1
BROWNFIELD TOPOGRAPHIES
RegeneRating bRownfields thRough topogRaphical and ecological distuRbance
TyLER SmITHSON
2
3
bRownfield topogRaphies: 
Regenerating brownfields through topographical and ecological disturbance
tYleR sMithson . Mla thesis . 2011
aubuRn uniVeRsitY
Colledge of Architecture, Design, 
and Construction
4
Panorama of the entrance into the Vulcan 
site looking up towards Cameron Hill.
5
ACKNOWLEDGEmENTS
I would like to thank all those who have helped me to produce my thesis work over the past year. Specifically, 
Rod Barnett for having insight and input throughout the development of my research. I also thank those on my 
thesis comittee; David Hill and Jocelyn Zanzot who were always there to give valuable feedback along the way. 
I would like to dedicate this book to my family, for without their constant support and encouragement, I would 
have not made it to where I am today. 
6
How can topographical and ecological disturbance be used to regenerate the Vulcan Aggregate Facility landscape?
RESEARCH quESTION
7
Abstract                           08 
Introduction            09
Chapter 1 - Theoretical Framework - Disturbance Theory      10
Chapter 2 - Brownfields in Landscape Architecture       20 
Chapter 3 - The Situation - Chattanooga, Tennessee        30
Chapter 4 - Infrastructure Mapping         36
Chapter 5 - Trail System and Context         42
Chapter 6 - Vulcan Aggregate Facility         48
Chapter 7 - Vulcan Transformation         60
Chapter 8 - Reflection           88 
Appendix - Plant Palette          92  
Bibliography            96
List of Figures            99
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
Brownfield topology is my term for the regeneration of urban brownfield sites through the disturbance of topog-
raphy and site ecologies. This approach physically moves earth to generate unique arrangements of topography 
and disperses seeds to create microecologies. Once an initial disturbance is established, natural forces are al-
lowed to resume in the colonization of the site. Elements that further redefine the spatial form of the site are 
natural forces such as erosion, sedimentation, and floral and faunal colonization. Human use of the site is also 
permitted to occur in unplanned ways, so that consequent uses and inhabitation will emerge over time. From 
this, an adaptive terrain emerges to regenerate the site.
 
The methodology described above is an alternative approach towards the conventional methods of Brownfield 
regeneration. To test the theoretical ideas that have been put forward, I have chosen a Brownfield site along the 
Tennessee River in Chattanooga that was once home to Vulcan Materials Company. Unique components of the 
site are ruderal ecologies, the Vulcan structure and remnant industrial fragments. Changes in topography are 
intended not to erase the ruderal ecologies that have developed, but to enhance ecological conditions. Once the 
site has undergone the initial phases of regeneration, further elements of plantings, structures, and landscape 
features will be introduced to enrich the experience of the site and to reconnect it to the context.
 
ABSTRACT
9
Brownfield Regeneration, Disturbance, Ecological Restoration, Riverfront, Trail Network, Topography, Ruderal 
Ecology
KEyWORDS
10
11
The genesis of disturbance theory is based upon the writings of the 1st century Roman poet Lucretius in his De 
rerum natura or The Nature of Living Things.
1
 Lucretius describes an orderly world of equilibrium as being dra-
matically altered by introduction of chaos and disorder.  In his analogy of the world as a ?laminar flow of atoms 
raining in the void? he explains that through disturbance of this flow, the creation of living and chaotic systems 
is derived out of an orderly world. The natural systems on earth today have too emerged from chaos to produce 
self-sustaining and perpetuating systems. Because of this balance of forces, nature can continuously renew itself 
precisely from the dance of order and chaos. 
2
CHAPTER 1 / THEORETICAL FRAmEWORK
12
13
Hydrological Study
The emergence of new complex systems through methods of disturbance establishes the theoretical framework 
of this research. Integrating this understanding into the practice of Landscape Architecture can allow for an 
entirely new set of landscape transformations. This approach enables the designer to alter a set of initial condi-
tions upon a particular site to allow for the emergence of a new, self-generating condition. Through this design 
methodology, the site itself will have its own unique ?becoming? through the growth and succession of ruderal 
(naturally occurring) ecologies and various social activities occur throughout the years. 
The process which guided the topographical manipulation and ecological dispersion was based upon a ?form-
less? or ?automatic? design methodology. In a formless design approach, no pre-decision in form drives the 
creation of an idea, just openness to undetermined results. In order for this to be successful, the design removes 
the designer from the process of consciously creating objects. This revealed the creation of unique and dynamic 
forms that dictated the final design. The paradox here, is that it is impossible for the designer to totally fulfill this 
methodology in the creation of formless objects from a thought process guided by rational  (often times irratio-
nal) thinking. Thus, a more accurate description of the topographical design process is an ?automatic? method 
which was used to generate highly sculpted horizontal surfaces upon the landscape. 
3
 
14
15
In this process, various design experiments were conducted that deformed horizontal surfaces (wire mesh) 
through means of physical operations (crushing, stomping, bending and molding) to produce topographical 
study maquettes. Through the analysis of these models ideal dynamics such as aspect, slope and form began to 
emerge to the further the concept. 
The process of ruderal colonization upon brownfield landscapes is another element that influenced design 
methodology. Harnessing nature?s ability to introduce disorder into ordered systems can be done through seed-
ing and allowing succession to occur. This can allow for the ecological regeneration of brownfield sites towards 
greater complexity through increased ecological diversity over time. Utilizing natural operations of emerging 
ecosystems, the initial disturbance through seeding was an integral part in the design methodology that allows 
for new self-inventing landscapes to emerge.
4 
 
Notes
1. Lucretius, Ed Rerum Natura, trans. Cyril Bailey (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1947)
2. Barnett, Rod, A Ten Point Guide to Disturbance in Landscape Architecture; 2010.
3. Waldheim, Charles, Strategies of Indeterminacy in Recent Landscape Practice. Public Journal: Errata, 2006.
4. Serres, Michael, The Parasite (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982), p99.
16
SUN
17
SUN
18
19
TOPOGRAPHICAL STuDy mAquETTES
Heliodon Light Study
ABOVE
Experimenting with topographical forms through molding 
clay onto wire mesh that was bended through ?automatic? 
methods.
20
21
CHAPTER 2 / BROWNFIELDS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTuRE
In Landscape Architecture, brownfield regeneration practices are utilizing these methodologies as well as in-
troducing new ones. Methods such as bioswales and retention basins are common landscape themes. More 
ecologically restorative approaches  can also be used, such as designed ecologies; including marshes, meadows, 
and forest lands.
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associate?s Alumnae Valley project at Wellesley College is a brownfield regeneration 
project located in Massachusetts.  The 13.5 acre site that was formerly the site of gas manufacturing plant and 
later parking lot, is now ecologically productive and naturalized. Restoration began in 1999 and was completed in 
2006 at a cost of $4.5 million. The project has earned the highest award for design excellence from the American 
Society of Landscape Architects in 2006, who praised the way ?science backs up an understated and sophisti-
cated design.? 
4
 
