Master Thesis

PLANT OF PLANTS .

Making green space multifunctional in urban and landscape areas of Amsterdam Noord

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PLANT OF PLANTS M aking green space multifunctional in urban

and landscape areas of

Master Thesis Urbanism L. K. Szilรกgyi TU Delft 2016

Amsterdam Noord

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PLANT OF PLANTS

Making green space multifunctional in urban and landscape areas of Amsterdam Noord .

L. K. Szilรกgyi Delft University of Technology, 2016 Student number: 4420160 Contact: sz.lilla32@gmail.com

Supervised by Ir. N.M.J.D. (Nico) Tillie Landscape Architecture Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft Ir. M.E. (Marjolein) Overtoom Environmental Technology and Design Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft External examiner Ir. P.A.M. Kuitenbrouwer Architectural Design Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, TU Delft

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ABSTRACT 11 PART I. PROBLEM FIELD 13

I/1.

I/2.

I/3.

I/4.

I/5.

Point of departure Problem statement Research question Relevance 19 Design goal 20

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PART II. RESEARCH 23

Research methodology 25

II/1. Theoretical research 28

II/1/1. Rules of composition 29

II/1/2. Theory of planned behavior 30

II/1/3. Evolution theory 35

Conclusions 36

II/2. Contextual research 39

Introduction 40

II/2/1. Spatial datum 42

II/2/2. Social datum 52

II/2/3. Environmental datum 54 Conclusions 56

PART III. COMPONENTS AND TOOLS 59

III/1. Spatial components 60 III/2. Motivational tools 62 III/3. Technical tools 64 Conclusions 72

PART IV. PLANNING FRAMEWORK

Planning methodology 76 IV/1. Composition 78 IV/2. Motivation 86 IV/3. Evolution 92

PART V. DESIGN 97

Design methodology V/1. Cityplot case V/2. Visualizations V/3. Spatial guide Conclusions 128

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SUMMARY 130 FIGURE DIRECTORY 132 BIBLIOGRAPHY 136 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 141 APPENDIX I. Plant catalogue

II. Reference catalogue

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Fig. 1. Kรกrmรกn vortex - Artist: n.d. Source: pinterest.com.

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NICHE

“You can neither lie to a neighbourhood park, nor reason with it. ‘Artist’s conceptions’ and persuasive renderings can put pictures of life into proposed neighbourhood parks or park malls, and verbal rationalizations can conjure up users who ought to appreciate them, but in real life only diverse surroundings have the practical power of inducing a natural, continuing flow of life and use.”

Jane Jacobs “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

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ABSTRACT .

This paper is a Master thesis that investigates the potentials of spatial design in the battle against accelerated climate change.

As such, it aims to solve related global issues (deterioration of resources, overconsumption, wasteful consumption) with tools that are in strong physical, functional or habitual connections with their natural and built environment. Urban metabolism is examined on the block level. It explores how can globally relevant measurements be taken in the neighborhood, where inhabitants pursue their everyday activities.

As presented in Part I, the reason vegetation was chosen as the tool for a sustainable future is due to its diverse, multifunctional and flexible nature. The final product of the thesis proposes a design that can offer benefits to Amsterdam Noord environmentally and socially. It is organized and programmed in a manner that improves the willingness and knowledge of its inhabitants regarding pro-environmental behavior. By making the methodology universally applicable, it aims to lower the human influences on climate change.

In the second part, research is set up in order to find out whether the needs of the environment can coexist with the needs of the inhabitants in the limited space available.

To be able to create such design, three relevant scientific fields had to be assessed, filtered by the viewpoint of the urban designer: how vegetation-based production can be maximized (evolution theory (Darwin, 1859)), how can consumption habits be improved (theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991)), and what can the chosen design location provide (importance of context, Bell, 1993, Jacobs, 1961). The theoretical research was set up as a triangle of these three topics, that used to establish the three gravity points of the final design, without one the design is unbalanced. The second chapter in this part is dedicated to contextual research in Amsterdam Noord. It evaluates the site itself to find out how the site is different from other sites, how are its inhabitants different from inhabitants in general, what is missing, how could changes be implemented. Contextual findings

are used to filter universal findings by the research in the three fields of theory.

The third part presents a selection of the mentioned tools based on a review of theoretical and contextual research. It seeks to ask questions such as what kind of vegetation based technologies and practices are available in the world today, what kind of research has been done on the way people’s habit changes and what are the results, and finally, what are the practices of fitting tools with spatial constraints into space with the consideration of the rules of landscape composition (Bell, 1993).

The fourth part of the thesis provides three groups of measurements to combine tools in the provided box: Composition, Motivation and Evolution. The design strategy begins with providing a coherent spatial composition of existing elements and uses with added ones. The chapter ‘Motivation’ presents an inclusive methodology on how designated space is filled with pre-selected vegetationbased production, which, besides being beneficial for the user (as it provides food, aesthetics, recreation and other motivational benefits) it teaches inhabitants about how the environment can be utilized in a sustainable way on-site. The third chapter, ‘Evolution’ explains how responsibility on local production is handed over to the inhabitant to create a green space in the city that is in constant transformation.

The design transitions from a top-down initiative, an investment to a bottom-up activity, a return for the investment. The design set out by the first two steps only intends to set the boundaries, present the choices, provide the know-how, answer the ‘what’s in it for me’ and reduce maintenance costs of an evolving park network that the inhabitants can call their own.

Keywords: diversity, multifunctionality, vegetation-based production, biodiversity, bio-based values, site-specific circularity, local production

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Fig. 2. Vestlandet, Norway - Source: Google Earth.

PART I.

PROBLEM FIELD

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Part I. provides an overview of the starting point of my research. The accelerated climate change, the limited nature of resources (including space) on our planet and their wasteful overconsumption have been chosen by this thesis as the most pressing issues to solve for the coming decades, centuries in order to slow down the loss of biodiversity, and diversity in general. These three challenges are interconnected, inseparable and therefore impossible to consider separately.

The thesis hypotheses that these problems are universal, therefore strategies and adjustments in planning frameworks have to focus on this issue from global to local scale. Since all global strategies are eventually implemented in the neighborhood, the thesis aims to present how tools and methods of urban design can contribute to tackling these issues.

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I/1. POINT OF DEPARTURE GLOBAL PERCEPTIONS ON RESOURCES .

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Fig. 3. San Gorgonio, US Artist: n.d.

Source: huffingtonpost.com.

What we can learn from the past 400 000 years is obvious: diversity is the key to long term sustainability.

Fig. 4. Gemasolar plant. Spain Artist: n.d. Source: boteinco.com.

There are many factors that contribute to the accelerated nature of the global warming. The over-burning of fossil fuels contributes to sudden changes in the composition of the air, the over-use of soil depletes existing resources of nutrients, that further limit the already limited freshwater resources. The common denominator in all there issues is over-use and misuse.

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Fig. 5. Sunflower fields, unknown location Artist: H.Curtis, Source: arkive.org.

The problem is not the finite nature of resources. The problem is that the demand is too high, the Earth’s resources are depleted at a pace which the resupply cannot satisfy. It is the past century’s ideologies that brought along this problem. In all fields of production, monoculture took over: Fossil fuels provide energy almost exclusively; entire countries in Europe (some 500 000 km2) are badged as ideal for agriculture, while the continent’s whole coastline is appointed wind energy; neighborhoods in Springfield, Ohio look exactly like neighborhoods in suburbs of the Netherlands.

Generalization, monoculturalization (Figures 3, 4, 5) made progress manageable by a few stakeholders, but caused irreversible (based on human perceptions of time) processes in the Earth’s diverse surface, air composition, flora and fauna that took thousands of thousands of years to develop. This organic development abandoned monoculture four times during the past 400 000 years (Antarctic British Survey, 2015) after each great extinction that cleared grounds for new regimes of diversification.

What we can learn from the past 400 000 years is obvious: diversity is the key to long term sustainability (Jablonsky, 1991).

Monocultural solar farms are just as harmful (if not more) to the planet as refineries and coal incinerators, the same way as monocultural coffee, tulip or apple plantations.

Electricity and heat production is in the center of debates about pollution and the greenhouse effect that raises temperatures of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Common perceptions on what is renewable and non-renewable however, are false: sunshine is infinite, but that does not mean that the materials that construct solar panels are renewable.

Some believe solar panels and wind turbines can be more harmful (if used with the same rate) than fossil fuels since their output is a formerly non-existent material (carbon steel, multicrystalline silicon, (Mulvaney, n.d.)). CO2 has been part of the ecosystem, it is known to Earth since its formation.

Unlike wind turbines and solar panels, vegetation does not require the import of any raw materials and has an infinite life span due to its ability to reproduce itself at a pace that is observable within a human life-span.

If regulated responsibly, vegetation provides us food, medicine, energy, heat, stores CO2, produces oxygen without any artificial input (Hester et. al. 2003). The kingdom of plants currently has approximately 289 000 members (Roskov et. al., 2016, Wall, 2011), all of them with their unique needs, connections, strategies and benefits for other species (including humans).

INTRODUCING VEGETATION AS A RESOURCE diverse, multifunctional, and completely circular

Fig. 7. The biomass value pyramid - Adapted from: LNV, 2007.

Source of images from top: wisegeek.net; nomoredirtylooks. com; freeimages.com; ec.europa.eu; photo by author.

Vegetation is in use by humans in rural and urban areas in many forms: agricultural and energy plantations, recreational areas, golf courses, buffer zones, noise barriers, shades, construction materials, compositional elements, kitchen gardens, rooftop greenery, green walls, medicinal plants, biomedics, biomimicry, etc. This list of uses is increasing day by day with new ways of using vegetation to our benefit (plant-e and e-kaia are new emerging technologies that make it possible to harvest energy from the plant without having to burn it, explained in III/3. Technical Tools).

This rich use of one raw material (Figure 7) is not only possible due to the high number of species. This material is also alive, therefore circular in itself: the individual plant changes over time from seed to mature plant (Figure 6), provides different outputs on an annual basis. Unlike steel, coal or solar panels, it takes active and dynamic part in the evolution process. It does not only evolve, it also forms alliances with other species (plants as well as other living organizations), further diversifying the already diverse possibilities and ideas (biomimicry) the plant kingdom provides us, today.

The potential (as in strength, resilience and flexibility) and multifunctionality of vegetation is highly underrated and seldom exploited due to the lack of practices and working examples.

This problem is explained further by chapter I/1. Problem Statement, while the benefits and attributes of of vegetation is investigated further in II/1/3. Evolution theory.

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Fig. 6. The tree cycle - Artist: Nicole Fazio, Source: pinterest.com.

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Multifunctionality in four dimensions: only one plant produces O2, microclimate, food, feed, medicine, electricity, successors, heat and raw material over time.

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I/2. PROBLEM STATEMENT - SUPPLY<DEMAND .

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As ideal as it sounds to rely on vegetation for the above mentioned uses, there are three major problem fields directly related to overpopulation and the unequal distribution of resources (Figure 8).

LIMITED SPACE

OVERCONSUMPTION

WASTEFUL CONSUMPTON

Every activity on Earth has a spatial dimension. The more people inhabit our planet, the bigger these spaces become to provide the same amount of wealth for each person. The space, however, unlike almost every other material that can be found on Earth, is limited. Even within space assigned for vegetationbased uses there is a competition: energy production requires a large space that creates more value if used for another function (agriculture). Related research (II/1/1. Rules of composition) focuses on discovering the two ways to tackle the limitedness of space related to vegetation.

All materials on the planet are renewable.

What makes certain materials finite, is the velocity of consumption. Centralized material flows that aim to make supply as logical and as fast as possible have one highly negative effect: the source of production is hidden from the consumer, who therefore remains oblivious of the effortful, wasteful and damaging nature of the construction of a certain product. The free market and globalization inadvertently created a false sense of price for almost all products (electricity, plastic, clothes, etc.

(The true cost, 2015)). Inhabitants of developed societies would probably never buy a product if current production would happen right in front of the person in question. Local products are considered too expensive, while which is the price that should be considered a valid indicator. To generate a new understanding of the value of comfort, information and knowledge has to be shared as fast as these products are sold. The question of this field is about the extent to which socially accepted consumption habits can be restricted, managed in any way with placing production in their own neighborhood.

Even though plants in general are the most dynamically adapting raw materials on our planet (Sylvestro, 2015), many species with known or yet unknown benefits to other species are in threat of extinction (including for example, the coffee plant(Siddle, Venema, 2015).

Due to profit-oriented behavior and the need to make all production processes centralized, many site-specific, genetic and climatic characteristics are not considered when establishing vegetation space for a certain use. This is an unnecessary waste of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources and potentials, since cheap labor force and the right sources of knowledge are available globally. Related research (II/1/3. Evolution theory) aims to provide this knowledge, by pairing selected vegetation-related functions and existing (most probably deteriorated) sitespecific conditions with a fitting selection of the 289 000 plant species currently available on our planet (Roskov et. al., 2016, Wall, 2011).

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Overconsumption

Wasteful consumption

Design Unsuited use of resources

Waste of resources

challenge

Pollution

Tradition Economy Security Politics Wealth Education Habits

Upbringing

Culture

Monofunctional use

Wasteful consumption of Politics space Lack of data Unsuited use of resources Limited space Fig. 8. Three problem fields that the design aims to find combined solutions to in space - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

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I/3. RESEARCH QUESTION

The research question aims to put emphasis on the local nature of global processes. It aims to provide a way vegetation based production can be successfully introduced in the urban fabric to demonstrate its potential to coexist with other greenery-related functions. The basis of the question is that, for example, having an aesthetic recreational park that produces biomass as a secondary function is possible.

It opens discussion about the availability of resources on the local scale. It questions the presence of imported products in given areas, which presses the importance of investigating the possibilities in some form of social ‘engineering’.

HOW CAN GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BE IMPROVED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF VEGETATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTION IN THE LOCAL SCALE?

How can vegetation based production coexist with other functions of given space?

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How can owners and inhabitants be motivated to pursue vegetation based production in their own space?

What techniques and species can be used to keep the site attractive and functional?

I/4. RELEVANCE

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SOCIETAL RELEVANCE

SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE

Production, supply and distribution of vegetation-based goods happen in a centralized way, to which inhabitants have little insight. Electricity comes from a plant somewhere hidden in the countryside, to which raw materials (coal, gas, oil) come from even further. Edible or herbal products that can be bought in the supermarket are produced on large monocultural plantations, using chemicals to counterbalance the lack of natural predators or allies (Carson, 1962).

There are two reasons why multifunctional vegetation-based production needs to be investigated. First, the excavation of raw materials for other renewable energy installations causes most damage in developing countries, while their transportation also requires fuel. Biomass can be produced locally, from local resources (Gerzson, 2012), yet it is considered undesirable in urban areas. Recreational areas waste their potential of not only providing leisure space but also other products vegetation can provide. Investigating how space can be composed for multifuctional use is therefore relevant.

Secondly, since biomass is currently produced in monocultures (Defra, 2007; Drake-Brockman, 1996). If the right species are re-matched with the suiting location, production can be maximized, and losses of resources can be minimalized.

Scientific research regarding species and respective technologies is therefore necessary.

Introducing and spatially propagating methods that harvest energy, food, or other benefits from the plant would increase local responsibility. Sharing practical, tangible knowledge on the possibilities and rules of multifunctional vegetation-based production as an added value to existing green spaces in the city can contribute to a diverse, therefore resilient landscape.

MAKING PRODUCTION TRACKABLE

The efforts behind supplying one’s household with constant products are therefore easily forgotten. The thesis presents a design where vegetation-based production happens at a tangible distance from the consumer. The design could possibly give a reference to target when reducing consumption.

The thesis aims to introduce vegetation-based production in a multifunctional manner, meaning that the end product of space is not only energy, heat or food, but also added green corridors and new typologies of recreational areas in the urban fabric that improve local microclimate and have beneficial impact on the surroundings and its users (inhabitants, commuters, workers) in general. These green areas have different visual qualities than ‘conventional’ parks, which means a shift is needed in how nature is defined.

ELIMINATING SUPPLY CHAINS

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I/5. DESIGN GOALS .

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RESEARCH QUESTION: HOW CAN GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BE IMPROVED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF VEGETATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES AS NEW SUSTAINABLE TOOLS IN THE LOCAL SCALE?

GOAL 1:

Global problems solved as part of inhabitansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

everyday lives.

The final outcome of this design thesis aims to bring global problems into the neighborhood scale to enhance global responsibility (Figure 9). The design intends to demonstrate issues and challenges of overpopulation, limited resources, and wasteful consumption (as stated in the I/2. Problem Statement - Supply<Demand) in integration with inhabitantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; everyday lives. Design is exclusively based on the local, neighborhood scale which becomes the spatial nucleus of the global design strategy.

The triangular problem matrix needs a triangular research and design methodology, that can be applied anywhere on the planet where vegetation (any association or species) can grow. without artificial maintenance (this excludes polar and dry tropical climate zones).

