Aubrie Lincks

Rooted Restoring the connection between community and nature

Aubrie Lincks Advisor : Jeff Krieger Thesis 2019 - 2020

Maui’s culture revolves not only around the unified spirit of aloha, but around the preservation of the natural habitats and resources. The people of Maui have formed spiritual bonds with the diverse surrounding ecosystems. Nature has played a large role in essential materials, plants, and food of Maui. Maui’s relationship with nature is essential to their way of life.

Climate change has posed a massive threat to Maui’s relationship with the natural environment. Drastic and infrequent weather changes have caused drought - leading to deforestation. With declining ecosystems due to lack of native habitats, there has been a great loss of biodiversity. Harsh climate has caused land erosion and coral bleaching. Some of Maui’s native plants and species are endangered. These problems will cause a chain reaction - threatening food and water security, and economic stability for the people of Maui. These issues are a huge threat to resources and ecosystem services that the people of Maui depend on for living.

How can architecture restore the community of Maui’s relationship with the environment when climate change is an immediate threat to their way of life and vital ecosystems?

My program will consist of research labs, educational facilities, gathering spaces and a tree nursery. My goal is to make research transparent and teach the community about sustainable practices that adapt to the current climate. It will be essential to emphasize a give-take balance when it comes to natural resources. I want to inspire visitors to help restore important ecosystems in hopes to revive endangered species and their habitats. Maui’s culture and lifestyle lies in the hands of the natural resources of the island and it is vital to maintain them.

Project Goals Restore all native habitats within Auwahi Enclosure

All materials will be locally and sustainably sourced

Strategies - Conscious building structure - Tree Nursery - Build to facilitate growth

Strategies - Use 40% recycled materials and 60% traditional materials - Consider life-cycle of materials - Consider life-time of materials - How can long term materials also be sustainable?

All water used will be naturally harvested

Strategies - Surface runoff harvesting - Rooftop rainwater harvesting - Bioswales - Consider amount of permeable surfaces on site

Net-Zero Facility and Site

Strategies - Create strategic openings in building facade - Create sun-shading - Natural air circulation/ventilation - Renewable energy

Why should we care about the Climate Crisis?

Climate Impacts

Temperature

Increased Precipitation

Extreme Weather

Environmental & Institutional Context

Sea Level Rise

Social & Behavioral Context

- Land use change - Ecosystem change* - Infrastructure condition - Geography - Agricultural production and livestock use

- Age and gender - Race and ethnicity - Poverty - Housing and infrastructure - Education

- Discrimination - Access to care and community health infrastructure - Pre-existing conditions

Exposure - Extreme heat - Poor air quality - Reduced food and water quality - Changes in infectious agents

Health Outcomes - Heat-related illness - Cardiopulmonary illness - Food-, water-, and vector-borne disease - Mental health consequences and stress

Climate Change

Adaptive Capacity

Biodiversity Variety of life and species on Earth, or in a specific habitat or ecosystem

Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems Community of living organisms and nonliving components that function as a unified system

Non-climate Stressors

Adaptation Strategies

Ecosystem Services

Human Well-Being

How ecosystems provide us with vital natural resources such as; water, crops, and decomposition

State of health, happiness, or prosperity

Figure 1: Ecosystem Diagram

Fig 1: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/7/

Vulnerable Biodiversity

EcoRegions at Risk Endangered Species

160 Million gallons are siphoned from rivers and streams

Haleakala National Park, Maui 103 Endangered Species

Supports 26 Farmers

Generates 60 billion gallons per year for residents

31 Farm lots

103 Endangered Species

81 Flowering Plants

10 NonFlowering Plants

Deforestation The future welfare and agricultural prosperity of the Hawaiian Islands depends on the preservation of the forest.” - E.M. Griffith

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Maui Total Forest Cover

Aesthetics The scenic beauty of Hawaii’s rain-forested mountains is of great value to Island residents and a primary visitor attraction.

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

30%

Biodiversity and Scientific Study Hawaii’s native forests are one of the world’s biological treasures and a natural laboratory for the study of evolution. Studies of Hawaii’s native plants and animals have already revolutionized scientific understanding of how species evolve.

Aesthetics The scenic beauty of Hawaii’s rain-forested mountains is of great value to Island residents and a primary visitor attraction.

What are

Biodiversity and Scientific Study Hawaii’s native forests are one of the world’s biological treasures and a natural laboratory for the study of evolution. Studies of Hawaii’s native plants and animals have already revolutionized scientific understanding of how species evolve.

What are

Biodiversity and Scientific Study Hawaii’s native forests are one of the world’s biological treasures and a natural laboratory for the study of evolution. Studies of Hawaii’s native plants and animals have already revolutionized scientific understanding of how species evolve.

Our Forests Worth?

Commercial Forestry Hawaii’s koa forests are the source of one of the world’s most valuable hardwoods.

Our Forests Worth?

