pier underneath the hanging bat pods will give people the opportunity to walk out over the water and enjoy views of the bats flying and feeding over the water. This experience will encourage spending time outdoors and promote empathy for the declining bat population. In the day the pier provides a place for people to sit and rest along the greenway. At dusk and dawn it provides a place to see the bats feed on insects over the water. Lights on the pier and hanging from the bridge will draw the insects in to feed the bats and provide a beautiful scene.
Glass Railing Broadleaf Cattail Walking Platform
American Sweetflag
Underbelly for plants
Bushy Beard These three grasses will be grown in the underbelly of the bat pier
Plants provide habitat and breeding ground for insects
Water attracts insects and hydrates the bats
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Recusant Ruins
Natalie Graham
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Abandoned Indust The Candoro Marble Works is located in South Knoxville’s Vestal community along Candora Road, spanning most of the north side of the road between its Maryville Pike (State Route 33) and Spruce Road intersectionsw. The showroom is the easternmost building, lying adjacent to Maryville Pike, and is connected to Candora Road by an tree aligned alley. The large cutting facility lies to the west of the showroom and OIZIOM IVL \PM ÅVQ[PQVO J]QTLQVO TQM[ QUUMLQI\MTa _M[\ of the cutting facility. A smaller building housing the JWQTMZ[ IVL KWUXIVa WNÅKM[ [\IVL[ QV NZWV\ WN \PM ÅVQ[PQVO building.A marble scrap yard lies across the street from the cutting facility. Behind the scrap yard lies one of the socalled Witherspoon sites, where radioactive materials from the K-25 plant in Oak Ridge were recycled in the 1960s and 1970s. The Witherspoon sites were at the heart an environmental controversy in the 1980s that led to a multimillion dollar cleanup effort by the Department of Energy .
Fragmented
Interstitial
Spontaneous
Adaptive
Recusant
Derelict
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trial
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7,5( 67$&. 6(&7,21 &87
Structures
7LUHV SURWHFW WKH SODQW OLIH
Polygonum
Strong root system
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'80367(5 6(&7,21 &87 Dumpster acts as a terrarium IRU SODQW OLIH
Galium boreale and Erigeron
8QFRPSDFWHG DQG ULFK VRLO
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Recusant Roundabouts
TOP SECTION
UPPER MID SECTION
LOWER MID SECTION
PHASE 1
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PHASE 2
PHASE 3
BASE SECTION
4 x 6ft
PROVIDES
RECUSANT ROUNDABOUT
Carbon Fiber Protected areas of growth for plants and designated areas of foraging Promotes abundant plant growth while providing shelter from predators
. - 19in 14
EASTERN COTTON TAIL Sylvilagus Floridanus
NEEDS
1.8 - 4.4lbs Lush vegetation for food and shelter Protection from predators Nesting areas
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Niche-Scapes
There exists the desire in all people to have a space they can claim as their own; a space upon which they can have an impact, and from which they can derive a deeper understanding of themselves. The landscape is the foundation upon which livelihoods are built, cultural heritage is begun, and future endeavors of a society are mapped out. Identity within the landscape and the built environment is the means by which one space or object is set apart from others; it provides a sense of individuality and distinction that makes that space unique. In this context, identity can be found at a multitude of scales by including the national, regional, and local. Niche-Scapes were designed with this concept in mind- for the members of the Vestal community and the animals that inhabit it. It seeks to harness the uniqueness and attractive obscurity of the Vestal community and build upon it; creating spaces that can be identified with by combining the science of ecology and the formal aspects of aesthetics.