This methodology, applied in space has different effects on the environment and society in developed countries and countries in development (Figure 10). In developed countries, air quality and the standard living quality slightly deteriorates and this loss needs to be compensated for. In countries in development, local resources are generally present in bigger varieties and abundance. Creating designs that enhance circularity therefore improves the living quality greatly in less developed areas. The design case of this thesis is located in a developed context, therefore the methodology is also adjusted accordingly to this attribute.

GOAL 2: The methodology is intended to be universally applicable.

the tools are site-specific

improvement of living quality in countries in development

Shift in the dfinition of living quality in developed countries

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Fig. 9. Desired global outcome.

Illustrations by author.

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GOAL 3: Once applied universally, the burdens and benefits are globally

shared on the local scale, based on site-specific

BELLANDUR LAKE, INDIA

research and resources.

Fig. 10. Desired design outcome - redesigning one location can purposefully or inadvertently enable another location on the planet to be redesigned. Sources of images: balcsi.net, economictimes.indiatimes. com

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PART II.

RESEARCH

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .

Motivational possibilities

Technical possibilities su Gen st ai erat na bil e ity

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Components

Fig. 11. Research methodology - certain technical, motivational, contextual possibilities are selected to be components to the design - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

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RESEARCH QUESTION: HOW CAN GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BE IMPROVED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF VEGETATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES AS NEW SUSTAINABLE TOOLS IN THE LOCAL SCALE?

As summarized by the research question, the aim of the thesis is to investigate how can vegetation-based production be a permanent part of the urban fabric to enhance local circularity.

To achieve this, the design methodology of the Rotterdam Energy Approach is integrated (REAP, Tillie et. al, 2009).

My research takes information from three fields. Firstly, it is essential to find out different technical possibilities of vegetation based production that generate sustainability. The term â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;technicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is used since plant species, just like engines have scientifically definable requirements to function and outputs that can be calculated. The second area to be investigated regards motivational possibilities. Techniques and practices that refine consumption and guide selected targets towards a more environmental-conscious behavior are selected. Information on composition is gathered to find out how different technical possibilities can be applied on specific locations with different environmental, social and structural attributes. During the selection, previously determined principles are applied. These findings give tools and components to the design (Figure 11).

For quotas, desired pollution reduction levels, and desired outcomes, standards set in strategic documents of Amsterdam will be taken as basis: Energiestrategie Amsterdam 2040 (2010), Amsterdam Transformation Agenda(2015), Toekomstvisie Amsterdam 2040 (2011), Europe 2020 Strategy.

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Fig. 12. Rome, Italy - Artist: n.d. Source: organicarchitecture. info.

II/1. THEORETICAL RESEARCH .

The problem statement concludes three interconnected global issues that together accelerate the pace of climate change to a speed last observed before the previous mass extinction (Antarctic British Survey - ABS, 2015).

By using species that are more competitive, more efficient, excess input of nutrients (fertilizers), water and time can be minimalized Consumption from plants has to made more integrated with existing functions in space, to be made convenient, and also more attractive. To prove that production sites can also be attractive, or that recreational sites can be producers as well, there are two approaches that need to be combined in space: how to make the best out of a certain area based on its characteristics and physical possibilities (evolution engineering) and what are the conditions for inhabitants to accept and pursue production in their green areas (motivation engineering). These two approaches are intended to have an impact on the way greenery in the city is viewed. Existing and potential composition of the chosen location is an extremely important aspect to analyze, since it is the location (physical attributes, function and inhabitants) that determines the selection of plants, uses, and methods.

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II/1/1. RULES OF COMPOSITION

Due to the limited nature of space that might already have a designated function, it is essential to give a spatial frame, a SUBQUESTION: physical declaration between spaces that are needed for the . CAN VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION COEXIST HOW area to remain a functional part of the city-context, and the WITH OTHER FUNCTIONS IN GIVEN SPACE? areas where local production can take place. The third direction of information the final outcome of the thesis is affected by is composition, affected by space as well as time and the user.

Just like the entire city of Amsterdam, the chosen location for the test case in Amsterdam Noord is also very densely used by different functions. To create these boundaries between necessary and possible, functional and aesthetic, public and private, short term and long term, the rules of landscape composition (Bell, 1993, Jámbor, 2007) is used as a set of guidelines. To better understand the context, the existing conditions in which the tools are placed, chapter II/2. Contextual research summarizes all relevant characteristics related to ite-specificity and contextuality (microclimate, soil type and quality, accessibility, social customs and habits).

It is theoretically not hard to pair different species (or associations*) with space. It only requires knowledge of the species’ requirements for given environmental conditions such as the sun, rain or nutrients. The rightful combination makes sure the plants maximize their production capacity of desired fruits, biomass and successors. For the long term survival of these vegetated spaces, however, there is another ‘environmental condition’ in need for pleasing: the people. If vegetation-based Fig. 13. Organizational rules of space - Illustration by author. Source of information production areas are meant to be kept in space for the long Bell, 1993. term, based on a human perspective they need to be spatially organized (so they can be defined) (Figure 13), and within that boundary, they either need to exceed their investment value or they need to satisfy other human values, such as emotion, beauty or religion.

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As the positioning of the Pantheon proves in Athens, functionality was no longer the only guiding principle for composing space from the times of Ancient Greece. The Golden ratio (Fibonacci), the Divine Proportion (Kepler) and the many rules of landscape and urban composition applied by Brown or Hausmann in 18th century proves that for long term survival of a design, it is not only enough to consider functional aspects; it is also essential to provide certain guidelines and rules that feed other needs of humanity (Schneller, 2011).

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Fig. 14. Variables of landscape composition - Illustration by author. Source of information Bell, 1993.

*Association: a group of plants of one or more species living together under uniform environmental conditions and having a uniform and distinctive aspect. (dictionary,com, 2016)

RULES OF LANDSCAPE COMPOSITION The rules of landscape composition are very broad and can be applied to any location. All historic eras of garden and landscape design have preferred compositional elements, rules and variables, however it never provides a definite framework, only a scale of guidelines that help in making already existing landscapes, or the introduction of new elements more aesthetic.

Parks of the the classical era (Versailles, Het Loo) relied on repetitions, shapes, symmetry, similarity, hierarchy and unity, while english landscape park designs (Stourhead, Vondelpark) inclined to use the powers of visual forces, balance, datum, enclosure or rhythm (Tar, 2009).

Many landscape architects and designers have categorized and collected these rules (Bell (1993), Psarra (2009), Bacon, (1976), Eckbo (1964), Nijhuis (2011), Jámbor (2009), etc.). These collections shared one aspect: they all attempted to be as impartial and objective as possible. There is no such landscape that would give a definition on what a rightfully composed space looks like, since the way the space is perceived is in the eye of the viewer, the way it is used depends on the destination, the speed, the time available for the user (Figure 13, 14).

BREAKING DOWN THE COMPOSITION As stated by Bell (1993) and Jámbor (2009), and many others, the landscape (or any composition) is made up of five basic elements, the line, the point, the solid volume, the open volume and the plane (Figure 15). One object can be any of these elements, since it’s role is defined by its proportions (size, form, etc.) relation to other objects (whether it is standing alone in contrast to other objects or there are multiple in the view) and by the position of the viewer (whether it is close or far).

Based on the literature review, there is no universal definition on the nature of these basic elements, since the number of landscape compositions is infinite.

These elements become influential and striking when they are purposefully highlighted by a unique attribute (color, repetition, etc.) either the designer or the viewer (as done on the images on this page).

Fig. 15. Basic elements in theory and in space - Illustrations and photos by author (From top: Ibirapuera park, Sao Paulo; Statue of Liberty, Budapest; Gas tanks in the Port of Rotterdam; View from Petrín, Prague; Tulip fields near Keukenhof).

A line can be created from perspective or a periodic repetition of objects. .

A point can be a distant soliter object.

Solid volumes can be large objects in the vicinity of the viewer.

Open volumes can be voids between two solid volumes.

A plane can be a very large object (the Earth) with a pattern, or it can be constituted of a multitude of identical objects.

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II/1/2. MOTIVATION ENGINEERING

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SUBQUESTION: .

HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

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With unlimited products coming from far away locations, it is hard to have a realistic image on the efforts and effects energy production takes. A new understanding of ‘price’ is needed which is more in line with the social and ecological costs than as it is today. This means a shift not only in awareness, but also in behavior (Steg, Vlek, 2008) and even unconscious habits (Ajzen, 1991), which is one of the most challenging tasks of the 21st century. There are many motivational factors behind behavioral change in consumption that are studied within the field of environmental psychology.

In order to successfully convince people to act environmentally, it is important to understand the reasons behind choices of behavior in general. The theory of planned behavior has been developed

by Icek Ajzen (professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts) in 1991 as an extension of the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). Even if there are many uncertainties in the field of describing motives behind one’s actions, the theory of planned behavior (cited in over 15 000 articles, sciencedirect.com) is considered as a well-supported flexible framework (Ajzen, 1991).

This chapter gives an overview of the theory, explaining how intention turns into behavior, and its interpretations for environmental behavior (Kaiser et. al. 1999) as well as a summary on how behavior turns into habit (Ajzen et. al. 2009).

In the following chapters, the theory and its possibilities for urban planning is explained in detail. As a conclusion, motivators are selected (See chapter III/3. Motivational tools) that will become part of the program set out in this thesis to increase the amount of green energy production in the chosen location.

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“Degree to which a person has favorable or unfavorable evaluation or appraisal to the behavior in question.”

Fig. 16. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (1991, reviewed 2006). Ilustration by author based on Ajzen, 1991.

Attitude

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“The perceived social pressure to perform or not to perform the behavior.”

“The perceived ease or difficulty of performing the behavior.”

Subjective norms

Perceived behavior control (PBC)

Intention

Actual behavior control (ABC)

Behavior

“The actual ease or difficulty of performing the behavior.”

FACTORS LEADING TO DESIRED BEHAVIOR Literature review In brief, the theory of planned behavior supposes that the personality we are born with has little to do with dictating behavior; it assumes that one’s intention to perform a certain behavior is rather influenced by one’s attitudes, subjective norms, and his/her perceived behavioral control (PBC) (Figure 16).

The theory describes attitudes to be based on factual knowledge (e.g. knowing that CO2 emissions accelerate climate change) and experience (e.g. an extreme smog event in one’s city) collected by the individual. Attitudes towards certain behaviors are therefore based on personal conclusions on absorbed information during one’s lifetime. Based on the finding that there is always an informational foundation to a given attitude, this component is given more emphasis in research on environmental attitudes (Kaiser et. al., 1999).

Subjective norms are “socially expected modes of conduct” (Ajzen, 1991), norms that the individual perceives as popular trends to, for example, start collecting waste selectively or to use energy saving light bulbs. This motivator is therefore based on the feeling of being pressured.

The third factor, perceived behavioral control is based on physical or psychological resources and opportunities, and influences

motivation to a certain behavior through the individuals confidence in their ability to perform it.

As opposed to actual behavioral control (time, money, skills, connections, Ajzen, 1985), PBC is a subjective image of what the individual believes him/herself to be capable of. Confidence in the success of the behavior actually has a great influence on its actual success (e.g., Bandura, Adams, & Beyer, 1977; Bandura, Adams, Hardy, & Howells, 1980).

Ajzen also highlights the role of past behavior (in an unrelated way to the mentioned three factors) as “an indication of the behavior’s stability and reliability”, and states that repetitive actions or habits are an important component in the research of planned behavior.

Studies performed by the author point out that from these three factors only attitudes can be considered significant contributors, while patterns between subjective norms and intentions or between PCB and intentions were rather mixed. The internal correlations between the three factors were stated as existent, yet unclear.

31

FACTORS LEADING TO ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR

individually to limit CO2 emissions). While there is no provable correlation between environmental knowledge and intention, the influence of perceived knowledge on ecological behavior prevails.

.

Literature review When testing the theory of planned behavior within the more specific field of ecological behavior, some factor are more influential than others (Kaiser et.al. 1999), and therefore need to be investigated in more detail (Figure 17).

The authors draw attention to the difference between environmental knowledge (e.g. knowledge that electricity comes from coal power plants that are responsible for CO2 emissions) and knowledge on behavior control (knowing what can be done Perceived environmental knowledge Environmental attitude (concern) Environmental morals and values Subjective norms

Attitude towards ecological behavior

Perceived knowledge on ecological behavior

32

40%

The authors assume that subjective norms and values also have an indirect influence on behavior, the research paper however does not go into deeper explanations about how environmental morals and values are obtained.

Actual behavior control (ABC), therefore the possibilities and barriers one’s direct environment offers and are beyond one’s control is also of particular importance. It is also highlighted that is not only essential to establish services (possibility of being supplied by green energy), it is also important to make that service, and information on the service as easy to access as possible.

The article introduces socio-cultural constraints that have been proven to influence attitudes towards ecological behavior, including “gender (Schahn&Holzer, 1990), socio-economic status (Midden & Ritsema, 1983.), mode of behaviour assessment (Hines et al., 1986/87.), group membership (environmentalists vs nonenvironmentalists: Hines et al., 1986/87.), income (Lynne & Rola, 1988.), access to recycling programmes (Derksen & Gartrell, 1993.), season (Becker et al., 1981.) and nationality (Meseke, 1994)” (Kaiser et. at., 1999).

Ecological behavior intention

75%

Ecological behavior

Actual behavior control (ABC)

Socio-cultural constraints

Accessibility of services

Fig. 17. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior modified to ecological behavior based on Kaiser et. al. 1999. Illustration by

Fig. 18. From intention to behavior (action and habit). Illustration by author based on Ajzen et. al. (2009).

Attitude .

Behavioral intention

Commitment (internal)

Action

Habit

Implementation intention plan (PBC)

FROM INTENTION TO HABIT Literature review

Other research conducted by Ajzen et. al (2009) aims to explore the nature of implementation-intentions, and how statements of commitments can affect the probability of an intention turning into actual behavior.

The research was based on a study unrelated to ecology or the environment, however, the results can be translated. Respondents were divided to small groups.

The group with the least strictness was given the task of rating the newscast on any day of the month, without setting a day on which they should return their rating.

The results of the study pointed out that once an individual is committed to having a more or less detailed plan on the time, method and other constraints of performing the action, the individual is five times more likely to do so than without having a plan. (Figure 18) There were no correlations between the explicitness of the plan and the probability of carrying out the action. If the plan is voluntarily formulated, any extent of

“mental representation of a specified situation produces a sense of commitment” (Ajzen et. al., 2009).

After drawing these conclusions, the paper discusses the differences and similarities between performing a certain action with an implementation plan (selecting waste once) and habit (always selecting waste). Even though they “both guide performance without much cognitive control” (Ajzen et. al., 2009), meaning that the individual has defined the routine of actions before performing the action in both cases, habits are described to be “established through repeated and reinforced trials” (Ajzen et. al., 2009).

Besides influencing behavioral intention, attitudes are explained to have effects on the formation of habits as well: “attitudes highly accessible in memory tend to be better predictors of overt behavior than others” (Ajzen et. al., 2009), meaning that information and values recently obtained have a higher possibility of influencing behavior than old ones.

33

.

Fig. 19. Conclusions of the importance of the theory of planned behavior. The more motivators there are, the more likely that desired habit will be pursued, based on Ajzen, 1991, Ajzen et. al, 2009, Kaiser et. al. 1999. Illustration by author.

Environmental knowledge

HABIT

Environmental morals and values What others do

An itinerary

MOTIVATORS Confidence in positive results Positive results

SUMMARY

34

There are of course great uncertainties within the field of environmental psychology. These factors presented are the most likely ones to predict future pro-environmental behavior. Even if all relations are positive there is the possibility of failing to achieve a desired behavior.

Countless studies have been performed to prove relations between the presented motives, factors and actions with more or less success. It is impossible to determine which factors have the greatest effect to given desired behavior. The thesis aims to include factors that can be influenced with urban design and planning for the most desirable outcome.

Socio-cultural constraints

Accessibility of services

Influencing behavior and habits is an extremely complex topic within the field of psychological science. From an urbanistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view there are many motivators that, instead of trying to guide attitude to intention, aim to provide the physical possibility and the channels that help those already intending to pursue some form of pro-environmental activity. It can be generally stated that the more of these motivators (Figure 19) are utilized, the more likely it is to reach a positive outcome. The way these tools are implemented in practice is explained in chapter III/2.

Motivational tools.

II/1/3. EVOLUTION ENGINEERING

]

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

]

Since Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962), concerns about impacts on human activities have been given more importance.

Climate change and global warming have become frequently used terms to describe the harmful effects humanity has on the planet. Global warming, however, is not a new phenomenon to Earth. It has been proven by ice core measurements that climate has changed rather drastically many times before(ABS, 2015), therefore, naturally ‘engineering’ species and ecosystems. As defined by Sylvestro (2015), “In the plant kingdom, mass extinction events can be seen as opportunities for turnover leading to renewed biodiversity,” The climate change we are experiencing, however, is different due to its accelerated pace (ABS, 2015) and due the awareness of the source of this accelerated pace of change. .

