DeZone Studio
a new proposal for a healthier rural-to-urban transect for city-making
Today, the multiplicity of the landscape (understood in all its forms) combined with the complexity of emerging demands on cities and societies, enables us to establish new areas of experimentation. For starters, the phenomenon of the late-capitalist city is set within a model that demands a profound adjustment of social, economic and resource systems, i.e., extensive and strategic uses of land will have to be reconsidered and updated, in the city as well as its periphery. The emergence of new peri-urban spaces, neither rural nor urban, has introduced new parameters in architecture and landscape architecture, converting it into the setting for new projects.
Architecture is a cultural story. History tells it well. Land, gold and art, still, define the difference between mere money and dynastic wealth. Winston Churchill’s famous, “(W)e shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us” is as much a threat as a vision. This studio will take a Systems Approach to research, i.e., learning how theory is extracted from the milieu. Invited experts in economics, philosophy, sociology, agriculture, law, planning and development from around the world will kick off various conceptual design “Probes” of timely topics such as soil diversity loss, health, longevity and a rich gut microbiome, the rise and decline of the highly programmed building, the history and deformability of zoning and justice development, to name only a few. Research will inform the merging of parametric methodologies with Form-Based Code in city-making. Form-Based Code is a recent place-making approach critical of conventional zoning (dusting off Heidegger and the thinking of place).
Compared to conventional zoning, Form-Based Code is more practical and flexible for contemporary urban design processes as it emphasizes “place,” “space” and “being” rather than the rigid segregation of “land-use” or formal branded identities. Therefore, assisted by parametric modeling tools such as Rhino with Grasshopper, what new systems of formal expression, language and material rhetoric can emerge by prescribing urban-rural environments and implement mixed use developments with an emphasis on justice development (people and planet)?
DeZone Design Transect
Bedrock Research
“Gut Microbiome”
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Alex Garcia & Leah Balderson
Hygiene Theory and Old Friends Gianluca Sanzone & Kayla Robinson
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“Gut Microbiome” Alex Garcia and Leah Balderson
Ways Life Disrupts the Gut Microbiome 1. Your birth and beyond- Vaginal births and C-sections have different influences on your gut microbiota 2. Antibiotics don’t discriminate- They make long-lasting changes the composition and diversity of your gut microbiome 3. A diet low in fiber- Cutting out essential dietary fibers and plant nutrients limits the food sources available to beneficial gut bacteria— without fiber, your gut microbiome lacks variety 4. The Western diet downfall- The classic western diet lacks nutritional value and puts your gut microbes in turmoil 5. Chronic disease disruption- Patterns of dysbiosis—the antithesis to a balanced mircobiome—have been detected in many common chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases 6. Less exercise, less microbes- Diverse, enriched, and happy gut microbiomes thrive on exercise: get your sweat on! 7. Low-carb diet deception- Gut microbes love complex carbs because they encourage growth of friendly bacteria 8. Stress hurts the gut too- Psychological stress is implicated in the alteration of your gut microbiome 9. Prescription drug pitfalls- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, statins, antipsychotics, and painkillers can alter the architecture of your gut microbiome 10. Aging and the microbiome- Just like birth, other lifestages like getting older can influence your gut microbiome 11. Travel and Delhi belly- Holiday time is the perfect excuse to let your hair down: junk food, alcohol, late nights, and dodgy water can make you the perfect Delhi belly candidate
The environment’s effect on your health New England Journal of Medicine: 30 Amish children and 30 Hutterite children from two farming groups in North Dakota were exposed to different microbes because the Amish shun electricity and industrialization; Hutterites embrace it. The Amish kids’ neutrophils “were newly emerged from their bone marrow, evidence of a continual lowgrade reaction to microbial invaders,” the Times reported. In contrast, the Hutterite kids had “old” neutrophils, and their blood was full of a 1
type of immune cell, eosinophils, which provokes allergies. Christopher Lowry, a scientist, recruited 40 young, healthy men from Germany to take part in an experiment. Half of the men were raised to the age of 15 on a farm with lots of animals; the other half were raised in a city with no pets. The men from the city had higher levels of certain blood cells and proteins linked to depression. Counter-intuitively, Farm-raised men, on average, reported they felt more stressed by the task than city men did, and had higher levels of cortisol, a hormone indicative of stress, in their saliva. The connection between where we grow up and our later mental health might have more to do with the well-documented psychological benefits of living near nature than its direct effect on our immune system. Effects
of soil on the human immune system:
Exposure to soil-borne microorganisms plays a direct role in development and regulation of the human immune system, and has been found to relate to allergy prevalence in humans. This, in addition to the microbiome-gut-brain axis, the connection between your gut and your brain, is called the “biodiversity hypothesis.� Early environmental exposure to allergy-causing microbial products such as endotoxins may promote allergen tolerance in children. Chronic allergen exposure in rural traditional farming communities can also provide greater immunity to allergic diseases than that of children in cities with more industrialized farming practice. A recent study using mice demonstrated that gut microbes acquired from soil increased anti-inflammatory capacity to TH2-type inflammation responses compared with mice who received no soil contact. Mycobacterium vaccae, a common soil saprophyte, helps build the human immune system and is commonly found in chemotherapy.
