Philip Shell
redefining productivity:

How can a productive landscape be redefined for social change?
redefining productivity:

 The landscape has always been expected to produce something, whether 
it be a crop, a mineral, a view, a resting place, or even an opportunity. 
In the small town of Loachapoka, Alabama, (pop. 162) the residents have be-
come separated from the landscapes that once supported it in many physical, 
social, and spiritual ways. What was once a major setting for social inter-
action is now used by machinery to maintain or cultivate for the production 
of a physical object. For this project, therefore, productive landscapes are 
re-introduced as a means of bringing the community together again; produc-
tion is now redefined with a tie to social capital. 
 The design research explained here focuses production on the physical 
output of planted species as an opportunity for social interaction. By us-
ing three native plant species which produce fruit under limited supervi-
sion/maintenance, provide exceptional gathering places through planted form, 
have the potential for economic development, and conform in many ways to 
Loachapoka?s historic productive landscape, the designs focus on providing 
an opportunity for people to once more interact with one another within the 
landscape. The project proposes a 3.5 acre blueberry patch planted by stu-
dents on school grounds, a 12 acre muscadine vineyard surrounding a gath-
ering/performance stage, and a pecan grove strategically placed along the 
highway?s shoulder and throughout residents? properties, forming a continu-
ous network of trails.
abstract:
3
SINCE THE EARLY days of Loachapoka?s settlement by the Creek Nation, its land  
cattle
4
has been valued for its ability to produce and care for its people. For some,
5
production was essential just for placing food on the table; for others, it was
cotton
6
an opportunity to make a fortune. Historically, production in Loachapoka involved
7
the majority. Today, technology has eliminated the need for individual involvement 
hay
8
so that more products may be cultivated by fewer people. How then do we redefine
9
production so that the people of Loachapoka may once more engage one another 
pine
10
in the landscape? 
11
12
I.  abstract           3
II.  introduction          4
III.  rationale           14
IV.  theoretical background        15
V.  investigation          16
VI.  extraction          32
VII.  integration          50
VIII. expression          58
IX.  redefinition          72
X.  reflection	          130
XI.  illustrations          13
XII.  references          134
contents:
13
 For Loachapoka, a town of 162 people, change can be difficult. However, 
as the old adage goes, change is inevitable; therefore, in an environment 
such as this one, how do you guide it in a direction that is for the better-
ment of everyone? How do you sculpt the landscape so that each person has 
the opportunity to both give and receive? 
 As technology has advanced, many small communities have experienced a 
population decrease and an overall shift in communal participation (Putnam 
2000). Because of these downturns, the younger generation is losing one of 
the most valuable dimensions of its existence: community. For a generation 
that views communication as an activity to be conducted via text message, 
Skype, or email, community has shifted into something much different. The 
variable they lack is the relationship to older and wiser generations. These 
individuals are the people who felt the dirt in their hands, whose tan came 
from the blistering sun under which they labored, and who watched over their 
neighbors? children because they had a responsibility to do so. And from 
these people we were given relationships which were more than surface level. 
These relationships shared skills which would provide for our families, in-
stilled within us discipline to get the job done, and educated us to better 
our world, and countless other beneficial qualities (Perkins 1996). 
 The goal of this research is to physically shape the land on which these 
relationships may be built. Therefore, it proposes a number of insertions 
within the rural landscape that provide opportunities to share life and to 
equip the younger generations with skills which they may take and use. This 
specific project dissects the earth and extracts the precious nutrients of the 
blueberry, muscadine, and pecan. By linking the old with the new it enables 
local men and women to teach, to guide, and to equip with information the 
youth of this town.
rationale:
14
 ?The notion that communities can be orchestrated into existence dis-
plays a casual disregard for the very thing that makes them special: commu-
nality- a voluntary association of interested parties? (Clements 2008).
 For the following research, design investigation began with the under-
standing of this quote. Social interaction, or perhaps true community, can-
not be forced on anyone; it must be voluntary. That being said, the role of 
the designer lies in a bottom-up approach. Because the landscape evolves and 
cultures shift with the passage of time, our responsibility does not lie in 
controlling and forcing change to occur, but rather in providing opportuni-
ties for both to thrive, providing the initial conditions that allow a cul-
ture, a species to flourish (van Gerwen 2004).
theoretical background:
15
????. census taken. ??? Indians. ??? families
????. first white man settles home
????. alabama declared a state
????. treaty of cusseta- cedes creeks' land to the united states
????. three confederate regiments formed
?????s. fire guts town
????. stephen douglas (presidential canidate) speaks
????. civil war ends
????. first mail route established
????. first plane
????. town suffers due to reconstruction / boll weevil exhausts land
????. town becomes incorporated
????. gin company burns
????. town is reincorporated  
????. town is reincorporated
????. town put on national register
????. historic marker placed in middle of town
????. ruritan club starts syrup sopp
 