“One general law, leading to the advancement of all organic beings, namely, multiply, vary, let the strongest live and the weakest die.”

- Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species

“It is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”

- Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man

“We have reached a stage where there is general agreement that ecosystems, including the global ecosystem, must be managed” - D. Jablonski, 1991

Since humanity - unlike dinosaurs - has the awareness and the ability to change, it raises the question whether humans could, and should consider planning with ecological adaptation to the urban landscape, and if so, how (Jablonski, 1991). In urbanized areas, especially on reclaimed land for example, it is unreasonable to create a biodiversity that was never present on the location. These engineered landscapes can give space to limited biodiversity, unsuited plants will require excess chemicals, or will eventually die.

Based on this understanding, research in chapter III/1/1. Technical Tools is dedicated to present the possibilities in multifunctional vegetation based production possibilities responsibly. Appendix 1 - Plant catalogue lists only such species that are suited for the conditions of the research area (III/2. Box - Amsterdam Noord).

To summarize the relevance of the relation between resilience and diversity to this thesis, urban planning and design has the tools for the possible management of ecosystems, especially in highly urbanized areas where complete seclusion is no longer an option. context, the box in which the tools are placed chapter III/2.

Box - Amsterdam Noord summarizes all relevant characteristics related to ite-specificity and contextuality (microclimate, soil type and quality, accessibility, social customs and habits).

35

CONCLUSIONS

THEORETICAL RESEARCH .

The following conclusions and principles can be considered as conclusions drawn from the three theoretical frames (evolution engineering, motivation engineering and contextuality). They keep an invisible bridge between the global context presented in the Introduction all the way to the final design drawings. These principles are also what guide the selection process of tools and components that are to be combined later in the design.

RULES OF COMPOSITION

principles

Spatial components can be multifunctional, affected by time and movement.

Multi-functional - Existing networks, systems, buildings and installations will be used for added energy production surfaces.

Site specific - Materials and plant species are selected in the design phase that are ideal for the climatic and soil conditions

THEORY OF

principles

PLANNED BEHAVIOR Obtaining pro-environmental behavior is a result of a number, a combination of different motivators.

Personal - The thesis aims to find solutions are sought that motivate the individual to change his/her immediate environment and own customs.

Reasonable - The thesis aims to increase the ratio of costs and benefits.

Gratifying - Efforts given by targets are positively reinforced by visible results, feedback or rewards.

Aesthetic - Quality and visual harmony are highly essential characteristics when designing for the long term. The design aims add quality without disturbing functionality or composition of the existing surroundings.

EVOLUTION

principles

THEORY Ecosystems either have to be managed or the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;strongestâ&#x20AC;? species need to be selected.

36

Low maintenance - Technologies and plant species are selected in the design phase that are functional for the longest possible time with the least need of maintenance.

Efficient - The most productive and efficient (in terms of time and money invested) methods and plant species are selected for the design.

.

37

.

38

Fig. 20. Amsterdam - Source: Gemeente Amsterdam.

II/2. CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH

]

]

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION COEXIST WITH OTHER FUNCTIONS IN GIVEN SPACE?

.

Amsterdam has always been a city of innovation, where sustainability and the aim to be more environmentally friendly has become a priority in related strategic documents (EAA, 2014, Energietransitie, 2008, European Strategy for Amsterdam, etc.) as well as in the mindset of its inhabitants. Amsterdam Noord is one of the most densely vegetated districts in this city with a prominent industrial heritage. Many parts are currently undergoing revitalization and renovation, while the belt of the harbor separating the city center from the residential areas - is facing a complete transformation. This changing atmosphere provides many opportunities to bring along changes in the way we look at our environment and open spaces which this thesis aims to embark on.

This chapter examines the research area from three different approaches. It first presents general information about the site, including its position in the urban fabric of Amsterdam, its administrational boundaries, and its desired development directions.

Then evaluation and assessment is made in three more topics, three types of unchangeable information that are indispensable to find out how vegetation-based production can be introduced: structural datum, social datum and environmental datum*. The goal is to find complementing points, weaknesses, opportunities or challenges that can form symbiosis**, therefore, multifunctionality. *datum: attributes that are given, provided by the location and are considered as unchangeble constants in this thesis (Bell, 1993). ** symbiosis: any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups. (dictionary.com)

39

INTRODUCTION

Fig. 22. Green areas wedge into the city along waterways - Illustration by author. Souce of base image: Google Earth.

.

ay wat erw

ay wat erw

wate

ris Low rise e Ha rbo ur

Landscape

rway

High

Fig. 21. Schematic Noord- Illustration by author.

Source of base map: Gemeente Amsterdam.

BROAD CONTEXT - LAYERED CITY

40

Amsterdam Noord has a characteristic layered structure (Figure 21). The closest belt to the IJ is the industrial harbor. These neighborhoods (especially Overhoeks, Buiksloterham and the NDSM werf) are in dynamic transition towards hubs of innovation, design and sustainability.

As we leave the former harbor towards the North, this youthful, eclectic atmosphere disappears. Identical light residential housing blocks await renovation with an aging population and low spatial quality.

Further north the typology changes again. Functionalist dense residential housing blocks follow one another in the densifying greenery towards the ring road that demarcates the border between the city from the landscape. These residential neighborhoods still have the secluded identity of Amsterdam Noord, while the harbor is already on its way to joining the vibe of the southern bank of the IJ. There are radial waterways that break the continuity of these three typologies and bring green surfaces into the urban fabric as presented on Figure 22.

Fig. 23. Chosen location strip along one of the green corridors, the Zijkanaal and the Nieuwe Gouw - Illustration by author. Souce of base image: Google Earth. .

Fig. 24. Identities change along the canal from the city towards the landscape - Illustration by author.

THE RESEARCH AREA EXPERIMENTAL TO TRADITIONAL Based on Amsterdam Noord’s layered urban structure, a linear section is chosen that entails all characteristics of the city districts: from Overhoeks with its landmarks through the experimental Builskloterham and Papaverweg e.o., the tranquil Buiksloterbreek to the functionalist Barne Zuidwest and Nordoost. The abundant green areas of Kadoelen on the eastern side of the canal also belong to this strip based on the area’s landscape morphology The selected area to introduce vegetation based production technologies takes a strip of all layers of Amsterdam Noord.

(Figure 23).

There are shifts in many characteristics along the waterways of the Zijkanaal I and the Nieuwe Gouw. Planned turns into natural just as abruptly as the liveliness of the old harbor turns into the calamity of the residential areas. Leftover green turns into quality green, and finally, a nature reserve. It the presence of the water that guides us along this diverse area - from the capital city toward the open peat polder landscape unique to the Dutch land (Figure 24).

There is the dynamically changing harbor and the yet dormant low rise and high rise residential blocks that await renovation (Figure 25, ruimteiljkeplannen.nl, 2016). While the harbor is being transformed into Amsterdam’s new creative playground, the areas above it lag behind in development. The development of Overhoeks and the NDSM werf has drawn the harbor south to be part of the city, but the neighborhoods above stayed where they were before: disconnected. This is clearly visible by the lack of transport routes through the harbor: bikers have to cycle around it, pedestrians feel unsafe and the waterfronts are still blocked, further explained in chapter II/2/1. Spatial datum.

RURAL

SPORTIVE

Kadoelen

Banne Noordwest

OPEN GREEN QUIET MESSY HIP

Banne Zuidwest

Buiksloterbreek Papaverweg e.o.

Buiksloterham

LOCAL

GREEN MULTICULTURAL POST-WAR

TRANQUIL SECLUDED CREATIVE TRANSITIONAL

FRESH Overhoeks

Revitalization of building stock and public space

Transformation of harbor to mixed use area

Fig. 25. Areas in transformation - Illustration by author.

41

II/2/1. SPATIAL DATUM

]

]

.

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION COEXIST WITH OTHER FUNCTIONS IN GIVEN SPACE?

As research in the field of landscape and spatial composition points out (Bell, 1993, Jรกmbor, 2009), there the landscape and space in general can be broken down to lines, points, solid volumes, open volumes and planes. This way of looking at a certain view is very subjective, since a solid volume might look like a point to someone on the other side of a river. In this thesis, these components are defined in a certain way (see chapter III/1. Spatial components), however, these definitions are also subjective.

In the research area, all five components are present as routes (or missing routes), destinations, anchors, views and park surfaces. This chapter presents these five elements in Amsterdam Noord and even in the greater environment. Elements do not have to be on location to be in visual or destination oriented connection with other elements and inhabitants in the research area.

Since these components are best presented in space, most of the explanation in this chapter is in a visual form instead of a written one.

42

DESTINATIONS Point = Destination Destinations are objects, institutions, supermarkets in the vicinity or in the distance, where routes are heading. In the case of the research area, it is mostly the city center where inhabitants of the North commute to. This is the most distant destination, which inhabitants usually take by bus or bike. There are other points, destinations in the vicinity that are associated with daily activities such as shopping for groceries, going to school, sport or attend religious services.

These are the points in the area with different functions (Figure 26).

existing sport facilities .

existing schools hospital industrial monument religious facility

ferry to Amsterdam Centraal

building crane

ferry to Amsterdam Centraal

department stores

existing school

ferry to Amsterdam Centraal Amsterdam Centraal Fig. 26. Destinations outside of the research area that inhabitants target - for the research area, they can be considered distant points. Illustration by author.

43

ROUTES

Fig. 27. Bicycle lanes and walking routes in the reseatch area.

Illustration by author.

Line = Route

.

Routes are identified based on where locals generally go during their everyday activities. These are functional corridors that channel crowds between destinations.

Routes are connecting corridors between the traveler and the destination (Figure 27). In this sense, the corridor between the northern part of the research area and the main destination, Amsterdam city center is blocked. As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, the strip of the harbor cuts residential areas almost entirely off the bank of the IJ. Due to the fact that these industrial functions are no longer prevailing in such central areas, the harbor is undergoing a transformation, industrial functions are giving room for inhabitants and in general, people. This is still an ongoing process, therefore the connection with the biggest destination is missing, inhabitants have to take excess time to go around the harbor (Figure 28).

There are many initiatives to bring biking lanes into, through, along the harbor, including the one that has recently been accepted. It aims to establish a walkway and bikeway along the waterfront of the IJ to make the river and the related view an accessible part again (Van Dam tot Dam, Hakvoort et. al., 2012). The other routes are between facilities and the areas with mainly residential functions. Pictures of the research area are presented in Appendix 2.

Existing routes Missing links

44

Fig. 28. Missing links of bicycle networks between living areas and harbour. Illustration by author.

ANCHORS Solid volume = Anchor Anchors are attractive objects within the design area, that create a sense of atmosphere, genius loci or a landmark within the area. The difference between the Destination and the Anchor is their general distance from the park’s user and its use.

.

On location, anchors, as in large objects that create a certain identity, atmosphere in the space around them for visitors outside the area are present only on the southern part of the research area. The most famous ones with the biggest atmosphere are the EYE Film museum and the A’dam Toren. These landmarks are important identity creators of the entire city district of Amsterdam Noord. The Shell Technology Center sets the innovational atmosphere the harbor aims to inherit, while there are other anchors that draw in smaller crowds of inhabitants: cafés and bars create a sense of belonging for locals as well as visitors (Figure 29).

There is a lack of anchors in the northern residential part of the research area that the design will reflect on.

Waste stations are also highlighted as local anchors since these locations are already part of the mindsets of inhabitants to gather waste in general.

They are therefore potential locations of biowaste collecting stations as well.

existing shopping conglomerate existing hospital

existing religious facility existing waste stations existing shopping conglomerate

existing cafés

Shell Technology Center The EYE museum & Amsterdam Toren Fig. 29. Anchors - local landmarks and pinpoints in the research area, including waste stations. Illustration by author.

existing café

Amsterdam Centre

45

VIEWS .

Open volume = View

Open volumes are voids, empty spaces between two large solid volumes that allow the user to see outside of the park.

Views, even if they are not physically in the research area, they still contribute to how the park is sensed, they provide the visual knowledge on the position of the design area and its surroundings. Since the research area - just like the rest of the city - is flat, it is large water bodies and dykes that create open visibility over more distant areas, or objects in the distance.

In the case of the research area, it is the IJ that separates physically, but visually connects the two sides of the city since there is no other object standing in the way. Since the harbor as of recently is accessible (and is on its way to become even a home to inhabitants, buiksloterham.nl, noord.amsterdam. nl, 2016) there is great opportunity in using this wide view for including Amsterdam Noord within the rest of the city, and vice versa. Besides the IJ, there are lakes of smaller scale that hold the same properties on a smaller scale as well as the IJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main protection dyke that provides an overview in the northern parts (Figure 30).

LAKE DYKE

LAKE

IJ

Fig. 30. Views - Open water surfaces and height differences of dykes provide views in the research area. Illustration by author.

46

PARK SURFACES

Plane - Park surfaces Planes are the areas where vegetation-based production will take space (Figure 31). They are areas within the research area, and they are defined by routes (therefore destinations), anchors and views. From among all spatial components, planes are the most important ones and also the most complex to look at since this is the space where vegetation-based production could take place.

.

They have certain soil conditions(described as an environmental datum), they are owned by someone, maintained by another company and used by a third party, usually the inhabitant. They can be private and public spaces, or spaces that are shared by only a group of inhabitants. They can be already vegetated, or they can be completely neglected areas that stand empty permanently (balconies) or temporarily (future construction zones). The selection of the park surfaces in this chapter are therefore only to demonstrate what is physically possible in the research area, as a quantitative study. The actual potential is complicated further by the user: whether it is beneficial for the owner/user to pursue pro-environmental technologies regarding vegetation is impossible to predict. This thesis has chosen the best practices tailored to this location nevertheless.

Figure 35 shows the rich diversity of spaces theoretically available to some or more extent for vegetation-based production, including their average size and current use to integrate new functions with. Unlike other components planes can also refer to walls, rooftops and water surfaces, therefore their presented map is also in 3D.

Fig. 31. Planes - Surfaces in the research area that are vegetated or are suitable for vegetation. Illustration by author.

47

Municipal ownership and use Municipal, leased by corporation Corporate . ownership and use

Forest Corporate green = green areas that are going to remain open for at least 3 years Wetland Recreational park

Municipal park Municipal park Future municipal park

Future residential area Municipal park

Fig. 32. Ownership conditions on site. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

Fig. 33. Public and corporate spaces in the research area. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

OWNERSHIP, MAINTENANCE AND USE

CATEGORIZING VEGETATED SURFACES

As stated previously, the research area offers a wide variety of space typologies regarding who uses, maintains and uses the space (Figure 32).

Usually municipal and public corporate greenery is maintained by separate companies (hoveniersbedrijven) and used by the inhabitant. Private spaces are used and maintained by the inhabitant, which means vegetation-related goods give the return to the inhabitant as well instead of the commons.

48

Figures 33 and 34 are restricted to show information only on surfaces that are publicly or corporately used, therefore have the potential to become starting points, experimental areas for the scope of this thesis. There are many areas dedicated for vegetation in the area, but they have different functions, conditions and qualities, and therefore offer different possibilities for vegetation based production. From the perspective of evolution engineering, it is important to choose technologies that are the most efficient for the selected locations while paying attention to creating multifunctional surfaces and use.

Considered characteristics are the ones determined in chapters II/2/2. Social datum and II/2/3. Environmental datum.

These analyses are crucial to determine which technological tools can be matched with which vegetated surface. IV/2.

Fig. 34. Potential locations to promote vegetation based energy production techniques. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

Motivation presents the combination of space and technical tools in space. The procedure of maintenance depends on the type and ownership of space. Municipal, corporate and corporately leased areas are maintained by private companies. In Amsterdam, there are 78 maintenance companies (hoveniersbedrijven) that are hired by companies and districts (bestuurcommissies) to maintain greenery. In Amsterdam Noord, municipal areas such as roadside greens and parks are maintained by Hoverniersbedrijf Grigo (grigo.nl, 2015). These companies have the equipment to collect and transport green litter and clippings to composting sites or incinerators. Garden clippings and waste (GFT-afval) is currently not collected separately from residents uniformly in Amsterdam.

Municipal space

Roadside green Average: 600 m2

The residential block Interior Average: 42 m2

Garden Average: 22 m2

Recreational park 1900 m2

.

Wetland 1900 m2

Rooftop Average: 30 m2 Balcony Average: 4 m2

Leftover green Average: 600 m2

Leftover green

Fig. 35. Elements on site that can possibly be involved in a certain vegetation based production type. Illustration by author.

Average: 600 m2

Walls Average: 300 m2

The corporate block Rooftop Average: 600 m2

49

.

Fig. 36. Spatial components form the frame in the research area: destinations, routes, anchors, planes and views. llustration by author.

50

SUMMARY

.