LEFT
Aerial photograph showing remediated 
condition upon site within Wellesley 
College. 
22
23
The Alumnae Valley Project reclamation called for:
1. The physical and ecological renaturalization of the valley; the reconnection of what had become a closed or 
filled-in valley system with the open valley system that organizes the rest of the campus landscape; the return of 
the valley to a walking area (removal of all cars); an informal multiuse student events and recreation area; low-
maintenance plantings; an overall design to engage with the campus center. 
2. Historical study revealed the sites morphology- retracing glaciers deposition of eskers (lengthy winding nar-
row ridges of hills formed of glacial deposits), drumlins (smaller, smooth ridges in the direction of the movement 
of the ice in shapes like overturned tablespoons), and kettles (dell-like, often water filled depressions.)
3. A pastoral park ? forested hillsides, grassed meadows in the valleys, lakeside panoramas, exotic shrubbery, 
and irregular tree belts. Landscape to dominate architecture. 
4. Remediation of contaminants (dense nonaqueous phase liquid DNAPL, engine oils, gasoline, antifreeze) from 
gas manufacturing plant. Options ? massive on-site soil treatment or encapsulate the valleys toxic hot spots by 
raising the ground surface. Solution ? complex infrastructure of pipes and pumps, series of containment tanks 
where the residues are collected and disposed of over a 20 year period. 
24
Alumnae Valley combines different as-
pects of environmental remediation and 
sustainable stormwater management, and 
fits seamlessly within the larger campus 
5. Restoration of hydrology
Solution ? channel water through underground pipes to two sedimentation basins. Bioregeneration of contami-
nants with cattails, sedges, forbs. Within marsh circular feeder pond with synthetic clay liner that simultaneously 
seals contaminated soils. Cattail?? Marsh highlights environmental memory through its recall of a lost past, 
seasonal marker.
25
6. Topographical manipulation ? MVVA raised the valley floor by 6 feet; excavation of 55,000 cubic yards of sand 
and gravel from site of Campus Center to be used as fill. Solution ? 3 drumlin-like mounds that are between 
15 and 30 feet in height that measure between 150 and 250 feet in length. Massive forms do not replicate any 
known historical feature of the valley but serve as place-specific, historically grounded references not as im-
posed modernist shapes. Landforms are the result of countless experiments with pencil and paper, and of model 
building. The control of their scale, height, placement and crowning plantings derived from Van Valkenburgh?s 
artistic intuition. The effect of these powerful sculpted forms is to break the formerly emptied valley into spatial 
segments, to choreograph their experience and to blur the site boundaries. 
26
7. Pathways
Meandering more than walking with the intention to slow the walker, to offer indirect unfolding of nature, to 
open vistas, to engage curiosity in the rich biodiversity. Movement through is highlighted by the effect of spaces 
gradually opening up which requires the viewer a mental mapping to grasp orientation. Constructed and mown 
paths. 
8. New ecologies  to enhance ?Wild beauty of the park?
Native grasses intermixed with more that thirty kinds of native wildflowers (flowering cycles May to November).  
Contrast with the neated appearance of the older parts of campus (Chattanooga riverpark system).  Demon-
strate ecological restoration is necessary for its reconceptualization and elucidiation. Achieved through ideology, 
machinery, ecology, money, and art. 
27
Alumnae Valley accomplishes a far-reaching redefinition of the campus landscape. This important change may 
be best grasped when the new work is put in dialogue with the old. Shaped around contrasting irregular scales 
and forms, opened and canopied spaces, expansive pastoral panoramas, ?minature forest? alternating with 
lawned areas, horticultural displays of exotic shrubbery, and areas designed for student recreation. Nature in 
the guise of a pastoral landscape. Making connections between hidden infrastructure, geological, topographic, 
hydrological and ecological past.
Parallels between this project and the current thesis
Both strive towards regenerating ecological, hydrological, topographical, and social conditions. However on a 
deeper more fundamental level the projects strive towards making the connection between the landscape and 
its inhabitants. Its our responsibility to leave the land better than what it was before so that generations in the 
future can have the opportunity to experience the land through remembrance of what was and what is to be. 
Regeneration so that we may build upon the foundation set today for a better future tomorrow. Reconnecting a 
social component back to the landscape is the most important aspect in both projects because our relationship 
with the land and the environment that we create is vital to making more robust complex systems that have 
feedback loops and long term benefits. Landscape performance and landscape infrastructure go hand in hand.
28
Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition
In 2010, the City of Minneapolis held an international riverfront design competition that was to address 5.5 
miles of the Upper Mississippi Riverfront. The top four teams that were selected as finalists included ? Ken Smith 
Workshop | New York City, Stoss Landscape Urbanism | Boston, Tom Leader Studio | Berkeley, and Truenscape 
| Beijing. Each project was analyzed, debated and criticized by the jury and Tom Leader Studio?s Riverfirst design 
emerged as the winner. This case study is aimed at comparing and contrasting the various design elements and 
methodologies used towards generating components of a successful riverfront design approach. And making the 
connectin to how various elements could be used in relationship to my research on brownfield regeneration. 
The TLS/KVA Riverfirst design team established a design framework to address 4 challenges: water, health, mobil-
ity, and green economy. These design initiatives function at multiple scales to link larger natural, social, civic and 
economic ecologies. Design elements include a continuous park trail system that allows for a diverse set of con-
nections to the river as well as ?soft? engineering. TLS?s vision is for the riverpark system to serve as catalyst to 
accelerate the transition from smokestack industry to 21st century green economy based on logistical transporta-
tion, smart and clean technology innovation. 
29
Minnenapolis Riverfront / Tom Leader 
To achieve their intended impact, these design proposals reveal several com-
monalities including: innovative and convincing graphics, 3d models, and life-
like renderings; however, with this they were designed to sell, not to actually 
perform. The designs were fairly comprehensive and well thought out, but, 
were lacking true spirit of place and seemed to smooth out the roughness 
of the existing site conditions. Were the project ever to be constructed,  the 
actual cost would be so high that it would be hard to secure enough avail-
able funds in today?s economy. One of the unique design proposals was the 
construction of ?habitat islands? within the Mississippi built from sediment 
catchment and deposition. Utilizing some of the design elements within these 
projects, this thesis project can provide innovative and productive solutions 
that will help Chattanooga to achieve proactive growth and regeneration of 
its riverfront. 
30
35
85
31
CHAPTER 3 / THE SITuATION 
Located along the Tennessee River between the great Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, the 
Tennessee Valley is home to a city of nearly 170, 000 people known for its commitment to sustainable economic 
growth and quality of life. Entering the 21st century as one of the most progressive and livable midsized cities 
in the US, it has diverse economic advantages, abundant natural resources, a strong tourism industry, a trained 
labor force and a centralized location. Perhaps, nowhere in the country has a city undergone as dramatic an 
improvement as that experienced by Chattanooga, a city named America?s most polluted city by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Health, Education and Welfare in 1980. 1 In response, Chattanooga initiated the Vision 2000 program in 
1982 that aimed at revitalizing the city?s riverfront and downtown. And change it did; by 2000, Chattanooga has 
become one of the cleanest U.S. cities, known especially for its natural attractions and cultural amenities.
From the Vision 2000 program, the 21st Century Waterfront Plan raised $120 million to build a riverfront trail 
system connecting 129 acres on both sides of the river. This plan set the stage for the development of the Ten-
nessee Aquarium, the Riverpark, the Walnut Street Bridge and Coolidge Park. Highlights of the remaining seg-
ments to be constructed include Cameron Harbor, anchoring the west end of the downtown riverwalk to Manu-
factures West, and an industrial area along the river, west of downtown.2
1. Chattanooga City Data. City-Data.com 
2. Hargreaves Associates, ?The 21st Century Waterfront: Executive Summary.? May, 2002.
3. City of Chattanooga. Chattanooga.gov
32
T
e
n
n
e
s
s
e
e
 