 
 
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????. town becomes incorporated
????. gin company burns
????. town is reincorporated  
????. town is reincorporated
????. town put on national register
????. historic marker placed in middle of town
????. ruritan club starts syrup sopp
 
 
 
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While uncovering the historic photos and letters of this 
small rural town and developing the geographical and spatial maps 
of the region, the livelihood of Loachapoka began to develop in 
this research. An understanding of the social and physical compo-
nents of this quiet town helped lay a subtle foundation for future 
progress. A number of personal interviews with town residents and 
property owners soon followed which revealed diverse views of this 
community.
uncovering the roots of Loachapoka
investigation:
17
E
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B
A
1950. Upper Vaughan?s Mill bridge over the Saugahatchee. 
Collapsed in 1952. Original bridge washed away in 1917
1918. Loachapoka bridge on the Loachapoka-Waverly road. 
Washed away before 1920 
1923. Loachapoka public school pupils
1903. First Rural Free Delivery mail service carrier in 
Loachapoka
1862. Letter written by John J. McKendree of Columbus, 
GA to Camp Hill, AL resident, D.A.G. Ross, discussing 
prices of bacon, flour, & salt
18
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1914. April train depot. Residents loading wagons with 
sacks of fertilizer for spring planting
1914. February train depot covered in snow
Loachapoka Baptist Church on Stage Road
Lee County Historical Society in the middle of town
The Syrup Man - Mr. Pompey Dowdell - feeds sugar cane 
into the syrup mill at the annual Syrup Sop Festival
20
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Towns & Directions
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580 AMSL
Saugahatchee Creek Elevation Change
Saugahatchee Creek
Saugahatchee Watershed
Tallapoosa River Basin
River Basins
Saugahatchee Watershed
Alabama Watersheds
Counties on the Piedmont & Coastal Plain
Piedmont Region
Coastal Plain Region
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Lee County Average Monthly Temperature
1234 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 months
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Lee County Average Monthly Precipitation
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Well Tap Can Yield .1- 1 million gal/day
Lee County Well Tap Capabilities
2-10  million gal/day
Less than 2  million gal/day
Lee County Stream Flow Map
10-100  million gal/day
Major Stream
Ephemeral Stream
Lee County Stream Map
Cretaceous
Sediment
Massive Granite- 
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Lee County Historic Rock Map
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Whatley Mill
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Waverly Gneiss
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Lee County Geological Map
Camp Hill
Gneiss
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Precincts
Lee County 1930 Civil Map
Lee County Overlay Map
Lee County Overlay Map
Major Stream
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Bridges
Intrastates
Highways
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Loachapoka, AL
June 26 1928
Scale 1? = 50?
Revised 7/12/54
W.E. Adams
D.E. Chambers S.H.
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Highway 14 / Stage Road
Day Lily Str
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CSX Railroad
Loachapoka, AL
2010
29
Historic Black & White Schools
Ball?s Fork
Sunday Morning
30
Current Places of Commerce
Historic Places of Commerce
Syrup Sopping
31

extraction:
reviewing the investigative work for exploration
Once the initial investigation of historic conditions was 
complete, a series of collages followed to extract the vital in-
formation about the town and embed it within future design. These 
attempts explored the existing conditions and provided a visualiza-
tion for potential communal space. After working through the first 
half of explorations, practical aspects of the project began to 
emerge and steer the latter half. These attempts began to reveal a 
direction for future design work.
33
C
B
A
a town with pieces, a proposal to bridge the gaps
as the town continues to evolve, the land waits quietly 
caring for itself, waiting to see who might come along 
and cultivate it
opportunities which lie in the hands of the next genera-
tion, the possibilities of tapping into the land and its 
crops (blueberries)
34
A
B C
35
A
history with a warm and genuine engagement, the present 
with an isolated  and individualistic portrayal, and a 
future which actively seeks opportunities to build re-
lationships for the betterment of the town
36
text
text
text
A
37
A
as the town continues to decline in population, its in-
frastructure remains; fading perhaps, but still marking 
a piece of history. change slowly makes its way into the 
picture
38
A
39
B
A
changing of seasons, still with communal involvement
a blueberry field in summer with communal involvement
40
A
B
A
41
A
those who helped build such a crucial part of history 
watch with disappointment as we carelessly allow physi-
cal and social change to destroy the town?s community
42
A
43
A
an ecological region map portraying precipitation, tem-
perature, soils, water flow, geographic regions, and flora 
44
A
45
A
compiling assets, opportunities, and resources to find 
overlaps amongst the three
46
A
47
B
A
beginning to discover the landowners who might work 
alongside the community in the design project for the 
betterment of the community
reviewing the changes of rail development throughout the 
nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries while 
representing the ?point? at which everything changed 
48
B
A
49