+ PHASE 1 Selection of base shape: `Torus’ Self supporting structure Continuous surface Represents a process 34
+ PHASE 2
Modifications to base shape: Manipulation of height and width Splitting of object surface
= PHASE 3 Defining the object: Pattern overlay to create delicate spatial relationships
PHASE 4 Redefining the structure: Simplification of design Increase in scale Inclusion of plants, animals, and human beings
HOW THE FORM WAS RESOLVED THE MAP: The Candoro Marble Factory site is located in South Knoxville’s Vestal community along Candora Road, spanning most of the north side of the road between its Maryville Pike and Spruce Road intersections. The factory was shut down in 1982 and since then the site has remained, for the most part, untouched. Abandoned machinery and materials are currently scattered throughout the site with a multitude of different plant species making these industrial remains their home; presenting an interesting relationship between the natural and anthropic worlds. The concept of this structure resembles this idea in terms of how it allows for the natural growth of vegetation that will eventually fully reclaim the structure. +
+
HUMANS + ANIMALS + PLANTS: An important factor of this project was to incorporate both the animal and human uses into the design of the structure. PROGRAM: The main driver through out the design was the site itself. I sought to adapt the site to its best potential to meet the needs of the Vestal community along with the needs of the Eastern Cotton Tail, without diminishing the sites’ existing social and cultural qualities. HOW THE STRUCTURE FORM WAS RESOLVED SCALING: Creating an inviting human scale while maintaining appropriate scale for cotton tail viability. MULTIPLYING + OVERLAPPING: Constructing multiple spaces for public gathering and interaction that overlap one another to create rabbit niches. PLEACHING: Weaving the branches of multiple trees and plants together so that they become one living unit.
PHASE 1
PHASE 2 PHASE 2
SEP G AU
MAR
OCT
N O V
B FE
WISTERIA Wisteria Frutescens
JAN
DEC
VIRGINIA CREEPER Parthenocissus Quinquefolia
PASSION FLOWER Passiflora
TRUMPET CREEPER Campis Radicans
CORAL HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera Sempervirens
MATERIALS: Carbon fiber- chosen for its high stiffness, light weight, high tensile strength, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance, and low thermal expansion properties.
SEP
APR
AY
G AU
M
PHASE 3 PHASE 3
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JUN
JUL
Expansion of Reclamation
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Creating a connection between the existing territory and Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
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Ruderal Railroads Sarah Newton
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Seed Bank Mountain With populations and urbanization on the rise, biodiversity in our concrete jungle has never been more necessary. The built environment offers and removes much from the human ecosystem. Increasing the presence of plants will reduce erosion and stormwater, improve air and water quality, and provide habitats for pollinators and the wildlife that controls urban pests. A mountain emerging from the intersection the Gay Street viaduct and West Jackson Avenue induces sublime emotion, blending the divide between organic and engineered. Rows of birdhouses lining the northern outer wall of the structure provide habitats for birds communing with the lush grassy meadow that blankets the urban mountain and then naturally spreads through the sloping topography. Seeds of these restorative grasses will be dispersed throughout the city, county, state, and beyond, promoting wide-spread healthy soils and plant communities that will be resilient to disturbance because of their diversity and will thus provide ecosystem services for a healthy urban setting. Rail lines can serve as the conduit to build a network of wildlife corridors between cities, counties, and states, ultimately resulting in a healthier nation. For passersby, the urban mountain landscape will visualize succession of plant communities and the resulting biodiversity. The interior of the urban mountain will provide space for people that extends into the Knoxville underground and coordinates with the railroad, potentially serving as a depot for future passenger rail. This model can be deployed across the country, further supporting national dispersal of seeds and succession of life.
Conduit
Interstitial
Recusant
Resilient
Ruderal 40
100
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Birdhouse Towers The initial structure developed in this project is the individual birdhouse. Created from a basic cube, the birdhouse will be stacked to create a birdhouse tower that will be placed in the environment. It is intended for bird species commonly found in the urban setting and is tailored to their needs regarding height of nest or perch, distance between nests, and size of nesting site. The birdhouse is also made to facilitate a connection with broomsedge, an important ruderal species in developing ecosystems that is found on railways in addition to other barren urban environments. Birds attracted to these birdhouse towers feed on the seeds of these grasses and use them for nesting material. The grasses also provide habitats for insects, which serve as food for the birds as well, and their roots systems help to create organic soil in which a new ecosystem can form. The birdhouses are made of organic materials that will degrade over time, further contributing to the success of a new ecosystem. In order to protect the birds, the interior of the structure is made more durable.