R
i
v
e
r
Riverpoint
Amnicola Marsh
Curtain Pole Road
Fishing Park
Rowing Center
Battery Place
Bluff View
Art District
1st Street Park
Ross' Landing/
Tennessee Aquarium
Renaissance Park
Coolidge Park
Walnut Street Bridge
M
a
r
k
e
t
 S
t
re
e
t
 B
r
id
g
e
V
e
te
r
a
n
's
 B
r
id
g
e
C
B
 R
o
b
in
s
o
n
 B
ri
d
g
e
O
lg
ia
t
i 
B
r
id
g
e
C
h
ic
k
a
m
a
u
g
a
 D
a
m
Chickamauga
Dam
Citico Creek
South 
Chicka
mau
ga C
reek
Chattanooga
(Downtown)
A
s
h
l
a
n
d
 
T
e
r
M
o
c
c
a
s
i
n
 
B
e
n
d
 
R
d
A
m
n
ic
o
la
H
w
y
Hix
so
n P
ike
R
iv
e
rs
id
e
D
r
D
o
d
s
o
n
A
v
e
D
a
y
to
n
B
lv
d
E
3r
d
St
N
o
r
th
C
h
a
m
b
e
r
la
in
A
v
e
Sh
al
lo
wf
or
d
Rd
H
ig
h
w
a
y 
1
5
3
N
C
re
st
R
d
T
u
n
n
e
l
B
lv
d
S
ig
n
a
l
M
o
u
n
ta
in
R
d
N
Ac
ce
ss
Rd
H
a
m
il
to
n
A
v
e
Ha
rri
so
n
Pi
ke
G
r
e
e
n
w
o
o
d
R
d
Ligh
tfoot
Mill
Rd
R
iv
e
r
fr
o
n
t
P
k
w
y
M
c
Ca
lli
e
Av
e
Bon
ny O
aks
Dr
Wilc
ox B
lvd
W
ilc
o
x
B
lv
d
N
H
o
lt
z
c
la
w
A
v
e
D
u
p
o
n
t
P
k
w
y
P
in
e
v
il
le
R
d
M
a
r
k
e
t
S
t
L
a
k
e
R
e
s
o
r
t
D
r
N
o
r
t
h
M
a
r
k
e
t
S
t
G
e
o
r
g
ia
A
v
e
M
o
u
n
ta
in
C
re
e
k
R
d
B
r
o
a
d
S
t
M
an
uf
ac
tu
re
rs
Rd
Y
o
u
n
g
s
to
w
n
R
d
D
al
la
s
R
d
E
M
. L
. K
in
g
Bl
vd
C
h
e
ro
k
e
e
B
lv
d
Gl
as
s S
t
M
is
s
is
s
ip
p
i
A
v
e
G
le
n
w
o
o
d
D
r
D
a
rt
m
o
u
th
S
t
Ba
rto
n
Av
e
C
e
n
tr
a
l
A
v
e
C
a
m
p
b
e
ll
S
t
S
A
c
c
e
s
s
R
d
E
M
id
va
le
A
ve
W
M
. L
. K
in
g
Bl
vd
N
e
w
Yo
rk A
ve
H
a
m
m
R
d
M
em
o
ri
al
D
r
Altam
ont Rd
W
M
ai
n
St
N
e
w
P
in
e
v
il
le
R
d
N
M
o
o
r
e
R
d
C
h
e
s
tn
u
t
S
t
W
o
o
d
la
n
d
A
v
e
H
ig
h
w
a
y 
2
7
W
M
is
s
is
s
ip
p
i
A
v
e
E Dallas
Rd
O
ld
P
in
e
v
il
le
R
d
Ba
ile
y
Av
e
1 inch equals 800 feet
Chickamauga Dam to Fishing Park 1.44 miles
Fishing Park to Riverpoint 1.02 miles
Riverpoint to Amnicola Marsh 0.95 miles
Amnicola Marsh to Curtain Pole Rd. 1.18 miles
Curtain Pole Rd. to Rowing Center 1.22 miles
Rowing Center to Walnut Street Bridge 1.50 miles
Walnut Street Bridge to Coolidge Park/ 0.56 miles
Renaissance Park
Walnut Street Bridge to Ross's Landing 0.42 miles
Distance Between Entry Points
Brass fish inlays denote each half-mile
aboVe
HCGIS map of the Tennessee Riverpark 
shows 21st Century Riverfront extending 
from Ross? Landing (Downtown Chatta-
nooga) 16 miles north east to the Chicka-
mauga Dam.
Vulcan Aggregate Facility
33
ABOVE
Pictures show existing Tennessee Riverpark features 
that includes riverfront trails, pedestrian bridges, and 
a sculpture garden. 
BELOW
Rail line crosses bridge 4 miles upstream from 
downtown.
34
ABOVE
Downtown riverfront park perspective.
BELOW
Bridges along the Riverpark trail system. 
35
36
37
CHAPTER 4 / INFRASTRuCTuRE mAPPING
LEFT
The underlying brownfield network within Chattanooga has the 
potential to be connected via trail network. This map can be seen 
as an abstraction upon viewing the urban field as a brownfield. 
The highlighted brownfield sites are contrasted against the con-
structed urban field.
The mapping process led to a comprehensive understanding about the City of Chattanooga and the various in-
frastructures that compose it. Beginning at a regional scale: mapping of ecoregions, Tennessee River watershed, 
transportation networks, and proximity to nearby metropolises helped to understand the macro-context. Lying 
between the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau ecoregions, Chattanooga is ideally located 
along the Tennessee River Valley. Because of this topographical pinch point, trade was made possible due to the 
narrow river crossing. Utilizing its location along Tennessee River and 120 mile proximity to Nashville, Knoxville, 
Huntsville, Birmingham, and Atlanta; Chattanooga has strategic geographic location and has become transporta-
tion nexus for the surrounding region. 
The cities roots lie in manufacturing industry that located predominately along the Tennessee River. Because 
of the alluvial sediment that has been deposited from the historic flooding of the river, the topography is rela-
tively flat which made it easily accessible for railroad access. Due to the decline of manufacturing and industry 
in recent years, many of these sites have been abandoned and still contain many of the contaminants from 
operations. Mapping investigations led to the discovery of various brownfield sites, which had varied levels of 
contamination, size, and proximity to the river. The location of these sites has an important relationship to both 
the railroad network and the zoning of the city. Mapping of the development of infrastructure shows how these 
elements directly relate to the location of industry, businesses, and residences in Chattanooga. 
38
Evolution of Infrastructure within Chattanooga
INDUSTRIAL FIELD WITHIN CHATTANOOGA
INDUSTRIAL NETWORK BROWNFIELD SITES POLLUTION, SOURCES, EMISSION RANKING
 RAILROAD SYSTEM INDUSTRIAL-COMMERCIAL ZONING BUSINESS-RESIDENTIAL ZONING
This mapping analysis, several low polluted sites began to emerge that had the ability to be ecologically regener-
ated. To further narrow the potential sites, selection criteria were established to incorporate elements of prox-
imity to river, size of the site, defined yet porous boundaries, connection to context, and ability to be ecologically 
transformed. 
Mapping investigations revealed that it was possible to integrate the brownfield network into the existing Ten-
nessee Riverpark. Thas was done through revealing potential trail routes through the city that connect to various 
brownfields within the city via railroads and existing road infrastructure. Several sites have been identified along 
this proposed trail network that can be regenerated through similar methods as the Vulcan materials park. Once 
integrated into this trail system, these sites will become nodes along the trail system allowing for unique social 
and natural ecologies to develop.  
39
Above
Overlay of proposed trail system (green), 
Manufacturing zoning (red), and transporta-
tion infrastructure
INSEAm
Top
Brownfields and Rail Road Infrastructure
Middle
