This thesis is concerned with the characteristics and development of scree slopes, as illustrated by examples from a small alpine valley. The major controls of scree slope development and processes are discussed with special emphasis on rockfalls and snow avalanches. The results of debris accumulation measurements on networks of cleaned boulders and polyethelene squares at seven screes from 1968-1972 are presented and discussed. The techniques are suggested as a valid means of measuring debris accumulation by avalanches. The surface sedimentary characteristics of five screes are examined in detail with particular emphasis on size sorting at various levels over the scree and possible relationships between sedimentary characteristics and sorting. Detail of the profile form of these screes is also given and the avalanche modification of screes discussed. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Both today and in centuries past, it is a reality of building that not every project is destined for success. Financial issues or unrealistic timetables can complicate a building’s construction but, while usually the final result eventually meets the initial expectations, other times the worst-case scenario of a building being abandoned during construction becomes a ruin. The project focuses on unfinished Haga castle and its future.

Regional and local changes in the climate have been driving rapid glacial retreat in many glaciers since the Little Ice Age. This retreat provides a unique opportunity to study succession across the chronosequences of glacier forelands. Patterns of plant colonization and succession on terrain exposed by retreating glaciers give insight into factors influencing alpine ecosystem change and recovery. Understanding these patterns and processes is important for conserving alpine landscapes and flora as glaciers disappear. This study sought to investigate how various biotic and abiotic factors influence plant successional patterns in the dynamic alpine environment of Sperry Glacier, a Little Ice Age, mid-latitude cirque glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana. Through field data collection, additional Geographic Information System (GIS) derived variables, and subsequent geostatistical analysis, I specifically assessed: (1.) vegetative trends (percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, species evenness, composition, and species turnover) over a 170-year chronosequence, and (2.) vegetative trends over field and GIS-derived site conditions (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, flow accumulation, and solar irradiance). Sixty-one plots (each 8 square meters) were placed throughout the glacier foreland using a random sample stratified by terrain date. Percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness were calculated for each plot. All sampled vegetation was identified with taxonomic resolution down to species whenever possible. I assessed vegetative trends across terrain age ranges using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. I used two models, generalized linear models (GLMs) and Classification and Regression Trees (CARTs), to assess field and GIS-derived biophysical correlates (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, terrain variables, and solar irradiance with vegetative trends), followed by Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn's tests, and scatterplots. Species richness and vegetation cover were greater on older terrain. Plant composition changed over terrain age, with Penstemon ellipticus favoring older terrain and Boechera lemmonii favoring moderately aged terrain. Moderate drainage and concave plots, which were important in the GLMs, explained increased species richness and Shannon's diversity across different site conditions. The CARTs were able to predict species richness, vegetation cover, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness with surface fragment sized from gravel to cobble, topographic position index, and flow accumulation. These findings show that both temporal and biophysical site conditions influence successional trends across the foreland, though different vegetation measures are most influenced differently. / Master of Science / Regional and local changes in the climate have been driving rapid glacial retreat in many glaciers since the Little Ice Age. This retreat provides a unique opportunity to study succession across glacier foreland terrain that has been uncovered for different lengths of time. Patterns of plant colonization and succession on terrain exposed by retreating glaciers give insight into factors influencing alpine ecosystem change and recovery. Understanding these patterns and processes is important for conserving alpine landscapes and flora as glaciers disappear. This study sought to investigate how various biotic and abiotic factors influence plant successional patterns in the dynamic alpine environment of Sperry Glacier, a Little Ice Age, mid-latitude glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana. Through field data collection, additional Geographic Information System (GIS) derived variables, and subsequent geostatistical analysis, I specifically assessed: (1.) vegetative trends (percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, species evenness, composition, and species turnover) over terrain uncovered between zero and 170-year, and (2.) vegetative trends over field and GIS-derived site conditions (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, flow accumulation, and solar irradiance). Sixty-one plots (each 8 square meters) were randomly placed within each terrain age range throughout the glacier foreland. Percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness were calculated for each plot. Shannon's diversity is a measurement of a community's diversity and uses both species richness and evenness to calculate diversity. All sampled vegetation was identified with taxonomic resolution down to species whenever possible. I assessed vegetative trends across terrain age using several statistical comparison tests. I used two types of statistical models to assess field and GIS-derived biophysical correlates (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, terrain variables, and solar irradiance with vegetative trends), followed by comparison tests and scatterplots. Species richness and vegetation cover were greater on older terrain. Plant composition changed over terrain age, with the species Penstemon ellipticus (rocky ledge penstemon) favoring older terrain and Boechera lemmonii (Lemmon's rockcress) favoring moderately aged terrain. Moderate drainage and concave plots explained increased species richness and Shannon's diversity across different site conditions. Species richness, vegetation cover, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness could be predicted with surface fragments sized from gravel to cobble, topographic position index, and flow accumulation. These findings show that both temporal and biophysical site conditions influence successional trends across the foreland, though different vegetation measures are most influenced differently.

