LANDSCAPE DISTURBANCE:
USING INITIAL CONDITIONS TO ESTABLISH URBAN TERRAIN
AS AN ONGOING NEGOTIATION
blankblank
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank all those who have worked with me along the way to
help make this thesis work thorough and convincing. Specifi cally, I would like
to thank my major professor, Rod Barnett, and those on my committee, John
Pittari, PhD, and David Hill. Thanks also to Charlene LeBleu as well as the other
landscape faculty for their helpful critiques and input along the way. Most im-
portantly, I would like to say thank you to my wonderful mom and dad that
have always supported me in everything I?ve done.
JOSH LAMBERTH . MLA THESIS . 2010
Submitted to
Auburn University?s Graduate
School on May 14, 2010
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
College of Architecture, Design,
and Construction
LANDSCAPE DISTURBANCE: USING INITIAL CONDITIONS TO
ESTABLISH URBAN TERRAIN AS AN ONGOING NEGOTIATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Keywords 07
Abstract 09
Introduction 11
Case Studies 12
Chapter 1 ? Site Context + Analysis 18
Chapter 2 ? Site Histories 34
Chapter 3 ? Design Investigation Site1.A 38
Chapter 4 ? Druid Hills Introduction 62
Chapter 5 ? Design Investigation Site 2.A 68
Chapter 6 ? Design Investigation Site 2.B 90
Conclusion 121
References 122
Bibliography 123
Illustrations 126
blank
KEYWORDS
Community Participation, Disturbance,
Environmental Justice, Initial Conditions,
Open Systems
GENERA
TED RESPONSE
GENERA
TED RESPONSE
FEEDBA
CK
FEEDBA
CK
PROJECT GENERATION OVER TIME THROUGH FEEDBACK LOOPS
RESEARCH QUESTION:
How can a design strategy give people a say in the ongoing
development of their spatial futures?
9
ABSTRACT
Rethinking the traditional urban design function of a master plan has become increasingly important in
recent years. Not only is there now a recognized need to design in order to accommodate change over
time, but there is also a requirement for civic involvement in the development of the everyday landscape.
This study shows how the public may be given a greater role in the ongoing development of its own liv-
ing environments. It provides a chance for communities to design their own futures. The study utilizes the
concept of landscape disturbance to solve the problems associated with traditional design scenarios. By
treating urban terrain as a continuing negotiation between people and place, the designer can provide
an opportunity for small communities to direct spatial change themselves and have more say in their
spatial futures. Territories can unfold on the basis of people?s participation, changing over time just like
the lives of their users. The study focuses on two sites in North Birmingham. After careful analysis of exist-
ing social and environmental conditions in each case, it proposes a readjustment or disturbance of those
conditions in order to set in place a sequence of ?stimulus-response? events that enact a transformation
of human relationships with their environment. By establishing initial conditions, designers permit envi-
ronmental change to occur as time goes by, on the basis of feedback from the change itself. The designs
focus on specifi c potential scenarios that are played out through the users? response over time on the
site. These responses include pedestrian pattern shifts, tree growth, and the emergence of new gathering
spaces, generating a greater range of choice and a rich, open environment.
Diagram shows the disturbance which would be
created through establishing initial conditions.
Shifts in the landscape would reoccur based on
citizens? responses to the conditions on site.
11
INTRODUCTION
Over recent decades there has been much progress in the area of environmental justice. The situation
that this movement tries to deal with is that the benefi ts of urban progress typically lie in geographical
contexts associated with those that are better off , while the less valued spaces in our communities tend to
accrue around those that are less fortunate. The environmental justice movement has looked at this and
tried to create more equitable ways to go about development. While a few designers such as Walter Hood
have been heavily involved in this movement, landscape architectural practice has only recently begun
to develop approaches to these issues.
One aspect of this research is to try to understand whether an initial conditions approach can provide a
better basis for the participation for the underrepresented in the ongoing development of their commu-
nities. By going about design investigation using this methodology, the research looks for strategies and
techniques that engage change. (Raxworthy, 2006)
The research proceeds on the basis that community involvement does, in fact, have a positive eff ect on
participants in building ownership, increasing an understanding of current conditions and serving as a
helpful teaching model. This information has been concluded from documents published by the World
Health Organization and other research teams in the fi elds of psychology and education. Understanding
that community involvement is not a brand new idea, charrettes and community projects being com-
monplace, the approach, developed through the research, focuses on coming to those who may typically
be overlooked or not make it to traditional community meetings. Knowing this, the proposal geared
toward a scenario that involves a community that has expressed interest in involvement in the creation of
their neighborhood?s future. (Kahssay, 1999)
The proposal that has developed through the research is one that works towards achieving grant funding
in order to establish a site that is open to feedback loops. This goes on the premise that there will be a
design implementation, followed by a user response. This cycle, which promotes collaboration between
community and designer, will continue through the site?s development over time.
The research began with a series of case studies which evaluated projects associated with the same sub-
fi eld of landscape architecture. These projects also work with similar design methodology.
I
mages c
our
t
esy of the O
ffi
c
e
f
or M
etr
opolitan Ar
chit
ec
tur
e
Figure 1. Downsview Park
13
This project was chosen as a case study because of its innovation in
the fi eld of landscape architecture with its use of initial conditions.