What pollutants in the AIR are ruining our microbiome? Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5)- small airborne particles like dust, soot and drops of liquids. Fine particles penetrate deeper into the lungs and cause heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and bronchitis, as well as premature death from heart ailments, lung disease and cancer. Higher PM2.5 exposure can impair brain development in children. Black Carbon (BC)- Populations with higher long-term exposures DeZone Studio
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to black carbon are at a higher risk for heart attacks and stroke. In addition, black carbon is associated with hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and multiple types of cancer. Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2)- formed in high concentration around roadways. Can exacerbate or result in development of asthma and bronchitis, and can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. Ozone (O3)- Short-term exposure to ozone can cause chest pain, coughing and throat irritation. Long term exposure can lead to decreased lung function and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Any exposure can aggravate existing lung diseases. Sulfur dioxide- causes eye irritation, worsens asthma, increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and impacts the cardiovascular system. When SO2 combines with water, it forms sulfuric acid, causing acid rain, leading to deforestation.
Microbiome effects: mood, depression, whole-body health ILYSM Podcast with Kenzie Elizabeth
Microbiome, mainly bacteria, is the collection of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. There are 10 times more bacteria than human cells in a body. Primarily, the microbiome helps defend against disease and infection. Skin health is the first defense: harmful elements from the outside environment can enter to our body through our skin. The microbiome on the skin protects us and helps regulate biotin. The immune system is the second: The microbiome’s “healthy bacteria” stops sickness at the beginning and produces antibodies to stop infections from growing. Mood: microbiome form the gut increases production of Vitamin K, dopamine, and serotonin, and helps balance the brain. Reduction can lead to depression. Whole-Body Health: Everything in your body is connected: an infection in one part, no matter how small, has potential to spread. Incorporation of daily habits can protect our microbiome, especially when living in an environment—polluted—or location—cities—destructive to our health. 3
What is Fung Shuei? Feng shui is a practice of balancing our living spaces and working environment with the natural world. An ancient poem describes human life as being connected to and flowing with the environment around it. The Chinese words “feng” and “shui” translate to “wind” and “water,” respectively. The commanding position is the spot in a room that is the furthest from the door and not in direct line with it. You should spend most of your time there in any room. Bagua is the feng shui energy map superimposed on the floor plan of your home. The Chinese word “bagua” translates to “eight areas.” Each of the eight areas relates to a different life circumstance: family, wealth, career. Each area has corresponding shapes, colors, seasons, a number, and earthly elements. At the center of the bagua—a ninth area—is you, representing your overall health and wellness. The five elements—earth, metal, water, wood, and fire— come from the Taoist tradition. The elements are interrelated phases in life that work together to create a complete system. Typically, the practice of feng shui works to balance these five facets in your home and each of your life areas, or bagua.
How can we protect ourselves day to day? Non-organic food: avoid pesticides, heavily processed, and highly acidic foods. 98% of red meat is heavily processed, instead use grass-fed, hormone-free, non-antibiotic meat. Home cleaning products: all-natural products minimize negative effects. Antibacterial products: destroy microbiome on skin. Use soap and water. Oral Care Products: certified non-toxic: neutralizing, not killing.
Benefits of Sage 1. May be purifying- the most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties: they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. 2. May help relieve negative symptoms- sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. 3. Can be a spiritual tool- Smudging has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. 4. It may help dispel negative energy- Including past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. DeZone Studio
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5. Can cleanse or empower objects- Smudging may help remove negative history or energy attached to an unfamiliar object, bringing peace of mind and making the object more sacred. 6. May soothe stress- Can lift one’s mood and be an ally against stress. 7. May improve sleep quality- Has compounds that may ease insomnia. 8. May help boost cognition- In addition to strengthening intuition, smudging with sage might improve memory and focus. 9. May help boost energy levels- Ridding the body, objects, and spaces of bad energy can help welcome in newer, fresher, and more positive energies. This could help with fatigue.
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Hygiene Theory and Old Friends Gianluca Sanzone and Kayla Robinson
Going Back to Tradition: In traditional medicine, the hygiene hypothesis claims that exposing the body to a variety of microorganisms helps the gut to be stronger by exposing it to a range of diseases and bacteria. Throughout time, technology and institutions have redefined how we live, impacting the way we consume food. Since the industrial revolution, new methods of food production have made food cheaper but not necessarily better. A traditional means of living is based on the hunter-gatherer mindset where humans catch and cultivate their own food. Doing this promotes cleaner food, physical activity while tending to food, and exposure to microorganisms while cultivating. Traditional medicine focuses on the use of ancient remedies like teas, herbs, salt, sunlight, and salt water. Research in Europe, especially in Finland, shows having animals graze herb gardens and farms leads to more diverse microbiomes in humans and to more biodiversity. Living amongst the land instead of in urban places also strengthens the immune system of young adults. The European Union is pushing toward organic food with tax waivers or incentives for their growing or purchasing.
Old Friends and the Economy: In early Mesopotamia, as in all civilizations, society and economy went hand in hand. Mesopotamia had three levels of commodity exchange: reciprocal, redistributive and commercial. Reciprocal: two parties exchanged goods: created social relationships. Redistributive: associated with ancient Near East Temples: temples gathered and distributed reserves to dependents. Employed a portion of the population; helped people specialize in crafts and administration. Commercial: strangers exchanged goods; freely-varying price structure.
