BROWNFIELD LANDSCAPES

We examine ecological design strategies for the cleanup and reuse of brownfield landscapes to best align natural and cultural sustainability. Advances in clean-up technologies and expanded knowledge in the theory and practice of brownfield regeneration has led to many innovative projects around the world that have incorporated ecological landscape design strategies as key elements. Now, more integrated, nuanced understanding is needed on how specific brownfield regeneration activities can best be implemented in order to minimize long-term environmental and human health risks, as well as create thriving community places and people.

     Areas of investigation include: 

  • how people perceive landscape characteristics of remediation methods and reuse strategies
  • relationships among planting design, site remediation (clean-up), and redevelopment plans
  • principles for the integration of ecological landscape design and performative landscapes, including stormwater management, in brownfield regeneration

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

We study the design and planning of green infrastructure on a regional and watershed-scale in order to improve the ecological services and cultural sustainability within the places we live. In particular, we examine how to integrate multifunctional green infrastructure strategies, such as public and private green spaces, streetscapes, stormwater management design, and native plant systems, on disturbed landscapes like vacant land, failing hard infrastructure, and brownfields.

STUDENT FARM DESIGN PROJECT

This project investigates design principles for student farms at colleges and universities in the context of campus planning, landscape aesthetics, and the urban working landscape. Understanding the physical design, spatial relationships, and placemaking of different types of student farms is needed in order to understand its impact on acceptance and demonstration of sustainable farming practices; farm aesthetics in the context of a campus landscape; supporting land tenure; and farm experience.