While the study mainly focuses on the winning design, ?Tree City,?
many of the proposals for this large green space in Toronto were pre-
sented as strategies and ?frameworks? rather than a clean master plan
approach (Czerniak, 2001). The ?Tree City? proposal draws attention to
a kind of ?staging of uncertainty? and ?the creation of enabling fi elds
that accommodate process? (Czerniak, 2001: 15). Basically the project
?off ered something like a landscape bill of rights in lieu of specifi c leg-
islation for the site?s development? (Waldheim, 2001: 85). There?s more
?interest in seeing the forest than the trees? and the ?long view of the
site?s development? (Waldheim, 2001: 81). In dealing with public proj-
ects, this approach is seen as benefi cial ?because it views landscape
design as an incremental absorption of civic life, not a fi xed master
plan? (Berger, 2001: 132).
CASE STUDIES:
DOWNSVIEW PARK
I mages c
our
t
esy of the O
ffi
c
e
f
or M
etr
opolitan Ar
chit
ec
tur
e
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
I
mage c
our
t
esy of
V
ista Landscape and Urban Desig
n
Figure 4. Volgermeer Polder
15
This case study looks at a ?strategy that guided the regeneration of
a bog landscape? in Amsterdam (Barnett, 2009: 1). The plans for the
landfi ll were developed by Vista, a Dutch landscape architecture fi rm.
The contaminated site was sealed with a matting system, fresh top-
soil brought to the site, and small dikes constructed (Poole, 2004: 238).
The site, ?built in a rice-paddy pattern,? has a range of water depths,
allowing for ?diff erent ecological successions?(Poole, 2004: 238). ?The
succession of vegetation types in these paddies will mark the passage
to time in a slowly evolving landscape.? (Poole, 2004: 238) This type of
?process design? provides a brief look into how ?initial conditions can
be designed to direct the future movement of conditions? on site. (Van
Gerwen, 2004: 233)(Barnett, 2009: 1)
CASE STUDIES:
VOLGERMEER POLDER
I
mages c
our
t
esy of
V
ista Landscape and Urban Desig
n
Figure 6.
Figure 5.
F
igur
e 7. I
mage c
our
t
esy of Plan Philly
17
This case study looks at a strategy used by Penn Praxis, a division of
Penn Design, which ?promotes community outreach projects? (Stein-
berg, 2010). This project, specifi cally dealing with the ?civic visioning
process? is set up ?more as a campaign rather than traditional plan-
ning? strategy (Steinberg,2010). The goal of the Penn Praxis group
throughout the development of the vision for the waterfront has been
to heavily involve the public, in order that no single group of private
investors are able to determine what happens on the riverfront. By do-
ing this the project has gained community support and given a voice
to citizens who would often go unheard (Steinberg, 2010).
CASE STUDIES:
CENTRAL DELAWARE RIVERFRONT
I
mages c
our
t
esy of P
enn P
r
axis and
W
illiam P
enn F
oundation
Figure 9.
Figure 8.
19
CHAPTER 1:
SITE CONTEXT + ANALYSIS
This context map shows the greater Birmingham
area through roads, rails, and streams. This map was
helpful in locating the fi rst study site, based on cri-
teria developed early on in design investigations.
Other sites came from studying other factors such as
vacancies within neighborhood centers.
Originally ecological connections were investigated
to determine if there was a possibility for a larger
city-scale network. As site investigation progressed,
an evident need emerged for a stronger physical
and social connection within the local urban envi-
ronment. The need was seen visually through the
amount of foot traffi c, the lack of space dedicated
to the pedestrian, and the fact that there are many
objects which cut across the site, prohibiting ease of
connection. These were studied and addressed.
Birmingham?s
Downtown Core
Railways
Roadways
Streams/Water Bodies
Rail Lines
Rail Line
Village Creek
Ridgeline
Rail Lines to
Downtown
Highway 31
Rail Lines
19th Street
24th Street
Interstate 20 59
21
IMPEDED CONNECTION
This map across Birmingham shows how a range
of linear conditions impede clear connection from
North Birmingham neighborhoods to the down-
town area along the 24th Street connection.
North Birmingham
Neighborhoods
Birmingham?s
Downtown Core
Fairfield
North Birmingham
Evergreen
Druid Hills
Norwood
Downtown
Fountain Heights
23
POTENTIAL SITES
This map shows potential sites for investigation.
Within the area of study north of downtown Bir-
mingham, six neighborhoods of interest were found.
Each had a social center of some sort whether it be
a grocery, park space, car wash or a barber shop. The
sites were examined to better understand what is
currently available to these communities as well as
what might best suit their needs for public space.
Druid Hills and the Village Creek area were chosen
based on local access to public space, relation to
each other, and relation to downtown Birmingham.
These two came forward as needing the most at-
tention and were further examined to understand
spatial relationships and the sites current uses. This
study is shown in the following representations of
what have been termed matrix, fl ows, clusters, and
circuit ecologies.