The research in this section evolved from an understanding 
of the land capability combined with the plant species which were 
determined to be most appropriate for this design project. Various 
determinants rendered pecans, blueberries, and muscadines as suit-
able species for design interventions. A series of interviews were 
then scheduled to meet with local residents who grew at least one 
of these species in comparable scale to the requirements of this 
project. After discussing in depth each species? characteristics, 
growth patterns, cultivation requirements, potential for social 
engagement, reality of communal based production and interaction, 
notes were transcribed for future design. 
taking outside resources to inform future design
integration:
51
A
notes transcribed from an interview with a local citi-
zen who owns and operates BLUEBERRY HAVENS, a blueber-
ry farm in Camp Hill, AL (Havens)
52
A
53
A
notes transcribed from an interview with two local 
citizens who own and operate PECAN POINTE, a pecan 
farm in Hurtsboro, AL (Roger)
54
A
55
A
notes transcribed from an interview with two local 
citizens who own and operate DORMAN VINEYARDS, a mus-
cadine vineyard outside of Auburn, AL (Dorman)
56
A
57

After processing verbal, visual, and textual information on 
pecans, blueberries, and muscadines, an expressional period of de-
sign began to form. Maps were shaped which designated the most ap-
propriate zones for planting based on several goals and physical 
requirements of each species. Perspectives which show potential 
development zones were created to visually communicate future in-
teraction among the selected species as well as interaction with 
town residents. Through these maps and perspectives, the physical 
designs of the blueberry patch, muscadine vineyard, and pecan grove 
were expressed. 
formulating the pieces for further understanding
expression:
59
A
pecan groves placed along proposed trail network for 
pedestrian visibility. paths follow alluvial soils in 
bottomland regions 
60
pecan groves
1 mile
?0825?04620 A
61
A
muscadine vines planted along roadside and proposed 
trail network for vehicular and pedestrian visibil-
ity/interaction, steady air flow, and ability to extend 
along roadside  
62
muscadine trails
1 mile
2640? 5280?0 A
63
A
blueberry patches stretched across the vehicular cor-
ridors for clear visibility, forced visual interaction, 
easy access, steady air flow, and constant sunlight
64
blueberry patches
1 mile
2640? 5280?0 A
65
B
A
extracting the possibilities which might arise in the 
summer season
a blueberry patch along the roadway during harvest 
season illustrating potential usergroups
66
a possibility of possibilities
F
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.
wildlife
family time
education
school funding
an opportunity to pour 
these profits  back 
into the educational 
system in order to 
improve the quality 
and resources within 
the school system.
an opportunity to learn about our land-
scapes and what their native production 
capability is and its role in our lives. an 
opportunity to use this time to reach out 
and inform our world.
an opportunity to use these planted species to draw in the most pre-
cious and valued creatures which keep our ecosystems diverse. to 
use this opportunity to educate residents about the importance of 
these animals and their role in our lives.
an opportunity to use the activi-
ties which could occur so family 
may gather around and engage 
one another. to use this time to 
invest in children and teach them 
about history and family values.  
health benefits
an opportunity to use this space 
and these plants to absorb the 
vitamins and minerals which the 
earth has to offer through the 
sun, its fruit, its people.  
B
A
67
B
A
extracting the possibilities which have the opportuni-
ty to arise in autumn 
a blueberry patch in autumn with communal maintenance
68
a possibility of possibilities
T
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r
o
u
n
d
.
wildlife
friendships
mentorship
threshold
an opportunity to pro-
vide a threshold into 
and out of this unique 
town. an opportunity 
to stand alone and on 
its own foundation.
an opportunity to teach young boys & girls in the community 
about the importance of cultivating the earth and caring for its 
processes. the opportunity to teach the next generation about 
the important things of life while showing them what hard work 
offers.
an opportunity to protect and invite the smallest creatures back into the world we live in 
because of their value in our mental and physical lives. this is the opportunity to build a 
habitat where residents and wildlife alike may come together to enjoy what each has to offer.
an opportunity to meet and build rela-
tionships with the people who live in 
the old house down the street or the 
new family that moved to town. here is 
the opportunity to meet someone new, 
to broaden your horizons.
B
A
69
B
A
extracting the possibilities of reminding, inspiring, 
and questioning the initial planting
a blueberry patch years after initial planting por-
traying growth in the town and a lack of interest in 
blueberries among town residents
70
a possibility of possibilities
W
h
e
n
y
o
u
d
e
s
i
g
n
i
n
s
u
c
h
a
w
a
y
t
h
a
t
a
l
l
o
w
s
f
o
r
m
u
l
t i
p
l
e
o
u
t
c
o
m
e
s
t
o
o
c
c
u
r
,
t
h e
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
t
h
e
n
h
a s s
o
m
e
t
h
i
n
g
t
o
h
o
l
d
o
n t
o
f
o
r
e
v
e
r
.
to remember
to question
to inspire
an opportunity to inspire the resi-
dents of this town by thinking about 
the purpose and the vision of this 
design. to stimulate minds in such 
a way that provides hope and 
change for today as well as tomor-
row.
an opportunity to question why such a design was carefully 
and strategically placed within this town and why it died. to 
inform residents about ideas and possibilities through 
observing and carefully considering the future outcomes.
an opportunity to provide spatial events throughout the 
landscape which gives recognition to the residents who 
placed these species within and throughout this town. to 
keep the vision on the reason rather than loose focus on 
development and destruction.
B
A
71

