Catalyst for ResiliencyBig Picture
This studio project shifted my focus to larger systems that effected both the city of Fayetteville and North West Arkansas. After completing GIS analyses and other modes of research, it was determined that many of the head water streams of the Illinois River Watershed were within urban centers, and were very susceptible to ground water contamination. This was caused in large part by the lack of adequate "buffers" along stream banks and the erosion of the landscape due to this. The impact this has on the region would be critical over time, as contaminated water would drain down the watershed into other residential areas, farms, and even into Oklahoma, the adjacent state. After this discovery, we were tasked to come up with ways in which to introduce practices that would positively impact this system. Resiliency Through Design
I decided to look into a small, local stream that flowed into a major stream near a apartment complex (South Creek Side Apartments). I conducted many observations and analyses as I explored the small stream in question and discovered very important elements: the headwaters of the stream originated at a huge parking garage and had drains flow directly from the road into the stream itself. There was also a critical source of contaminate build up close to a close down Pizza Hut, effecting the water quality even further. To respond to this, I designed a green-way that centered around a day-lighted stream in the middle of a lawn in the center of South Creek Sire Apartments. The goals of this development would be to slow down the water before it drains into the larger stream and clean the water in the process. Also, it would provide a place for the residents to enjoy and use, as well as a travel corridor from the Frisco Trail to Leverett Ave. for students. |