Potential Sites
Village Creek
Druid Hills
25
MATRIX
This graphic shows the base layers of the North Bir-
mingham area which contains the sites that have
been investigated through the fall and spring se-
mesters. Druid Hills was chosen because of its rela-
tion to Village Creek (also know as Evergreen) the site
of initial study, and the opportunity its sites present
for design investigation. The layers contained in this
map are broken down in the graphics on the follow-
ing pages.
Community Centers
school (city owns other unlabeled
property)
Public Green Space
parks+open space+cemeteries
Hydrology
village creek+retention areas
27
Streets
connectors+arterials+highways
Parcels
lot lines+ground plane
Structures
retail+residential+commercial
29
FLOWS
This map shows a study of fl ows which, by in large,
relate to automobile traffi c. Streets, rail lines, high-
ways, and bus routes are represented. Many of the
major fl ows happen to correspond with objects pre-
viously labeled as impediments to connection.
Connector + Arterial
Streets
Major Highways
Local Transit Routes
Railways
31
CLUSTERS
Dots indicate areas of social investment and/or
gathering. The main focus was to show those closely
related to the residents of the two neighborhoods.
park space + site 1a + site 2a
residences that are consistantly used for social gathering
stores+laundromats
groceries+convenience stores
business/local employer
cemeteries
33
CIRCUIT ECOLOGIES
Along with other layers, this map shows pedestrian
traffi c in the general vicinity of the two neighbor-
hood centers. Having a better understanding of
these circuits is crucial to producing a scheme for
increasing social interaction within the core area of
the neighborhoods.
Pedestrian Circuits within Neighborhoods
35
CHAPTER 2:
SITE HISTORIES
The purpose of the following maps and aerials was
to discover a better understanding of the historical
context for the greater Birmingham area as well as
each study site. While over the years little change
was seen on site, each, now being in an unused state,
off ers the opportunity for community growth.
The two sites shown under the historical analysis
of the city are the previously mentioned study sites
within the Village Creek and Druid Hills communi-
ties.
1891
Village Creek Site
Druid Hills Site
1902 1911 1930-1951
The Village Creek was home to the
Birmingham Packing Company for
most of its recorded life. The busi-
ness? structures were some of the
early development by the creek. The
maps show the growth of the com-
pany prior to the abandonment of
the site, which now serves as a sort
of dumping ground for metal, rub-
ber, and other material.
The aerials also show the deple-
tion/partial elimination of a re-
tention area on the north side of
the creek. Over the years, this and
other changes have caused Village
Creek?s flooding to be more intense
on site.
The Druid Hills site mapping shows
the slowed/late development of
the area due to topographical is-
sues, such as the ridgeline condi-
tion, which caused the community
to develop around 1930, behind
most of its neighbors.
The two sites of focus have gone
from unoccupied, to residential
space, to remnants of structures
within vacant lots.
37
1960-1970 2000-2010
As mentioned, on this site flooding is a main physical
issue to deal with. How could the site be designed to
better accept the flooding and cause less harm to the
stream? The site also needs to perform a social func-
tion, open for gathering space for the neighborhood as
a whole.
Current Site Conditions SITE 1.A
Due in part to the steeper terrain, the vacant residential lots
suffer from erosion and washing on site. One site currently
used as a cut-thru is located closest to the local grocery store
and provides as opportunity for increasing social interaction
within the community.
Current Site Conditions SITE 2.A+2.B
As the city faces a major financial crisis dur-
ing the current economic downturn, it is
important to develop new ways of thinking
about public projects, how to fund them, as
well as how to make them successful long
term.
Birmingham
39
CHAPTER 3:
DESIGN INVESTIGATION SITE 1.A
The Village Creek area was selected on the basis of
criteria formed from experimental drawings that
showed what the project hoped to achieve. These in-
cluded the following: urban terrain, creek or stream,
fragmented ecological and social network.
By zooming to a small site scale early in the inves-
tigation, the goal was to analyze the site through a
series of design inquiries. These would then help to
reevaluate the initial contextual analysis.
41
This base map of the core Village Creek area shows
the main north/south connection (24th Street), the
existing streambed of Village Creek, and rail line, in
addition to daily pedestrian traffi c routes. The web
of dashed lines shows many existing paths that link
neighborhood public space, the local grocery, the
gas station, and the convenience store.
BASE AERIAL/FLOWS
Streambed
24th Street
Pedestrian Paths
Rail Line
Retail Structures
43
These layers depict pedestrian connections along
with a study of tree canopy and public and private
space on the site. While this layer is shown with hard
edges, some of the areas between public and private
are, in reality, not a defi ned line while others may be.
Examples: side yards, fences, vacant lots.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE + SUN/SHADE STUDY
Shade from trees
Public Zones
Private Zones
45
In this map, showing diff erent layers of public
space, some areas, such as those shown in purple,
are looked at as connections or thresholds, used
primarily by people in the neighborhood. The blue
indicates connecting space used also by those from
surrounding areas. The yellow indicates gathering
space, where many times groups can be found in ca-
sual conversation outside the storefronts.
HIEARCHY OF PUBLIC SPACE
Gathering
Connection - Surrounding Areas
Connection - Neighborhood
47
This map shows the area that the project fi nally fo-
cused on, shown in blue. This ambiguous and under-
marcated public space became the subject of design
inquiry. How could it be reformulated through
[ design + negotiation ] into a meaningful
and inclusive neighborhood place?