This design project has taken the current sense of ?produc-
tive,? provided the opportunity to build social capital, and cou-
pled the two. By engaging the residents of Loachapoka with oppor-
tunities to invest in the school system through a blueberry field, 
partake in social gatherings within the muscadine vineyard, or by 
simply planting a free pecan tree and using the extensive trail net-
work, the town might once more form a sense of community, a sense 
of belonging, a sense of ownership which was once instilled in so 
many residents.
Social programs were constructed to provide residents with 
potential ways of engaging other residents as a whole. The initial 
conditions for a pecan grove were set in order to achieve certain 
goals, avoid a constrained evolution of nature, and present resi-
dents with the ability to improve their town. A trail network which 
links three selected points of interest was established. Lastly, 
two sites were specifically designed for immediate communal inter-
vention: first the muscadine vineyard near the center of town  which 
provides a central gathering place, and second, a blueberry patch 
planted by school children which hosts an annual ?Blueberry Pick? 
where proceeds benefit the local school system.  
conveying the potential within the communal landscape
redefinition:
73
A
developing the social programs which play a part in 
giving residents the opportunity to engage the land-
scape, to build relationships with neighbors, to in-
vest in their town
74
P
R
U
N
E
 
T H
E
 
P
A
T
C
H
V
A
L
E N T
I
N
E
?
S
 
C
O
NC
E
R
T
S
U
M
M
E R
 
J
A
M
S
C
O
L
O
R
 T
H
E
 
P
A
T
H
 
DA
Y
 
M
E
N
?
S
 
C
O M
P
O
S
T
 
D
A
Y
W
O
M
E
N
?
S
 J
A
M
 
M
A
K
I
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G
A
N
N
U
A
L
 
B
L
U
E
B
E
R
R
Y
 
P
I
C
K
P
I
C
K
 
Y
O
U
R
 V
I
N
E
Y
A
R
D
S
T
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C
H
R
I S T
M
A
S
 