Att vistas i naturen har sen en lång tid tillbaka visat sig ha positiva effekter på människans välbefinnande. Idag blir städerna allt mer trångbebodda samtidigt som det går att urskilja en uppåtgående trend i stressrelaterade hälsoproblem och en försämrad hälsa som följd av en allt mer sedimentär livsstil. Detta ställer således krav på våra urbana parker som plats för samvaro, återhämtning och rekreation. I det här arbetet undersöks sambandet mellan urbana parker och människors hälsa, samt hur parkens utformning påverkar användandet av parken som offentligt rum. Genom metoderna kvalitativ textanalys och platsanalys med utgångspunkt från Jan Gehls teori om 12 kvalitetskriterier, tas olika principer fram som underlag för ett gestaltningsförslag för Tullparken i Karlskrona. Gestaltningsförslaget syftar i att forma en park som bidrar positivt till människans hälsa och välbefinnande.

Waterfront space is an essential urban component that protects inner land and functions as an interface between nature and the built and human environments. Researching both theoretical and practical resources could be helpful in determining their prospective roles and benefits. Instead of being used solely as a public space, it should be a site that combines urban and natural environments. The Bund in Shanghai is an ideal location for studying the development of a more sustainable environment and investigating the relationship between urban and natural environments. The current Bund is in response to a row of buildings built during the period of foreign settlement and has weak connections to both the city and the river. As a first step toward reimagining its role and relationship with its surroundings, I investigate the site's design development history, site features, and people's needs. The general design direction is guided by two design principles. First, the proposed Bund is strongly associated with its history, natural environment, and urban context. Thus, the new development is inextricably attached to its location and environment. In addition, the new Bund provides more micro-spaces that people can utilize based on their activities. These spaces are interconnected, but their occupancy by different people does not conflict. The Bund's function and relationship with the urban environment, people, and nature will be redefined through the analysis and design phases. / Master of Science / Cities adjacent to bodies of water, such as the ocean, a river, or a pond, have waterfront space. It protects the city and is also a popular outdoor space. It is essential to understand its roles and functions thoroughly. Exploring and utilizing the potential benefits of waterfront space could create a more enjoyable and sustainable outdoor space for the public and the city. The Bund in Shanghai is ideal for studying the function of urban and natural environments and their relationship. The location would be evaluated and experimented with to create a better public space for the city and its inhabitants. The design development could be used as a waterfront prototype and standard for communities seeking a harmonious environment among the city, nature, and people.

Projektets mål är att aktivisera området kring Høvik kirke i Norge. Utgångspunkten är att förbättra och vidareutveckla existerande kvaliteter på kyrkotomten, samt att utgå ifrån dessa i skapandet av nya element. Projektet syftar till att omskapa kyrkohöjden till en trevlig plats att vara på, för kyrkans besökare såväl som för andra. Viktiga fokusområden är kyrkohöjdens roll som lokalt kulturcentrum, kyrkobyggnaden som lokal identitetsmarkör och landmärke, och historiska sammanhang i närområdet. Projektet har tre huvudkomponenter: park, församlingshem, och en ny tillbyggnad. Kyrkohöjden är i dag något av en icke-plats. Den nya parken blir övergångszon mellan kyrkan, församlingshemmet och omgivningarna i övrig. Som ett av mycket få publika gröntstråk blir den en naturlig plats att vistas på för ortens invånare. Nya gångvägar vill också bringa många förbi den vackra kyrkobyggnaden. Omformningen av församlingshemmet tar hänsyn till församlingens behov och önskningar. Bottenvåningen fylls av publika funktioner som bibliotek och café, och fasaden får en mer tillgänglig och inviterande karaktär. Tillbyggnaden er projektets syntes, och bidrar till att knyta ihop parken och den existerande byggnaden. Platsens roll som kulturcentrum förstärks också genom att tillbyggnaden genom sin funktion möjliggör ökade kulturella aktiviteter. / The project focuses on developing the site around Høvik church, near Oslo in Norway, into a hub of local culture. The main strategy has been to improve and develop the existing qualities and connections of the site, and to use these as points of departure for the creation of new elements. The project has three main components. Firstly, the development of a park on the hill, creating a public green space to be enjoyed both by church goers and others. Secondly, renovating and improving the existing parish building (built 1971), based on the needs and wishes of the congregation. Finally, a small addition, which connects both to the park and the existing building, taking inspiration from and adding qualities to both. Themes addressed in the research and development are the church as a landmark and focal point for local identity, the connections to the history and development of the area, and the role of the church in the local society.

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