AREA OF FOCUS
Residential/Commercial Structures
Public Retail Structures
Area of Focus
49
Early design investigation and theoretical framework
development made it apparent that a new graphic
language would be required in order to properly con-
vey true site conditions, as well as try to show the op-
portunity for change over time. These impressionistic
sketches and drawings show how important small
site scale detailing would be.They assisted in the de-
velopment of guidelines for the initial Site 1. A design
scheme.
EARLY INVESTIGATIONS
51
AN INITIAL CONDITIONS
APPROACH
After the early, exploratory research phase, it became evident that an initial conditions approach
would bring something new to this type of public project. Not only could it give the community a
greater chance to have a say in their futures, but it could also provide a low cost solution to public
projects. I speculated that, through phasing of the site generation as well as providing a lower main-
tenance space, the implementation would be fi nancially carried out by the city much more easily
than a traditional public park project.
In trying to show a site that can respond to change, it became apparent that it would be necessary
to try multiple routes of rendering the site over time. In addition to attempting to show the design
intervention through plan, section, and perspective, the project is set up as a time line (left). Rather
than a focus on actual construction details, there is a spotlight on post-construction evaluations and
site changes.
1
53
2012 PROJECTION
Initial site adjustments are coprised of pathway realignment and tree planting. The site would be
planted with a grid of small sapling trees which would defi ne the path system that travereses it.
Moveable seating would also be located at this point. These small site changes are seen as a test, us-
ing the site as a kind of laboratory (Raxworthy, 2006)
2
55
2017 PROJECTION
The plan and section show the site as projected around fi ve years after the initial site construction.
The site would hopefully have grown physically but the hope was that it would have grown as a
link for social interaction within the greater community. Being somewhat unprogrammed space, the
new, emerging condition would provide a place for neighborhood gathering. It could be used for
recreation and/or a pedestrian thoroughfare as well. Elements such as the original seating would
be checked on to evaluate its success within the space. The seating would be designed to allow it
to be moved by two to three people but not just one user. The thought is that even if the seating
was moved to nearby residences it could still be considered successful in meeting the community?s
needs.
3
57
2027 PROJECTION
These drawings show the site fi fteen years after initial construction and planting. While some of the
closely planted trees may have died back and others grown to shade out areas, the space would re-
main open and changeable. Seedlings could sprout up and colonize areas that are somewhat under-
utilized. Neighborhood users would permit, deter, or promote this haptic growth. The site would be
evaluated at this stage on its ability to adapt to the needs of the community.
59
PERSPECTIVE SERIES
The goal of this series of sketches is to show the progres-
sion of the site over time. While most of what is shown in
the three graphics is vegetative growth, one can also dis-
cern a subtle change in usage, shaded space, and enclosure.
Although the series shows the growth, it was gathered from
these studies that sections often depict change better than
plan and even perspective.
1
61
REFLECTIONS
The design investigation on Site 1.A helped to es-
tablish a graphic style which better represented the
direction the research had taken, that of a strategy
rather than a master plan. While the site design did
explore the representation of the site over time, it
failed to look deeper into how the project could be
funded. More importantly, there was a need to bet-
ter understand how the community could become
more involved in the establishment of a site that
functions properly for their daily use.
63
Druid Hills is the site that I have focused on for the latter half of the project. The neighborhood was selected
through the study of alternative sites after the initial investigation of the Village Creek site. It has presented the
most promising space to work with, already having an active social center, vacant space, and the need for small
physical improvements and increased social interaction. The two smaller sites that I have focused on within Druid
Hills are closely related to the physical and social center of the neighborhood. Both are located across the street
from the local grocery store which tends to be the meeting spot for the neighborhood. Both sites were originally
residential lots and contain remnants of structures such as stairs and partial driveways. While one site tends to me
a cut-through or thoroughfare for those walking from apartments to the store, the other seems to have little pe-
destrian traffi c, mainly because of its diffi culty to traverse. Both sites have an elevation change of 20?-30? over the
depth of each 130? site. While low vegetation and a handful of trees exist, the narrow site closest to the store tends
to suff er from erosion and debris washing across it. In the few years since the second site (Site 2.B) was vacated, its
slope has entered the early stages of erosion. Increasing the sediment load on the creek will further impair the its
water quality.
CHAPTER 4:
DRUID HILLS ANALYSIS
EXISTING CONDITIONS SITE 2.B EROSION CONTROL . GABION WALLS TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
EXISTING CONDITIONS SITE 2.A EROSION CONTROL . GABION WALLS TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
EXISTING CONDITIONS SITE 1.A EROSION CONTROL . BATTERED BANKS TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
65
DRUID HILLS PERSPECTIVE SERIES
This series of images shows the existing situation, then with pro-
posed walls, and tree planting and seeding. Each proceeding site
investigation will show the interventions in more detail. Part of
this design process is understanding possibilities and reactions
to the initial conditions. (Raxworthy, 2006 )
67
MATERIALITY + TOPOGRAPHIC
RELATIONSHIPS
In addition to the design sites which are currently vacant,
there is an abandoned school building very close by. The
Druid Hills design provides an opportunity to reuse build-
ing materials if the school and/or surrounding buildings
are in are in need of demolition due to safety precautions.