P
L
A
Y
 
P
E
C
A
N
 
D
R O
P
 
I
N
 
T
O
W
N
C
O
M
M
U
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T
Y
 
P
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E
 
S
A
LE
P
A
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T
I
N
G
 
T
H
E
 
B
R
A
N
CH
E
S
V
I
N
E
 
P
R
O
P
O
GA
T
I
O
N
 
W
I
T
H
 
C
H
IL
DR
E
N
P
E
C
A
N
 T
REE
 P
L
A
N
T
 
D
A
Y
C
H
I
L
D
R
E
N
 PLA
N
T
 
B
L
U
E
B
E
R
Y
 
C
UTT
I
N
G
p
ec
a
n
s
b
lu
e
be
r
r
i
e
s
m
u
s
cadi
ne
s
f e bjan
harvest
mow
m a r apr m a y jun jul aug sep oct n o v dec
irrigate
prune
weed
fertilize
sight see
birding
harvest
mow
irrigate
prune
weed
fertilize
birding
harvest
mow
irrigate
prune
sight see
birding
compost
prune the patch- clip the unproductive branches and allow for fresh growth
annual blueberry pick- residents & non residents are welcome to pick fresh organic blueberrys. proceeds support town school
jam making- community center hosts town people to teach and share jam recipes for future sale
children plant blueberry cuttings- 4th graders get to plant blueberry cuttings which they have cared for over the past year
valentine?s concert- invite local musicians to perform within vineyard for annual holiday
vine propagation with children- older residents teach youth in town how to propagate muscadines 
summer jams- local musicians perform for summer entertainment
pick your vineyards- residents & non residents are invited to pick fresh organic muscadines. proceeds benefit county historical society
christmas play-  local churches perform annual christmas play
compost day- town residents gather local clippings, mulch, & leaves to compost for dispersal among blueberries & muscadines
color the path day- parents & children invited to chalk the trail network throughout the community
painting the branches- school art teacher hosts painting lessons under the pecan trees
pecan drop in town- residents & nonresidents are invited to pick organic pecans. proceeds benefit town residents in need of essentials
community pie sale- local church members bake pecan pies to sale within congregation as well as on roadside
A
A
developing the initial conditions for pecan distribu-
tion, harvest, economic development, and social inter-
actions  
76
1.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
2.
2.
2.
2.
3. 3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
4.
4.
4.
5.
5.
5.
5.
4.
4.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
university donates 200+ potted pecan cuttings to landscape 
architect 
some residents plant cuttings, others do not
landscape architect delivers potted cuttings to each resident 
within community for planting within town limits no more 
than 15?  and no less than 5? off roadside
landscape architect and communal volunteers 
participate in watering trees
local church men and women host annual ?pecan 
drop? for all who choose to come pick up or 
purchase shelled pecans 
local church takes ?pecan drop? profit and gives aid to
local residents with needs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A
77
A
developing the initial conditions for blueberry growth, 
cultivation, harvest, economic development, and social 
interactions
78
teacher takes cuttings from her own blueberry bush 
student takes cutting home from school / parents 
help children take care of cutting until next year
teacher gives each student a blueberry cutting /
student places cutting in potted soil and sets the 
pot in the window seal
children bring grown blueberry cutting to school 
the following year and plant in school field for 
further growth
school hosts annual ?blueberry pick? 
roadside stand sells blueberries to passersby 
for a higher price than annual ?blueberry pick? 
students receiving scholastic awards get to plant 
their cutting along roadside for recognition 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
2.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
5.
6.
7.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
A
79
A
final proposed pecan grove map following alluvial soils 
along trail as well as placement along border of Highway 
14 through the middle of town. placement of pecans by 
residents along highway are stategically placed 5 - 15 
feet off highway in order to create a sense of enclosure 
for vehicles entering the town (slowing vehicles due to 
constrained space). this giving a sense of entry and 
exit for automobile users
80
pecan groves
1 mile
2640? 5280?0 A
81
A
diagram showing uses of pecans: who, what, when, where, 
and how  
82
shade
nutrition
fire-wood
nuts
wildlife
color
leaf matter- compost
year round
year round
autumn
autumn
sporadic
fall
spring / summer
anyone
anyone
anyone
anyone
anyone
anyone
anyone under 
all around 
under 
under
under
within
all around / from distance
touch
sight / hear
taste
touch
touch
touch
lumber sporadic anyone under touch
sight
y
g
o
l
o
c
e
h
t
l
a
e
h
d
o
o
f
y
t
i
n
e
m
a
w h a t h o ww hen w h o w her e
uses
A
83
A
timelines showing important periods throughout the year  
for pecan growth and production
84
dormancy
bud break
pollination
nut elongation
shell hardening
ker nel dev.
shuck split
f e bjan m a r apr m a y jun jul aug sep o c t n o v d e c
crop stages
elliott
jenkins
syrup mill
carter
mcmillan
surprize
gloria grande
schley
cape fear
stuart
o cto b e r
fruit production
gafford
1 15
n o v emb e r
1 15 30
A
85
136
31
5
7 8 3
1
CONNECTED
TRAIL
 