While the harbor gets connected to Amsterdam Centraal, the rest of Amsterdam Noord is still disconnected. The city district is in dynamic transformation, however there is room for development: bicycle and pedestrian routes are regularly along waterways and green areas in Amsterdam, this link along Zijkanaal I is missing.

Soil is in poor physical and chemical condition in the harbor, which affects the selection of species in Appendix 1 - Plant Catalogue. Green in the neighborhood does not necessarily mean quality; there are many other vegetated areas with no function or quality. These vegetated areas and potential planes for vegetation based production are owned and maintained by different actors. Competitions among neighborhoods and streets are functional ways to motivate inhabitants in Amsterdam Noord to pro-environmental behavior (Figure 36).

MISSING ROUTES TO DESTINATIONS LACK OF ANCHORS IN THE NOTHERN PARTS UNUSED POTENTIAL FOR VISUAL CONNECTIONS LOW QUALITY PUBLIC GREEN UNUSED PRIVATE SPACES

51

II/2/2. SOCIAL DATUM

]

SUBQUESTION: .

HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

] In this chapter, habits and customs specific to the inhabitants of Amsterdam Noord are presented. They can be transformed into pro-environmental behavior with top-down interventions or actions.

It was essential to find out what kind to services are already provided (Figure 37), and what kind of participatory projects, competitions do inhabitants of the area take part in.

existing waste stations

Fig. 37. Existing waste collection stations in the research area.

52

ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES As stated in chapter - III/3. Technical tools, biomass or biowaste (GFT-afval) is currently not collected separately in Amsterdam Noord (Gemeente Amsterdam, 2016). It is collected together with the generic waste (restafval) in the collection stations presented on Figure 36. These containers are placed around residential areas and are parts of the inhabitants’ everyday habits, environments. In Amsterdam West, as part of an inititive to transform the city district’s biowaste into compost, it is possible to collect biowaste separately. The inhabitant has to send an e-mail to the given address, and his/her biowaste is personally collected (Gemeente Amsterdam, 2016).

In the framework of the project ‘GFT-verzameling-omhoog!’, several locations in the Netherlands with different social compositions were selected to see the maximal potential of collectable biowaste. The following conclusions were determined

by GFT expert, Remco Brommer in 2014: • collection of biowaste is free of charge, while there is a fee for general household waste; • biowaste is collected more frequently during summer; • in high rise zones, smaller containers are placed that are emptied more frequently; • sharing of information; • biodegradable plastic bags are distributed free of charge.

Competition for titles such as ‘The greenest street’, or ‘The most active street’ have a tradition in the city district of Amsterdam Noord, which is a functional and well established motivator of inhabitants that can be used within the program (noord.amsterdam. nl, 2016; noordamsterdamsneiuwsblad.nl, 2014; staldevries.nl, 2012). There is a very strong sense of community (from an Eastern-European perspective) where neighbors cooperate in their free time to make their street attractive (Figure 38).

.

Fig. 38. Past pro-environmental behavior related competitions in the city district. Sources: noord.amsterdam.nl, 2016; noordamsterdamsneiuwsblad. nl, 2014; staldevries.nl, 2012.

Collecting action points (spaarkaart) is also popular for consumers in general. Although it is mainly a marketing move to make customers systematic visitors at given shop, it is also a great motivator for pro-environmental behavior that is already known by inhabitants. If used for an environmental reason (collecting biowaste for a certain reward, which is also pro-environmental) it does not only give the good feeling of accomplishment and receiving a free/discounted product, it also helps the environment.

The thesis in this sense uses previous habits that were not necessarily related to the environment, and gives these activities an additional value that makes the collection of points even more motivating (Figure 39).

CONCLUSIONS: COMPETITION MOTIVATES LEARNING SERVICES ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE RESULT-ORIENTED SOCIETY

Fig. 39. Consumer behavior in general - collecting points to receive a reward or a percentage off is globally popular for consumers. Sources: rekenbeter.nl, groenrijk.nl, snackbarshoepje.nl, hebberdierenspecialzaak. nl, tankstationsice.nl, shelldruten.weebly.nl, bloemkaartje.nl, retrieved in 2016.

53

II/2/3. ENVIRONMENTAL DATUM

]

.

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

]

In order to make the best selection of species for vegetationbased production it is important to be familiar with the natural conditions the location offers in regards of climate, microclimate and soil.

The most global influence comes from the position of the country (and the research area) on the globe. It is situated between the 52° 23’ N latitudes, which provides information on the annual shifts in the angle of the sun that reaches the research area.

Figures 41 and 42 present sun conditions on the longest day of the year (June 21)and the shortest day of the year (December 21) on a clear day (data from REVIT model). As observable, there are extreme differences in available sunlight throughout the year regarding intensity, sunlit hours and shadow lengths (Figure 43. weather-and-climate.com, 2016).

In the continental scene, the Netherlands is located in the temperate maritime climate zone. This means that due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, the daily, monthly and annual fluctuations of temperature are more temperate than it is in the inner parts of the European continent or areas with the same latitude (Figure 44). For the same reason, precipitation occurs with bigger frequency, in larger quantities (Figure 45). The extreme difference between seasons that can be observed in the inlands is levelled by the influences of the sea, since larger water bodies react to heat from the sun (and the lack of sun) slower than land bodies (weather-andclimate.com, 2016).

54

The other environmental datum, the sometimes uncommonly strong wind has to do with two factors. The Netherlands is located in the corridor of the Westerlies (prevailing western winds), that bring warm sea temperatures and rain to the country. Due to the geomorphology of the country, there are no barriers that would moderate the strength of these winds (Figure 46 and Figure 47 weather-and-climate.com, wageningenur.nl, 2016).

These above mentioned climatic characteristics are influenced by global processes. A more local attribute is the condition of the soil (Figure 40, data from maps.amsterdam.nl, 2016).

From among all other environmental datums, this is the ‘easiest’ one to change, either by mechanic, chemical or organic soil remediation, depending on the time available for the process to take effect. (Organically, however, soil structures can still take decades, centuries take their original form, once disturbed(Vajda, 2010)).

From the perspective of vegetation it is important to state the following conclusions: • No expectancy of frost; • Great fluctuation of sunlight availability; • Constant south-western wind; • No expectancy of drought; • (and abundance of water) • Possible extremities: EXCESS WIND (PHYSICAL

STRESS);

SOIL

EXCESS RAIN (CHEMICAL STRESS); INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF NUTRIENTS IN SOIL.

Fair Poor

Fig. 40. Soil conditions in the research area. Illustration by author. Source of information: maps.amsterdam.nl

LIGHT&SHADOWS

TEMPERATURE

Fig. 44. Average minimum and maximum temperature over the year in Amsterdam. Source: weather-and-climate.com.

.

PRECIPITATION

Fig. 41. The research area on 21 June. Illustration by author. Source of information: Revit.

Fig. 45. Average monthly precipitation over the year in Amsterdam. Source: weather-and-climate.com.

WIND

Fig. 46. Average wind speed over the year in Amsterdam.

Source: weather-and-climate.com.

Fig. 42. The research area on 21 December.

Illustration by author. Source of information: Revit.

Fig. 43. Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year in Amsterdam. Source: weather-andclimate.com.

Fig. 47. Average wind direction distribution over the year in Amsterdam. Source: windfinder.com.

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CONCLUSIONS

CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH .

spatial datum

missing routes to destinations lack of anchors in the northern parts unused potential for visual connections low quality public green unused private spaces

social datum competition motivates learning services are not accessible result-oriented society

environmental datum excess rain excess western wind soil in poor quality

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Fig. 48. Kew Garden, London - Photo by author.

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PART III.

COMPONENTS AND TOOLS This chapter provides a detailed overview of the selected components, tools from the three fields of research that will be combined the design based on contextual research.

It presents reasons for selection of each component, essential information of operation, maintenance, application and possibilities for combination.

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III/1. SPATIAL COMPONENTS .

]

]

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION COEXIST WITH OTHER FUNCTIONS IN GIVEN SPACE?

ADDED SPATIAL COMPONENTS The nature and role of basic elements in the landscape or the urban fabric can also be interpreted in many ways. The design of this thesis intends to use these elements to demarcate the space that is going to be used for vegetation based production, as to define the relationship between the production space and the functional space, the relationship of the design area and the rest of the city (Figure 49).

In this viewpoint, these elements become spatial components that will frame and guide the design. Existing components are paired with missing ones that are identified in chapter II/2/1.

Spatial datum.

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Line = Route Routes are identified based on where locals generally go during their everyday activities. These are functional corridors that cannel crowds between destinations.

.

Point = Destination Points are objects, institutions, supermarkets in the distance, outside of the design area where routes are heading.

Solid volume = Anchor Solid volumes are attractive objects within the design area, that create a sense of atmosphere, genius loci or a destination within the area. The difference between the Destination and the Anchor is their general distance from the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s user and its use.

Open volume = View Open volumes are voids, empty spaces between two large solid volumes that allow the user to see outside of the park. Views, even if they are not physically in the design area, they still contribute to how the park is sensed, they provide the knowledge on the relation of the design area and its surroundings.

Fig. 49. Pairing basic elements with function (in this thesis) Illustrations by author.

Plane - Park constraint Planes are the areas where vegetation-based production will take space. They are areas within the design area, and they are defined by routes (therefore destinations), anchors and views.

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III/2. MOTIVATIONAL TOOLS .

Perceived knowledge on ecological behavior

Sustainable choices

The provision of sustainable choices provides knowledge on actions that can be rightfully perceived as pro-environmental.

]

SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

]

Accessibility of services

The provision of easily accessible selective biomass collecting stations is very important for a successful return.

Implementation intention plan (PBC)

As a motivation, planks are placed in the streets that earned the title of, for example, the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Greenest Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This kind of mentality and general appreciation towards a well-maintained public space gives optimal grounds for development, the sharing of pro-environmental practices.

Biowaste collection infrastructure

Neighborhood compoetitions for communal awards

Competitions can also be about which street/ community/neighborhood produces the most fruits, green electricity or biomass.

Implementation intention plan (PBC)

Individual competitions for individual awards

Motivating inhabitants to collect points for submitted biowaste bags in order to get a free e-kaia device in return is a possibility.

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ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES

PERCEIVED KNOWLEDGE ON ECOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR

IMPLEMENTATION INTENTION PLAN (PBC)

Collecting biomass or purchasing a plant-e device have mostly practical barriers.

Biomass has to be harvested, stored, transported to the biomass briquette or chip manufacturer (depending on the type of biomass) and later to the thermal power plant. Bio-waste, unlike plastic or paper waste does not have its own container in the local waste stations. Regarding direct electricity producing tools (plant-e, e-kaia) the barrier is its high cost. The program presented in IV/1. Composition on how to tackle these issues.

Providing options within pro-environmental activities (instead of the choice between being pro-environmental or not environmental at all) gives the owner a sense of authority, therefore, responsibility.

These options will vary from least to most biomass intensive use proposals. The plant catalogue (Appendix 1) gives the owner the option to assemble a personal energy producing green space, shared via a website as part of the steps of implementation (see IV/2. Motivation).

There are many competitions in Amsterdam Noord between streets and neighborhoods (The greenest street, The most active street, etc., noord.amsterdam.nl, 2016; noordamsterdamsneiuwsblad.nl, 2014; staldevries.nl, 2012) that target inhabitants to participate in pro-environmental, probono behavior while also forming local community and creating a pleasant street profile. The new competition would provide the guidelines and all information needed on how to maintain biomass intensive gardens, and eventually win sustainable titles or awards on neighborhood level and individual level. (for details, see IV/3.

Evolution).

BY

THROUGH

THROUGH

Provision of services;

Provision of choices

Past ecological behavior: competitions;

on expanding past ecological behavior.

.

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III/3. TECHNICAL TOOLS .

]

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SUBQUESTION: HOW CAN OWNERS AND INHABITANTS BE MOTIVATED TO PURSUE VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION IN THEIR OWN SPACE?

] There are countless products for human consumption that are provided by plants. Five of the presented technologies are related to energy and heat production. Heat can be produced by burning parts or the entire plant in already existing coal fueled power plants. The other method harvests the movement of bacteria around the roots of the plant to generate direct electricity. These methods (three thermal and two electric) are presented in this chapter in detail explaining how they work with providing case studies, quantifying their potential productivity, presenting what kind of maintenance work they require and how they fit together with other functions in space designated for vegetation. Besides these technologies other, more traditional uses of plants are also presented: agricultural, medicinal, protective and ornamental uses.

A short summary of the selection of technologies is provided to give a better understanding of how they work and how are they beneficial for the environment. There is a list of plants selected for each category which can be found in Appendix 1.

This selection was based on the botanic compendium made by the University of Szent Istvรกn in 2000.

CLIPPING INTENSIVE SPECIES

.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS In order to retrieve more clippings from the same area, the

PROCEDURE

As stated in chapter II/2/1. Spatial datum, public and corporate vegetated surfaces are maintained by specialized maintenance companies. Clippings are collected in autumn. Certain plants can be clipped from ground level while others produce excess shoots, leaves or fruits. These droppings can be gathered throughout the generative and vegetative period (Gerzson, 2012) .

EFFICIENCY The amount of biomass retrieved from clippings strongly depends on the choice of species selected for a certain area. This amount is not in linear relationship with the production and maintenance cost of the plants, since many species are a lot more viable, therefore grow a lot more vigorously than others even in poor conditions. The most efficient producers of clippings in the temperate zone belong to the Miscanthus genus (recrops.com, 2016) if invasive and poisonous species are not considered. Miscanthus giganteus produces an average of 1214 kg/m2 each year, while from one household in Amsterdam, about 6 kg of waste is collected from garden clippings a year (CBS, 2014). (The average garden size in Amsterdam Noord is 8-20 m2.

following guidelines are set for the selection of plants for the most biomass intensive, yet attractive species: • native to the Netherlands • vital without maintenance • produces the most waste • has at least one attractive quality (edibility, medicinal, color, texture)

POSSIBILITIES IN USE The advantage of collecting clippings is that it does not necessarily require costly spatial interventions or disturb recreational functions.

The way this method can be made more productive is via the replacement of current species to faster growing and more biomass intensive variations of the species that are used. In other words, species that are the most competitive from an evolutionary perspective. Currently those variations are used that produce the least clippings or litter possible, in order to minimize maintenance costs and to keep the environment as neat as possible. Evergreen hedges are preferred over deciduous ones, oak trees are developed to produce no acorns, hybrid ashes that give no seeds are preferred over the ‘original’ species. Letting nature take over green areas (in a controlled way) is not only good for the soil, it also decreases costs of maintenance where it is not necessarily needed. ‘Litter’ on the street could be dangerous for drivers or bikers, therefore the transition to clipping intensive vegetation is advised on all locations with no fast traffic: public parks, corporate greenery, private gardens, cemeteries, buffer zone greenery.

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BIOMASS INTENSIVE SPECIES

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66

PROCEDURE

EFFICIENCY

Energy plants are generally cultivated as monocultures over large areas (Defra,2007). There is no current practice for integrating energy intensive species for biomass production in urban settings in Amsterdam. Woody and non-woody plants are both potential sources of biomass, woody plants are a lot more efficient and less costly to cultivate in temperate zones.

There are two ways of production: Short rotation coppice (SRC, Planting and Growing Short Rotation Coppice(Defra,2007)): the most conventional genuses to use in this method are willows and poplars. The plantation is harvested each 3 years and is granted by the Energy Crops Scheme in the EU. Stools (15 000/ha density) grow up to 4 m in the first year and are cut back almost to ground level to enhance stemming intensity. As a result, a rapidly changing green area is created where in the first year, column-like stools form perspective, and from the second year onwards, intensifying stem density creates seclusion and intimacy. After harvest, the area can possibly be used for other functions.

Regarding efficiency, the two methods are similar: short rotation coppice produces 7 to 12 oven dried tons/ha/year, short rotation forestry produces at least 10 tons of dry matter/ha/year.

Short rotation forestry (SRF, Establishment and Maintenance of a Woodfuel Resource, (Drake-Brockman, 1996)): this method is similar to conventional forestry (only trees reaching a certain age are harvested, therefore the area is never completely levelled), except that only fast-growing species are used (poplar, willow, sycamore, ash, birch). Only those trees are felled that reach 10-20 cm diameter at breast height. This rotation can also be used to create visual quality with stools of increasing sizes from nursery to harvest.

Spacing varies with species used in both methods, but stools are averagely placed 2-3 meters apart (Defra, 2007).

Energy plantations are the most efficient producers of biomass.

The chosen species (See Appendix 1) are tolerant for poor soil conditions which make them optimal for regeneration sites, industrial parks and buffer zones. The aesthetic quality of such dynamically changing, geometric plantation has not been given attention yet. Parks that change every year can bring playfulness to areas that have no historic value or other current recreational quality. By mixing artistic and technical design, new types of productive recreational areas an be created.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Yield is dependent on many factors, including water availability, weed control, planting density, light and temperature. The required quality of these elements varies by species, but generally willows and poplars can not only be propagated under poor conditions, they also improve microclimatic conditions as well as the soil structure(Defra,2007).