Today’s economy hurts us: The world has entered the Anthropocene. All remaining biodiversity, DeZone Studio
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freshwater, atmosphere, coral reefs, oceans, forests and ice sheets play a direct role in regulating the stability of Earth and the economy. Economic growth comes with unaccounted environmental costs and rising risk of catastrophe. Some believe solving environmental problems can only be achieved by first building enough economic wealth to “afford to save the environment.” This belief must be abandoned to keep humanity on Earth. Fortunately, people in low-income nations are responsible for far less emissions than people in rich countries. Planetary boundaries would create safe operating space for the world economy. There is a significant health and wealth connection: people with higher incomes tend to live longer and have fewer years of disability. However, economic expansions can be detrimental to health while recessions can improve the health of some. During economic booms, an industrial economy produces more air pollution which exacerbates certain diseases and increases mortality. The unemployment rate increase of the great recession was associated with mortality for respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease and heart conditions.
Return to past economies—Modern Bartering in Mexico City: Mexico City has a solid waste problem, generating over 13,000 tons of solid waste every day and recycling only 1.28%. The city has launched an initiative called Mercado de Trueque, allowing citizens to exchange waste—plastic, PET, aluminium cans, paper, cardboard, glass, electronics—for locally-grown fresh food. More than just a simple exchange, the system raises awareness among attendees. Consuming local products reduces the use of fossil fuels and environmentally harmful refrigeration systems. The main challenge is to create a culture of responsible consumption. This process can be seen in other regions of the country: bartering is defending the environment in Mexico.
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Susboil Research
Nonagenarians and Centenarians
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Xi Jin & Jack McCanna
Mega-cities and the Global South
17-21
Thomas Dimick & Alexandar Judd
10
150
120
90
60
30
0.030%
W0E
#3
FRANCE 0.028%
United States
#6
SPAIN
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Brazil
Uruguay RESOURCES: *UN World Population Prospects 2019 **numbeo.com ***WorldPopulationReview.com
CENTENARIANS POPULATION & DISTRIBUTION FEATURES OF THOSE COUNTRIES: 1. Mostly low fertility rate* 2. Lower number of working-age persons/older persons ratio* 3. Relatively high health care index** 4. Countries marked with pink only tend to be those with higher population (#1 China, #2 India, #3 United States, #7 Brazil, #20 Thailand)*** 11
30
60
90
120
150
E 180 W
60
#37
ITALY
#4
0.028%
JAPAN 0.062%
China
30
India Hong Kong SAR Thailand 0
30
60
high percentage of centenarians population *as of 2020 high numbers of centenarians population *years of data vary
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countries included by both criteria % of centenranians # ranking of health care index
refers to “global south�
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Key Factors of Life Quality and Life Expectancy Xi Jin Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
FOOD CHOICE Countries with both high numbers and percentage of centenarian population have their traditional diets. Italy is home to almost 10 times more centenarians per capita than the United States. The communities follow a traditional Mediterranean Diet, consisting largely of vegetables, healthy oils, whole grains, fruits, and legumes, with meat reserved for Sundays and special occasions. Japan is also an example of some of the healthiest traditions of the Asian Heritage Diet. Key eating habits include a high consumption of local vegetables, soybeans, seaweed, sweet potatoes, and turmeric, and a low intake of salt. *Oldwayspt.org “Eating for longevity: lessons from centenarians”
EPI is an environmental analysis that takes into account both “Environmental Health” (Air Quality, Sanitation & Drinking Water, Waste Management etc.) and “Ecosystem Vitality” (Biodiversity & Habitat, Climate Change, Water Resource etc.)
GREENERY FILLED PUBLIC AREA & WALKABILITY
Studies on urban residential enviroenmnt and life expectancy show that living in walkable green spaces positively influences the longevity of seniors in urban areas. Public spaces like this should be further emphasized in the developemnt and re-developemnt of the megacities. Walkability in urban centers makes excercise more accesible for seniors living in densely populated areas, and walkable streets make it easier for them to access to medical care and grocery stores. *T Takano, K Nakamura, M Watanabe “Urban residential environments and senior citizens’ longevity in megacity areas”
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Rankings in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index for 180 countries Numbers of megacities by continent (2018) *World Population Prospects 2018
Rankings in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index for 180 countries Numbers of megacities by continent (2018) *World Population Prospects 2018
2
2
20
2
2
3
20
6 3
6
Health Care Index
*numbeo.com
Health Care Index
*numbeo.com
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RELATIONSHIPS
Marriage is still associated with longer survival. However, recent studies indicate that it has less effect on our longevity if we survive into older age without it. A study focused on seniors aged 75 and above indicates that there is a much greater likelihood of becoming centenarians for those who are widowed, divorced/ separated, or never married. The reasoning behind might be that those who lost their spouses earlier in life may no longer experience the stresses associated with the traumatic event. Loneliness / weak social connections is found to be a reason of lifespan reduction. Lonlieness is considered to be a risk factor of many diseases because it causes psychological stress, which triggers physiological changes in the body and could further compromise the immune functions *Medicalxpress.com, Washington State University “Centenarian study suggests living environment may be key to longevity” *Science in the news, Harvard University, “Loneliness: An Epidemic?” *G Tatangelo et al. ”Gender, marital status and longevity”
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SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS & AGE DIVERSITY
Higher socioeconomic status, and a high percentage of working age population (a measure of age diversity) were found to be positively correlated with reaching centenarian status. People in those communities tend to benefit more from being involved and making social connections. Higher socioeconomic status lead to higher level of medical care and heath related services.