POSSIBILITIES
43
TOTAL LAND-
OWNERS
86
136
31
5
7 8 3
1
CONNECTED
TRAIL
 
POSSIBILITIES
43
TOTAL LAND-
OWNERS
87
A
listing potential physical and social contraints and op-
portunities which might arise while developing a trail 
network throughout the town (Flink 2001)
88
MEDIA
CRIME
PROPERTY VALUE
LIABILITY
PROPERTY VALUE
MAINTENANCE
TRESPASSING
LOSS OF PRIVACY
CONCERNS FROM LAND-OWNERS
SURVEILLANCE
FUND RAISING
DEVELOP MAPS 
PHYSICAL LABOR
DEVELOP NEWSLETTERS
?FRIENDS OF THE TRAIL?
LAND-OWNER INVOLVEMENT
INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
ISOLATE OPPONENTS TO AVOID NEGATIVE GATHERINGS
TRAIL TOURS
SET UP FIELD TRIP TO ANOTHER TRAIL
HOST PUBLIC WORKSHOPS
HOST IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOPS
HOST DESIGN WORKSHOPS
PROVIDE SURVEYS
HOST PUBLIC HEARINGS
DEVELOP ADVISORY COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
CREATE BANNER TO HANG ON PUBLIC WALL
CONTACT ALL ORGANIZATION  LEADERS VIA PHONE
DEVELOP ARTICLE FOR TOWN PUBLICATION
SELL WINDOW DECALS
SCHOOL  CHILDREN DESIGN POSTERS TO PUT IN MAIL BOXES
NAME THE TRAIL CONTEST
EVENTS
TRAIL WORK DAYS
TRAIL PHOTO COMPETITIONS
POSTER COMPETITIONS
APPRECIATION LUNCH FOR DONORS
TRAIL RACE
GUIDED TRAIL TOURS
HOLIDAY TRAIL WALKS
A
89
A
proposed town trail network overlayed on existing sur-
face cover analysis map with selected points of inter-
est highlighted
90
hardwood forest
hardwood forest
hay
hay
mixed hardwoods
mixed hardwoods
mixed hardwoods
mixed hardwoods
loblolly pine forest
loblolly pine forest
cattle 
private pond
private pond
grass field
grass field
grass field
1
2
3
4
5
muscadine vineyard1.
ball?s fork2.
community center5.pecan path3.
stage road4.
A
91
muscadine vineyard - central point for communal gath-
ering and performance space
1.
92
Ball?s Fork - point of first store and whiskey house in Loachapoka. 
also located here was the first hotel for travelers and facility to 
care for stage coach teams
2.
93
pecan path - trail throughout pecan grove which fol-
lows alluvial soils
3.
94
community center - trail connecting communal gathering space for easy 
pedestrian access to rest of town
4.
95
stage road -  trail passing current Historical Society 
as well as center of town. path guarded from vehicular 
movement by pecan trees planted by residents 
5.
96
97
A
proposed creek trail network overlayed on existing 
surface cover with highlighted points of interest
98
hardwood forest
hardwood forest
hay
mixed hardwoods
mixed hardwoods
mixed hardwoods
loblolly pine forest
loblolly pine forest
mixed hardwoods 
loblolly pine forest
loblolly pine forest
grass field
saugahatchee creek
cemetery1.
 saugahatchee creek2.
 mixed hardwoods3. 
1
2
3
A
99
pine level cemetery - winding throughout historic cem-
etery for educational and observance opportunities
1.
100
Saugahatchee Creek - following the creek providing access to water for 
fishing, canoeing, lounging, or other recreation / relaxation
2.
101
mixed hardwoods - forest trail for outdoors people 
seeking opportunities to get into the woods
3.
102

A
proposed school trail network overlayed on current 
surface cover analysis  
104
hardwood forest
hardwood forest
cotton field
retention pond
grass field
loblolly pine forest
loblolly pine forest
loblolly pine forest
cattle / hay
private pond
fall pumpkin patch
loblolly pine forest
grass field
grass field
grass field
grass field
1
2
3
4
5
blueberry patch1.
cotton fields2.
border ecosystem5.roadside market3.
loblolly forest4.
A
105
blueberry patch - blueberry field with communal seating 
throughout for classes, gatherings, etc. proceeds from 
annual blueberry pick benefit the school system
1.
106
cotton fields - section of trail passing the edge of cotton fields pro-
viding teachers an opportunity to teach history, agriculture, etc.
2.
107
roadside market - section which passes by Highway 14 
for interaction with vehicles, pedestrians, or mer-
chants at local ice cream shop selling blueberry fla-
vors from local blueberries
3.
108