These plantations are reasonable on larger, geometrically shaped areas.

POSSIBILITIES IN USE

PLANT-E, E-KAIA AND BIOO LITE

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

PROCEDURE Plant-e, E-kaia and Bioo Lite are three innovative solutions that harvest energy from the plant’s interactions with its environment.

These technologies present a completely different form of vegetation based energy production, which is possibly the cleanest form of renewable energy technology so far. Instead of producing heat by burning, electricity is created by harvesting bacteria living around the plant’s roots (Helder, 2012). Unlike the other technologies, this is a direct form of production, which does not require transportation, physical and thermal processing or electricity grids, nor it is a threat of any kind to its environment (Helder, 2012).

Plants in one’s household or office can function as chargers.

The technologies are very new but have many opportunities due to its compatibility with other functions of green space. The only disadvantage of these technologies is its unreasonable initial cost. Plant-e is not material intensive, however: harvesting one plant requires negligible quantities of recyclable materials: glass, graphite and copper.

EFFICIENCY Plant-e is most efficient in waterlogged conditions, where the potential electricity production is 21 GJ/ha/year. For residential use it is sold in packets of 5 indoor plants (tropical plants) that, together operate a LED-light (Heldeer, 2012).

E-kaia is more productive, but it also requires more artificial materials. One plant can charge a phone in one and a half hours (Woollaston, 2015).

.

Plant-e functions on all sizes and types of greenery as long as the vegetation is well maintained, therefore the maintenance requirements of plant-e are identical to the rightful maintenance of given vegetation. It produces electricity as long as the plant is alive, more during vegetative growth (spring, summer), less during generative growth (summer, autumn) for outdoor plants.

The most optimal species is still being researched, but it is a fact that plant-e is most productive in waterlogged conditions.

Once a plant dies, the structure is still functional with a new plant. (Helder, 2012) E-kaia is made more for individuals than extensive use. The E-kaia is a device that the user sticks into the pot of an optional living plant. The device has a power inlet through which it can be connected to power other devices. This technology is not yet in the stage to be sold therefore the price of one device is unknown (Woollaston, 2015). Bioo Lite reaches the market in 2016 December (bioo.lite, 2016).

POSSIBILITIES IN USE Electric technologies are ideal for any type of green surface. The copper wires are connected with the plants’ roots underground and therefore do not disturb spatial quality or effect how a natural area or park looks like in any way. Extensively it is being tested in many locations around the Netherlands: near Zaandam, a linear roadside installation of reed mannagrass powers public lighting, in Zeist, outdoor plants provide power (nu.nl, 2014) for free WiFi along with a pleasant public space (van Gemert, 2015), and it is also being installed in a wet grassland in Delfland to power road N470 (zuid-holland.nl, 2015). E-kaia, being a portable device is more visible, but therefore can be removed then not in use. It is more personal than Plant-e and therefore can be more desirable to individuals.

The possibilities regarding this scientific discovery are multiplying and therefore it is important to keep a constant update on new inventions.

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.

EDIBLE PLANTS AND MEDICINAL PLANTS

68

Besides plants and technologies there are many other ways a plant can bring sustainability to one’s neighborhood. There were four categories of plants selected based on their usefulness to inhabitants on the short term (yearly return) or for the long term viability of the neighborhood and the environment in general: edible, medicinal, insect-friendly and protective species. These species (see Appendix 1) are not interbred, sensitive species, nor are they on the red list. They are species that need less maintenance and therefore, less pesticides and insecticides. Thanks to the 400 000 years of diversification, all categories have many optimal options in each morphological category, let it be trees or shrubs (MM-N), perennials (H), creeping plants(N-E), water perennials (HH) or annuals (TH, Th). Information provided on this page are extracts of lectures given by Dr. László Gerzson at University of Corvinus, Budapest during 2012-2014.

Local food production (popularly referred to as ‘urban farming’ but has been part of human settlements since ancient times, Schneller, 2012) and local medicine production take their part in sustainability by eliminating the necessity for transportation. These species are often refined, interbred and developed by humanity to make the fruit tastier or to make the production more efficient. This means they need more care, more nutrients and more attention.

The original species (for apple for example, the ‘parent’ species is quince) are still present in nature and are far less tasty. The plants selected in Appendix 1 are these ‘original’ species or medicinal without possibly the least modification.

Among all categories, however, these two plant groups are the most needy, fragile and therefore need soil remediation in places with poor soil. They inevitably attract pests and insects since it is their feed as well. To keep them under control there are many smart planting methods (planting two species side by side) that decrease the amount of insects, but their detailed explanation is beyond the scope of this thesis.

.

INSECT-FRIENDLY PLANTS

PROTECTIVE PLANTS

Insect-friendly species are not only beneficial for maintaining biodiversity, most of them are also highly aesthetic. Seed mixes containing wildflower seeds or meadow mixes are getting more and more popular since they have the benefit of not needing excess maintenance. These flowers (mostly perennials, meaning the nutrients of the plant are stored in the root during winter, therefore it grows each year for 10-30 years) fit well with their environment (other species, fauna, climate) since they can be seen in the wilderness all over Europe, as opposed to marigolds, touch-me-nots or geraniums that are currently used, originating from South-Africa.

Protective plants is a made up category by this thesis and refers to all plants that inadvertently have a protective function for human activities or constructions. They either provide shelter from rain or wind (due to their thick leaf and branch structure), creep on walls and therefore insulation to control inner temperatures, or they have a water retaining capacity and are ideal for green roofs. Many of these plants are low-maintenance, and most of them can grow in very low quality conditions. They usually require no nurturing, only frequent clipping which , is also beneficial for biowaste production.

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.

+1: BIOWASTE

PROCEDURE Garden clippings and waste (GFT-afval) is currently not collected separately from residents uniformly in Amsterdam. In the neighborhoods of De Baasjes (Westindische buurt) 100 000 kg of bio-waste was collected in the framework of a one time initiative, from which 660 kg was suitable for composting (de Volkskrant, 1997).

There have been attempts to introduce separate bio-waste containers for composting but the project stopped due to the low return of compost from collected bio-waste. In other cities, like Nijmegen and Tilburg, the initiative to separate biowaste has been successful, as explained below.

EFFICIENCY The bio-waste production of a residential flat in a high rise building is 18 kg/year, and around 70 kg/year for a low rise apartment in the Netherlands.

These numbers were almost doubled in Nijmegen and Tilburg in the framework of the project ‘GFT-verzameling-omhoog!’ (to 48 and 90 kg/year). Around 40% of regular waste is bio-waste (Vereniging Afvalbedrijven, 2014).

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS In the framework of the project ‘GFT-verzameling-omhoog!’, five initiatives were launched on different locations in the country to study how inhabitants can be motivated to collect their biowaste separately. The initiatives were successful, as the result the amount of bio-waste almost doubled in all locations after following the following rules (determined by GFT expert, Remco Brommer, 2014): • collection of biowaste is free of charge, while there is a fee for general household waste; • biowaste is collected more frequently during summer; • in high rise zones, smaller containers are placed that are emptied more frequently; • sharing of information; • biodegradable plastic bags are distributed free of charge.

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71

CONCLUSIONS .

CONCLUSIONS OF THEORETICAL RESEARH

CONCLUSIONS OF CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH

RULES OF COMPOSITION Spatial components can be multifunctional, affected by time and movement.

spatial datum

THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR Obtaining pro-environmental behavior is a result of a number, a combination of different motivators.

EVOLUTION THEORY Ecosystems either have to be managed or the ‘strongest” species need to be selected.

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missing routes to destinations lack of anchors in the northern parts unused potential for visual connections low quality public green unused private spaces

social datum

competition motivates learning services are not accessible result-oriented society

environmental datum excess rain excess western wind soil in poor quality

SELECTED TOOLS

SPATIAL COMPONENTS transportation corridor public-private delineation openings and landmarks vegetation-based production space multifunctionality by transformation

.

MOTIVATIONAL TOOLS

competitions to make surrounding space more sustainable, reward neighborhood stations, infrastructure demonstration and information sharing

TECHNICAL TOOLS rain protection wind protection selection of hardy plants

MOTIVATIONAL TOOLS

TECHNICAL TOOLS Genera te susta inabil it

Refine ion

TOOLS, COMPONENTS

mpt

consu

Operate

y

SPATIAL COMPONENTS

Fig. 50. Technical tools, motivational tools and spatial components provide an assortment of ingredients for the design Source of background illustration: rgbstock.com.

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Fig. 51. Day and night by Escher Source of image: britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca.

PART IV. PLANNING FRAMEWORK

.

DESIGN TRIGGERED URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL AWARENESS

This chapter presents how selected motivational and technical tools were combined with spatial components to form a coherent and operational space within the existing conditions of Amsterdam Noord. The desired design is in an organic connection with its immediate context (its built environment, its users and its microclimatic setting) as well as its broader context (global climate, overconsumption trends, wasteful consumption trends).

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PLANNING METHODOLOGY .

Evolution engineering

Motivation

engineering “The environmental effectiveness of eco-technologies strongly depends on the way users interact with them” Midden, et al.

“We have reached a stage where there is general agreement that ecosystems, including the global ecosystem, must be

COMPOSITION “You can neither lie to a neighbourhood park, nor reason with it ... in real life only diverse surroundings have the practical power of inducing a natural, continuing flow of life and use.” - Jane Jacobs 1961

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Fig. 52. Relation of theory and design - the design strategy is guided by the three theories, its practical toolbox is made up of tools selected based on the theoretical framework. Illustration by author. Source of base illustration: rgbstock.com.

CHANNELING THEORY TO DESIGN Based on the evolution theory, the more diverse a composition is, the more components it has, the more likely it is that with time, a successful combination will establish itself (Gerzson, 2012; Sylvestro, 2015). Letting natural forces decide (in this case, the inhabitants constitute as such forces as well, due to the shared similarities: unpredictability, inconsistency on short term and consistency on the long term, while they both threaten biodiversity). There is one difference between the inconsistency of the weather and the inhabitants: inhabitants can be understood, guided, educated. This is the reason for the need to introduce motivational tools selected with the help of the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991). There are certain structures and characteristics that cannot and should not be changed while some spatial elements have become outdated and therefore need to be updated. To be able to make the differentiation between indispensable, necessary, and outdated elements; and to discover which elements are yet to be placed in space (for example, biomass collecting stations) study of the chosen locationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morphology was elaborated (II/2/1. Spatial datum).

The planning toolbox is constituted of three groups of measurements, tasks that take place in space. All measurements have an added value from all three scientific fields (Figure 52) that lead to a complete and coherent strategy. All steps are visible spatially in the chosen location but their desired effects are not always immediately visible, touchable or sensable. They aim to bridge the gap between values appreciated in the short term towards the long term as follows:

1. COMPOSITION Functional and efficient; 2. MOTIVATION Diverse and multifunctional; 3. EVOLUTION responsible and sustainable.

Contextual information was used to filter the selection of specific tools for each spatial component. Soil conditions, light conditions, climatic and environmental conditions are important to consider for a successful outdoor space design, especially in the case of this thesis, with one of the tools being a living matter. These conditions are either present or not. They can be changed, adjusted at great cost and effort, however it is simpler and even better for the environment to obtain the knowledge and adjust the design accordingly. Even if urban farming seems to have a positive effect on the formation of communities, this is only true with the condition that the urban farm actually stays alive and produces fruits. .

Furthermore, no spatial intervention is useful without anyone being able to access it, see it, sense it and therefore have personal experiences with it. These are considered crucial factors, for which experts of landscape compositional design (Bell, Garrett, Hardy, Nijhuis, etc.). give an almost infinite repository of functional guidelines and sets to choose from based on what is available on the design location.

The park remains a park until it has long term improving effects on society. Studying the theory of planned behavior also provided an infinite options of encouraging pro-environmental behavior but it is by the knowledge and experience of the urban planner that helped in identifying which - currently underused - elements in space (see II/2/1. Spatial datum) have the ability or capacity to help these behavior changes (see II/2/2. Social datum).

The park network is designed as a multi-user landscape: the network enhances economic, social and environmental growth by smart division of space and a smart combination of compatible functions. One space can be used for biomass plantation, but it does not mean it cannot host a playground on ground level.

This chapter is keen on explaining the decision making process of each three steps, from both approaches. These are steps of the design process, and therefore their implementation happens in a complementary way in the short term future.

The tasks, programs, used tools (from each field) and theories and stakeholders of these three steps are described by this chapter in detail.

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IV/1. COMPOSITION

Making the site functional and efficient; .

The plantation Fig. 53. Planes and main route selected as design area. Illustration by author.

The Kool

INTENTIONS In the first phase of the implementation, a network of parks is constructed within the research area with a fast bike connection linking residential areas to their destinations (Figure 53).

The parks are all public, municipality or corporate owned spaces. Its purpose on a district level is to bind the harbor together with the residential areas of the north. By a fast bicycle track leading through, the whole district is better connected with the city of Amsterdam. It provides a green, open air alternative to the metro line whose completion is expected in the coming years (2016+).

78

The aim of the design is to get as many people in visual, functional and physical connection with the many possibilities vegetation has to offer regarding long term sustainability as possible. For this reason, it is important to implement these sustainable changes along with functional benefits. Along the park network, there are new installations, cafes, and other spatial components placed around biomass collecting stations to draw attention to the unity, the belonging to the southern harbor and the upper residential areas. Focusing on providing short term benefits, the design will provide an example that long term sustainability is not contradictory to functionality or style on the short term. The following pages present action and measurements regarding composition of the site in detail.

BuiksloterDijk

The Tube

Cityplot Technology centre Renewable Oeverpark

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79

Green tube

IV/1/1. THE ROUTE - A FAST GREEN CONNECTION

Ein

.

db

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the park network is the fast bicycle lane named the Green Tube (Figure 54). This bike route, that connects the North with the city center is a tunnel grown from an evergreen shrub (Taxus baccata) that protects the biker from rain and wind. There are openings along the tunnel, where the route enters a park (for details see chapter V/1. Cityplot). The bike lane is sided by two walking/running tracks in open air on the two sides of the tunnel providing a view over the city.

U

Koo

l

Bu

iks

U

Cit

For safety reasons, the tunnel is lit during evening hours by electricity retrieved from grasses on each side of the walkways using plant-e technology with species most optimal for electricity production (Glyceria maxima) (Figure 55).

lot

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The Green Tube is a route

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WALKWAY

WALKWAY

connect the city to nature.

T PR -E ELE OD UC CTR TIO ICI N TY

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1 M

3 M

1 M

1,5 M

T PR -E ELE OD UC CTR TIO ICI N TY

the greenest technologies to

PLAN

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PR GREEN OT E T HEALCTE UBE D THY AN D

Amsterdam Noord. It uses

80

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Fig. 54. A fast bicycle track with connections to planes and other routes. Illustration by author.

as well as an identifier for

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Fig. 55. The Green Tube is a continuous protected route that produces green electricity and provides accessibility. Illustration by author.

es te mm ld in er g

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1,5 M

THE KOOL:

The main focus of this park is energy production. The biggest incinerator and the biggest plant-e wetland can be found here.

Its main aim is to demonstrate the possibility of harmony between nature and energy.

surfaces tailored to the surrounding datum.

EDGE THE PLANTATION

Along the Green Tube, there are five parks delineated. These parks are reflections of the surrounding function, use and environment. Their new elements are in interaction with their current function (if there is such), their environmental, social and spatial datum. From among the five chosen locations, Cityplot provides the most freedom for the designer, therefore it is chosen to be a compact showcase of all interventions (See chapter V/1. Cityplot case). The other parks all receive a dominant vegetation-based production type, a dominant anchor that becomes their new identity within the whole of the design (Figure 56).

Main planes are park 9930 M2

Present function: biomass plantation Main users: Future users: commuters, and residents Technology: Short rotation coppice (SRC) plantation

.

Fig. 56. Characteristics and uses of the selected planes. Illustration by author.

ENERGY 48 365 M2

THE KOOL

IV/1/2. THE MAIN PLANES TAILOR-MADE IDENTITY

Present function: wetland, pumping station, bird nesting area Main users: Future users: residents, commuters, creatives Technology: plant-e Design style: landscape

CITYPLOT:

Cityplot is a future location for self-built housing in Buiksloterham.

The design of this location will present all vegetation-based production possibilities in a residentially used, corporately leased setting with communal and private green spaces.

THE PLANTATION:

Since the area already hosts a biomass plantation, the purpose of this park - besides becoming a playground - is to highlight all advantages of such plantations while creating a bridge to the open landscape.

7 540 M2

CITYPLOT

This currently established park lies next to the Eye Filmmuseum, which has become an icon of Amsterdam Noord. The park will serve representative and ornamental purposes.

BUIKSLOTERDIJK:

SHELL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE:

The green space around the center becomes a showcase of innovation. It aims to present a link between the oldest (natural gas) and youngest (biomass) fossil fuels that we use to create our wealth and prosperity.