N
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100 untreated wood
compostable plastic
10”
4”
15” 12”
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Pedogenesis + Succession
time in years 44
parent material
organic matter
Pedogenesis is the formation of soil, which occurs through weathering, presence of organic matter, and introduction of plants. Broomsedge and other ruderal species can create soil from inorganic matter like gravel or organic materials, such as the wooden rail ties of the railroad. Their roots permeate the ground or other materials, breaking them down into finer pieces. In this process, they begin to exchange nutrients with any existing organic material, introducing more nutrients to the soil and ultimately creating an organic soil that can host more species of plants. By doing so, a new habitat is created and more animal species can find their niche here. Thus, biodiversity increases and the urban environment will benefit from the ecosystem services that this new habitat will provide.
1-2
2-4
4-10+
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well-developed organic soil
Urban Dispersal The original birdhouse structure was modified and enlarged to create a new structure for humans. The resulting experience is an urban mountain. The underlying goal is still ecological succession, but now, citizens of Knoxville are able to experience nature in the city in a new way. The mountain structure was shrunk down to the size of the original birdhouse and flocked onto the front of the mountain. This in addition to the birdhouse towers provides local habitats for the birds that will make ecological succession possible. On the adjacent page is an estimated timeline of succession at the mountain site and along the railways, which, due to their barren but continuous structure, provide a perfect conduit for a wildlife corridor. Succession will extend beyond railroads as broomsedge is a great colonizer.
100
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time in years
2
4
8
16
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sidewalks
traveled rail
backyards
parking lots
abandoned rail
rights-of-way
stream/river banks
vacant lots
http://kiransarkar.com/yahoo_site_admin1/assets/images/even-at-sidewalk-2.35362634.jpg, http://i.gettysburgdaily.com/imgs/CycloramaParkingLot051911/CycloramaParkingLot05191110.jpg, http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/fishtown/vacant-lot-east-kensington-should-be-developed-soon, https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRM--8LEEGqkw9QgtK2VjmmGei0vB2y-RUemGcBMeeKAEZnZyqP8Q, http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/04/07/magazine/mag-07KeyBackyard-t_CA0/mag-07KeyBackyard-t_CA0-superJumbo.jpg, http://arwc.camp7.org/bearriver
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Seed Mountain Experience This seed bank mountain will extend from the edge of the railway at the intersection of N. Gay Street and W. Jackson Avenue, arching slightly over the N. Gay Street viaduct. The top of the mountain will be seeded with broomsedge which will then be dispersed by the birds that are attracted to the mountain. Knoxville citizens will enjoy beautiful views throughout the city and strolls through the grassy meadow. The mountain is positioned adjacent to the Knoxville underground, providing a unique entrance to this long forgotten relic of the city. With the art and culture of this area of downtown, the interior of the mountain can become an art gallery or event space. Adjacent to the railroad, it can provide a station for future passenger rail.
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Adaptive Alleys Erica Phannamvong
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Alley Jungle Urban environments are not what many think of as ideal settings for vegetation. When we think of the “urban jungle�, we often imagine just the concrete and man-made surroundings that fill every city. Among all of the grey landscape however, are small communities of plants that refuse to let a little concrete get in their way. The conditions among these different areas vary and one of those unique settings are the alleyways in between the decaying buildings of any historical city. Plants, insects, and sometimes even animals have come to exploit the opportunities that alleys present to them. Alleys do not get as much sunlight as the rest of the city and retain moisture for much longer. This presents a chance for moss to grow in the areas with little to no sunlight. From moss towards the bottom, to trees towards the top, the climate of alleys support a range of life forms and harbors a diverse ecology.
Adaptive
Recusant
Translocation
Ruderal
Convergent
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Locations Alleys in Knoxville
are
qu
tS
rke Ma
Location for proposal
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Ecology Princess Tree: Paulownia tomentosa
As the buildings age, the infrastructure begins to crumble and crack. This allows for seeds to fall in be-tween the buildings. Trees are able to take root.
Moss
This damp climate and the porous materials make an ideal habitat for moss.