loblolly forest - section which provides dappled light 
to enter, yet shade for pleasant escape from surround-
ings
4.
110
border ecosystem - part of trail which provides both students and 
teachers opportunities to exercise and engage the outdoors
5.
111
A
final proposed design illustrating placement of muscadine 
vineyard in relation to rest of town 
112
muscadine vines
1 mile
2640? 5280?0 A
113
A
diagram showing uses of muscadines: who, what, when, 
where, and how  
114
nutrition
berry
wildlife
year round
year round
autumn
anyone
anyone
anyone
all around 
on vine
within
sight / hear
taste
touch
he
alt
h
e
c
o
l
o
g
y
f
oo
d
w h a t h o ww hen w h o w her e
uses
115
A
A
timelines showing important periods throughout the year  
for muscadine growth and production
116
dormancy
bud break
full bloom
fruit show
early growth
fruit coloring
harvest
post harvest
f e bjan m a r apr m a y jun jul aug sep o c t n o v d e c
crop stages
carlos
summit
tara
sweet jenny
dixieland
fry
scarlet
early fry
triumph
higgins
fruit production
florida fry
golden isles
sterling
doreen
later fry
supreme
regale
ison
alachua
magnolia
black beauty
nesbitt
black fry
jumbo
septemb e r
1 15
o cto b e r
1 15 30
A
117
A
final proposed site plan for muscadine vineyard on 12 
acres. site selected for proximity to town, site of long 
time resident possibly willing to donate/sell property 
for betterment of town, currently existing hay field, and  
bordered by entry/exit roads to town. radial pattern se-
lected for focus toward middle of site (gathering place/
performance stage) from parking along roadside. linear 
rows keep visual agricultural aesthetic within town. 
row width accesible for easy maintenance/harvest. trail 
network strategically placed through first circular path 
in order to avoid disturbance within vineyard center, 
however guiding interaction with planted species
118
A
119
A
final proposed design illustrating placement of blueberry 
patch in relation to rest of town 
120
blueberry patch
1 mile
2640? 5280?0
121
A
A
diagram showing uses of blueberries: who, what, when, 
where, and how
122
nutrition
berries
wildlife
color
year round
year round
summer
autumn
anyone
anyone
anyone
anyone
all around 
on
within
all around / from distance
sight / hear
taste
touch
sight
he
alt
h
e
c
o
l
o
g
y
a
men
it
y
f
oo
d
w h a t h o ww hen w h o w her e
uses
123
A
A
timelines showing important periods throughout the year  
for blueberry growth and production
124
A
dormancy
bud break
early green tip
.25? green
early pink bud
late pink bud
25% bloom
full bloom
petal fall
early pink fruit
late blue fruit
fruit coloring
1st harvest
2nd harvest
3rd harvest
post harvest
febjan mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec
crop stages
premier
climax
brightwell
misty
powderblue
tifblue
jubilee
ochlockonee
alapaha
vernon
may
fruit production
1 15
june
1 15
july
1 15 30
125
A
final proposed site plan for blueberry patch on 3.5 acres 
of school property. site selection based on potential 
to engage students and build a relationship with their 
school and town, potential for parents to work with chil-
dren on blueberry projects, opportunity to form fund-
raiser, and availability of open land. maintain linear 
rows for efficiency (maintenance/harvest). rows run east/
west for visual agricultural aesthetic from road. trail 
runs diagonally through site for spatial tension and 
gradual release once entered into gathering circle in 
middle of site. three various sized gathering circles 
throughout site for outdoor classrooms or event space
126
127
A
small gathering room. 20? diameter. seating maintains 
linear form with defined space occuring through ?Barney 
Rubble? ground cover
medium sized gathering room. 35? diameter. seating main-
tains linear form as well as a radial layout for class-
room space. ?Barney Rubble? used for ground cover
main gathering room. 70? diameter. seating formed by 
local boy scouts and shop class at the highschool. all 
seating painted blue for continued blueberry theme, con-
centric rings designed for inward focus of people, also 
for the ability to sit two people comfortably and spa-
tially up to 100 people. seating follows rows for ac-
cesible maintenance on tractor. ?Barney Rubble? (3?-4? 
stone from nearby Vulcan Quarry with existing grass 
growing between) used within circle for durability and 
difference in ground cover to define space. pathway con-
structed from collected pecan hulls throughout town
C
B
A
128
129
C
A B
reflection:
 Throughout the course of this research, several questions and comments 
surfaced that either brought to light weaknesses in the project or confirmed 
and solidified decisions that were made. Because this research will continue 
to advance on some level, it is valuable for those questions and comments to 
be given room for resolution or being added to.
 An issue which arose in the middle of this research was the idealistic 
portrayal of communal engagement within the landscape. Although this was 
graphically communicated, the practical and real aspect of labor intensive 
work, civic engagement, communal commitment, and potential failure within 
social groups was thoroughly explored. Still, with these concerns, the proj-