Aesthetics The scenic beauty of Hawaii’s rain-forested mountains is of great value to Island residents ew places are more renowned for their natural environment than Hawai‘i. a primary attraction.

Yet as a state we devote littleand money to itsvisitor protection and essentially take for

F

90%

Ground water quality

$4.5 - 8.5 billion Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Surface water quality

$83.7 - 394 million

Biodiversity and Scientific Study Hawaii’s native forests are one of the world’s

Clearly, our forest $487 million -$4.5 1.4 - 8.5 $660,000 - 5.5 - 394 are enorm $83.7 $34.7 - 131 Water economic Ecotourism and Clear $82.4 - 242

Biotechnology biological treasures and a natural laboratory for the study of Research into the genetics of the Islands’ native biodiversity evolution. Studies of Hawaii’s native plants and animals have already could have a significant impact on medical science, geneticrevolutionized scientific understanding of how species evolve. engineering, and agricultural biotechnology.

In-stream uses

Present Tropical Wet Forest $82.4 - 242 million

Tropical Dry Forest GroundPresent water quality granted the many benefits it provides.

Species habitat In the case of our forests, we pay no bill for the capture and filtering Biotechnology ew places are more renowned for their natural environment than Hawai‘i.

Pre-human Tropical Wet Forest of rainwater that replenishes our island aquifers, no bill for natural erosion Research into the genetics of the Islands’ native biodiversity billion billion Yet as a state we devote little money to its protection and essentially take for could have a significant impact on medical science, genetic control and clear nearshore waters. We pay no bill for the uptake of carbon engineering, and agricultural biotechnology. granted the many benefits it provides.

Pre-human Tropical Dry Forest dioxide and the supply of oxygen, for the calming influence of green Biodiversity In the case of our forests, we pay no bill for the capture and filtering Surface water quality Commercial Forestry mountains on our psyche, or the shady trails we hike. of rainwater that replenishes our island aquifers, no bill for natural erosion Hawaii’s koa forests Contemplate the cost of replicating just one of these essential services million control and clear nearshore waters. We pay no bill for the uptake of carbon are the source of one million dioxide and the supply of oxygen, for the calming influence of green through feats of technology or engineering and you begin to appreciate the of the world’s most Total Value of Subsistence mountains on our psyche, or the shady trails we hike. contribution our forests make to our economy and quality of life. valuable hardwoods.

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at are What are Hawaiian forests worth?

What are F

Past

Present

Biodiversity and Scientific Study Natural Laboratory for the study of evolution and species

Our Forests Worth?

Commercial Forestry Harvesting for valuable hardwood F (Koa Forests)

Cultural Preservation

Recreation Water$hed $62.8 - 237 Attraction for nature-

Primary product of the forests

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$660,000 $600,000 - 2.4 - 5.5

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$1 - 3 - 131 $34.7

$4.5 - 8.5

$83.7 - 394

$487 million - 1.4 $660,000 - 5.5

Liittschwager and Middleton wi

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Total Value of Goods and Services from a Single Hawaiian

Water Water is the primary product of the forest

Water$hed Cultural Preservation The perpetuation of an authentic Hawaiian culture is closely tied to the preservation of

The perpetuation of an

travel, is one the fastest growing

water quality sectors of global tourism and an authentic Hawaiian included in conventional assessmentsSurface of economic health.

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- 3 billion pricing should reflect their million true value to our “Environmental Evaluation and the Hawaiian Economy,” prepared by the University of Hawai‘i Economic

$82.4 - 242

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$4.5 - 8.5

Surface water quality

sectors of global tourism and an important component of the Commercial Forestry Hawai‘i visitorkoa industry.

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Water$hed

Water$hed$34.7 - 131 $62.8 - 237

Clearly, Clearly, our forests our forests are enormous are enormous economic assets economic assets

$82

$62.8 - 237 $7.4 to 14 billion Aesthetic Values $1 - 3 billion

Commercial harvests Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

$600,000 - 2.4 million

Ecotourism

$1 - 3 billion Climate Control

$82 million Total

$7.4 to 14 billion Ecotourism and Recreation Ecotourism, or nature-based

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

sts Worth? h?

enormous economic assets. Just as clearly, not reflected in the price we pay for water . Scientific research, tourism, fishing, forestry, are all industries that directly benefit from extent that the state is involved in the forest resources, such management and value to our economy.

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Commercial Forestry Hawaii’s koa forests are the source of one of the world’s most valuable hardwoods.

rchers at the University of Hawai‘i took a * “Environmental ds and services derived from our forests.

InEvaluation and the Hawaiian Economy,” prepared by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization.

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ch Organization.

Biotechnology Research into the genetics of the island’s native biodiversity

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

Aesthetic Attraction for visitors and residents

Liittschwager and Middleton with Environmental Defense © 2002

ur Forests Worth?