Brownfields, Tennessee Riverpark (Green), 
and proposed brownfield trail network (Yel-
low)
Bottom
Brownfields, Interstate, Primary Arterials
40
41
Tennessee riverpark
Central Business Dist.
Manufacturing Zoning
Areas of Potential Brownfield 
Regeneration
Pedestrian Trail Network
Vulcan Aggregate Facility
FACTIODS
90% of all land adjacent to rail is Industrial or Manufacturing Zon-
ing
40-60% of this have seeing economic decline over the past 30 
years. 
Green belt would follow existing industrial pathways. 
TRAIL PROPOSAL
Re-Integrating brownfields through pedestrian trail network.  
LEFT
Investigaions of data on pollution, sources, and emissions loca-
tions within Chattanooga led to understanding the individual envi-
ronmental impacts in relationship to each other. This analysis cal-
culated three harmful environmental externalities to generate an 
environmental impact gradient, which exposed several sites that 
were highly detrimental and compared to other relatively moder-
ately polluting sites. 
42
43
CHAPTER 5 / TRAIL SySTEm AND CONTExT
Trail System
The investigation of brownfield infrastructure re-
vealed a potential brownfield trail network that 
connects greater Chattanooga to the riverfront trail 
system, thus creating a more extensive trail network 
that fosters community interaction, livability, health 
and connection to place. The first phase of this trail 
network will be to connect the Vulcan facility to the 
downtown river front via a half mile trail along river-
front parkway. Once arriving at the site, visitors can 
be engaged in education, recreation, and discovery. 
Following the trail through the site they will encoun-
ter sculpted topographic form, changing site ecolo-
gies, and unique industrial remnants. 
South of the Vulcan property, the trail will follow the 
river alongside Alstom Power Inc., which produces 
heavy wind turbine and other industrial components 
and U.S. Pipe brownfield which formerly made steel 
castings. The trail network will then tie inland con-
necting users to various sites including an old gas 
field, and a seldom used trail which runs through 
the city connecting UTC to Findley Stadium. The pro-
posed trail will then complete the loop back down-
town to the historic Bluff District. 
44
45
ABOVE
Riverfront trail axionometric showing 
proposed brownfield trail connection 
through city. This allows for a more 
integrated and comprehensive trail 
network.
LEFT
Diagram shows brownfield trail net-
work and important brownfield sites 
along the trail network. These ?nodes? 
will allow for recreational activity, ur-
ban public space, and ecological res-
toration. lessons learned from the 
Vulcan regeneration will be applied to 
these areas.
46
3
9
4
10
12
11
Vulcan Park Context
KEy
1. Aquarium
2. Riverfront Park
3. Cameron Hill
4. Tennessee River
5. us 27
6. Lookout?s Stadium
7. Chattanooga Riverwalk
8. Creative
     Discovery Museum
9. Cameron Harbor
10. Alstom Power
11. Green Institute
12. Vulcan Park
47
1
7
2 
8
5
6
48
49
CHAPTER 6 / VuLCAN AGGREGATE FACILITy
Along the Tennessee River on the west bank of Chatta-
nooga lies the post industrial remnant of an aggregate 
processing facility. Left behind is an amazing array of 
infrastructure that provides a unique opportunity for 
regeneration and growth within Chattanooga. Once 
an aggregate processing plant that used to unload 
dredged aggregate from upriver, the facility played 
an important role in the construction of various infra-
structures within modern Chattanooga. Located only 
a half mile from the downtown riverfront of Chatta-
nooga, the Vulcan facility is located just adjacent to 
the city?s amenities and attractions. Because of its lo-
cation, along with recent residential and business de-
velopmental pressure, it is critical that this important 
industrial remnant is preserved, both for the educa-
tion of Chattanoogans and our inherent connection 
to where we live. 
The Situation 
The Vulcan Aggregate Facility developed from the 
need for aggregate materials in the of construction 
Chattanooga?s infrastructure. Located just half a mile 
from downtown, along the Tennessee River, the fa-
cility marks the transition between the central busi-
ness district and the industrial-manufacturing zone 
that runs along the river. The location developed for 
two main reasons: first because of the power of the 
river to carry dredged aggregates from upstream lo-
cations; and second because of its proximity to where 
the material was most needed: downtown. During 
operation, the facility was in constant flux due to a 
continual flow of aggregate both in and out of the 
site. However, after the property was abandoned the 
combination of both natural and human processes 
have gradually transformed the site into a dynamic 
post-industrial landscape. 
50
1990 1999
VuLCAN / AERIALS
Seeded by natural processes a rich and diverse rud-
eral (naturally ocurring) ecology has developed upon 
the site. Where once massive aggregate mounds 
dominated the landscape, a stream now bisects the 
site and meadow ecologies have emerged. A sinkhole  
has formed from subsurface erosional forces, under-
mining a retaining wall along the river and creating 
habitat for aquatic species. A cattail marsh has devel-
oped from the ponding of stormwater runoff from a 
depression caused from the final grading of the site. 
A ?natural? green roof has formed on the roof as well 
as meadow throughout the site, which marks the 
initial succession development of the resurgence of 
ecologies. 
Today, adverse economic conditions pose challenges 
to typical revitalization methodologies. Unlike other 
projects, the Vulcan design proposal utilizes a low-
cost regenerative technique and time. The design 
uses nature?s processes of filtering water, extracting 
contamination and cleaning the air to regenerate 
the site. 
51
2000
2010
The processes on the Vulcan aggregate are in transi-
tion from industrial histories and the ruderal coloni-
zation. Swiftly imposing an initial disturbance upon 
the facility can permit new designations that allow 
