published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

Crisis of water pollution in Yangtze River Delta Nowadays, more and more incidents that is regarding the pollution of blue-green algae are reported to the public by media, and the water pollution becomes worse and worse, even in some area which has large amount of population, there is happening with the shortage of water because of the poor water quality. Exploring the culprit, the undue development of industrialization is one of the important factor. Especially in Yangtze River Delta, what the most serious water pollution causer is the textile industry, in the meantime, it is one of the pillar industry in Yangtze River Delta. However how to balance the environmental aspect with the textile industry would be the challenge for us as well as local government. So in this thesis, taking Hangzhou as an example to really figure out the way of integration environment, textile industry and inhabitant in rural area, mainly constructing water treatment system after biochemical treatment in textile mills for degradation of toxic substance involve in waste water, and try to reutilize on-site component such as abandoned channel, fishponds, farmland and demolished poor textile mills, transforming them into components of water treatment system, phytoremediation are introduced to help treatment system, providing an opportunity to integrate these three parts, and improving life quality of textile industrial gathering zone in Hangzhou. / published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

As the world's energy demand increases, it is generally known that conventional energy systems will not sustain future civilizations without repercussions to human and environmental health. Transitioning from current energy systems to those with renewable sources will be challenging and will potentially alter landscape aesthetics. However, the design of renewable technology can minimize adverse effects and can even improve the quality of living in addition to producing electricity. Wind turbines located so that landscape quality is preserved, electricity generators embedded in play equipment, or the use of solar panels to shelter people are examples of how renewable technology has been aesthetically used to improve the quality of life. To test these new ideas, this research thesis searched for examples of how landscape architects can use aesthetics to integrate renewable energy into three types of locations: regions, urban areas, and university campuses. In chapter one, analyses of methods from the Western Renewable Energy Zones (WREZ) initiative in the United States and the South Limburg project in the Netherlands reveal examples of how landscape architects can use aesthetics in visual impact studies and scenarios, which help integrate renewable energy into regions. In chapter two, an analysis of urban renewable energy projects resulted in a series of strategies for using aesthetics and amenities that landscape architects can apply to urban projects which utilize renewable technology. Chapter three presents results from a study of a design for the Ball State University campus in Muncie, Indiana, which produced a method for how landscape architects can use renewable energy products as aesthetic and unique sources of energy generation for a campus community. The subject of renewable energy is developing in the field of landscape architecture, and this research asserts that the use of aesthetics and amenities is a viable method for integrating renewable technology into landscapes. Using readily available products or customizing technology to fit the needs of a project are two options for designers who work with renewable energy to provide aesthetics and amenities. The consideration of both regional and urban scales is important to developing reliable renewable energy systems and a better quality of life. / Renewable energy, aesthetics and landscape architecture -- Aesthetics in regional renewable energy planning -- Strategies for aesthetic applications of renewable energy -- Design method for using renewable energy products -- Conclusions on using aesthetics in renewable energy design. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Department of Landscape Architecture

Emerging trends in the re-inhabitation of central cities and government funding of numerous financial incentives have succeeded in making brownfield redevelopment a far more lucrative opportunity for developers over the past decade. However, the redevelopment process itself remains virtually unchanged, maintaining a narrow focus on environmental remediation, site engineering, and short-term market demand. Land use, instead of design, drives the entire process. This approach fails to sustain development and recognize larger redevelopment opportunities based on local and regional context. Despite an increasing amount of public money used to fund incentives, development continues to overlook potential positive externalities presumably to avert risk and increase feasibility. The purpose of this thesis is to re-examine brownfield redevelopment from the perspective of urban design in order to define ways in which design might offer solutions to these shortcomings and play a more critical role in future redevelopments. Using case studies of past redevelopments of former auto plant sites, Landscape Urbanism in brownfield redevelopment, and design proposals for auto plant sites from the GM and Ford closings of 2005-2006, the thesis investigates three primary questions. First, what is the conventional brownfield redevelopment process, to what extent has urban design been involved, and what are the major issues and lessons that can be learned? Secondly, what examples of brownfield redevelopment have integrated urban design to addresses these issues and what are the specific principles that inform design? Finally, how can urban design strategies, based on principles of Landscape Urbanism, lead the redevelopment of brownfield sites?

Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-115). Also available online.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Landscape Architecture