Cu Th au cu to ou

Reforestation Auwahi Forest Restoration Project In partnership with Ulupalakua Ranch

Present

1950s

With only 3% of this forest type remaining, without action, Hawaiian dry forests lie on the edge of extinction‌ Teach Learn

Gather

Experiment

Collaborate

Demonstrate

Gather

Users and Experience Education

Research

Volunteer

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Lab

Storage

Storage

Dining Hall

Exhibit Collab

Collab

Equip.

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

Class

O

O

Storage

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

TR

O

O

O

O

O

TR

Planting Terrace

Mech.

Toilet Room

Toilet Room

O

0’

32’

64’

128’

Researchers

Lead Volunteers

Day Visitors

LEARN

ENGAGE

Past

Present

Future

Gather

Demonstrate

- Learn how the climate affects Maui - Learn why the forest is important

- Learning what we can do right now

- Learn the big picture - Learn about new sustainable methods of living - Research walkthrough

- Create a sense of community - Encourage community to volunteer and/or support - Learn steps to volunteer - Learn how to plant

- Restore native ecosystems - Connect with the environment through landscape experience

Ulupalakua Ranch Project Site

Ulupalakua Ranch works to upkeep farmland and preserve wildlife habitats. The ranch currently engages the community as a eatery, winery, a store with works by local artists, and a place for learning. Ulupalakua Ranch partnered with the community to start the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project in 1977.

Kula Forest Reserve

Kahikinui Forest Reserve Haleakala National Park & Magnetic Peak

WaileaMakena

Ulupalakua Ranch

Auwahi Enclosure 30min.

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve Auwahi WInd Farm

PU’U KUKUI

MAALAEA BAY

ULUPALAKUA RANCH

KULA

SITE MAKENA BEACH

HALEAKALA / MAGNETIC PEAK

Case Studies

Plan Diagrams Information: Architect: Architectural Ecology Location: Dunedin, New Zealand Type: Visitor Center Year: 2010

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Center

Information: Architect: X Architects Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Type: Visitor Center Area: 27,275 sqft Year: 2016

Wasit Natural Reserve Visitor Centre

Information: Architect: Snohetta + Duncan Lewis Scape Architecture Location: Perigueux, France Type: Museum Area: 90,040 sqft Year: 2017

Lascaux IV Information: Architect: Olson Kundig Location:Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica Type: Residential Area: 2,140sqft Year: 2017

Costa Rica Treehouse

Building vs. Landscape

Design Development Winter Term

CONTOURS @ 10’

SITE PLAN

Material Exploration

0’

100‘

200’

400’

The first floor bar is nestled into the landscape as the second floor bar gestures out to the shoreline and sky.

Form Development

GATHER

LEARN REFLECT

GE GA

EN

LEARN

Learn - Engage - Reflect

Plan

FOREST

SKY

EARTH EARTH

Section

+160’

+40’

+100’

+0

Existing Buildings

Site Map

Visitor Pavilion

Visitor Path

Service Path

Checkpoints

+210’

Building vs. Landscape Site Sections

Sustainability Strategies

SOUTH

NORTH

Dining Hall

While exploring sustainable design strategies through section, I looked at ways to maximize the use of daylight, passively cool the building, and collect rainwater.

Classroom

Hall

Hall

Offices

Water Collection

Direct Sunlight

Indirect Sunlight

Natural Ventilation

Rainwater Runoff / Collection

Lab

Hall

Grotto

Hall

Lab

Lab

Hall

Breakout

Hall

Lab

1

Floor Plans

1

2

3 7

7

4 6

z.

ez

M

5 6

Mezzanine 1. Research Lab 2. Grotto

8

Second Floor 1. Research Lab 3. Breakout Space 4. Conference Room 5. Demonstration Lab 6. Offices 7. Toilet Room 8. Mechanical 9. Mini Kitchen 10. Dining Hall 11. Plateau

9 10

11

19

18

16 21

20

15 17

15

14 12 13

17

First Floor 12. Entry and Check-in 13. Exhibit 14. Classrooms 15. Locker Room 16. Office 17. Storage 18. Forest Terrace 19. Tree Nursery 20. Oculus 21. Mechanical

Street View

Dining Hall

Approach at Dawn

Approaching the Entry

Exhibit Entry

Tree Nursery - Future

Exhibit - Past

Classroom - Present

Oculus - A place for reflection

Reflection...

Grow comfortable with ‘putting the pencil down’ - Eventually, we have to make decisions and move forward with them. It’s better to make a mistake and learn from it, than to make a move too late (or never at all).

Don’t be afraid to reach out - Sometimes it takes more than one architectural designer / student / human to work through a challenge.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, coworkers, friends, or family.

Take care of yourself - Try your best to make mental and physical health your two top priorities. It’ll be beneficial in the long run, I promise!

A sincere massive thank you to my family and friends who have been by my side, not only through the endeavor of senior thesis, but throughout my entire Drexel experience. I could not have accomplished, grown, or learned as much without your endless encouragement and support. Words cannot express how much it has truly meant to me.