for increased biodiversity and social interaction. 
More flexible and efficient use of this site is attain-
able through self-generating and self-maintaining 
operations to achieve greater economies and ecol-
ogies of scale. At this precise moment when these 
landscape operations become essential in the regen-
eration of Chattanooga?s brownfield network, they 
become infrastructural.
1
1.Belanger, Pierre, Landscape As Infrastructure. Landscape Journal 2009.
2. EPA: Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation. ?Super-
fund Green Remediation Strategy,? September 2010. 
3. EPA: Green Remediation: Best Management Practices. Quick Reference Fact 
Sheets: Bioremediation; Excavation and Surface Restoration. March 2010; De-
cember 2008.
4. Michael Van Valkenburg Associates: Reconstructing Urban Landscapes. 
Alumnae Valley, Wellesley College. Redefining the Campus Landscape. By Anita 
Berrizbeitia, Paul Goldberger, Peter Fergusson, and Jane Amidon, 2009.
52
DESIGN ExPLORATION
Investigating potential microclimates through heliodon light study. Morning shade allows some relief, however, 
shade is only temporal until the sun rises above 10 am. The afternoon microecologies provide more relief for 
plant species and may be more habitable.
Morning
Afternoon
53
1. Excavation of  Aggregate 
     and Contaminated Soil
Climate Directions
North West- Winter 
West - Summer
South West - Fall, Spring
4. Change of Hydrology
Climate Directions
North West- Winter 
West - Summer
South West - Fall, Spring
3. Ridges and Valleys
Climate Directions
North West- Winter 
West - Summer
South West - Fall, Spring
5. Microecologies Develop
Climate Directions
North West- Winter 
West - Summer
South West - Fall, Spring
2. Topographical Distrubance
Climate Directions
North West- Winter 
West - Summer
South West - Fall, Spring
VuLCAN DIAGRAmS
1. Final removal of sediment from vul-
can operations
2. New topography
4. New hydrology emerges
5. Ruderal colonization
3. Cut and fill diagram
1
2
3
4
5
54
2
4
5
2
1
3
3
5
Materials Processing Facility
1. Dredged aggregate arrives at site
2. Crane extracts aggregate to conveyance
3. Pivot arm broadcast aggregate
4. Removal off-site
5. Storage
HISTORICAL ANALySIS 
Operations conducted on Vulcan parcel.
TOPOGRAPHICAL DISTURBANCE -  BROWNFIELD TOPOLOGY  
55
CLImATE ANALySIS
Wind, Temperature, Precipitation
56
Above
Site ephermality. Dynamic conditions of the 
site are revealed in these pictures through the 
loading platform?s ability to hold water after 
rain events. Evaporation is the main means 
through which the water is removed from this 
platform.
57
Panoramas of the site show dynamic re-
lationships between the facility, ruderal 
ecologies and the ephermality of hydro-
logic conditions.
58
Images show various infrastructural ele-
ments leftover from Vulcan operations and 
the ruderal colonization that is reclaiming 
the site.  
59
60
VuLCAN SITE PLAN
1. Vulcan Facility
2. Boardwalk
3. Viewing Platform
4. Play Hill
5. Parking
6. Kids Play Pool
7. Dock
8. Cattail Marsh
9. Wildflowers
10. Meadow
11. Pond
12. Stream
1
12
11
10
9
8
5
4
32 
6
7
61
CHAPTER 7 /  VuLCAN TRANSFORmATION
This chapter explains the design process and varous components of the ongoing Vulcan transformation. Design 
investigations were based on understanding the role of disturbance in creating emergent landscapes. The dia-
gram to the left is a glimpse 50 years into the future condition of the ecological succession on the site. A trail 
system has developed on site due human inhabitation and use. The design vision of the Vulcan site is tested 
though topographical and ecological disturbances ability to regenerate the site. The following pages are orga-
nized in a sequence that best explains the project. The overall design process is cyclical and addresses the site 
at multiple scales. 
Design Intent
This thesis explores the potential for harnessing natural processes to develop the Vulcan brownfield from an 
initial topographic disturbance through experimental seeding to amplify the process of ecological succession 
throughout the site. On the areas of topographical manipulation, seeds from natural ecologies such as wood-
land, aquatic and meadow lands will be scattered and allowed to grow on their own. This process seeks to 
quickly regenerate the industrial condition of the site through ecological reestablishment. 
Design Process
The design seeks to recall the industrial past of the aggregate facility through reforming the topography by 
means of mechanical operations. The altered topography was derived from a modeling process that followed 
?automatic methods yielding highly sculpted horizontal surfaces? (Waldheim). After initial investigations, the 
selection of several topographic forms were chosen for their ability to foster unique microclimates and ecologi-
cal diversity. Topographic forms will create zones of hot: cold, sunny : shady, wet : dry, which will influence the 
ecological establishment and human activity upon the site. 
62
P
HUMAN USES ON VULCAN SITE
Educational
Recreational
Biking
Lunch Break
Homeless
Tourist
The Vulcan Materials Plant as an incubator for existing grassroots interest groups. The proposal retains the industrial 
infrastructure and on site materials while engaging community, private organizations, and city agencies to develop a 
process to guide its transformation into a public park
Community - MLK/University, Southside, Riverfront Neighborhoods. 
Organizations - Audobon Society, Public Art Chattanooga, River Rocks, Riverbend Music Festival, Whofest, Head of 
Hooch
Government - River City Company, City of Chattanooga, CARTA 
Businesses - Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Public/Private Schools, UTC, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tn
Parks - Trail system would directly connect to Coolidge Park, Ross Landing Plaza, Riverpark, Renaissance Park, 
Lookout Baseball Stadiutm, Sanctuary Skate Park, Findley Stadium, Walnut Street Bridge
Vulcan Structure
pond
Viewing Platform
 