Much material could be appropriated from the surrounding
vacant parking lots alone. The graphic to the left shows the
relationship between the two design sites as well as their dis-
tance from the nearby potential sites for reuse of materials.
69
Druid Hills South Site
CHAPTER 5:
DESIGN INVESTIGATION
SITE 2.A
Site 2.A is close to Triple T?s Grocery, the neighbor-
hood?s social center. Shown in plan (immediate left),
Site 2.A is the narrow residential site near the south-
ern edge of the graphic. Also show is a bird?s eye
view of the site (far left).
GROCERY STORE
SITE 2.A
PHOTOS
71
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Currently 2.A is vacant, but it was once the site of
a single-family residence. As is the case with many
of the low income areas that have been studied, of-
ten when a home falls into disrepair it is left until it
reaches a state that is must be demolished due to
risk/danger that it brings in the community. All that
remains on this site is part of the driveway, which is
short and immediately off of Shuttlesworth Drive.
While a low retaining wall remains surrounding the
driveway area, the site?s grade change mainly occurs
towards the back of the site. Vegetation, mostly in
the form of grasses, has begun to establish itself on
site. There still exists an issue with erosion control
however, mainly in areas heavily traffi cked. As men-
tioned before, this site is mostly used by residents as
a shortcut to the local grocery store, Triple M?s.
EXISTING SITE GRADE
1
SITE CONSTRUCTION: GRADING AND EROSION CONTOL
TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
INITIAL CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED
(10-15) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
(5-7) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
2
3
4
5
6
73
SITE PHASES
As the initial design for the site developed, it became
clear that the project would need to be shown in
phases, showing movement, site growth, and pro-
gression. Much like similar projects such as Downs-
view Park in Toronto, the site would need to be re-
evaluated periodically on the basis of initial criteria
(Czerniak, 2001). This reevaluation is part of what
would off er a chance to the community to rethink
the site and adjust the terrain to best suit their needs.
This would be led by a team of specialists, including a
landscape architect, which would off er suggestions
in his/her area of expertise. The following sections
are a kind of playing out of one possible scenario,
showing responses to site changes over the years.
EXISTING SITE GRADE
1
Initial site needs, both physical and social, are assessed through collaboration between land-
scape architect, city offi cials, and local community organization. Major needs are determined to
be erosion control and the need for shared, neighborhood gathering space. Grant proposals are
submitted based on these needs and general cost estimates.
75
SITE CONSTRUCTION: GRADING
AND EROSION CONTOL
Construction of terraces is funded through EPA Smart Growth and Environmental Justice Grants.
Community organization provides volunteer labor on weekends to assist hired, local equipment
operators. Equipment rental is made possible through funding as well. The main source of mate-
rial for the banks is to be hauled as crushed debris from nearby abandoned school. While site
sections show the overall grading scheme, design is manipulated based on assessment by those
participating. This means that while stairs may be suggested in one location, they may be shifted
from planned and/or changed width and tread length.
2
3
TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
During this phase, planting takes place as part of an organized community eff ort. Grass seed
and whips or small seedlings are supplied through the grant funding as well. The suggestion for
planting is a gridded pattern with trees spaced only 6?-7? O.C. up to three rows per bank. Realizing
that there will be variance in the previous phase, the need and plant quantity would be assessed
post construction. As with all phases of construction and reassessment, experts in each fi eld
would be on site to participate, answer any technical questions participants may have, or make
adjustments on the basis of participant input.
77
4
INITIAL CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED
After initial conditions are established, the community organization would select neighborhood
volunteers to look after the site for its initial upkeep. Potentially, this could be funded through
the grant as part of establishing the site. Requirements early on would mainly focus on seeing
that the trees and seeded grass is effi ciently watered and has a chance for strong growth in the
fi rst year after site work has been performed.
5
While the site may remain viewed by residents as a main thoroughfare rather than gathering
space, it would be assessed again on multiple levels. First, the site changes/success would be
measured in term of whether its social functions had visibly improved. Also, the site walls and
vegetation would be assessed based on their ability to eliminate erosion issues and maintain
the set grade.
(5-7) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
79
6
The developing terrain would be observed again, reviewing its status based on previously stated
criteria. Residents would be asked to critique site changes/off er suggestions. As shown above,
while the site?s use may increase in areas, including becoming a gathering space, other areas
may become more overgrown and only easily traversed through the use of the more heavily traf-
fi cked pathways. The increase/shift in uses combined with working, established erosion control,
the site changes would be viewed as successful.
(10-15) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
View shows banks, post-construction + planting phases. Stairs
are placed based according to emergent pedestrian traffi c
conditions on site.
81
SITE 2.A DETAILS
The details shown throughout the next few pages
provide a basis for constructiong the battered banks
on Site 1.A. Their precise guidelines allow for ease
of proper construction but also allow for some site
details to be manipulated by those installing the ma-
terials. For example, while there are four banks that
would be installed across the site, their spacing and/
or exact location would be determined by the com-
munity. As you will see, guidelines for stair spacing,
etc. are provided while the actual location or place-
ment is not shown in plan view.