Aquaponics Jack McCanna
How it works: Water from a tank housing about 50 koi is funneled into a tub where bacteria breaks down and the remaining nitrates filter into the stone and water beds where plants are growing. The nitrates are eventually sent back to the tank through drainage pipes The median year that respondents had begun practicing aquaponics was 2010. 31% of respondents were profitable in the past year. 55% expected to be profitable within the next 12 months and most growers (75%) expected to be profitable in the next 36 months. Tilapia farming which originated in the Middle East and Africa has now become the most profitable business in most countries. Tilapia has become the second most popular seafood after crab, due to which its farming is flourishing. It has entered the list of best selling species like shrimp and salmon
Timmons, of Cornell, said even the most successful aquaponics ventures make only about $50,000 a year
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Mega-cities & Global South Thomas Dimick
What is a Mega-city? Mega-cities are cities with a population greater than ten million people. To determine whether a city is a mega-city or not, the boundary of its urban agglomeration (the city proper and the suburbs directly next to it) is used, as opposed to the greater metropolitan area. In 1950, there were 2 mega-cities, New York City, USA and Tokyo, Japan. As of 2018 there are 34, and it is predicted by 2030 there will be 43 mega-cities. According to the UN about 53% of the world’s population now lives in urban settlements, compared to just 3% in 1800. The world’s population has expontentially been moving into urban settlements.
Megacities and Projected Megacities
Megacity (2018) Projected Megacity By 2030
Information from 2018 UN Report: The World’s Cities in 2018
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The Global South: The global south is a region of the world made up of countries mostly in the southern hempisphere which are considered economically disadvantaged. It is also a term that generally describes second and third world countries. Roughly 80% of the megacites are located in the Global South. About 60% of cities were under the colonial or imperial control of Western powers. These cities were mostly founded around the same period of time (1500-1600s) either by natives, or by European powers. Post-indepence, a majority of these cities have been capitols of their countries or region, and remain the largest cities in their regions.
Megacities and Former Colonies of Western Powers
Megacity (2018) Projected Megacity By 2030 Global South Divide Former Western European Colony
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Characteristics of Mega-cities: As previously stated, mega-cities are those with a population over 10 million people, often living in organized districts. Most mega-cities are the capitols of their countries or regional area. They also serve as centers of industry, finance, and trade (over 60% have port access). With being major centers, mega-cities are experiencing growing pains as people migrate to them in search of better work, oppurtunity and lives. While some Mega-cities now have well established systems (such as New York City), it is not uncommon for mega-cities to run into issues with having 24/7 water, sewage and electricity to all citizens; shortages of housing and essential emergency services: law enforcement, fire and rescue, and medical services. Limited access to such services, combined with overcrowding and proximity to heavy industry means people are living with a lower standard health, and in some cases, putting health at risk.
Megacities and Access to Ocean
Megacity (2018) Projected Megacity By 2030 Megacity with OceanAccess (2018) Projected Megacity By 2030 with Ocean Access
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Mega-cities Alexander Judd
Study of Upcoming Cities Bengaluru, India
746
in tion pula Total Po
1950
alur ng Be
s
by
e th
I see this city as an appropriate model for the future of megacities.
l ta o T
u
The city is not currently a megacity, however, it is projected to be one by 2025. Over the period of just 75 years, the population is projected to have been multiplied by 12. Despite the exponential increase, the number of people that live in slums remains relatively unchanged.
lu
The city’s history, like many cities in India, has been affected by colonialism and modernization.
m s
Po pu lat ion in Be ng alu ru by th e
Throughout its history, the city has expanded and contracted considerably. This dramatic expansion and contraction led to an interesting and diverse architecture that continues today.
9507
Th ou san ds
Population: 8.46 Million
T h o usand
2025
Total Population in Bengaluru in and out of poverty
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The light grey area represents the city limits and the dark grey shows the most heavily gridded area of the city. To me, this represents the development of foreigners rewriting a diverse and ever shifting city to be on a grid.
City of Bengaluru, India map
Cairo, Egypt
Population: 9.12 Million Cairo is the capital of Egypt, originally settled by the Romans, creating a city along their trade routes. At its peak during the Holy Roman empire, it was the second largest city, behind only Constantinople. Today, it is on the cusp of being a megacity, and one of the largest in Africa. The city is the gateway to the Nile delta, making it a major port city. Thanks to the well-irrigated landscape, skyscrapers share space with lush vegetation and the Pyramids of Giza. The juxtaposition of the ancient and the brand new create a dynamic that continued throughout history. One can find traces to the medieval, Arab, Turkish and Roman influence and control. The city has over 400 registered historic monuments, some dating to 130 C.E.