Virginia Creeper: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vines have taken over the sides of the buildings.
Due to the damp nature of these sites, many grasses, weeds, and vines have taken over the sides of the buildings and in crevasses within the building walls and asphalt.
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Frog Pods Urban alleyways set up unique microclimates that can cater to species that normally wouldn’t be seen in the city. Alleys already provide the type of damp environment that frogs are seen to live in. These pods can be mounted to the walls of the alleys and will create an attractive habitat for the Cope’s Grey Tree Frog.
Tadpoles
Tadpoles transform in about six to nine weeks. Shelter and coverage from predators is needed. Tadpoles feed off of algae.
Adults
Eggs
Eggs are laid at the water’s surface in small masses of 30 or 40, usually attached to vegetation.
Breeding
Frogs typically migrate to temporary bodies of water to breed.
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This species may grow up to 2 inches and length. Their typical habitat is high among the trees in the southeastern region.
12�
This wide opening serves as an entrance and allows sunlight.
10�
Overflow prevention
Adult Shelter
Tadpole Habitat
Vegetation Ledge
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Processes
On a micro scale, moss has taken advantage of the porous materials and increasing surface area caused by the aging buildings.
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Much like with the walls, moss will eventually begin to exploit the concrete material of the pods.
Progression over time: Different species have moved into the space as the alleys have aged.
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Deployment Possibilities A balance of the natural and the manufactured is possible. In order to bring attention to my urban alleyways, my pods will be multiplied by hundreds, possibly thousands - to the point that the shapes overlap and build upon one another. The pods will be multiplied and scaled into various sizes and to give them all different purposes. Some will still serve the purpose of hosting the Cope’s Grey Frog, others will light up as a captive audience meanders through the alley, and the large pods will serve as seating for those who wish to occupy the space longer. The intent is to initiate conversation, spark imagination, and challenge the tradition use or disuse of these urban spaces.
Strategies:
Augment and Converge
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Metropolitan Ruxin Tao
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Meadow
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‘B’s in Vacant Lo Just like hummingbirds need a habitat for a rest during their migration, Knoxville’s human population also needs a place to stop while using the urban greenway. This project creates an area to grow wildlife habitat with a series of structures that promote urban meadow establishment while providing rest and shelter for greenway users. There are about 4,200 acres of vacant land in urban Knoxville and 2/3 of this land is open meadows. These open meadows are scattered with a total of 86 miles of the Knoxville city green ways. Many people passing by these vacant lots see only ‘weeds’, where as the wildlife sees the meadows as their habitat. This project creates a wayfinding system with captivating designs that draw people into vacant lots and allow them to see the benefits of these urban habitats. The Bird Wing Nest is a huge 20’ tall structure for bird nesting and vining plants that will guide people nearby into the site. The Bus Stop is 2/3 the size of the Bird Wing Nest and will serve as the welcome spot for people entering the area. Benches provide seating but also define the space between the meadow and the lawn area with the site. All 3 ‘B’s will be constructed with a slat system, like domino pieces, that still provide accessibility for the wild animals to move within different areas. The material used will mainly be paperstone, which is made by compressing paper to the degree that it is as hard as stone. It is non-toxic, very resistant for decomposition and has the warm feel like wood. This long-lasting material will provide not only structural and aesthetic support for the site but also be a key element for create a harmonious environment for both human and wildlife. Fragmented
Interstitial
Adaptive
Ruderal
Translocation
Opportunistic
Resilient
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ots
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Site Ecology Urban meadow habitats are naturally occurring in some vacant lot site in Knoxville. They are the key source of food and living environment for wildlife, such as Rufous Hummingbird, during migration.
