URBANOASIS

Rewilding Obsolescence in Downtown Cincinnati

Libby Graef

Growing up, conservatories, parks, and the woods behind my house were my favorite places to visit. Walking through these places I remember feeling rejuvenated by the greenery and immersion into nature. In urban environments, the opportunity to become fully immersed in nature is limited. There may not be a greenhouse to visit nearby, and optimal hiking trails may be hours away. Many cities have parks and greenspaces with flowers, grass, and a few trees, but fully escaping the urban landscape sensorially is impossible. The effects of not spending enough time in natural environments can manifest as increased stress and poor mental and emotional health. Residents of cities need opportunities to experience the earth’s beauty and restorative elements in a space that doesn’t require them to wander far from home.

By looking at biophilia’s benefits and how to blur the lines between interior and exterior, architecture and landscape, to create a space for immersion into nature in a familiar yet unexpected way, the environment becomes a thing to be experienced. The Earth is a work of art that engages all the senses. Capturing this notion and bringing the best of its elements into a human centered space to foster creativity and promote mental well-being is my goal. The deconstruction of the obsolete through rewilding entertains the idea of nature taking back what once was, occupying obsolete spaces that have been devoid of life for many years. The rewilding within the space can become a respite for city dwellers and allow them to experience the rejuvenation I feel, and hopefully shift their perspective on the need to protect our natural landscapes.

What would happen if nature were allowed to reinhabit urban spaces that no longer have purpose to humans?

Questions

How does rewilding affect spatial experiences and biophilic design for humans?

What is the future for obsolete places and how do we steward them while returning them to nature?

Can the line between architecture and landscape be blurred?