Chennai, India
Population: 7.8 Million The original city was first colonized by the Portuguese, then became a major naval port for the British. Chennai was rebranded from Madras after the fall of the British empire to its current name in order to be less Anglicised. 21
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Topsoil Research
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Migration Trends
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Loss of Soil Diversity in Cities
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James Graef & Teresa Pecher
Darshika Agrawal & Sarah Felter
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Growth and Migration James Graef
Intercontinental Migration Flows The highest migration flows are from Central and South America and Asia to North America, from Africa and Eastern Europe to Western Europe, and from Southeastern Asia to the Middle East. Generally, people move between nearby continents in the largest numbers, and where there is a dominant direction to the flow of people, remittances will flow the other way.
Urban Migration Flows Since the industrial revolution, people have been moving to cities for opportunity. Generally, most movement is to large megacities from nearby rural lands in the same country.
Intercontinental and urban migration flows—world’s 12 most populous cities 25
“
Wild landscapes are less often destroyed by people who despise them than by people who love them, or think they do. — David Owen, Forbes
Growth in Cities
The world’s population will continue to grow until it levels out at about 10 to 12 billion people. Growth to accommodate that population should occur in the most environmentally sustainable way. Cities provide the most sustainable form of human dwelling. Density leads to less heat and AC loss through walls, less consumption of resource-intensive goods, less habitat loss from development, and less and more efficient travel.
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The key to New York’s relative environmental benignity is the very thing that makes it appear to be an ecological nightmare: its extreme compactness. — David Owen, Forbes
New York
Comparison
Ecological Footprint
New York State: 14.2 global acres/person
Virginia: 24.6 global acres/ person
Electricity
New York City: 4,700 kWh/household/year
Vermont: 7,100 kWh/household/ year United States: 11,000 kWh/ household/year
Gasoline
Manhattan: 90 gallons
United States in the mid-1920s: 90 gallons
New York City: 1/4 the amount of the average Vermonter No-Car New York City: 54% Households Manhattan: 77%
The rest of the US: close to 0%
Commutes
Manhattan: 82% transit + biking + walking
The rest of the US: around 8%
GHGs
New York City: 7.1 metric tons, <30% of US average
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The Creation of Today’s Cities James Graef
Zoning and Land Development The first zoning regulations created setbacks—between roads and building facades—and stepbacks—requirements for a building to taper as it grows in height—to allow light at street level. This was in response to The Equitable Building in Downtown Manhattan, which towered over nearby roads and created large shadows. Next, Euclid Ohio separated development by use: separating residences from factories. This was a benefit because of the significant reduction in pollution, but then zoning regulations began to separate everything from everything else, with no pollution benefits.
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Planners were so content with themselves they continued using their one trick for the next 100 years. — Andres Duany, CNU
Zoning—use regulations and lot size
Alternatives to Zoning Houston is often looked to as a model of a city without zoning, however Houston residents have created structures which mimic zoning in almost every way, thus creating, “a bad form-based code.” DeZone Studio
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Euclidean Zoning
Houston: “A bad form-based code”
zoning use, density, height, setback/building line restrictions variances leniency for “exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship” incentive districts height, parking, density incentives for locating near transit, etc.
development code only limited height and density requirements private deed restrictions affluent neighborhoods stop apartment buildings random lots without deed restrictions or where no citizens complain about deed violations truly no zoning historic districts maintain scale and character lot size ordinance lowered lot size requirements inside 610 loop petitions for lot size and setbacks by neighborhood minimum lot size and building line/setback parking requirements except downtown and adjacent transit-oriented development code slightly relaxed setbacks, etc. variances setback but not parking variances usually granted
historic districts a second wall of defence against upzoning subdivision and land development ordinance parking, lot size, new road size restrictions
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Without anyone quite noticing, with the spread of cars in the 1920s, the pressure to use space neatly evaporated. One could now lounge on the earth, or sprawl lazily across it. — Alain de Botton, School of Life
Road Standards The creation of road standards in the name of safety have resulted in less safe roads which encourage sprawl development. First, a street hierarchy was established: arterials, collectors, and local roads. This concentrated traffic on a few major roads, leading to wide, un-crossable, unsafe roads which are not resilient to small issues. 29
Road standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;street hierarchy
Road standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;lanes and medians DeZone Studio
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Road standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;separation of intersections
Road standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;discourage pedestrians 31
Road standards—crash buffers
Next, intersections were separated to allow for long lines of queuing cars, which removed the possibility of connected, complex grids of streets, discouraging pedestrians by lengthening journeys and making transit detour to serve major destinations. Finally, obstructions were moved out of a buffer zone on either side of roads and lanes were widened to afford drivers mistakes. However, creating highway-like unobstructed roads encourages cars to travel faster, making streets less safe for people walking and in cars on net. Road standards create a vicious cycle: They encourage people to move faster, which leads more people to make more trips, congesting roads; leads more people to move farther into the suburbs and advocate for more highways; and leads more people to drive, necessitating more parking, spreading development further apart. All of these consequences mean people need to move faster...
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Sprawl is created by people escaping sprawl. — David Owen, Forbes
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Improving Cities James Graef
Development Regulation Reform The Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) proposes replacing existing Euclidian Zoning with Form-Based Codes, which specify the size and shape of development rather than the use of buildings, creating mixeduse development.
Development regulation reformâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;transects
Interaction of nature, housing, and transportation 33
Form-based codes should allow for enough housing supply to allow for affordable market rates, follow transportation corridors for efficient transportation to the central city and surroundings, and account for natural resources and parkland. Dense development creates a virtuous cycle: agglomeration leads to high amounts of amenities, which creates high land costs. When land is scarce, developers have a financial incentive to invest in existing land and buildings, rather than buying more land and allowing existing development to depreciate. Reinvestment leads to more amenities...