ect rests on the basis that with engaged commitment among residents, these 
carefully designed landscapes will provide the opportunity for social capi-
tal to increase.
 Due to the social components of this project, it became very difficult to 
think through the evolution of this design and the possibilities of things to 
occur. The reality that this design is entirely dependent upon the commitment 
and willingness of Loachapoka residents informed my conclusion that it can 
only be tested under physical construction and implementation. Through the 
research of other successful designs, several similar pieces were used with-
in this project; however, due to cultural differences each proposed design 
conforms to this landscape and its cultural boundaries (Engwicht 2009). It 
is possible for pieces of this project to succeed with few participants (the 
blueberry patch) however large scale sites (muscadine vineyard) probably do 
not have as high a percentage for implementation without full communal in-
volvement. Through grants and other research efforts, pecan tree donations 
are plausible; however, planting close to the highway will probably meet more 
resistance among government agencies due to safety as well as future expan-
130
reflection:
sion; the first resistance potentially being resolved through lowering the 
speed limit. 
 In all designed space, species have the ability to grow without human 
aid, but they also present the option for aid among those who want to in-
vest in the project. This was specifically chosen so that growth may continue 
for planted species, while also providing opportunities to engage others by 
various means of cultivation and harvest, should the resident choose to do 
so.
 By developing social programs associated with the local school, this 
design offers a much greater chance of implementation due to the typical gen-
eral support that most residents, young and old alike, have for education. 
The incorporation of key communal groups within the town, such as churches, 
allows for a diversified array of people to engage the project and maintain 
a common direction.
 Due to the lack of time within the research period, design work was 
unable to be fully communicated, causing questions to arise related to the 
specific detail of spatial and textural areas. Nonetheless, due to the time 
spent with residents of the town, an understanding of the expectations, the 
memories, the fears, and the passions were fully conveyed. This insight al-
lowed a deeper rationale to develop and a confident design to emerge.
131
132
pg. 19 - A, B, C, D, E - (Nunn, 1968)
pg. 21 - A - (Trails, Vol. 20, Number 3, October 1988)
   - B - (Trails, Vol. 18, Number 4, December 1986)
   - C - (Palmer, 2009)
   - D - (Trails, Vol. 18, Number 2, May 1986)
   - E - (Trails, Vol. 18, Number 2, May 1986)
All other images were illustrated by the author
Illustrations:
133
references:
Bass, Katie. Personal Interview. September 2011.
Bass, Willy. Personal Interview. September 2010.
Block, Peter. Community: The Structure of Belonging. San Francisco: 
 Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. 2008.
Browne, Chuck. Personal Interview. September 2010.
Clark, Sheila. Personal Interview. September 2010
Clements, Dave. et al. The Future of Community: Reports of a Death Greatly 
 Exaggerated. London, England: Pluto Press. October 2008.
Collier, Bill. Personal Interview. October 2010
Connie, Personal Interview. October 2010.
Dorman, Leslie and Angel. Personal Interview. April 2011.
Engwicht, David. A Mayoral Conversation with David Engwicht. Part 1-4.   
 Auckland City Council. July 2009.
Flink, Charles A. et al. Trails for the Twenty-First Century: Planning,   
 Design, and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails. 2nd Edition. 
 Washington D.C.: Island Press, 2001.
134
references:
Flora, Cornelia, et al. Rural Communities: Legacy and Change. Boulder, 
 Colorado: Westview Press, 1992.
Frandsen, Janet. Personal Interview. October 2010
Gaston, Jeff and Karen. Personal Interview. September 2010.
Havens, Rod. Personal Interview. October 2010.
Himelrick, David G. and W.A. Dozier, Jr. Commercial Muscadine and Bunch   
 Grape Production Guide. ANR-774. Alabama Extension System. 1996.
Himelrick, David G. et al. Commercial Blueberry Production Guide for 
 Alabama.ANR-904. Alabama Extension System. 1995.
Kemmis, Daniel. The Good City and the Good Life. New York, New York: 
 Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995.
Land Atlas and Plat Book, Lee County, Alabama. Rockford, Illinois.  
 Rockford Map Publishers, 2001.
Lockhart, Phelix. Personal Interview. November 2010.
Mitchell, Charles C. Personal Interview. October 2010.
Mitchell, Charles. Personal Interview. September 2010.
135
references:
Nesbitt, Monte. et al. Pecan Cultivars Recommended for Planting in 
 Alabama. ANR-0674. Alabama Extension System. 2003.
Nunn, Alexander. Lee County and Her Forebears. 1983.
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?For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift 
to strengthen you, that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by 
each other?s faith, both yours and mine.? - The Apostle Paul -