Natural Engineered Systems

Amplifying Natural Filtration Systems

Riverdale Park, Toronto, ON individual academic work

2020

This key piece of green infrastructure in the City of Toronto combats two key issues: of water quality in urban ecosystems and the decline of pollinators. The primary focus is to remediate surface water runoff with engineered bioswales that capture, control, and filter the water that flows on the site. Simultaneously strategic plant selection in the bioswales will attract pollinators and provide healthy habitats for vulnerable insects.

The site will be drastically transformed by diversifying the ecosystem, adding masses of pollinator attracting species that clean the water before it can enter the greater waterways. With the extensive gardens, seasonality can be extended, providing pollen for longer periods of time than can be found in the wild.