Density + investment virtuous cycle
Conclusions People are moving to cities; we should make cities better to accommodate them Intensifying land use in one area can deintensify land use elsewhere ex: building density vs sprawl; urban farming vs deforestation Complexity is what makes cities interesting; zoning does the opposite Governing bodies should be made to function efficiently for current and future stakeholders, not to perpetuate historical inefficiency and errors DeZone Studio
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Topsoil Teresa Pecher
Effects of Dezoning an Urban Block Sequence
CURRENT CITY LAYOUT
DE-ZONED CITY LAYOUT
LONGER DISTANCES BETWEEN BUILDING TYPES
SHORTER DISTANCES BETWEEN BUILDING TYPES
REQUIRES CAR OR TRANSIT
GREATER PEDESTRIAN ACCESSABILITY
DISCOURAGES THOSE WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION TO LIVE WITHIN CITY
WALKABLE- NO CARS OR NEED TO USE TRANSIT ENCOURAGES URBAN GROWTH
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Water Infrastructure Breakdown FACILITATES URBAN POPULATION GROWTH
WASTE WATER TREATMENT WATER DISTRIBUTION PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
DRINKING WATER FILTRATION
PUBLIC SERVICES GOVERNMENT FINANCING
PRIVATE BUSINESS CONSUMPTION
PUBLIC WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION
FACILITATES URBAN POPULATION GROWTH
FINANCING
WATER SECURITY/ADAQUAT E FUNDING CAN EQUAL ECONOMIC WELL-BEING
RESIDENTIAL CONSUMPTION
CHARITIES/ FOUNDATIONS
PRIVATE DONATION/ INVESTMENT
PUBLIC RECREATION/ ENJOYMENT USE
IMPROVES SOIL HEALTH
TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION
PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INSTALLMENTS
PUBLIC GARDENS
HYDROPONICS / SOILESS IRRIGATION
HYDROPONICS / SOILESS IRRIGATION FLEXIBLE USEWHERE SOIL ISN’T APPLICABLE
PRIVATE DONARS TRADITIONAL IRRIGATION
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
Water security is closely related to economic well-being. Economic well-being allows for increased density and fosters the growth of a sustainable city. This diagram breaksdown how public water in our cities is dispersed and delegated- what it’s used for and by whom. Understanding how different sectors are effected by the public water system clarifies why water security through a well designed water infrastructure is essential to the growth of a city in a sustainable matter. DeZone Studio
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Urban Agriculture
URBAN AGRICULTURE- FACILITATING SUSTAINABLE URBAN GROWTH
PROVISIONING SERVICES
- Multifunctional resilient agriculture and forestry - Investment and employment
CULTURAL SERVICES
- Tourism and recreation - Education - Health and wellbeing
REGULATION SERVICES
- Enhanced efficiency of natural resources - Climate change mitigation and adaptation
HABITAT
- Conservation benefits - Low carbon
- Water management - Land and soil management - Disaster prevention
Urban agriculture plays multiple roles in the improvement of a city’s sustainability. Benefits range from provisioning services, cultural services, regulation services, and habitat enhancement. It also serves as a potential food source for city dwellers suffering from food insecurity.
Reference: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity – TEEB. 37
Pennsylvania Barrens Map
Ridgetop Acidic Barrens Calcareous Barrens and Glades
https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeActionPlan/Documents/SWAP-CHAPTER-2.pdf
Serpentine Barrens Shale Barrens
Mesic Barrens
Pennsylvania Density and Land Type Map
Evergreen Forest Developed High-Medium Density DeZone Studio
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Pennsylvania Geological Regions https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeActionPlan/Documents/SWAP-CHAPTER-2.pdf
Agricultural Animal Statistics of Pennsylvania Dairy cows: approx. 500,000 -Producing 2,454 gallons per year per cow -can start calving at 2 yrs old -milking peaks at 40 days after calving -milking period lasts 10 months Pigs: approx. 320,000 -Fully grown hog weighs about 250lbs- produces 144lbs of retail cuts -Needs 10 sq.ft. pen per hog -Six months to raise a hog to full size Quails: approx. 60,000 -2’x2’x8’ pen houses 20-25 quails -4-6 eggs per week -50 cents per egg ex: 25 quails producing 6 eggs/week = 150 eggs per week ($75 worth of eggs)
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Chickens: approx. 28.9 million -8 sq.ft. per hen (comfortable) -hybrid breeds lay up to 5 eggs/week Pygmy Goats: -200 sq.ft. per goat -produce 2 quarts of milk per day per goat ex: 5 goats @ 200 sq.ft. each = 1,000 sq.ft. to produce 10 quarts per day Turkeys: -216,800 wild turkeys Domestic Turkeys: -Adams County: 773,852 -Franklin County: 885,000 -range fed domestic turkey- $100 selling price -Tom weighs 30-40lbs -3 months to raise a turkey to full growth -PA is the 6th largest turkey producer in U.S. -Average person eats 16lbs of turkey per year -Family of 4 will eat about 64lbs per year Fish Hatcheries: Bellefonte State Hatchery -water supply: local spring water -338,918 lbs of trout produced per year -100 acres of developed land Pleasant Gap Hatchery -water supply: spring, creek, production wells, reservoir -256,164 lbs of trout produced per year -26 acres of developed land Benner Spring Hatchery -water supply: production wells, Spring Creek -336,336 lbs of fish produced per year -40 developed acres
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All of the mentioned hatcheries produce fish only for the purpose of stocking PA waters for angling purposes All hatcheries mentioned produce brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and golden trout Other hatcheries in PA raise Tiger Muskellunge and Muskellunge to stock PA waters for angling purposes All trout species are released into waters at 8-10 months old Most of these hatcheries have visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centers, which have educational programs for guests to come learn about the raising of fish and their role in PA ecosystems