REPRESENTATION

22 880 M2

OEVERPARK

Buiksloterdijk is currently a recreational park for residents. This park will go through a refreshment of vegetation with clipping intensive species while keeping its original design.

Present function: Main users: Future users: residents, creatives, tourists Technology: all technological tools Design style: geometric

Present function: recreation (under construction) Main users: commuters, tourists Future users: residents, commuters, tourists Technology: biomass plantation, clipping intensive species

58 730 M2

Present function: park Main users: residents Future users: residents Technology: design with clipping intensive species Design style: landscape

SHELL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

OEVERPARK:

SHOWCASE

BUIKSLOTERDIJK

RECREATION

INNOVATION 57 684 M2

Present function: Main users: Future users: residents, workers Technology: biomass, plant-e Design style: geometric

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IV/1/3. ANCHORS - LINKING IDENTITIES TO SPACE .

Objects with designated playground natural art

functions in the park

land art

network that create identity, distance and orientation within the park.

CHP plant & café

land art

existing cafés

uprgaded existing station added station

The CHP plant is designed in a manner that gives a natural, artistic identity to the location of the Kool, which is already known for its natural wetlands. The Oeverpark, being a representational area receives land art sculptures made of wood. All installations and anchors have the same material: alive or cut wood. This creates unity within the park network, while their functions (playground, art) are related to the future users, making it unique within the whole.

Shell Technology Center land art

The EYE museum & A’DAM Toren

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existing café

To make the now uniform park network further refined and further tailored for inhabitants, workers or tourists, there are certain anchors added to the already existing ones (Figure 57). These are correspondent with the dominant production type of the park and its expected users. Therefore, the Plantation, being close to residential areas and sporting facilities in the North receive a playground with elements made of wood cut from the plantation.

Fig. 57. Existing and added anchors, identity-creators in the design area. Illustration by author.

References for the anchors can be found in Appendix 2 Reference catalogue.

IV/1/4. MAKING SERVICES ACCESSIBLE Biowaste collection becomes easy and convenient.

Simultaneously, bio-waste containers (GFT) are placed next to existing stations and on new locations.

Small containers are put every neighborhood next to waste disposal stations for clippings, green litter, and bio-waste, while big containers in every neighborhood are placed for maintenance companies. These waste containers are emptied by the municipality to transfer stations, from where it is shipped up to the small CHP plant, which is added to provide energy for the design location. (80% bio-waste, 20% natural gas)(Figure 58). The idea of the CHP plant is imported by reference of the one installed in Freiburg, Germany, where the plant is already in operation to contribute to the sustainable operation of one of its neighborhoods called Vauban (Gregory, 2011).

CHP plants are located in each neighborhood in a communal building, therefore the excess heat that would otherwise escape are reused by the building. The full potential of these small, local plants are presented in chapter V/1. Cityplot case, while references of how the plant looks like and operates can be found in Appendix 2 - Reference catalogue.

This way, the amount of biomass collected from each wijk and neighborhood is trackable. Collecting and submitting biowaste and home-grown biomass becomes easy and accessible, therefore the physical barriers are eliminated by this step.

The goal is to make the vegetation based production process trackable, personal, easy, convenient and transparent by providing accessibility of services (Figure 59).

.

Fig. 58. The municipality, in collaboration with the energy provider of the area, builds a system of biomass collection and local, low capacity incinerators that contribute to the energy provision of the participating neighborhoods. lllustration by author.

Buurt station Wijk station

Incinerators

Buurt station Heat Fig. 59. The service grid is built up of small residential containers, big corporate containers and local incinerators that circulate heat back. lllustration by author.

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IV/1/5. VIEWS LINKING NORTH TO SOUTH

Fig. 60. Open surfaces and dykes create views that can be used to connect distant areas. lllustration and photos by author.

.

Views are empty areas where the viewer can see components that are not necessarily on the design location physically, but they are very important parts visually. Establishing land art installations temporarily or permanently on the other side of the IJ does not only create a visual connection; it does much more.

From the viewer on the design location, these installations create a sense of belonging in the rest of the city (Figure 60). From the viewer on the central side, the installations create curiosity, share information and set a certain definition of what Amsterdam Noord is within the whole of Amsterdam, This is the most important view for the design location, its use is further explained in chapter V/1. Cityplot case.

LAKE

DYKE LAKE

IJ

Open surfaces that make solid volumes in the distance become part of the design area due to visibility.

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COMPLETED MEASUREMENTS BY COMPOSITION

.

1. transportation corridor 2. public-private delineation 3. openings and landmarks vegetation-based production space multifunctionality by transformation competitions to make surrounding space more sustainable, reward 4. neighborhood stations, infrastructure demonstration and information sharing 5. rain protection 6. wind protection selection of hardy plants

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IV/2. MOTIVATION .

INTENTIONS The park network becomes a showcase of different possibilities on how vegetation can be multifunctional. Areas (or, in spatial definition, planes) are designated by routes, boundaries, buildings and anchors (Figure 61) where, based on social and environmental datum, different vegetation-based production sites are established by the municipality.

The entire surface of the design area belongs to the municipality (except for building surfaces). Having new vegetation-related functions may increase labor hours, however, the excess work can be easily covered with the help of volunteers who are happy to do gardening work as a recreation. The site can also become an educational space for landscape architect students or biology students.

To share the knowledge with a wider audience, a website is set up where it is possible to get information about different qualities and maintenance requirements of multifunctional species on display in the park.

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This provided design program (for details, see chapters V/1.

Cityplot case and V/2. Spatial guide) demonstrates one of the many options the park network can look like. The design was intended to show as many options as possible while keeping the site functional and aesthetic.

Every park in the network is given a dominant planting function as well as other vegetation related functions in smaller proportions.

Fig. 61. Vegetation based production choices are distributed to the planes framed by routes and other spatial components in step one. Illustration by author.

.

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Technical tools

IV/2/1. LAYOUT OF PRODUCTION SPACE

are distributed

.

In the first year of the implementation, a top down design is implemented based on social, spatial and environmental knowledge. This is a very rich and diverse layout of all the technologies currently available (Figure 62, 63). Biomass intensive plantations, clipping intensive meadows, urban farms and medicinal farms and boskets, insect friendly flowerbeds variate each other while rooftops are parceled for private farms and walls are covered with protective greenery, The strip of the green tube runs through all parks, opening up at each of its crossing points, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. These openings also provide an insight, and trigger curiosity of the fast traveler. Park elements are set up with consideration of the movement and the angle of view a biker can process at higher speeds (for details, see chapter V/1. Citylot case).

According to use, some areas are more private (mostly connected with functions such as urban farming and medicinal gardens), while some are especially established to draw crowds from other locations (ornamental beds, plant-e technology). The park network has something to offer to everyone, it can also be considered as a very interactive, free, and function-oriented botanic garden. While most parts are for everyone, there is a clear separation between spaces tourists can access and areas restricted to inhabitants.

Biomass intensive species

Clipping intensive species

Edible species

Insect-friendly species

Electricity producing species

Medicinal species

throughout planes of the

The plantation

design area

The Kool

BuiksloterDijk The Tube

Protective species

Cityplot

Fig. 62. The first layout is designed in a top-down manner. Illustration by author.

Renewable Oeverpark

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Fig. 63. All parks receive dominant function based on users and previous use. Illustration by author.

IV/2/2. NEW KNOWLEDGE ON CHOICES As part of step two, a website is established where all relevant information is available on multifunctional plants, about the park network and about the biowaste collection process (Figure 64).

It is connected to other social media and is also free to access with free wifi generated on location by plant-e technology (see chapter - Cityplot). On the website, all information is available on multifunctional species. It is possible to look for data two ways, the Plant Finder and the Space Finder (which shows multifunctional plants for given surfaces).

Biowaste station locations are also shared.

Knowledge on technical tools is shared through a

.

website.

MM-N

Once a vegetation-based function is selected, the user can choose what type of plant is he/she looking for based on morphological categories (tree, shrub, perennial, etc.)

In the Plant Finder directory, it is possible to choose the type of multifunctional plant the user might be looking for.

Buxus sempervirens Koelreuteria paniculata Aesculus parviflora Cornus ssp.

Padus serotina Padus avium Rosa canina Spiraea van-houttei Spiraea media Pyracantha coccinea

Platanus hybrida Corylus avellana Corylus colurna Taxodium distichum x Cupressocyparis leylandii Chamaecyparis lawsonniana Thuja plicata Ligustrum vulgare Syringa vulgaris

Within each morphology group, a list is provided (currently tailored for the climatic conditions of the Netherlands) of all possible species that are adequate for the certain function. Plants currently in operation at the park network are highlighted. If hovered over one of the plant names a picture appears, and if clicked on, a detailed information is presented including the information on the right and available places to purchase (Shared information: Physical attributes(color, full Fig. 64. A website is set up to share size), Growth intensity, Main function, Maximum efficiency, information. Illustration by author.

Maintenance, Environmental needs, Spatial needs, Additional functions, Additional information).

89

.

90

COMPLETED MEASUREMENTS BY MOTIVATION

.

transportation corridor public-private delineation openings and landmarks 1. vegetation-based production space multifunctionality by transformation competitions to make surrounding space more sustainable, reward neighborhood stations, infrastructure 2. demonstration and information sharing rain protection wind protection 3. selection of hardy plants

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IV/3. EVOLUTION .

INTENTIONS The third type of measurements introduce the framework of transformation by competition. Just like climate change, competition also takes its part in the evolution, in search for the best composition.

IV/3/1. TRANSFORMATION Transformation by competition

Even if we cannot sense it, vegetation is in constant change in multiple time frames. Different species form compositions that are formed by external conditions and internal relations.

These compositions (called associations*) react to seasons annually, microclimate in the course of decades and climate in the course of centuries or millennia in the most adaptive way possible: with a constant competition within the association, species organize themselves in a way that best fits the conditions provided. This will be reflected in the design: using knowledge on how environment can form symbiosis with competing economic and social functions, many combinations will be provided in space, changing with time and movement.

92

As an aspect to the competition, humans also will be included as ‘datums’, just like climate, or other predators. Trusting the hypothesis that composition has created general appreciation and the motivational measurements have enhanced the proenvironmental knowledge of inhabitants, the third measurement gives humans the option to take part in the competition process as responsible, adaptive components.

Transformation and flexibility

An empty space has infinite options for inhabiting function.

When a space is determined for a certain use, other (otherwise possible) functions gradually lose their authority, their validity in this space. In the moment of decision making as a designer, it takes sometimes years of in-depth research to be able to determine the perfect function for the space it was meant for. The designs aims to give the best option possible based on the information available, but also give room for these types of realizations (Figure 63). Transformation, allowing and encouraging transformation is the backbone of the design strategy: the design is evaluated and corrected every 3 years with the involvement of the one’s most invested: the inhabitants and users of the design area.

Rotation

The park has been determined to undergo transformation each 3 years since this is the average time needed for a biomass plantation to reach harvest intensity. Each 3 years, most of the park’s surface is therefore levelled, giving a window to rethink, reconsider the previous design with the involvement of its users.

The design changes, evolves according to external conditions

(contextual needs) by alteration of internal composition

tri-annually.

Fig. 65. Evolution. Source of illustration unknown, retrieved from pinterest.com.

*Association: a group of plants of one or more species living together under uniform environmental conditions and having a uniform and distinctive aspect. (dictionary,com, 2016)

Transformation and space Competition responsibility and the

Public participation

option to choose is given

.

Choices

to those who earn it.

Fig. 66. Time is what makes the top-down park become a bottom-up design. Allowing transformation enhances an engineered evolution of both the space as well as the inhabitants. Illustration by author.

YEAR 1 Pre-set elements and tools Knowledge by observation Implementation plan Ecological possibilities

YEAR 7 In the next harvesting period the park changes again, according to preferences of inhabitants.

There are pre-set choices to choose from, therefore there is no choice that is not sustainable, Every 3 years the park changes its face and its flora.

This makes the area interesting, dynamically changing, besides being beneficial for the soil.

Competition Public participation Choices

YEAR 4 Ater the first 3 years, biomass plantations are harvested. This gives room for the park network to rearrange itself to an arrangement more suited for the inhabitants.

Inhabitants are given the responsibility to choose the ratio of different types of multifunctional planting unit in each park.

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.

Transformation with responsibility

The goal of the program is to involve inhabitants in the most responsible way possible. Therefore, competition happens within the ‘association’, group of the inhabitants as well. The neighborhoods submitting the most biowaste (which is trackable by the strategically located collection stations, see chapter IV/1.

Composition) get their votes count with a higher percentage in the online game of deciding how the park will look like for the next three years. There are given options to choose from (see chapter III/1/1. Technical tools), therefore they are all pro-environmental, selected in a top-down manner. To further convince inhabitants to take part in collecting as much bio-waste separately from other waste as possible, there is also a reward given to neighborhoods. Plant-e devices are handed out for the most ‘sustainable’ resident of the winning neighborhood, or, it is also an option to provide free wifi, a free greenhouse in the center of the winner neighborhood that uses the heat and CO2 of the burned biomass, etc. It is only a criteria that the prize of the winner further enhances the circularity of the design area in one way or another, while providing a comfortable indoor public space, or Wifi by plant-e for the inhabitant.

94

The city district is very familiar with competitions in which streets and buurts compete against each other for titles such as the ‘greenest street’ (see III/2/2. Social datum). The municipality gets additional fuel that contributes to making energy production circular.

COMPLETED MEASUREMENTS BY EVOLUTION

.

transportation corridor public-private delineation openings and landmarks vegetation-based production space 1. multifunctionality by transformation 2. competitions to make surrounding space more sustainable, reward neighborhood stations, infrastructure demonstration and information sharing rain protection wind protection selection of hardy plants

95

Fig. 67. Cityplot. Illustration by author. .

96

.

PART V.

DESIGN

97

DESIGN METHODOLOGY .

The planning framework presented the methodology on how selected (Figure 68) technical, motivational and spatial tools are paired to answer the research question, to create a space that uses sustainable technologies to enhance sustainable behavior.

This chapter how these measurements look like in space, in the neighborhood. For demonstration, the site of Cityplot was chosen, located on the northern bank of the IJ. Visualizations are created to present how the design proposal looks like after implementation. This area would be a test case presenting the maximized potential of vegetation based production in urban settings.

The context of this site provides the information based on which technical and motivational tools and compositional rules can be selected. For the design framework to be applicable on other locations, a spatial guide (a flexible masterplan) is elaborated for the entire research area.

The thesis hypotheses that with the same methodology, any other location with vegetated surfaces can be transformed in to some form of vegetation-based production space. The design therefore does not aim to cover the total consumption need of the research area, it aims to explore what is the maximum potential of that can be harvested from vegetation without disturbing potential aesthetic and functional conditions in given urban space.

98

[

]

RESEARCH QUESTION: HOW CAN GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY BE IMPROVED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF VEGETATION-BASED TECHNOLOGIES AS NEW SUSTAINABLE TOOLS IN THE LOCAL SCALE?

.

Motivational possibilities

Technical possibilities Genera te susta inabil ity

Tools,

Refine ion mpt

consu

Co

Provide space

Components

m

po

si

ti

on

Tools

Motivators planning framework

Elements

Fig. 68. Research for design There are three different groups of components: Tools (technical solutions) and motivational tools meet in space (elements) - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

Design 2

Cityplot

Spatial guide Design 3

99

V/1. CITYPLOT CASE

73. Cityplot in the park network central position.

.

SHOWCASE

CITYPLOT

7 540 M2

Present function: Main users: Future users: residents, creatives, tourists Technology: all technological tools Design style: geometric

Cityplot in this thesis becomes a diverse showcase with functions for inhabitants as well as for ‘tourists’ from the other side of the IJ. It is chosen to be the location where all the ideas are presented due to its rather flexible datum. There is currently no function inhabiting the location. Its neighborhood, Buiksloterham, is undergoing a transformation into a mixed residential-working area that attracts the creative industry and a layer of society open to change.

While some structural components are present, such as the view over the city, there is no other definite constraint that the design has to incorporate. It is a free location where the possibilities of vegetation-based production can be presented to its full potential. The general poor state of soil is however an issue to tackle.

The following reasons were considered when deciding on the design location: • Close to city centre • Incorporated with residential areas • New construction - lab for experimentation • Compact location, mixed use

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CITYPLOT

Fig. 70.

Design layout provided

by Studioninedots.

Source: cityplotbuiksloterham.nl

V/I/1. PUBLIC-PRIVATE DELINEATION

Cityplot is a future housing development area, currently designed

by Delva LA and Studioninedots. It is intended to be a new typology of housing where the designers leave more room for the future user in terms of shaping their own houses, facades, gardens. This transformative, participatory plan is very much in line with the design principles of this thesis. The plane is currently out of use, and unbuilt. The area is set to provide space for around 550 housing units (cityplot-buiksloterham.nl, 2016)(Figure 70).