Overlook
riparian corridor
marsh
car park
visitors center
restrooms
riverfront parkway
boardwalk
Topographical
 
Distrubance
mounds
tower
phyto-remediation
meadow
azalea thicket
gathering space
bird habitat
high voltage
power lines
industrial waste
vagrant camp
rest spot
recreation
area 
tree revetment
gabbion 
tree well
sky lights
tunnel
occupiable urban 
artifact
rail lines
stream
river
educational
signage
pavilion
soil development
solar aspect
Landscape as
Infrastructure
Regeneration
public landscape
Tennessee River
sun 
shade
PROGRAmATIC INVESTIGATION
63
Area of
Social Concentration
Area of
Social Concentration
Parking
To Downtown
To US Pipe Brownf_ield
Educational
Trail User
Mountain Biking
Industry Worker
Homeless
Tourist
Kayaker
Social Pathways
POTENTIAL SOCIAL uSES DIAGRAm
64
P
HUMAN USES ON VULCAN SITE
Educational
Recreational
Biking
Lunch Break
Homeless
Tourist
The Vulcan Materials Plant as an incubator for existing grassroots interest groups. The proposal retains the industrial 
infrastructure and on site materials while engaging community, private organizations, and city agencies to develop a 
process to guide its transformation into a public park
Community - MLK/University, Southside, Riverfront Neighborhoods. 
Organizations - Audobon Society, Public Art Chattanooga, River Rocks, Riverbend Music Festival, Whofest, Head of 
Hooch
Government - River City Company, City of Chattanooga, CARTA 
Businesses - Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Public/Private Schools, UTC, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tn
Parks - Trail system would directly connect to Coolidge Park, Ross Landing Plaza, Riverpark, Renaissance Park, 
Lookout Baseball Stadiutm, Sanctuary Skate Park, Findley Stadium, Walnut Street Bridge
CuT & FILL DIAGRAm
65
Ecological Seeding
woody species
meadow species
aquatic species
SEEDING DIAGRAm
66
Year 1
Year 20
Year 50
1. Topographical Manipulation + Seeding 
20. Wildflower Meadows, Hardwood Forest
50.. Mature Forest
SITE DEVELOPmENT
Site features include a large concrete structure that 
was once an aggregate crushing plant that contained 
various aggregate chambers, a truck loading zone, 
conveyor belt systems, a rock crusher, and storage 
areas. The overall structure is massive; constructed 
from reinforced concrete with rebar it was designed 
to support the large loads from the aggregate, ma-
chinery and equipment.
maintenance
Once this initial disturbance is conducted, the 
site will be left to develop through maintenance 
cycles of 10 years duration. These maintenance 
cycles will remove invasive or overly competitive 
species that dominate other species and manage 
the overall health of the systems. The ecologies 
will be allowed to succeed naturally, however 
will not be allowed to crowd out the other 
ecosystem types as to allow for more ecological 
diversity. 
67
Structure
The reprogramming of the crushing plant will be the 
epicenter of social activity upon the site. A ramp that 
utilizes the natural form of the structure will run over 
100 feet at a slope of 4 percent. This will allow for ac-
cess to the ?roof? of the facility at a gradual grade to 
permit new activities on the top of the structure. From 
biking to kids running down the slope the ramp pro-
vides for a diverse range of uses.
Atop the structure, a Green Institute will be construct-
ed to teach the principles of green building design and 
educate the public on brownfield regeneration proj-
ects and their ability to be reintegrated into the city as 
necessary public infrastructure. 
Ecological colonization of the site will be allowed based 
upon initial ecological conditions and seeding of spe-
cific plants that will produce the forms called for by 
the design. For example, woodland species that pro-
vide ample shade, screening and size will be allowed 
to grow in the void where once aggregate filled the 
chambers. 
68
RIGHT
Google Earth screen shot with final Vulcan plan overlayed to show 
relationship to the Tennessee River, Manufactures West, and Look-
out Mountain. The riverfront trail extends down river past Alstom 
Power and connects to additional brownfields in the  city. 
Views of the site and the river will be possible from 
the roof of the structure and will allow visitors to ori-
ent themselves in the landscape and to decide where 
to explore next. Between the facility and a sediment 
retaining wall a cattail marsh is constructed to retain 
stormwater and allow it to infiltrate back into the wa-
ter table. The side of the facility that faces the river 
has a unique tunnel that once allowed dump trucks to 
pull underneath the loading bay and fill their payloads. 
Several of these will be kept clean of debris to allow for 
skylights within this space. 
ABOVE
Perspective shows ecological colonization and human use on roof 
of Vulcan facility.
69
Vulcan materials facility 50 years after disturbance.
70
71
SECTION STuDIES
Initial topographic manipulation create various forms including: birms, swales  and undulating surface features. 
Section showing the relatively flat slope dropping off 
into the Tennessee River
Section from Tennessee River looking at Vulcan facility
72
Sectionions show ecological succession and how mi-
croecologies develop depending on the surface con-
dition. As time progresses site ecologies begin to take 
hold and diversity increases. Human use of the site will 
be influenced by plant communities, topography and 
from climatic factors. 
1 Year after 
Initial Disturbance
10 Years after 
Initial Disturbance
Sediment is cut from the lowest area of the site and 
moved to fill other areas to creat unique topography. 
The pond allows aquatic habitat for a diversity of plant 
and apmhibious species. 
73
Remnant sculptural fragments left over from past uses 
include concrete blocks, roof tresses, railroad ties, 
amount various industrial remnants. These elements 
are to be integrated into the landscape and be used to 
act as retaining walls in select areas. 
Duff (leaves, sticks, acorns) is appllied along the current 
edge of the site thus allowing for successional forest 
ecologies to emerge. This helps to absorb stormwater, 
build soil, and provide habitat. 
74
INITIAL SECTION STuDIES 
Amplifying Ruderal Ecology
Human use and interaction of the site 
are enhanced through providing river 
access and observation areas. Before 
public inhabitation is permitted, haz-
ards are removed and safety railings 
are installed. Through this, shoreline is 
protected through limited human ac-
cess.  
75
Tunnel Vulcan Facility Cattail Marsh Mound
Topographic decisions are derived 
from ?automatic? modeling process 
of bending, shaping and manipulating 
various materials. Ridge like mounds 
reflect the historical use of the proper-
ty from when it was Vulcan Aggregate 
Facility. Soil development is derived 
from plant community types and wa-
ter saturation.
Ecologies are allowed to take control over Vulcan 
facility and create shade for inhabitants
76
VULCAN SECTIONS
MICROCLIMATES
1. Loading Deck
This is one of the most ephemeral locations on 
the Vulcan site. Currently when it rains, the metal 
deck holds water until evaporation eventually 
dries it up. This area is a prime location for views 
of the river and the landscape beyond. Running 
along one side of this structure are stairs that will 
provide access to a boardwalk, constructed run-
ning along the rivers edge.
2. Boardwalk
This boardwalk spans from the loading deck past the 
tower to another set of stairs over 250 feet away. Con-
struction of this will be in the form of a simple dock 
structure made of recycled wood, railroad ties for sup-
port and telephone poles for a foundation. The board-
walk will be constructed 1 foot over the water level 
(which rarely changes because of dams both upstream 
and downstream of Chattanooga). The boardwalk will 
allow users to freely interact with the water as well as 
serve as river access for watersports.  
1
2
3
77
VULCAN SECTIONS
3. Tower
Because of the liability issues involved in providing ac-
cess to the top of the tower, public access will be kept 
to the ground level. Clearing of dangerous machinery 
and overhead obstructions will make the area safe for 
users of the site. The construction of a deck system 
that utilizes the existing metal platform at ground level 
inside the tower will allow users to have views of the 
river as well as interesting space in which the columns 
are a vertical component that connects the ground to 
the ceiling. 
4. Play Mound
Play mound provides enjoyment for all ages and 
serves as a vantage point.
4
78
VuLCAN FACILITy SECTION
50 Years After Initial Disturbance - Ecological Colonization of Facility 
Soil development is one of the critical components of 
the Vulcan Regeneration. The section above shows 
development of soil on top of aggregate and sublay-
ers. Ecological colonization of the site is allowed  to 
happen naturally.  
Meadow                             Cattail                                   Ecological Colonization                               Green                                          Tunnel                            Trail System                                         Riverfront Infrastructure
Play Hill                                 Marsh                                                                                                                Institute
79
Meadow                             Cattail                                   Ecological Colonization                               Green                                          Tunnel                            Trail System                                         Riverfront Infrastructure
Play Hill                                 Marsh                                                                                                                Institute
Access to the riverfront is an important