Milton Hershey School Agriculture and Environmental Education Program Farming Crops and orchards -Beef cattle and horses -Dairy goats and sheep -Reptiles -Hydroponically-grown plants -Other small animals
AG Business -Production -Processing -Marketing -Distribution -Financing
From Resource to Product -Food and fibers -Wood products -Natural resources -Horticulture -Other plant and animal products and resources
Penn State Community Garden -for students and SC community -half of plots reserved for students -must apply for a plot
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Resources: https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/pa-dairy-goodness-that-matters/pa-dairy-overview/#:~:text=Pennsylvania%20is%20ranked%207th%20 in,about%202%2C454%20gallons%20%E2%80%93%20per%20cow. https://extension.psu.edu/swine-information-for-pennsylvania https://meatscience.org/TheMeatWeEat/topics/fresh-meat/article/2017/03/09/pork-production-farrow-to-finish-process#:~:text=Unlike%20the%20beef%20industry%2C%20pork,a%20female%20hog%20 giving%20birth. https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Pages/Northern-Bobwhite-Quail.aspx https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Pennsylvania/Publications/Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/2011_2012/PoultrySum.pdf https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/05/16/528460207/ why-are-americans-drinking-less-cows-milk-its-appeal-has-curdled?t=1600772551734 https://www.statista.com/statistics/183616/per-capita-consumption-ofpork-in-the-us-since-2000/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20per%20capita%20consumption,to%2050.9%20pounds%20in%202018. https://www.statista.com/statistics/183678/per-capita-consumption-ofeggs-in-the-us-since-2000/
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The Damage Done Sarah Felter
The Impact of Cities It is a well known fact that cities have a negative impact on the environment, but sometimes it is unclear what impact it has. Most people are familiar with the negative impact that combustion energy has and the pollution that comes with cities, but soil suffers from city growtih in a unique way. Starting on the top right there is a graph of different soil samplings of various locations in China. These tests were done to test for specific toxic elements present in the soil. The red portions of the diagram are the parts that tested with the most concentration of said element. On the bottom right is a diagram following a road in Morocco, this
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Image Captions and References: 8pt Century Gothic Italic https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352076/?tool=pmcentrez&report=ab-
Image Captions and References: 8pt Century Gothic Italic https://search-proquest-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/docview/1095507334?pq-origDeZone Studio
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DEFORESTATION: Forests vs Farmlands and Urban Uses Darshika Agrawal MAJOR FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FOREST LOSS • Conversion of forests for other land uses like pastures, plantations, farmlands, settlements, roads and infrastructure. • Illegal and unsustaianble logging. • Forest fires. • Fuelwood harvesting. • Mining. https://wwf.panda.org/our_work/our_focus/forests_practice/deforestation_causes2/
VARIATION OF RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF VARIOUS PROXIMATE DEFORESTATION DRIVERS BETWEEN DIFFERENT REGIONS https://news.mongabay.com/2018/09/whats-causing-deforestation-new-study-reveals-global-drivers/
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CHANGE IN LAND-USE PATTERNS FROM EARLY HISTORY TO 21ST CENTURYFrom early periods to 1990, major decline in forest cover was seen in temperate areas. This decline was reversed from 1990-2000 when regrowth of forests was noticed in these exploited temperate areas due to reforms taken by the local communities and governments while a rise in deforestation practices was seen in tropical areas.
COUNTRIES CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO DOMINANT CLIMATIC DOMAIN
NET CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST AREA, BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY (2000-10) http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5588e.pdf
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URBAN LAND EXPANSION ON WORLD’S CROPLANDS “Urban land expansion modifies habitats, biogeochemistry, hydrology, land cover, and surface energy balance. In most parts of the world, urban land is expanding faster than urban populations. Whereas urban populations are expected to almost double from 2.6 billion in 2000 to 5 billion in 2030, urban areas are forecast to triple between 2000 and 2030.” The lands largely exposed to this kind of expansion are the world’s most productive croplands. “More than 60% of the world’s irrigated croplands are located near urban areas, highlighting the potential competition for land between agricultural and urban uses.”
https://doi.org/10.1073/ pnas.1606036114
DOI 10.1016/j.cosust.2009.07.012
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ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE (CARBON-SMART) CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BAMBOO: • Fast growing versatile material. • Greater compression strength than concrete. • Higher tensile strength than steel. • Elastic and fire resistant. • Helps in CARBON SEQUESTRATION. • Requires proper treatment and drying before use. CORK: • Fast growing material. • Flexible, resilient and impermeable. Effective thermal and acoustic insulation. • Shock-absorbing. • Fire resistant. STRAW-BALE: • 100% waste material. • Used in building insulation. • Fire resistant. • Helps in CARBON SEQUESTRATION. • If used as a substitute for wood, can help in preserving forests, thus preserving ecosystems. STRAW-BALE: • Effective thermal and acoustic insulation. • Manages atmospheric humidity. • Fire resistant. • Helps in CARBON ( and other chemicals)SEQUESTRATION. STRAW-BALE: • Ensures prolonged CARBON STORAGE.