Topsoil
6? Crushed brick
and concrete de-
bris
4? Corrogated/
slotted drain
Seeded rows
Gravel base/filter
around drain
Planted saplings
The detail shows the materials needed for the construction of the battered banks on site. The
demolition debris would be hauled from nearby delapidated buildings to be using the con-
struction of the slope in order to maintain grade and reduce erosion issues. Similar construc-
tion has been used in other contemporary landscape projects (Zimmerman, 2001).
83
Topsoil
Two(2) 4? Salvaged
concrete slabs per
step
4? Corrogated/
slotted drain
Seeded rows
Gravel base/filter
around drain
As mentioned before, details like this of the stairs are provided as a suggestion for how they could be construct-
ed. The image shows stacked slabs of concrete placed to form stairs at certain points along the banks. These
points are determined by the community but must fulfi ll certain criteria. The stairs should be placed a maximum
of 50? apart, allowing for one to two installations per bank across the width of the site. Guidelines like these would
provide clarity to the project and a basis for placement and construction.
View shows the space still being used as a shortcut to the
grocery, only now with changes that facilitate an ease of
connection.
85
PERSPECTIVES
This series of perspectives attempt to render site
2.A years after the project inception. The goal of the
graphics is to show the range of possible outcomes
that could occur based on users responses to site
changes. While much of this site?s purpose initially
would be to provide better connection to the gro-
cery store, the vignettes provide a view of how the
site make take advantage of its location to the core
neighborhood area and Site 2.B as well. As will be
seen later in the text, the design investigation of Site
2.B is set up to work in conjunction with Site 2.A. The
two are seen as a pair, each building off of responses
to changes on both sites.
View shows the site being used as a space to sell
produce from site 2.b through the community garden space.
87
Shows residents using space for gardening as well as relaxation, often
using the fi rst as a means of achieving the second.
1
89
REFLECTIONS
The design investigation of Site 2.A did focus more
towards how to involve the surrounding community
and how to fund initial site design. This can be seen
in the perspectives and the phased sections. The
specifi c site changes shown in the scenario were a
playing out of how the site could evolve over time
with minimal community participation. As a further
step in the design process, the research moved to
another site in Druid Hills to better understand how
the growth of the site over time would be diff erent if
there were a scenario with increased community in-
volvement up front as well as throughout the site?s
growth and feedback loops.
91
As mentioned in the introduction to the Druid Hills
community, Site 2.B is currently one of two vacant
lots close to the neighborhood?s social center. Shown
in plan (immediate left), Site 2.B is the slightly larger
site out of the pair and is located a few lots north of
Site 2.A and Triple T?s Grocery. This site was chosen to
study the possibilities on a site with greater commu-
nity involvement, both initially and throughout the
site?s development over time.
Druid Hills North Site
CHAPTER 6:
DESIGN INVESTIGATION SITE 2.B
GROCERY STORE
SITE 2.B
93
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Currently 2.B is vacant, but it was once the site of
a single-family residence. As with Site 2.A, all that
remains of the former home on 2.B is part of the
driveway, which is on the higher end of the site, and
a crumbling stairway that appears to have once led
to the front door.
In addition to these remnants, the site?s grade
change mainly occurs very close to the street edge.
Unlike most of the other homes nearby, there are
no remaining structures, such as retaining walls,
to maintain grade. While vegetation, mostly in the
form of grasses, has begun to establish itself on site,
there still exist an issue with erosion control similar
to Site 2.A.
Unlike the fi rst site though, Site 2.B is not currently
used as a thoroughfare. Because of its steep slope
and corner position, it is not traffi cked as heavily.
EXISTING SITE GRADE
1
SITE CONSTRUCTION: GRADING AND EROSION CONTOL
TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
INITIAL CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED
(10-15) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
(5-7) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
2
3
4
5
6
While there is a consistency in the
process of development of the site
over time, there is simultaneously a
constant shift in direction that the
site takes based on responses to
disturbance.The focus on feedback
loops is where the project becomes
bottom up.
95
The following sections are a playing out of one pos-
sible scenario, showing responses to site changes
over the years. Each reevaluation phase is part of
what would off er a chance to the community to re-
think the site and adjust the terrain to best suit their
needs. This of course would be led by a team of spe-
cialist, including a landscape architect, which would
off er suggestions in his or her area of expertise.
While using guidelines similar to Site 2.A to achieve
initial funding, the scenario for Site 2.B tries to fac-
tor in greater community involvement, showing in-
creased usage and changes to the site over time.
SITE PHASES
EXISTING SITE GRADE
1
Initial site needs, both physical and social, are assessed through collaboration between land-
scape architect, city offi cials, and local community organization. Major needs are determined to
be erosion control and the need for shared, neighborhood gathering space. Grant proposals are
submitted based on these needs and general cost estimates.
97
SITE CONSTRUCTION: GRADING
AND EROSION CONTOL
2
Construction of terraces is funded through an EPA Smart Growth Grant. Community organiza-
tion provides volunteer labor on weekends to assist hired, local equipment operators. Equip-
ment rental is made possible through funding as well. The main source of material for the walls
is to be hauled as crushed debris from nearby abandoned school. While site sections show the
overall grading scheme, design is manipulated based on assessment by those participating. This
means that while stairs may be suggested in one location, they may be shifted from planned
location and/or changed width and tread length.