The design area of this thesis takes only part of the original Cityplot-Buiksloterham plan, since the ideas presented here are replicable for the entire location. The design of the thesis adopted the approximate spatial organization of the housing which becomes another spatial datum in this location.

There are shared principles of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;officialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design and the thesis (Figures 71, 72). .

Fig. 71. Semi-private communal spaces are valued over private spaces Source: cityplotbuiksloterham.nl

Fig. 72. The proposed built environment is flexible - giving room for all sorts of activities. Source: cityplot-buiksloterham.

Fig. 69. Future residential buildings are additional spatial components of this area. Illustration by author.

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V/1/2. TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS .

EXISTING ROAD

Regarding routes, there is currently only one road crossing the location marked with black color on Figure 73. The route with the highest hierarchy becomes the Green Tube that follows the line of th IJ-bank. The walkway from the rest of the original Cityplot area connects into it. Regarding routes for locals, entrances of the buildings are laid down in a manner that they create a smooth connection with the Green Tube. These local routes meet at the entrance of the tallest building on site, creating a focus point of the site.

WALKWAY TO Since the area itself was artificially created (maps.amsterdam.nl, THE REST OF 2016) the formation of the routes also imports the engineered, CITYPLOT geometric formations.

The routes divide the area to planes that are to host different types of vegetation-based production.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;LOCALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CONNECTIONS

GREEN TUBE

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Fig. 73. Local walkways connect houses with the Green Tube and the centre of Cityplot.

Illustration by author.

V/1/3. THE GREEN TUBE - RAIN AND WIND PROTECTION Taxus baccata arch Lamp powered by plant-e

Cross-sections of relevant stages of the Green Tube are presented on this page. The three stages are present as a showcase in Cityplot as well, as well as they divide the Green Tube on its whole length in Amsterdam Noord (see V/3. Spatial guide) (Figures 75, 76, 77).

References can be found in Appendix 2 - Reference catalogue.

Gyceria maxima

.

80-120 cm deep planting hole Fig. 75. Section A-A: Green Tube on ground, outside parks. Illustration by author.

Bicycle lane made of bio-composite Ornamental bed

Fig. 76. Section B-B: Green Tube on ground, inside parks. Illustration by author.

Plastic shield from dominant wind direction

Fig. 77. Section C-C: Green Tube on bridges. Illustration by author.

Fig. 78. The Green Tube with different sections Illustration by author.

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V/1/4. OPENINGS AND LANDMARKS .

The third type of added structural components are points - solid volumes on the other side of the IJ. The volumes are placed on the southern bank in a location to where the three local routes point (Figure 79). This creates a connection between the heart of Cityplot and the city in which it is embedded.

Fig. 80. Cityplot is part of the city. Illustration by author.

Landmark: the Living Room

This technique has been consciously used to extend space, to guide the user to certain locations or to involve the surrounding landscape to the park since the 18th century (Tar, 2009) (Figure 81). The three-way promenade was a popular element of 19th century English landscape parks (Tar, 2009). It is also applied at the entrance of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest classical garden, Het Loo. The threeway promenade begins/originates from the tallest building of Cityplot. This building and its surrounding public space becomes the functional, local heart of the neighborhood.

In terms of the spatial composition, it becomes the anchor of the area.

There is a conglomerate of functions placed in this heart, such as a supermarket, a rooftop cafĂŠ, the biomass collection station, and a local incinerator that, due to its chimney, can be seen from the other side of the IJ. The anchor of Ciyplot becomes a visual and destination point to people on the southern bank (Figure 80).

Fig. 79. The city is a part of Cityplot.

Illustration by author.

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Fig. 81. Het Loo. Source of image: www. whilethepaintdries.com

V/1/5. THE NEIGHBORHOOD STATION GROUNDS FOR COMPETITON Based on BIG architects,, emitted CO2 is measured and included as an anchor

.

The cafe is in a tropical greenhouse heated by biomass.

E-kaia devices are sold and promoted in exchange for biowaste points.

Operation of the Living Room The collected biomass rom private and public areas is delivered to the local incinerator (or a public fireplace). This incinerator can be found in a frequented building in each neighborhood, in the case of Cityplot, in the ground floor of the tallest building on site. This is the heart of the area, where all routes connect.

On the rooftop, the ‘public living room’ - a social gathering space operates.

Biowaste is locally incinerated as a big public fireplace

The building hosts a local supermarket on the ground floor, along with the incinerator. Its rooftop gives space to a greenhouse with a café, furnished with plants that are optimal for indoor vegetation-based electricity production. The space is not only for the customers of the café. It is an indoor public space that can be used for anything locals might need an indoor heated space for, just like a public living room: yoga lessons, book clubs, meetings of any sort. E-kaia and other electric devices are sold here, and points collected from biowaste are also accounted for in this location. It is a place for social gatherings, especially in the winter when the greenhouse becomes a biowaste-heated oasis.

Biowaste is submitted to the biomass point next to the supermarket.

Part of the CO2 is used by the greenhouse before it is released from a high chimney. This creates a landmark that can be seen from the other side of the bank.

Biomass from public space is harvested, and the green matter is collected.

Biomass and biowaste from private spaces is harvested.

Fig. 82. Local resources are used by the locals. Illustration by author.

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V/1/6. DEMONSTRATION OF VEGETATION BASED PRODUCTION SPACE WITH HARDY PLANTS .

Fig. 83. Clipping intensive species in Cityplot.

Below: Red oak.

Source of image: www. arborday.org

CLIPPINGS INTENSIVE TREELINES To guide the more important to walkways, a clipping intensive oak species is selected (Quercus rubra) which is a commonly used park tree in the Netherlands based on observation. Its uniqueness reveals itself in the autumn time when its handsized leaves turn lively orange-red. This creates contrast with its environment and therefore guides the user to the view at the end of the walkway: Amsterdam.

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Fig. 84. Electricity producing species in Cityplot.

Below: Common reed.

Source of image: ilkavontorok.blogspot.com

Fig. 85.

Biomass intensive species in Cityplot. Below: Paulownia plantation.

Source of image: www.treeplantation. com

CONSTRUCTED E-WETLANDS

BIOMASS PLANTATION

Plant-e based electricity production is the most efficient when using plants that prefer waterlogged conditions (Helder, 2012).

For this reason a terraced constructed wetland is established on the northern side of Cityplot. It is a sunny location with on the bank of an un-used waterway. Plants such as reed, reed mannagrass, iris, waterlily and water hyacinth associations set the stages of increasing water depth.

The biomass plantation is placed in between two open fields as a separation It needs to receive the most next to the Green Tube. This way, the space plays with movement and with perspective. It is purposefully located in a space seen by many commuters. It is a semi-sunlit area, which makes it a diverse experience to be in during the year, and as the shoots grow taller.

Fig. 86. Medicinal species in Cityplot. Below: medicinal flowebed.

Source of image: oudolf.com

Fig. 87. Edible species in Cityplot. Below: wheat field. Source of image: www.scinews.com

Fig. 88. Insect-friendly species in Cityplot.

Below: wildflower bed. Source of image: www. countryfile.com .

URBAN HERBARY

URBAN FARM

DISPLAY

Herbaceous plants can also be highly ornamental if placed in the right composition. Besides a perennial bed with the dominance of Echinacea, a group of herbaceous trees and shrubs (linden, ginkgo, dog rose) is also placed in the shadier north-western edge of the park.

This secluded corner is more for the inhabitants then bigger crowds. Protected, frost-free corners can also be suitable for lavender and rosemary shrubs.

Public urban farms are placed on the sunniest locations as agricultural plants are the most sensitive for this condition in general. Plants are selected based on biomass intensity, therefore cereal fields are in majority. Mazes and playful elements for children can also be created before incineration of the non-edible parts.

To make production more diverse, early summer strawberries and mid-summer berry-shrubs are also planted.

Ornamental flowerbeds also take an important part in the composition of the park. This function appears in the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planes at different seasons. The two main open fields (that are lawns during summer) become a display of geophyte perennials in early spring (tulips, lilies, crocus). Other parts transform into insectfriendly meadow imitator beds around late summer.

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.

Fig. 89. Protective species in Cityplot. Below: Hedera covered wall in Princeton.

Source of image: eclecticallyvintage.com

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Fig. 90. Biowaste production in Cityplot.

Below: Urban farming.

Source of image: www. powerhousegrowers. com

LIVING SHIELDS

PRIVATE GARDENS

As it has already been explained, an arch of living evergreen shrubs is created along the Green Tube. The tube has its openings when it enters a park, otherwise it creates an uniform tunnel on the whole length of the route except for the bridges.

Walls are also covered with evergreen (hedera) or deciduous (wild grape) creeping perennials. The advantage of the wild grape besides insulating the house is its vivid orange autumn color.

Rooftops are dedicated for the private production of the inhabitants. Since the rooftops have limited weight capacity for the soil, only annuals and perennials are allowed, but aside from this restriction, inhabitants are free to choose what they want to do on their own parcel. The more biowaste they produce, however, the better chances they have at receiving rewards. Biowaste collection is intended to become a sustainable game.

Fig. 91. Open surfaces in Cityplot. Below: Lawn for recreation in Hong Kong.

Source of image: pinterest.com.

BARBECUE AND LEISURE SPACES Besides all the multifunctionality, significant parts of the parks still need to be dedicated to recreational use. It is open space for the inhabitants to do picnics, barbecues, to sit on the grass and enjoy the sun whenever they like.

These open spaces might be occupied by other functions during the seasons when it is not suitable to be outdoors.

Fig. 92. Top view of Cityplot.

Illustration by author.

.

Biomass intensive species

Clipping intensive species

Edible species Insect-friendly species

Electricity producing species Medicinal species

Protective species

Rooftop gardens

Asphalt Bio-composite

N

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V/1/7. MULTIFUNCTIONALITY BY TRANSFORMATION .

ANNUAL TRANSFORMATION

Besides tri-annual transformation already explained in chapter IV/3. Evolution, the site also changes annually, giving a more dynamic, multifuntional space.

Spring - awakening The cycle of growth begins in spring. This time of the year it is still cold to spend time outdoors.

There are three types of highlights in this season.

Market

Protective Green Tube The protective qualities of the Green Tube can be felt the whole year, especially in times of extreme wind or precipitation.

Open lawn areas The primary function of the two open lawn areas is to provide space for active recreation and barbecues.

Prior to the period when the weather becomes suitable to do such activities, the two lawns are fields of geophyte perennials: tulips, lilies, crocuses, etc. This function is solely ornamental, and it draws attention to the arrival of the summer.

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Fig. 92. Highlights in Cityplot during spring. Illustration by author.

Lamp powered by plant-e

Gyceria maxima

On the edge of the area, a small market begins its operation on the weekends on the space of an unpaved parking lot used in the winter. Car parking areas become areas for recreation and biomass production for the summer, to encourage inhabitants to travel with bicycle.

SUMMER - ABUNDANCE The summertime is the best season to present the benefits of vegetation-based production. Almost all planes have some contribution to the whole at this stage. .

Medicinal meadow Trees with medicinal properties produce ingredients for tea, or other remedies.

Open lawn The open space becomes ideal for outdoor activities.

Constructed e-wetland As growth of plants begin, so does their electricity production.

The wetland also provides a secluded space.

Private farmland Rooftops are distributed to inhabitants to produce food and biomass.

Wildflower bed The bed is established of summer perennials with medicinal properties.

Playground with a view The playground is located close to the plantation to highlight its playful nature.

Fig. 93. Highlights in Cityplot during summer. Illustration by author.

Open lawn Cherry trees begin producing fruits.

Public farm This is an educational location to show how to grow specific edible species.

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AUTUNM - HARVEST Autumn is the time when majority of the biomass and biowaste is . collected. Plants stop producing fruits and products.

Green walls Green walls turn orange.

Protective Green Tube The protective qualities of the Green Tube reveal themselves again as the weather gets worse.

Constructed e-wetland The wetlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plants seize to produce electricity, shoots of the grass species is harvested for incineration.

Private farmland Fruits are harvested and consumed or sold to the supermarket, while biomass is harvested in exchange for biomass points by inhabitants.

Promenades Promenades are sided by red oaks, that, besides having relatively large leaves, that have the benefit of turning vivid red before becoming biomass.

The plantation The plantation reveals its aesthetic qualities in the autumn time. The corridors of poplar trees turn into bright yellow with the city in the background.

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Fig. 94. Highlights in Cityplot during autumn. Illustration by author.

Public farm Fruits are harvested and sold in the supermarket, biomass is harvested for incineration.

WINTER - REFLECTION There is no vegetation-based production in the wintertime. It is the time to embrace the abscence, the view that opens up due to the lack of leaves.

Harvested biomass is transformed into heat to keep the rooftop public living room a warm place where inhabitants can comfortably enjoy free time and get acquinted with the difficoulties of producing everyday delicacies in artificial environments.

.

The public living room WInter is the time when growth can only happen indoors. The tropical greenhouse becomes a meeting place, as well as an e-kaia gift shop.

The plantation While nature sleeps, the geometric formation, the physical quality of the plantation becomes prevailing. It receives an eccentric Nordic atmosphere with land art constructions installed within the perspectivic corridors of the plantation.

Fig. 95. Highlights in Cityplot during winter. Illustration by author.

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V/2. VISUALIZATIONS

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Fig. 97. Entrance to the Green Tube from Cityplot, bike lane sided by plant-e plantations, cherry trees turning yellow in . early autumn.

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Fig. 98. Inside the Green Tube - an evergreen arch providing protection to its users all year.

Illustration by author.

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Fig. 99. Biomass plantations from Populus deltoides as a new typology of public space, playing space. Illustration by author. .

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Fig. 100. Early spring on the ornamental field with Tulipa sp.

Land art installations on the southern side are placed to follow the perspective line of the promenades in Cityplot.

Illustration by author. .

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Fig. 101. Autumn in Cityplot with the promenade of read oak.

Illustration by author. .

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Fig. 102. The Living Room. A warm place to relax in the winter, a greenhouse that provides information. and demonstration on how tropical plants, that provide us coffee, medicine and chocolate are grown. Illustration by author.

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Fig. 103. Plant and seed shop, biomass-to-plant-e exchange station in the Living Room.

Illustration by author.

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Fig. 104. Summer in Cityplot.

Illustration by author. .

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125

126 Fig. 105. The spatial guide is a flexible masterplan that keeps connection between the surrounding city and the small scale design locations.

Illustrations by author.

Buiksloterbreek

BuiksloterDijk

Banne Zuidwest 2.

The Kool

8.

7.

3

1.

V/3. SPATIAL GUIDE

6.

4.

Banne Noordwest

The plantation

5.

.

THE KOOL

2

15.

Buiksloterham

Cityplot

12.

recreation (under construction) Main users: commuters, tourists Future users: residents, commuters, tourists Technology: biomass plantation, clipping intensive species

2 Present function: 22 880 M

Present function: Main users: Future users: residents, creatives Technology: plant-e, biomass plantation, clipping intensive species Design style: geometric

7 540 M2

Present function: wetland, pumping station, bird nesting area Main users: Future users: residents, commuters, creatives Technology: plant-e Design style: landscape

48 365 M

N

The Tube

13.

16.

18.

Present function: Main users: Future users: residents, workers Technology: biomass, plant-e Design style: geometric

57 684 M2

Present function: biomass plantation Main users: Future users: commuters, and residents Technology: Short rotation coppice (SRC) plantation

9930 M2

Overhoeks

Oeverpark

11.

THE PLANTATION SHELL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

CITYPLOT

OEVERPARK

10.

19.

20.

21.

9.

22.

17.

Present function: park Main users: residents Future users: residents Technology: design with clipping intensive species Design style: landscape

58 730 M2

BUIKSLOTERDIJK

14.

Biomass stations 1. Existing local point: Sporting facilities 2. New regional anchor: Incinerator 3. New local anchor: Land art 4. Existing local anchor: Shopping conglomerate 5. Existing point: Hospital 6. Existing local point: School 7. Existing local point: School 8. New local anchor: Land art 9. Existing regional point: Shopping conglomerate 10. Existing local anchor: CafĂŠ 11. Existing local view-point: Monument 12. Existing local point: CafĂŠ 13. Existing regional view-point: Building crane 14. Existing regional anchor: Ferry station 15. New regional view-point: Land art 16. Existing regional anchor: Technology Centre 17. Existing local point: School 18. Existing regional anchor: EYE Museum 19. New local anchor: Land art 20, Existing regional anchor: Ferry station 21. Existing local anchor: Restaurant

Spatial components

species

Protective

species

Medicinal

Electricity producing species

species

Insect-friendly

Edible species

species

Clipping intensive

species

Biomass intensive

Technical tools

.

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CONCLUSIONS

As an outcome of the research and analysis on components of the three fields (spaces-elements, technologies-tools and motivational possibilities-motivators) based on literature review and case studies, design proposals are provided of each potential space with the most effective yet attractive and feasible technology and selection of species. These designs are interconnected in the framework of a strategic program that aims to create better living conditions for inhabitants through better connectivity, better viability and a healthier open space. The final goal is to present designs that make selected recreational, unused, natural or other green areas multifunctional. .