Breeding Migration Winter
3816 Sutherland Ave. Knoxville, TN
Knox County
35°56’40” N 83°58’57” E Area: 0.62 Acre Elevation: 944 ft
d
an
erl
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Av
Vacant Lots
4224 acres of vacant lots in
Knoxville Urban Area
9940 acres of vacant lots in
Knox County Area
Knoxville urban area
Knox County
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Utility structure prevent mower to cut the plants to the ground, help creating the meadow habitat for wildlife
Early Spring
After mowing several times
Late Summer 67
Design Process
A series of notable and functional structures draws people into the site, provides space for gathering, and rest from exercises, and calls attention to the potential for habitat in the urban landscape. People can interact with urban wildlife and be educated about a healthy and more diverse urban ecological environment and provided by vacant lots.
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After mowing several times
Late Summer
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Structures
20’ Bird Wing Ne
13’ Bus Stop
18” Bench
Concrete Footing 70
Slatted structure provide accessibility for wildlife move from different areas. The 3 ‘B’s perform mimic the function of the original utility structures in the site to prevent mowing, in order to keep the urban meadow habitat. Bird Wing Nest (right) can support vining plants and bird nesting. It is tall and noticeable to draw people into the site.
Bird Wing Nest
Bus Stop
Bus stop (up) serve as welcome point for people from other area. Bench (Right) provide sitting and also define the space between meadow and lawn
Bench 71
Territory Propos It is proposed to build the 3 ‘B’s in vacant lots and parks along the Bearden and Third Creek Greenway system. It will be Totally 12 Bird Wing Nests, hundreds of Benches and replacing all the Bus Stops along Sutherland Avenue and Kingston Pike in that area. Estimate to create about 200 acres of urban meadow habitat for wildlife.
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Vacant lots and parks Building Footprint Greenway Major Roads Bird Wing Nest Bus Stop Bench
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Liminal Lots Kenny Townsend
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Ecologies of Par Surface parking lots possess a liminality that is unique in urban settings. It is a liminality that they have created themselves by separating vegetation and structured cityscapes. They have forcefully taken on the role of transitional spaces by initially pushing vegetation out and acting as the doorsteps to our buildings and public spaces. Vegetation looks to regain its place but is relegated to the edges of these surfaces. Observing how vegetation is opportunistic and exploits the micro ecologies of these types of sites gives interesting lessons in sustainable thinking. It is in these opportunistic cracks, breaks, crevices, and refuse that seed find a medium to survive. Vehicles keep tender plants on the periphery finding refuge along fence rows, curbs, utility poles as well as along and on buildings. Resilient species that can absorb vehicular and pedestrian traffic exploit the available real estate in cracked concrete and asphalt. The dexterous properties of the different types of vegetation is a display of sustainable practices biomimeticaly. Permeable surface, living walls, bio-swales, natural habitat and food sources are all represented in these areas.
CONDUIT OPPORTUNISTIC PALIMPSEST RESILIENT INTERSTITIAL
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rking
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Location
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City of Knoxville 345,840,386 sqft of parking
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Whoooo cooks “Who cooks for you� is the distinct and classic call of the eastern barred owl. The question can now be asked who cooks for the barred owl. With mass deforestation due to urban growth the habitat for the eastern barred owl is being diminished drastically. This has caused a movement west as they seek shelter and food sources. This movement has now created competition with the endangered and rare spotted owl of the southwest and west coast. To help eliminate this competition and protect this endangered species it is important that we counter the problem of deforestation to protect the natural habitats of these animals. Another measure that can be taken is to provide habitat. The barred owl is one species that has tried to adapt to our urban conditions by finding homes along the forest edge as well as in abandoned buildings. An area that can be taken advantage of are parking lots. With habitats that can be mounted on the sides of building or on utility poles the barred owl can take advantage of fence rows and dumpster areas that attract small rodents. This option creates home for this species and locates it near potential food sources.
RESILIENT Length: 16.9 - 19.7 in Wingspan: 39 - 43.3 in Weight: 16.6 - 37 oz
HUNTING Food sources include small rodents, other birds, rabbits, amphibians, fish, reptiles as well as ground foraging.
NESTING Nesting occurs 20-40 feet high. A potential nesting site may be prospected for close to a year before it is used.
HABITAT Nesting occurs 20-40 feet high. A potential nesting site may be prospected for close to a year before it is used.
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for you?