3
TREE PLANTING + SEEDING
During this phase, similar to the previous, planting takes place as part of an organized commu-
nity eff ort. Grass seed and small seedlings are supplied through the grant funding as well. The
suggestion for establishing the nursery planting is a gridded pattern with trees spaced only 6?-7?
O.C. Rebar and 30 gallon plant containers would be used to plant according to details provided
by the landscape architect. Realizing that there will be variance in the previous phase, the need
and plant quantity would be assessed post construction. As with all phases of construction and
reassessment, experts in each fi eld would be on site to participate and answer any technical
questions participants may have, or make adjustments on the basis of participant input.
99
4
INITIAL CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED
After initial conditions are established, the community organization would select neighborhood
volunteers to look after the site for its initial upkeep. Potentially, this could be funded through
the grant as part of establishing the site. Requirements early on would mainly focus on seeing
that the trees and seeded grass is effi ciently watered and has a chance for strong growth in the
fi rst year after site work has been performed. An initial focus on establishing more interest in the
garden aspect would also be key.
5
(5-7) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
While the site could be mainly geared towards the establishment of the community garden and
tree nursery, it would be assessed again on multiple levels. First, the site changes/success would
be measured in term of whether the site?s social functions had visibly improved. Also, the site
walls and vegetation would be assessed based on their ability to eliminate erosion issues and
maintain the set grade. Somewhere during this time, tree growth is assessed and transplanted
when deemed ready.
101
6
(10-15) YEARS AFTER SITE WORK
The developing terrain would be observed again, reviewing its status based on previously stated
criteria. Residents would be asked to critique site changes/off er suggestions. As shown above,
while the site?s use may increase in areas, including becoming a gathering space. The increase/
shift in uses combined with working, established erosion control, the site changes are viewed as
successful. The site is also to be assessed based on its ability to produce trees for the community.
If the tree nursery project has been successful to this stage, trees will be replanted in order to
prepare for the 3rd phase of neighborhood street trees.
Image shows the gabion baskets designed for the wall structures on site, each 20? cubes formed from
welded wire fabric. Cube shape allows for multiple forms to be created from stacking and tiered walls to be
easily constructed, as shown in details on the ensuing pages.
103
SITE 2.B DETAILS
The details shown throughout the next few
pages would provide a basis for constructing
the retaining walls and tree nursery on Site 1.B.
Their precise guidelines allow for ease of proper
construction but also allow for some site details
to be manipulated by those installing the mate-
rials. For example, while placement of the walls
on site would be decided by professionals, height
and tiering would be directed by community
participants. Structures like the gabion walls are
shown as a guide for proper construction. Also,
tree planting is shown in order to insure proper
planting as well as a system that is moveable, yet
functions effi ciently.
Shows optional way to construct lower walls on site. This method is
a little less precise and uses rolled hog wire or chicken wire to retain
debris.
105
Well drained backfill
4? Corrogated/slotted
drain tile
8? Gravel base
Topsoil
Seeded grasses
20? Baskets filled w/
concrete +brick
debris
Shows section cut through walls up to 5? using
baskets to form gabion walls.
from school
C rrugat ed
Baskets filled w/ concrete
+brick debris - set on 8?
gravel base material
Stairs formed from
tiered offset in wall
Shows stairs in wall elevation.
107
20? Baskets filled w/
concrete +brick
debris
Comfortable seating
height
6? Gravel base
Topsoil
Seeded grasses
Shows tiered wall that allows for prime seating heights.
Topsoil
4? Gravel to raise
container
Gravel base for
proper drainage
Seeded rows
#4 Rebar pins
Additional 30 gal.
plastic container
30 gal. plastic container
Optional drip irrigation
Shows tree planting in nursery which would
allow for easy movement, removal, and re-
placement.
109
TREE NURSERY
The planting detail (left) shows how the proposed tree nurs-
ery on Site 2.B would be established. The tree species are oaks
and maples. They would be planted in traditional containers
inset in one another. Rebar pins would be used to stabilize
the trees until they are moved. This system allows for easy
movement of trees across the site as well as transplanting
within the neighborhood. Drip irrigation would be installed
to protect the trees from potential drought in extreme sum-
mer temperatures.
Shows the site?s potential years later. Possibility of lack of participation results in a space that at
fi rst has the appearance of overgrown but still maintains a sense of order and original design
intent.
111
PERSPECTIVES
This series of perspectives that show Site 2.B attempt to show
the site years after the project inception. These graphics help
show the range of possible outcomes that would occur based
on users? responses to site changes. It is important to under-
stand that since the site complexity builds off of disturbance
and response to the change generated by it, the range of pos-
sibilities, goals, and outcomes may not be what was initially
suggested during the fi rst phase of the project. An example of
this would be the image (left) that shows the site ?overgrown?.
Although this is a possible outcome, the initial construction
of the site is set in place for its functional purposes but also as
a reason for the community to care. (Nassauer, 1995)
Shows the terraced space?s many uses.
