Critical Phenomena

Critical Phenomena was a response to a design studio prompt to create an art island for Elliot Bay in Seattles Puget Sound which responds to an environmental phenomena. I chose to focus on air quality, as the Duwamish River Valley in the South Seattle region has been, for the last decade, battling with industrial interests in the area and the associated environmental justice issues.
Air quality is not typically discussed as part of the purview of
landscape architecture and urban design however, the quality
of urban air has repercussions for public health, and effects
sensitive and economically-disadvantaged populations at a
greater rate than others. In 2011, residents of the Duwamish
River Valley have the highest rate of hospitalization of
children for asthma in King County. The Puget Sound region
is also in the top 5% nationally of communities experiencing
air toxic pollution1.
Critical Phenomena brings to light the air pollution in the
Duwamish River Valley, a combination of wood combustion,
diesel exhaust from tug boats, large ships, semi-trucks
on I-5, construction equipment, rail, marine, and port
activities. Diesel particulate matter makes up the majority
of air pollution attributed to cancer risk (72%) according
to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency2. Particulate
matter can be inhaled and irritate lungs and sinuses,
as well as contributing to cancer risk. However, at 80%
relative humidity, particulate matter will settle out of the
atmosphere3, which is why the air seems so clean after a
rain.
Critical Phenomena is both a critique of enviromental
phenomena, and a phenomenon in itself. The barge is pulled
by mule, rather than diesel-fueled tugboats, to places on
the Duwamish with the highest amount air pollution. The
presence of the piece provides a place of respite from
poor air quality, as well as a signal to residents in the
air that their air quality is harmful. If the piece is in your
neighborhood a little too much, it may be time to move.
1. http://invw.org/2011/06/13/breathing-uneasy-air-pollutioncrisis-
in-south-seattle/
2. http://www.pscleanair.org/airquality/airqualitybasics/airtoxics/
Pages/default.aspx
3. Spellman, F.R. (2009). The science