On all locations, the design has to emphasize the transformability of nature as well as the unique effects these technologies have on the spatial organization of vegetation invoking art as a bridge between technological development and sustainability. Just like the park of Cityplot belongs to locals as well as citizens of the whole city, the other parks are shared places as well. Every neighborhood has a park in the network that is designated, made for the locals around it.

Just as presented in Cityplot there are unique characteristics in each park (buildings within the park, unique view, vicinity of sport facilities, schools, open landscape, etc.) that form, shape the pre-set toolbox on a slightly different path in each location.

This guiding principle is the third influential compositional rule to be introduced in this thesis (besides datum and transformation), the genius loci. The reason it is only highlighted at this stage of the thesis is because it only reveals itself on the scale of the neighborhood. It is impossible to sense it completely without zooming in, spending quality time on location.

The Spatial Guide (Figure 105) - or with conventional terms, as a very flexible masterplan does not intend to provide more detailed information on the district scale since these unique characteristics are only revealed in the neighborhood scale. Working out detailed designs for each park goes beyond the scope of this thesis, however, the same guiding principles can be applied.

Subsidiarity is turned around in this thesis: guides provided by the larger scale can be overruled in the smaller, neighborhood scale.

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BALANCING BETWEEN SHORT-TERM AND LONG TERM DEMANDS: • KEEPING THE SITE FUNCTIONAL PART OF THE CITY FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING, • AND AT THE SAME TIME DIRECTING THE SITE (AND ALL ITS LIVING AND INANIMATE COMPONENTS) TOWARDS BECOMING A FUNCTIONAL AND RESPONISBLE PART OF THE PLANET.

Fig. 106. Design goals.

Illustration by author.

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SUMMARY Evaluating relevant knowledge and working examples from different scientific fields (in this case, botany, behavioral psychology and spatial morphology) is how urban design can contribute to improving the quality of life and environment. The spatial guide as well as the final design for Cityplot is given the flexibility of change, evolution to a better composition. The thesis gives one possible organization of space that should be regarded as the starting point for the area, a base to start discussions about, for the different stakeholders invested in the future or present of the area: the municipality, the corporate powers and the inhabitants.

This urban design limits, restricts these discussions with two purposes only, with the intention of balancing between short-term and long term demands: • To keep the site a functional part of the city for economic and social well-being, • And to direct the site (and all its living and inanimate components) towards becoming a functional and responsible part of the planet (Figure 106).

The urban design and the Spatial guide provides the framework, the range of options these stakeholders can choose from, yet all options provided are adding to sustainability and circularity.

The urban design and the Spatial guide provides the framework, the range of options these stakeholders can choose from, yet all options provided are adding to sustainability and circularity.

The urban designer’s responsibility is to keep in mind that the stakeholder is not only the inhabitant or the potential funding organization. It is also someone who will live 30 years from now, and it is also the endangered tree species. Urban design has to consciously (but not necessarily transparently) guide development towards spatial justice, balance between conservation and development, gender equality, or in the case of this thesis, a site that is prepared for global warming.

Cityplot is a showcase of the design goals of the parks the Green Tube connects. Similar, contextual and site-specific design strategies and plans can be elaborated to all the locations selected by this thesis for re-design by using the same research, planning and design methodologies.

Cityplot is also a showcase of the measures that have to be taken in order to make humanity less responsible for the changes in our climate, soil composition, air composition and the composition of all resources on Earth.

The Earth’s climate is changing nevertheless, and the resources we transform into another material (plastic, multichrystalline silicone, steel, etc.) will also become materials for another use.

The fact that CO2 is being released to the atmosphere at such a pace means that the composition of air is different, therefore it will be different animals and plant species that will be able to diversify under the changed circumstances.

The thesis uses these viable plant species to create a recreational, functional or productive park network. These species, just like wind turbines, are not considered aesthetic, therefore the are currently not welcome in the human environment. .

The design challenge of this thesis was to introduce this type of vegetation with a new definition of ‘natural’ or ‘aesthetic’. As the composition of our world changes, wind turbines, solar panels, nuclear plants as well as plants that are today considered as weed will have to be accepted by welfare societies in their environment. Many countries in development have not yet reached the stage where industries have the necessary filters, environmental studies are often not elaborated. In the developed world, there is enough financial support, social awareness and willingness that makes it possible to experiment with designing this new definition of nature. Industries and weeds can be introduced with the necessary control, while keeping unwanted effects as low as possible.

Putting manufacture back to Europe or the US (or keeping it) means the price of a product will be higher, and that is the second reason this thesis incorporated the theory of planned behavior. It is not only needed to make manufacture a site that is considered ‘pleasant’, it was also necessary to guide the inhabitants to understand today’s problems about consumption.

The Living Room is a very important feature of the design, since this is the place where the hardships of greenhouse production are introduced to the public. It is currently impossible to produce sufficient quantities of many medicinal and essential species artificially. This puts enormous emphasis on the fact that it is only a well-functioning, planet-sized ecosystem that can provide us with the current diversity of products (coffee, chocolate, medicine, etc.). There is currently no technology to maintain such ecosystem artificially, therefore every part of the world needs to be used in an equal way, as smart, efficient and multifunctional as possible.

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FIGURE DIRECTORY .

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Cover image: Illustration by author.

Fig. 0. Illustration by author.

Fig. 1. Kármán vortex - Artist: n.d. Source: pinterest.com.

Fig. 2. Vestlandet, Norway - Source: Google Earth.

Fig. 3. San Gorgonio, US - Artist: n.d. Source: huffingtonpost.com.

Fig. 4. Gemasolar plant. Spain - Artist: n.d. Source: boteinco.com.

Fig. 5. Sunflower fields, unknown location - Artist: H.Curtis, Source: arkive.org.

Fig. 6. The tree cycle - Artist: Nicole Fazio, Source: pinterest.com.

Fig. 7. The biomass value pyramid - Adapted from: LNV, 2007. Source of images from top: wisegeek.net; nomoredirtylooks.com; freeimages. com; ec.europa.eu; photo by author.

Fig. 8. Three problem fields that the design aims to find combined solutions to in space - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 9. Desired global outcome. Illustrations by author.

Fig. 10. Desred design outcome - redesigning one location might enable another location on the planet to be redesigned. Sources of images: balcsi.net, economictimes.indiatimes.com Fig. 11. Research methodology - certain technical, motivational, contextual possibilities are selected to be components to the design - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 12. Rome, Italy - Artist: n.d. Source: organicarchitecture.info.

Fig. 13. Organizational rules of space - Illustration by author. Source of information Bell, 1993.

Fig. 14. Variables of landscape composition - Illustration by author.

Source of information Bell, 1993.

Fig. 15. Basic elements in theory and in space - Illustrations and photos by author (From top: Ibirapuera park, Sao Paulo; Statue of Liberty, Budapest; Gas tanks in the Port of Rotterdam; View from Petrín, Prague; Tulip fields near Keukenhof).

Fig. 16. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (1991, reviewed 2006).

Ilustration by author based on Ajzen, 1991.

Fig. 17. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior modified to ecological behavior based on Kaiser et. al. 1999. Illustration by author.

Fig. 18. From intention to behavior (action and habit). Illustration by author based on Ajzen et. al. (2009).

Fig. 19. Conclusions of the importance of the theory of planned behavior. The more motivators there are, the more likely that desired habit will be pursued, based on Ajzen, 1991, Ajzen et. al, 2009, Kaiser et. al. 1999. Illustration by author.

Fig. 20. Amsterdam - Source: Gemeente Amsterdam.

Relation of theoretical framework and the proposed flow of information in thesis - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 21. Schematic Noord- Illustration by author. Source of base map: Gemeente Amsterdam.

Fig. 22. Green areas wedge into the city along waterways - Illustration by author. Souce of base image: Google Earth.

Fig. 23. Chosen location strip along one of the green wegdes, the Zijkanaal and the Nieuwe Gouw - Illustration by author. Souce of base image: Google Earth.

Fig. 24. Identities change along the canal from the city towards the landscape - Illustration by author.

Fig. 25. Areas in transformation - Illustration by author.

Fig. 26. Destinations outside of the research area that inhabitants target - for the research area, they can be considered distant points.

Illustration by author.

Fig. 27. Bicycle lanes, walking routes and missing links in the reseatch area. Illustration by author.

Fig. 28. Missing links of bicycle networks between living areas and harbour. Illustration by author.

Fig. 29. Anchors - local landmarks and pinpoints in the research area, including waste stations. Illustration by author.

Fig. 30. Views - Open water surfaces and height differences of dykes provide views in the research area. Illustration by author.

Fig. 31. Planes - Surfaces in the research area that are vegetated or are suitable for vegetation. Illustration by author.

Fig. 32. Ownership conditions on site. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

Fig. 33. Public and corporate spaces in the research area. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

Fig. 34. Potential locations to promote vegetation based energy production techniques. Information from Gemeente Amsterdam, Illustration by author.

Fig. 35. Elements on site that can possibly be involved in a certain vegetation based production type. Illustration by author.

Fig. 36. Spatial components form the frame in the research area: destinations, routes, anchors, planes and views.

Fig. 37. Existing waste collection stations in the research area, Illustration by author.

Fig. 38. Past pro-environmental behavior related competitions in the city district. Sources: noord.amsterdam.nl, 2016; noordamsterdamsneiuwsblad.nl, 2014; staldevries.nl, 2012.

Fig. 39. Consumer behavior in general - collecting points to receive a reward or a percentage off is globally popular for consumers. Sources: rekenbeter.nl, groenrijk.nl, snackbarshoepje.nl, hebberdierenspecialzaak. nl, tankstationsice.nl, shelldruten.weebly.nl, bloemkaartje.nl, retrieved in 2016.

Fig. 40. Soil conditions in the research area. Illustration by author.

Source of information: maps.amsterdam.nl Fig. 41. The research area on 21 June. Illustration by author. Source of information: Revit.

Fig. 42. The research area on 21 December. Illustration by author.

Source of information: Revit.

Fig. 43. Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year in Amsterdam.

Source: weather-and-climate.com.

Fig. 44. Average minimum and maximum temperature over the year in Amsterdam. Source: weather-and-climate.com.

Fig. 45. Average monthly precipitation over the year in Amsterdam.

Source: weather-and-climate.com.

Fig. 46. Average wind speed over the year in Amsterdam. Source: weather-and-climate.com.

Fig. 47. Average wind direction distribution over the year in Amsterdam.

Source: windfinder.com.

Fig. 48. Kew Garden, London - Photo by author.

Fig. 49. Pairing basic elements with function (in this thesis) Illustrations by author.

Fig. 50. Technical tools, motivational tools and spatial components provide an assortment of ingredients for the design Source of background illustration: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 51. Day and night by Escher Source of image: britton.disted. camosun.bc.ca.

Fig. 52. Relation of theory and design - the design strategy is guided by the three theories, its practical toolbox is made up of tools selected based on the theoretical framework. Illustration by author.

Source of base illustration: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 53. Planes and main route selected as design area. Illustration by author.

Fig. 54. A fast bicycle track with connections to planes and other routes.

Illustration by author.

Fig. 55. The Green Tube is a continuous protected route that produces green electricity and provides accessibility. Illustration by author.

Fig. 56. Characteristics and uses of the selected planes. Illustration by author.

Fig. 57. Existing and added anchors, identity-creators in the design area. Illustration by author.

Fig. 58. The municipality, in collaboration with the energy provider of the area, builds a system of biomass collection and local, low capacity incinerators that contribute to the energy provision of the participating neighborhoods. lllustration by author.

Fig. 59. The service grid is built up of small residential containers, big corporate containers and local incinerators that circulate heat back. lllustration by author.

Fig. 60. Open surfaces and dykes create views that can be used to connect distant areas. lllustration and photos by author.

Fig. 61. Vegetation based production choices are distributed to the planes framed by routes and other spatial components in step one.

Illustration by author.

Fig. 62. The first layout is designed in a top-down manner. Illustration by author.

Fig. 63. All parks receive dominant function based on users and previous use. Illustration by author.

Fig. 64. A website is set up to share information. Illustration by author. Source of images from top: nevezetesfak.hu; pinterest.com; 7-themes.com.

Fig. 65. Evolution. Source of illustration is unknown, retrieved from

pinterest.com.

Fig. 66. Time is what makes the top-down park become a bottom-up design. Allowing transformation enhances an engineered evolution of both the space as well as the inhabitants. Illustration by author.

Fig. 67. Cityplot. Illustration by author.

Fig. 68. Research for design - There are three different groups of components: Tools (technical solutions) and motivational tools meet in space (elements) - Artist: n.d. Source of background image: rgbstock.com.

Fig. 69. Future residential buildings are additional spatial components of this area. Illustration by author.

Fig. 70. Design layout provided by Studioninedots. Source: cityplotbuiksloterham.nl Fig. 71. Semi-private communal spaces are valued over private spaces Source: cityplot-buiksloterham.nl Fig. 72. The proposed built environment is flexible - giving room for all sorts of activities. Source: cityplot-buiksloterham.nl Fig. 73. Local walkways connect houses with the Green Tube and the centre of Ciyplot. Illustration by author.

Fig. 74.

Fig. 71. Inhabitants and corporate maintainers receive a free or a reduced priced plant-e or e-kaia device as part of a point collecting program. This way, these two rather expensive technologies are subsidized while the municipality gets biomass in return. Illustration by author.

Fig. 75. Section A-A: Green Tube on ground, outside parks. Illustration by author.

Fig. 76. Section B-B: Green Tube on ground, inside parks. Illustration by author.

Fig. 77. Section C-C: Green Tube on bridges. Illustration by author.

Fig. 78. The Green Tube with different sections. Illustration by author.

Fig. 79. The city is a part of Cityplot. Illustration by author.

Fig. 80. Cityplot is part of the city. Illustration by author.

Fig. 81. Het Loo. Source of image: www.whilethepaintdries.com Fig. 82. Local resources are used by the locals. Illustration by author.

Fig. 83. Clipping intensive species in Cityplot. Below: Red oak. Source of image: www.arborday.org Fig. 84. Electricity producing species in Cityplot. Below: Common reed.

Source of image: ilkavontorok.blogspot.com Fig. 85. Biomass intensive species in Cityplot. Below: Paulownia plantation. Source of image: www.treeplantation.com Fig. 86. Medicinal species in Cityplot. Below: medicinal flowebed. Source of image: oudolf.com Fig. 87. Edible species in Cityplot. Below: wheat field. Source of image: www.sci-news.com Fig. 88. Insect-friendly species in Cityplot. Below: wildflower bed.

Source of image: www.countryfile.com Fig. 89. Protective species in Cityplot. Below: Hedera covered wall in Princeton. Source of image: eclecticallyvintage.com Fig. 90. Biowaste production in Cityplot. Below: Urban farming. Source of image: www.powerhousegrowers.com .

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Fig. 91. Open surfaces in Cityplot. Below: Lawn for recreation in Hong Kong. Source of image: pinterest.com.

Fig. 92. Top view of Cityplot. Illustration by author. .

Fig. 93. Highlights in Cityplot during spring. Illustration by author.

Fig. 94. Highlights in Cityplot during summer. Illustration by author.

Fig. 95. Highlights in Cityplot during autumn. Illustration by author.

Fig. 96. Highlights in Cityplot during winter. Illustration by author.

Fig. 97. Entrance to the Green Tube from Cityplot, bike lane sided by plant-e plantations, cherry trees turning yellow in early autumn.

Fig. 98. Inside the Green Tube - an evergreen arch providing protection to its users all year. Artist: Mark Mcknee, Source of photos: www. markmcnee.com, www.lughertexture.com.

Fig. 99. Biomass plantations from Populus deltoides as a new typology of public space, playing space. Illustration by author.

Fig. 100. Early spring on the ornamental field with Tulipa sp. Land art installations on the southern side are placed to follow the perspective line of the promenades in Cityplot. Illustration by author.

Fig. 101. Autumn in Cityplot with the promenade of read oak. Illustration by author.

Fig. 102. The Living Room. A warm place to relax in the winter, a greenhouse that provides information and demonstration on how tropical plants, that provide us coffee, medicine and chocolate are grown. Illustration by author.

Fig. 103. Plant and seed shop, biomass-to-plant-e exchange station in the Living Room. Illustration by author.

Fig. 104. Summer in Cityplot. Illustration by author.

Fig. 105. The spatial guide is a flexible masterplan that keeps connection between the surrounding city and the small scale design locations.

Illustrations by author.

Fig. 106. Design goals. Illustration by author.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would hereby like to thank TU Delft and my two mentors, Nico Tillie and Marjolein Overtoom for guiding my research and my design process with consistency.

I am also thankful for my family for giving me mental, professional and financial support; my amazing friends who were tremendously helpful in forming my ideas and refining my normative perceptions.

I owe TAISM for providing the solid foundations on which I could build my education, and eventually, this thesis.

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