Roads, highways, and buildings are main features of modern cities. Along those hard layers of landscape there is leftover terrain with scarce vegetation. Many of these forgotten lands constitute terrain vague. These hard layers of our cities have many impacts on our environment. One of the most significant is the rapid increase in the level of runoff as the ground is not able to absorb water. This problem causes a high risk of flood in various parts of the world.
This project suggests a possible way to absorb runoff by designing a wetland out of a terrain vague and improve the ecosystem of the site. At Here East, Hackney Wick, London, there is a linear site with poor vegetation near the River Lee Navigation Channel. The proposal suggests the creation of a linear wetland with defined pathways and flexible wooden scaffoldings. These provide endless moments and opportunities for visitors to engage with the site and define its use.¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
In the proposal I considered three elements for the site to introduce new identity to the terrain:
1.Water
The wetland gathers stormwater and visitors experience different moments at various times depending on the weather: A reflected landscape (when the ponds are full) and meadows (when water is evaporated). Ponds and lakes in the wetland can introduce new species to the site.
2. Pathways
A natural foundation from leftover stumps is the main structure of the pathways. These foundations detached the pathways from ground to let the wetland work without any disruptions caused by visitors. Therefore plants such as Mugwort can grow easily to attract new eco-system.
3. Plants
Plants are one of important factors in attracting new eco-systems. Plants like Common Mugwart, Buckthorn, and trees such as Ash tree can attract insects and animals by their flowers, fruits, and seeds. Therefore more and more species will come to the site.
2021
2021
Flexible Structure: Connections:
in order to provide future beam structure above (Stub Tenon Mortise). In attached to the structure and other beams by crossing joints.
Material: Wooden columns can be made up of Ash trees (which is local to the area). Wood from Ash tree are among resistant materials to humidity.
Foundation structure:
In wood industry the trees are cut from jungles and forest and their stumps left over or be removed as they rot.
(Alan J. 2005). One part of my proposal is reusing of these stumps as natural foundations. Stumps of deciduous trees can easily regrow (McIndoe, A. 2018). Comparing the ordinary foundations to the proposed foundations shows differences between the structures. The natural foundation can grow and become stronger during time (with regular monitoring), but ordinary foundations such as concrete foundations are same during time.
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