1965 1943 1934
EASTERN BARRED OWL MOVEMENT 1965
1943
1934
2003
2003
1900
1900
TYPICAL INSTALLATION 81
Para(site)ize Soulless, fake, charmless and empty architecture creates the parasitic sprawl that has spread across our landscapes. It’s nature is to seek, infect, spread, and devour. Digested landscape ‘plots’, left as empty box stores, strip centers, mono-functional highways and vast parking lots, deteriorate along its path. Municipalities allow the sacrifice of our natural areas and processes as they permit building just for building sake. Sprawl and pollution are also an impairment to the functioning ecosystem networks that provide habitat for a wide range of fauna including the eastern barred owl. Habitat destruction for this species has extended to the base of our Great Smoky Mountains, forcing this adaptable animal to make its way across the country to seek food and shelter. The consequences have now also put the spotted owl at risk as the barred owl encroaches into its habitat and begun to hybridize. Landscape ‘Architecture’ can act as a quantitative parasitology to bring to light how deep the infection runs. Landscape architecture can also become the epiparasite that feeds on sprawl and the landscapes, reclaiming these parcels of lost urban fabric.
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TARGET TERRITORIES BIG BOX STORES
DEPLOYMENT OPERATIONS
OVERSIZED PARKING LOTS
SINGLE USE INFRASTRUCTURE
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Culvert Operations Kyra Wu
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Culvert Operations Culverts are integral infrastructure elements within the urban environment that allow water to flow under railways and roads. Though usually hidden from sight, they can be used to form bridges that carry heavy traffic and are often installed in close proximity to populated areas of impermeable surfaces such as parking lots and buildings. There are many classifications of culverts, and the materials from which they are constructed vary according to the specifications of the site. The first study was done near World’s Fair Park on a metal pipe arch culvert that consists of a corrugated aluminum plate under cast-in-place concrete. This culvert helps transit Knoxville’s Second Creek under highway and railroad towards the Tennessee River. Culverts change the behavior and natural flow of water, resulting in a dynamic ecosystem that shifts with increased rainfall and urban population density. The regular availability of water makes these locations seemingly habitable for all wildlife; however, closer inspection into these microecosystems reveals a skew towards non-native and invasive plant species that are actually detrimental to the native community. With higher seed fecundity (fertility), quicker maturity, and denser shade production, these non-natives outcompete the less rigorous natives that prefer to grow synergistically with one another. This kind of regularly disturbed landscape favors the more exotic, phenotypicallyadaptable species. The creek then becomes a conduit that carries seed and herbaceous fragments further down to the river, increasing the overall propagule pressure of the invasive plants to other locations within Tennessee. These overlooked landscapes become the breeding grounds of non-native flora that further solidify the species’ footprint on the local ecology. Sites: 1. Arch culvert near World’s Fair Park 2. Box culvert near Neyland Greenway