aspect of the design. A boardwalk runs approximate-
ly 100 feet and allows participatory human interac-
tion with water. Repurposing the loading platform 
above the boardwalk allows for social gathering and 
views.
80
BIOFILTRATION POND SECTION
50 Years After Initial Disturbance
Pond construction allows for the reten-
tion of stormwater and biofiltration of 
any residual contaminants in the soil. This 
increases ecological diversity of the site 
while integrating human experience. 
Meadow                               Pathway                                                  Woodland Ecology                                                                  Dock                                                             Pond                                                                                                       Woodland Ecology       
81
Meadow                               Pathway                                                  Woodland Ecology                                                                  Dock                                                             Pond                                                                                                       Woodland Ecology       
People can access the pond via a viewing platform 
constructed over the water. Ecological succession 
derives from initial seeding of the site that includes 
native hardwood and aquatic species.
82
STAGE 1 - CUT/FILL
3D DESIGN ExPLORATIONS 
Gabbion Wall
Viewing Deck
Green Institute
Diagrams show the repurposing of existing Vulcan infrastructure as well as new 
design implementations. This design excersise explored the process of creating 3D 
forms on SketchUp software.
Vulcan Facility
83
Gabbion Wall
Viewing Deck
Green Institute
Tower
Stairs
Viewing Platform
Dock
STAGE 2 - SCULPTING
Riverfront Structures
84
Vulcan Perspective
Initial concept of reusing the facility for botanical garden
Initial design exploration using botanic garden idea 
of planting specimine trees in concrete cells and pro-
viding access to the roof via stairs.
85
River Walk Perspective
Recycled concrete blocks from site protect the shore 
line from erosion and provide access to the river. 
86
Quick hand rendering of vulcan facility with green 
institute building fully constructed. Design features 
include 100 foot earthen ramp leading up to the roof to 
the structure, gabbion walls containg soil for tree wells, 
cattail marsh to retain ocassional stormwater, viewing 
platform. 
87
DESIGN INSPIRATION / SAND DuNES
88
Measures of success in terms of outcomes
Successful ecological regeneration of the Vulcan site can be measured through species diversity and develop-
ment of soil structure. Ecological succession over time will naturally increase the biodiversity as well as soil 
development. This can be measured by observing increases in overall biomass of both floral and faunal species 
and their overall productivity.  
This project differs from other brownfield regeneration projects through both the process and the outcome. 
Regeneration judged on topography?s ability to change initial conditions such as hydrology, can be done through 
measuring the amount of stormwater containment and infiltration. Variety of human activities upon various 
slopes and mounds is another indicator of the projects success. Finally, a diversity of  conditions such as dry or 
wet, sun or shade, steep or flat, support the development of various microecologies, which are important indica-
tors of successful regeneration. 
Urban outcomes of the Vulcan site are measured through connections such as transportation, economic, cultur-
al, and social. These are essential to the success of the project because without these wider contextual relation-
ships the park would fail. The trail connection from downtown to the site is the first step in establishing this. The 
green institute building constructed on the Vulcan structure is pivotal towards making these urbanistic objec-
tives possible. This building would provide for education on green construction practices, ecological restoration 
of brownfields, and of the history of the site and its relationship to the river. Additional functions would include 
bringing together various interest groups to the site through education, work days, and provide a gathering 
space for events. The overall site attends to social use through providing a unique experience in an ?ecological 
garden? with singular forms in topography and native plant colonization. The abundance of industrial relics on 
the site will aid in the unconstructed use of the site, which allows for personal freedom and exploration. 
REFLECTION
89
Weaknesses
The overall project has various weak points in terms of analysis, design process, and design. Investigation on 
how ecological colonization is affected by the soil development would have helped to better understood suc-
cession. Soil formation and development are very important factors that were largely left out of this thesis. 
Initial investigations were made towards understanding development of soil horizons through section studies 
and experimental modeling, however, were not pursued. Understanding the marriage between the inorganic 
and organic elements that make a complete soil would have better guided ecological seeding on the site. Inte-
grating symbiotic alliances between organisms, to develop organic soil and increase fertility. Soil regeneration 
techniques could be induced through composting, aeration, and adding high nitrogen starter to help establish 
site ecologies. 
Mapping of Chattanooga?s context and brownfield network developed an under developed, generic look. This 
was due to the challenges with Adobe Illustrator?s inability to quantify spatial information and project data. 
Integrating GIS to this process would have been helpful towards quickly compiling the data and analyzing the 
results in a more efficient manner. The lack of readily available data also posed limitations on the analysis that 
was conducted. Much of the mapping was done through tracing aerial pictography and on-foot surveys. 
The overall design of the Vulcan facility could have achieved a more in-depth in connection to the Tennessee 
River. Elements such as riverfront views, accessibility, and reuse of existing infrastructure should have had more 
influence on the overall design. This would have helped to establish a more intimate connection between the 
rivers scenic beauty, its ecological systems and the industrial remnants.
90
Main Innovations
The main innovation of this Vulcan regeneration project is that it is derived from automatic design methods that 
expose the richness of the site through unique topographic forms. These forms pay close attention to existing 
site features while implementing new dynamics to the site. Finally, the design is not intended to remove the 
remnants of past inhabitation or the ?dirtiness? of the site, but to adapt it towards productive use for tomor-
row.
What would I do differently?
If I were to redo the design process, I would first try to understand developmental relationships between eco-
logical succession and social use of site. This would help to establish appropriate initial conditions to facilitate 
diverse interactions and increased connection to the context. Incorporation of various recreation components 
such as Bocce ball, disc golf, workout stations, and play areas would add to social use. An economic consider-
ation of how this would influence the adjacent land uses and Chattanooga as a whole, would help to explain the 
project implications to interested stakeholders and developing grant proposals. Finally, developing an overall 
planning synthesis would help to fully develop the trail network and to understand externalities associated with 
its implementation.
91
?Commitment to not knowing what the end goal is how novelty occurs? 
  Rod Barnett
Strengths
I believe that the overall process that went into the development of this project was fairly sound. The ?automat-
ic? study models that I made were critical to the design of topography that was highly instrumental in the hydrol-
ogy and the creation of microclimates. This experimentation focused on the integrity of the operation itself, not 
the end outcome, thus allowing a design to best capture the spirit of historical uses of the site and the existing 
conditions. Integration of topography and Vulcan infrastructure allows for evolving and unplanned relationships 
to the brownfield trail system.
The overall concept of a brownfield trail network beginning with the regeneration of the Vulcan site is the stron-
gest component of this thesis. I believe that this has real potential towards creating a more livable and walkable 
city. This is important for the future development of cities so that more viable transportation alternatives may 
be established to build resilience. Additionally, providing parks for growing communities adds to overall health 
and happiness of Chattanoogans.
92
Goldenwave Coreopsis
Narrowed Leaf 
Sunflower
DrummondPhlox
ShowyPrimrose
Poppie
WILDFLOWER mEADOW
APPENDIX - plant palette
93
WILDFLOWER mEADOW
mEADOW ECOLOGy
Buffalo Grass
Lindheimer?s Muhly Lindheimer?s Muhly Prairie Dropseed
Andropogon Gerardii
94
Blue Joint Grass
Carex vesicariaBlue Flag Iris
Meadowsweet
Sensitive Fern
CATTAIL mARSH
95
WOODLAND ECOLOGy
Tulip Poplar
Overcup Oak Rhododendron Hickory
Southern Waxmyrtle
CATTAIL mARSH
96
 BIBLIOGRAPHy
Barnett, Rod. ?A Ten Point Guide to Disturbance in Landscape Architecture.? 2010.
Belanger, Pierre, ?Landscape As Infrastructure.? Landscape Journal 2009.
Dennison, Mark. ?Brownfields Redevelopment: Programs and Strategies for Rehabilitating Contaminated Real   
 Estate.? Government Institutes, 1998.
Engler, Mira. ?Designing America?s Waste Landscapes.? The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004. 
 
