Abstract:
A species informed approach to design is an essential part of development as we combat the effects of the negative impacts of modern urbanization. Biodiversity and ecologies of urban areas have a concentration on human life. Humans are not the only urban animal, thus the optimization of spatial resource allocation for other urban animals becomes critical. The animals that live and benefit from an association with humans and that of human developed artificial habitats are identified as synanthropes; they are highly urbanized animals and also our design partners within the pursuit of a more inclusive, flexible, and more resilient urbanism. Though the study of synanthropic design, This thesis seeks to propose design consideration criteria that seeks to promote the value of natural resources through species informed landscape design decisions.
Description:
Many forms of wildlife have created habitats on the surfaces, edges, and crevices of the built environment. Many animals have learned and are still learning to adapt to human activity and to our ever-changing landscape.
Once wild species have converted and have been redefined as synanthropic species-- animals who benefit from living in close proximity to humans. Due to humankind’s lack of control over and inability to domesticate these types of animals, such animals are often seen as pests. As the conflict of city and nature worsen, the inclusion of wildlife in our understanding of architectural design becomes more critical.
Architecture traditionally supports commercialism that places the human species at the center. Rather than displacing other animal species in the creation and implementation of human-centered design, architectural practice can serve to increase the biodiversity in the urban landscape in such a way that a more beneficial ecosystem can be formed and/or discovered.
This thesis, titled Species Informed Design, re-evaluates human- animal interactions and conditions within the urban-industrial context of Highland Park, Michigan through the use of design that aids in the development of hybrid relationships that positively contribute to the development of a more healthy, coherent, and supportive ecosystem.