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Adaptive
Opportunistic
Conduit
Resilient
Continuous
Translocation
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Locations
First Cr eek Second Cr eek
2
1
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Site s
1.Arch Culvert
Aerial
1. Arch Culvert
l Latera
2. 2.Box BoxCulvert Culvert
Topo
T
e
se
es
n en
r
ve
Ri
Site Location
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Existing Flora 1 2
Characteristics
3
Adapted to disturbance
4
Cultural preference
5
Dense root mass production
6
Drought resistant 7
Habitat value
Native
High fecundity
8
High propagule pressure
9
Historical identity 10
Predator susceptability
11
Invasive
Pest absence
12
Phenotypic plasticity Quick maturity
13
Rapid foliage shading
14
Seasonal lifecycle
15
Seed longevity 16
Synergistic ecosystem 17
18 19 20
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1. Ailanthus altissima
6. Cercis canadensis
11. Morus rubra
2. Albizia julibrissin
7. Hedera helix
12. Parthenocissus quinquefolia 17. Pueraria montana var. lobata
16. Polygonum cuspidatum
3. Betula nigra
8. Impatiens capensis
13. Paulownia tomentosa
18. Pyrus calleryana
4. Catalpa speciosa
9. Ligustrum sinense
14. Phytolacca americana
19. Smilax spp.
5. Celastrus orbiculatus
10. Lonicera spp.
15. Platanus occidentalis
20. Vitis spp.
Herbaceous Exploits
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Target Fauna Order: Trichoptera Order: Trichoptera Family: Hydropsychidae Family: Hydropsychidae Common name: caddisfly Common name:netspinning netspinning caddisfly Larva
Process Model Iterations:
Physical Characteristics: Length: 5-25mm -usually green in color -paired ventrical gills -fully scleritized dorsum
Habitat Requirements:
Initial primitive shape for close fittings & tesselations
-fresh, flowing water -organic detritus -stable substrate -loose sediment
Environmental Role:
Typically the longest stage of development in the life of a Hydropsychidae species, larval netspinners are the key target population. They construct fixed retreats by spinning silk threads and attaching passing herbaceous material or loose sediment onto the side of a stable substrate. Thus, they are a consistent food source for predators living underwater, filter the river of organic material, and also contribute to beneficial episodic sedimentation .
Truncate & Twist for greater surface area
Flip + Bore + Twist for organic surface texture
Pupa
Bore + Mirror for tight nestling with air flow
Adult
Half + Truncate for support and housing
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Structural-Intention Detail c Spe Bio
Re pr od u
oals et G arg s T
to n ed ithi ct ra r w att ate ts ul r w ad lme ca
ha un tch til lin m gs or p e rot m ob ect ile ed
Adults
1
n io ct
Organism Movement
egg laying & settlement
1
Egg Hatchlings
2
4
net develop ments catch detri tus
Food
instar growth & development 2 Larvae Instars
ding egin fee larvae b prey r e rg la on
3
3
rigorous feeding & shelter development
Pupae
S h elt er /H ab ita t
4
pup sur ae fo l fac e to low tw clim iste bu d p
s ct je ob tes n a ee est tw et be e n s e af ac s sp low al
l ria te
An
e gl
M a
Construction Detail
[Eco]ncrete
General Application to Other Culverts
5.2�
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Water flow
Sc
n tio ta
3"
water ďƒ&#x;ow
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e al
O rie n
Deployment TheThe caddisfly is an order of approximately 12,000 species caddisfly is an order of approximately of macroinvertebrate that live within the vigors fresh12,000 species of macroinvertebrate thatoflive water streams. Lacking the tasty grandeur of the crayfish within the vigors of freshwater streams. Lacking or the strength ofofthe it isoranthe overlooked the toothy tasty grandeur thebeaver, crayfish toothy natural architect within stream ecology. Knoxville, strength of the beaver, it is an overlookedTennesnatural seearchitect answers this oversight with the installation of the new within stream ecology. Knoxville, Neyland pedestrian bridge celebrates thethe structural Tennessee answers thisthat oversight with habitat-cases and spun-nets of the Common Caddisfly installation of the new Neyland pedestrian (Hydropsychidae). Gossamerthe cables inspired by the cadbridge that celebrates structural habitat-cases disfly webs built to catch detritus mimic the movement and spun-nets of the Common Caddisfly of trailing algae in a fast stream. The bridge supports are (Hydropsychidae). Gossamer cables inspired by laced with lattice piers that will house dense plantings the caddisfly webs built to catch detritus mimicof
native providing aquatic plants, providing further filtration plants, further filtration of the creek of the creek waters and additional habitat for all species inhabwaters and additional habitat for all species iting the river. The entrance that dips into the large inhabiting the river. The entrance that dips into box culvert Firstculvert Creek will act asCreek an observation deck the largeofbox of First will act as an from which humans can observe the natural processes of river observation deck from which humans can dependent species. Scaled variants of the bridge line observe the natural processes of river dependent the mouth Scaled of the culvert, providing ideal habitats species. variants of the bridge line thefor these water-moths. Thus, transforming the culvert into afor kinetic mouth of the culvert, providing ideal habitats ecosystem versus a latent passage of contaminated creek these water-moths. Thus, transforming the water. The resulting site will be a bridge of regenerative culvert into a kinetic ecosystem versus a latent design of thatcontaminated transforms the creek culvertwater. into a The lively hub of culpassage tural and environmental health. resulting site will be a bridge of regenerative design that transforms the culvert into a lively hub of cultural and environmental health.