EPA: Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation. ?Superfund Green Remediation Strategy,?   
 September 2010. 
EPA. ?Green Remediation: Best Management Practices. Quick Reference Fact Sheets: Bioremediation; Excava  
 tion and Surface Restoration.? March 2010.
EPA. ?Green Remediation: Best Management Practices for Excavation and Surface Restoration.? Office of Super  
 fund and Technology Innovation. December 2008.
EPA. ?Green Remediation Best Management Practices: Bioremediation.? Office of Superfund Remediation and   
 Technology Innovation. March 2010
 
EPA. ?Superfund Green Remediation Strategy.? Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response; Office of the   
 Superfund and Technology Innovaiton. September 2010.
Gans, Deborah; Weisz, Claire. ?Extreme Sites: The ?Greening? of Brownfields.? Wiley Academy, 2004. 
Harvey Z. Rabinowitz University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. ?Under the Sky: The urban as infrastructural land  
 scape - Open space and infrastructure networks in the Val de Bi?vre met-ropolitan area (Paris).?
Hellmund, Paul Cawood, and Daniel Somers Smith. ?Designing Greenways: Sustainable Landscapes for Nature   
 and People.? Washington, DC: Island Press, 2006.
Hird, John. ?Superfund: The Political Economy of Environmental Risk.? Johns Hopkins University Press. 1994.
97
Hunter Bacot Elon University, Elon, NC Cindy O?Dell City of Charlotte, NC. ?Establishing Indicators to Evaluate   
?Brownfield Redevelopment.? Urban Affairs Review, Vol. 35, No. 5, 717-733 (2000). 
Krystallia Kamvasinou / Kent School of Architecture, UK. ?Reclaiming the Obsolete in Transitional Landscapes: 
Perception, Motion, Engagement.?
Lucretius, Ed Rerum Natura, trans. Cyril Bailey (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1947)
Nardi, James ?Life in the Soil: A guide for Naturalist and Gardeners.? University of Chicago Press, 2007.
Page, William. Florida Atlantic University. ?Potential for Redevelopment of Contaminated Brownfield Sites?
Pierre Donadieu, ?Landscape Urbanism in Europe: From Brownfields to Sustainable Urban Development.? 
 Autumn 2006.
 
Revesz, Richard; Stewart, Richard. ?Analyzing Superfund: Economics, Science, and Law.? Library of Congress,   
 1995.
Russ, Thomas H. ?Redeveloping Brownfields.? McGraw-Hill 2000.
Serres, Michael, The Parasite (Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1982), p99.
Schor, Horst; Gray, Donald. ?Landforming: An Environmental Approach to Hillside Development, Mine Reclama  
 tion and Watershed Restoration.? John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2007.  
Simons, Robert. ?Turning Brownfields into Greenbacks: Developing and Financing Environmentally Contami  
 nated Urban Real Estate.? Urban Land Institute, 1998.
Steenbergen, Clemens. ?Composing Landscapes: Analysis, Typology, and Experiments for Design.? Birkhauser   
 2008.
Waldheim, Charles. ?Strategies of Indeterminacy in Recent Landscape Practice.? Public Journal: Errata, 2006.
 
Weinstock, Eric; Sanghiv, Shefali, Gershen, Heather. ?Brooklyn?s Finest: From Brown to Green Gold? Brownfield   
 Renewal Magazine, October 2010.
 BIBLIOGRAPHy
98
President Studies
Atlantic Station - http://www.atlanticstation.com
Fresh Kills Landfill, NY. New York Parks and Recreation.
Hargreaves Associates, ?The 21st Century Waterfront: Executive Summary.? May, 2002.
Leader, Tom. ?Riverfirst.? Minneapolis River Design Competition, 2010.
Michael Van Valkenburg Associates. ?Reconstructing Urban Landscapes. Alumnae Valley, Wellesley College.   
 Redefining the Campus Landscape.? By Anita Berrizbeitia, Paul Goldberger, Peter Fergusson, and   
 Jane Amidon, 2009.
Web Sites
Bing Maps. www.bing.com/maps
Brownfields and Land Revitalization. www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI). www.nls.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/pro  
 grams/bedi/index.cfm
Brownfields Redevelopment Program. www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/brownfields/default.htm
Chattanooga City Data. City-Data.com
City of Chattanooga. Chattanooga.gov
Google Earth www.maps.google.com
Hamilton County Geographic Information Systems. www.gis.hamiltontn.gov
National Center for Neighborhoods and Brownfield Redevelopment. www.policy.rutgers.edu/brownfields/
 BIBLIOGRAPHy
99
LIST OF FIGuRES
*All photographs in this book are taken by the author unless specified below.* 
Michael Van Valkenburg Associates                      20-27, 93
Tom Leader Studio            28-29
Historic Chattanooga c. 1886 from E Podunk, The Power of Place     31
Aerial Photograph obtained from Tennessee Aquarium      31 
Hamilton County GIS, Tennessee Riverpark Map        32
BBC Planet Earth, Sand dune images         87 
Wildflower Meadow. RoomU.net           92
Cattail Marsh, Division of Forest & Lands        94
Successional Forest, Central Pennsylcania Forestry       95
           
100
101
Tyler Smithson is completing his final year of the 
first professional Master of Landscape Architec-
ture program at Auburn University.  Tyler has 
worked as a graduate research assistant for the 
past two years where he has assisted with wa-
ter quality and stream restoration initiatives in 
Alabama communities. He has been recognized 
for his leadership capabilities as an elected of-
ficer in the Student Chapter of ASLA for the past 
two years and as an Eagle Scout. Tyler?s interest 
in landscape architecture has been reinforced 
through internships with the Georgia Avenue 
Community Development Task Force and the 
Landscape Architecture Foundation in Washing-
ton, D.C. His thesis on brownfield regeneration 
focuses upon the transformation of landscapes 
by manipulating the initial conditions to estab-
lish diverse social and ecological conditions that 
foster the emergence of self-organizing systems.  
After graduation, Tyler plans on working in a 
landscape architecture firm that engages social 
and environmental concerns.
ABOuT THE AuTHOR
102
103