113
Shows tree nursery being maintained by
supporting community members.
115
PHASED TREE PLANTING
The series shows one of the overarching goals of the
project, which is to establish the site as a resource
that has an eff ect both physically and socially on the
Druid Hills community. The small scale site changes
would aff ect the greater whole. The phases, shown
as fi ve year increments, would be tree plantings
that beautify the neighborhood and improve its
streetscape.
117
PROJECT CULMINATION
The graphic (left) shows not only the change in the
neighborhood?s public environment through the in-
troduction of more street trees but also a change in
the private space as well. Not only is the site eff ect-
ing the community as a whole on a large scale but it
is also providing something personal to its residents.
This graphic shows the attention that has been given
to the playing out of the site?s growth as well as the
focus on the relationship between public, private,
and community interaction.
It is important to keep in mind that each
of the scenarios shown throughout this re-
search are only the playing out of one of
many routes with which the site is set up
to adapt.
IC
1
2
3
a
b
c
a
b
c
a
b
c
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
119
REFLECTIONS
What if the development does not happen the way
that was played out in this document? Potentially
another scenario evolves such as the one suggested
early of an ?overgrown site?. While having a some-
what unmaintained appearance the walls on site
could still serve their physical functions and give a
sense of tamed, or cared for, urban terrain.
Are the guidelines in place to permit a diff erent but
successful scenario? Yes, that is exactly what the re-
assessment stages are for. They are put in place to
off er a chance to reshape the site and community
over time.
What if someone comes back to the community
years later and suggest changes based on private
ownership of adjacent property, site usage, or of-
fers funding to see his/her changes through? This
would be considered disturbance. That is the whole
idea behind the project. The thought is that these
changes through time within the community would
in turn enrich the lives of those who live there and
participate in the site changes that do occur.
Response
Initial Condition
Example Scenario
1
121
CONCLUSION
While this research appears to have taken the form of a proposal, the underlying goal is to leave each
site open to change and disturbance throughout the project?s existence. Without true feedback from
residents it is diffi cult to predict what chance may occur or what feedback may be generated from physi-
cal shifts on site. This being said, each design investigation has proved more thorough in its attention to
how to involve the community and how the residents may respond. Each step taken moved the research
closer to developing a strategy that encouraged community involvement, social interaction, and most of
all, the development of a space which functions properly for those who live nearby.
In conclusion, this research has worked to develop a new strategy for public projects, specifi cally dealing
with the topic of environmental justice. It off ers a solution to traditional site design which often leaves the
community with little say in the development of their local environment. What has been shown through
the studies on each design site is a scenario which exposes what possible changes could occur based on
diff erent levels of involvement from the community. This participation from the community is essential
to the design strategy. As was shown in each scenario, local residents would be given the opportunity
to participate in the initial site design as well as the feedback loops which occur throughout the site?s
growth. In this cycle, the landscape architect is seen somewhat as a facilitator, helping the community
to move forward and achieve set goals, while also off ering his or her design expertise. This in turn helps
establish the urban terrain as an ongoing negotiation, off ering people the chance to design their own
spatial futures.
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.
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.
Nassauer, Joan I. ?Messy Ecosystems, Orderly Frames.? Landscape Journal 14.2 (1995): 161-70.
Poole, K. ?Potentials for Landscape as Infrastructure?. The Mesh Book: Landscape/Infrastructure.
Melbourne: RMIT Press. 2004.
Raxworthy, J. ?Transgressing Edges and Doing Time?. Proceedings of the 4th European Landscape
Architecture Biennale, 24 March 2006.
Stienberg, Harris. Guest Lecture. ?On The Philly Waterfront: Lessons from the Postindustrial City?.
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Van Gerwen, R. 2004. ?Force Fields in the Daily Practice of a Dutch Landscape Architect?. The Mesh Book:
Landscape/Infrastructure. Melbourne: RMIT Press.
Waldheim, Charles. ?Park=City?: The Downsview Park Design Competition?. Landscape Architecture
Magazine, March 2001: 80-85, 98-99.
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ILLUSTRATIONS
All fi gures are property of the author unless noted below.
Figure 1. Czerniak, J. 2001. Case: Downsview Park Toronto. Munich: Prestel Verlag. (p. 4)
Figure 2. Czerniak, J. 2001. Case: Downsview Park Toronto. Munich: Prestel Verlag. (p. 79)
Figure 3. Czerniak, J. 2001. Case: Downsview Park Toronto. Munich: Prestel Verlag. (cover)
Figure 4. Vista Landscape and Urban Design - http://www.vista.nl/content/projekt.html
Figure 5. Vista Landscape and Urban Design - http://www.vista.nl/content/projekt.html
Figure 6. Vista Landscape and Urban Design - http://www.vista.nl/content/projekt.html
Figure 7. Action Plan for the Central Delaware: 2008-2018
http://planphilly.com/actionplan
Figure 8. Action Plan for the Central Delaware: 2008-2018
http://issuu.com/neighborhoodchoice/docs/philadelphia_2040_-_neighbor
hood_choice__electroni
Figure 9. Action Plan for the Central Delaware: 2008-2018 - http://issuu.com/penn
praxis/docs/actionplan_full