the movement of trailing algae in a fast stream. The bridge supports are laced with lattice piers that will house dense plantings of native aquatic
System Analysis Box Culvert Site Location
Fast current of fresh water
Inp s ut
Concentrated organic matter
Inhospitable to predators Increased biodiversity
Outp u
ts
Water filtration
Public awareness
Environmental indicator
Sediment restructuring
Increased downstream food value
Structural Function
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Water Level
W etland PlantSubst rate
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Lindsey Bradley
Lindsey has always been a Tennessean: born in Memphis, grew up in Nashville, and went off to college in Knoxville. She became curious about landscape architecture through her interests in graphic design, general design of space, and environmental concerns. In her “free time” she loves anything involving people, outside, new places, and her dog, Lena. She has been called a pessimist, but she likes to think of it as being a realist.
Darwin Carey
My name is Darwin Carey, I am 24 years old, and I am from Arlington Virginia. I am a graduate student, an intern at Tennessee Solar Energy Association, and a part time worker for Action Environmental Services Inc. When I’m not working I enjoy playing basketball, tennis, golfing, sailing, and skiing.
Natalie Graham
A native “Memphian,” Natalie came to Knoxville with the intention of studying Interior Design. However, her interests in environmental conservation and green practices led her to pursue a degree in Sustainability. During that time she interned with the Tennessee Clean Water Network, the City of Farragut’s Office of Sustainability, and volunteered at Beardsley Community Farm on a regular basis. As a student in the Masters of Science in Landscape Architecture program, Natalie hopes to apply her knowledge of sustainable practices to explore creative and resilient solutions to issues facing urban design.
Sarah Newton
Sarah Newton found landscape architecture through a love for science, art, and the environment. Her favorite computer program is Rhino and her favorite hotkey is ALT while clicking. When she’s not in the studio, she loves to be outside with her dog and her husband.
Erica is a first year MLA student originally from the Erica Phannamvong Chicagoland area. She obtained her bachelor’s
degree in Economics from Middle Tennessee State University. Her interests in social equity, economic development, public space, and design, led her to Landscape Architecture and her love of the mountains brought her to UT. She enjoys night walks, sleeping, and sitting at other people’s desks.
Ruxin Tao
Ruxin is a UT MLA Candidate. He is originally from China, and studied in Singapore for 8 years before transferring to UT. He received his Bachelor of Plant Sciences at UT in 2014 and decided to further his education in the UT MLA program the same year.
Kenny Townsend
Kenny Townsend is a 1st year MLA candidate from Johnson City, TN. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in Plant Sciences and Landscape Design. Before returning to pursue his first professional degree, Kenny worked in the green industry as part of a design build firm and the wholesale nursery trade. His professional interests include, regional and urban planning, multi-modal and transit oriented design, as well as ecological restoration and preservation to name a few. He also enjoys photography, hiking, kayaking, basketball, writing and a good book.
Kyra Wu
Kyra is “reading + design + cats + pajamas”
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ned
aces
ental
Function
Perception
Conduit
Sublime
Recusant
Palimpsest
A means of transmitting or distributing
Refusing to submit, comply
Translocation
Impressing the mind with a sense power, wonder, veneration
Showing evidence of change through time
Derelict
A movement from one position or place to another
In a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect
Opportunistic
Resilient
Exploiting chances offered by immediate circumstances
Thrives despite the conditions
Space
Time
Continuous
Spontaneous
Uninterrupted connections
Growing without cultivation; unconstrained
Fragmented
Ruderal
Broken into parts, spread throughout
Growing in disturbed or altered waste spaces
Interstitial
Adaptive
Forming or occurring in the spaces between
Being able to conform to new environmental conditions
Convergent
Ephemeral
Coming together; merging
Incidental Happening or resulting in connection with existing conditions
Only lasting a short time; brief