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Where Do We Go Now? Sarah Felter
Solutions: Examining the relationship between Mashhad, Iran, and the naturally occuring river that flows through it. This layering demonstrates the complicated infrastructure of the city layered over the natural ecosystem. Article here. The health of a city is reflected in its environment. Water plays an important role in an urban ecosystem, soil impacts and water and so forth. If one is dying or seriously polluted, it is a reflection of its people. Keeping our environment clean is important for our own health, if for nothing else.
Layers of systems in Mashhad, Iran https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/science/article/pii/ S1878029616300718?via%3Dihub 49
Plans of Jarun as it changed over the years, a city in Croatia with a river running through it. During various iterations of the city planning, the river has been considered but only as an aesthetically pleasing installation to the town. This article proposes a more integrative system with more care given to placing water sources within the town. More buffers are needed between water sources to prevent pollution and keep the water source as a life source. River Plans in Jarun https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/science/article/pii/
Water as a reflection of a communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health DeZone Studio
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Solutions: (Top Right) African Soil: To enrich soil in Liberia, animal waste is added to the soil as well as having goats and chickens live on the soil. Charred plants are added, as a final touch charred bones, palm thatch, and palm oil byproduct is added. All of these result in 200 to 300 times more rich soil. It is described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;stealing from Peter to pay Paulâ&#x20AC;? in a sense, but it is a practice that has been ongoing for a while and is used in household farms, so it does not impact the area as much as one would think. Farming also accounts for a majority of household income. Constructed Wetland, used in Chongqing. China to purify a polluted river. This wetland had very similar microbials and nutritional restoration properties as phytoremediation. Article here
In a study done in China, they were examining Cobalt levels in soil. They planted mushrooms for 30 days, then planted the desired vegetables. The mushrooms had very high levels of Cobalt, but the soil and vegetables had normal amounts as the mushrooms had absorbed most of it. This practice could really help purify soils of toxic metals to reduce the risk of human consumption. Spent Mushroom Substrate https://link-springer-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/article/10.1007/s11356-018-04080-3 51
Diagram of African Soil https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2016/06/africa-soil-farm-
Diagram of Constructred Wetland https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/science/article/pii/ DeZone Studio
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Mushrooms Sarah Felter
Different Properties of Mushrooms Mycilium is basically a neurological membrane that grows beneath the soil, 8 miles for every square foot. Can support 30,000x its weight. Will often create pockmarks in rocks and take nutrients from that resource. Lichens is a powder substance contained in fungi with decomposition properties. Often found on bark, will break down the object without stripping tree of its nutrients. Central PA has MANY mushrooms that contain lichen. Chaga is an important mushroom that is found in central PA, it has medicinal properties. Extract has been used in preventing cancer and treating diabetes
Image Captions and References: 8pt Century Gothic Italic
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Pharmaceutical Properties: Because mushrooms are very close to humans in their composition, i.e. breathe in oxygen and exhale Carbon Dioxide, they handle viruses the same way we do. They are rich in bacteria and can be used to derive treatment for the flu. Have been used to create vaccine for H1N1. Chaga has been used in extensive research studies to find its healing properties. Can be used as antibiotic if treated properly.
Farming: Mushrooms are used in enriching soil, can be used to clean pollutants from both water and soil. Can also be used to create old growth forests, lay down mycilium first then plant trees to create a strong, enriched forest. Specific kinds of mushrooms can also be used as a pesticide, if you feed the mushroom to the bugs after it has sporated, they will eat it as the spores will no longer be active. Then they will become mummified and mushrooms will grow from the pests. If you allow the mushrooms to release their spores, it will make certain that no pests will return as there are now spores present. This could solve potential problems with building with wood or bamboo that could encourage less concrete construction.
Growing: They doo not need light, they feed off of radiation as regular plants do sunlight. Mushrooms predate dinosaurs, can find fossilized fungi that were 3 feet tall. Fungus is an important part of the ecosystem, once they release their spores bugs will make homes, then birds will come and eat the bugs, then they will nest, and so on and so forth causing much to form.
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Climate Study Sarah Felter
State College Climate: When considering how to improve soil most strategies involve growing of some kind so considering the climate of the site is important. On the top right is an average monthly rainfall diagram, this is helpful to see that generally rain is quite steady so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no danger of a drought. The bottom right helps to show what temperatures lend themselves for growing season, this is perfect to determine where to place greenery in plans for the best yield. Finally below is humidity comfort levels, this aids in determining which plants would remain outside and which would go into a greenhouse space as some plants prefer dry climates.
Humidity Chart https://weatherspark.com/y/21173/Average-Weather-in-State-College-Pennsylvania-United-States-Year-Round 55
Average Rainfall
Temperature Bands DeZone Studio
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