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Design Treatise
The exploration of regeneration This treatise intends to inform a creative and intellectual methodology in which to formulate, test and apply design ideas. The condition which has been selected as a topic (regeneration), will initially be investigated through anthropocentric (human) and biocentric (nature) interpretations and then applied to the construct of landscape through an exploration of different exemplars. By utilising discovered paradigms and the possibilities of their inter-relationships within the theoretical envelope of ‘Landscape Urbanism’, we will apply these to the concept of Regeneration in order to challenge the status quo within the present theory and process. Ultimately, the application and experimentation of these paradigms, aims to provoke some interesting ideas and interpretations for the process of regeneration in future terms. The site in which the treatise will evolve is to be set in Idanha-a-nova, a small rural village in central Portugal.
Right: Idanhan-a-nova, a small rural village in Portugal, also our chosen site.
“In extended use: renaissance; renewal, specific of the geographical area by the improvement of it’s economic and social conditions.” [Oxford English Dictionary: 2011]
“The action of coming or bringing into renewed existence, recreation, rebirth and restoration.” [Oxford English Dictionary: 2011]
“The action or process of regenerating or being regenerated, in particular the formation of new animal or plant tissue.� [Oxford English Dictionary: 2011]
Initial Hypothesis Our original thoughts...
“Regeneration is a circular process, which can occur within the biocentric and anthropocentric environment. The way in which regeneration occurs within the biocentric environment can be described as ‘succession’. In biocentric terms, it is choosing a point in time where nature can be returned to or progressed forward to. In this case, regeneration does not always necessarily mean ‘moving forward’ in a positive sense, but sometimes returned back to a previous state. Within anthropocentric terms it is the manipulation and adaptation of conditions for anthropocentric gain. This would include the improvement of social, economical and cultural elements of the environment.”
[C.Mitchell, S.Savage, A.Hasa: 3.10.12]
Initial interpretation
Our initial interpretation of the regeneration process T
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POC
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POC: Point of change
This shows our initial thoughts on how regeneration works within the biocentric environment. We believed that regeneration in biocentric terms can be a progressive or regressive process, the inception of this usually happens when the landscape comes to a POC [point of change] and regeneration can occur. A point of change that would initiate regeneration could be things such as natural disasters and natural selection.
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POC: Point of change
This diagram illustrates our initial interpretation of regeneration in anthropocentric terms. We first thought that regeneration in anthropocentric terms would usually be a progressive process, which is only carried forward for anthropocentric gain.
Is it circular?
Questioning the our initial hypothesis
After our initial research stage, as a group, we decided upon our own interpretation of what we assumed regeneration could mean. The belief was that regeneration was a circular process which occurred in both biocentric and anthropocentric systems, which resulted in a point of paramount significance. Regeneration as a word is widely used in our vocabulary and we encounter it multiple times in numerous contexts. For this reason, we found it intellectually challenging to ‘open our minds’ (so to speak) and think about regeneration in a variety of contexts, not simply as a physical entity or the result of a particular process. We assumed regeneration to be a circular process with a defining point of ‘paramount significance’. Although after questioning this conception, we began to realise that regeneration was more of a continuous process. We therefore began to use the word succession, in order to better describe regeneration as a process which develops over time and space. The diagram on this page attempts to illustrate our first thoughts on the process of regeneration. The process starts with a decline, reaches a point of change and then becomes regenerated. Once regeneration has occurred, a point is reached which is deemed as the ‘point of paramount significance’.
Point of paramount significance
Regeneration
Decline
POC
‘The Pinnacle’ - Olympic Park 2012
Rethinking Initial Hypothesis The process of refining our thoughts
“After coming to the realisation that regeneration is not always a circular process, we were interested in making comparisons between the two conditions in order to find contrasting characteristics in both the Biocentric and Anthropocentric terms.�
[C.Mitchell, S.Savage, A.Hasa: 9.10.12]
This diagram is an attempt to illustrate regeneration as a circular process. Each block of colour on the diagram represents a different site condition such as climate, microclimate, acidity of soils and any other factors which would cause an alteration to the regeneration process. If the process was circular, each time regeneration occurs the site conditions would need to be exactly the same as the previous regenerative phase. As the site conditions are almost always going to change, the process will always create something new, meaning it is a unique one off process which simply can not be circular.
Diagramatic representation of contious changing external factors
An impartial viewpoint By utilising case studies from a variety of sources we can determine the process of regeneration in an impartial way.
There are two main types of case studies which regeneration falls into, Landscape and NonLandscape. Using a variety of case studies gives the opportunity to expand our knowledge base and diversify our opinion, ultimately resulting in an neutral position on the word regeneration.
Mt. St.Helens volcanic eruption
Lightning storm
Tornado causing destruction
Hurricane sandy aftermath
Regeneration of cells
Storm surge before hurricane Sandy
Destruction left from hurricane Katrina
Anthropocentric and biocentric systems Anthropocentric and Biocentric systems as seperate elements Anthropocentric and Biocentric as separate elements
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= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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Anthropocentric environment in NYC
A n t h r o p o c e n t r i c Anthropocentric regards humans as the central element of the universe. [Collins English Dictionary, 10th Edition: 2009]
A N T H R O P O C E N T R I C
Why the need for Regeneration? What happened in Manchester City Centre?
1996 700 212 0 0.5 75-80 12 400
The year the IRA bombed Manchester City Centre
Million pounds damage (1bn in todays economy)
injured in the blast
Fatalities
Miles is the radius of spreading debris causing injuries
Thousand people immediately evacuated
Buildings were severely damaged Businesses within half a mile were affected
M A N C H E S T E R C I T Y C E N T R E
How did regeneration occur? How did Manchester City Centre recover after the explosion?
40% 83m 500m 15k
Of these businesses did NOT recover Pounds of public sector funding, a combination of government and European money. Pounds of private sector cash brought in between 1996-99
People living in the city centre in 2006 apose to 996 in 1991
M A N C H E S T E R C I T Y C E N T R E
A completely biocentric environment
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B i o c e n t r i c The term Biocentric is an ethical stance which asserts the value of non-human life
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What caused regeneration to occur? What happened to Mount St.Helens?
2 11 57 2.74 185 1 9.4
Months of earthquakes and steam venting episodes prior to eruption
US States affected by ash discharge People died
Billion dollars worth of damage
Miles of highway destroyed
Cubic mile of material was ejected from the volcano
Million cubic metres of timber was damaged or destroyed
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How does purely biocentric regeneration occur? How did the surrounding area recover after the volcanic eruption?
25 60 5-7 3 110
Centimetres of ash was tunnelled through by Gophers dispersing ash and spreading seeds Centimetres of snow blanket protected the ecosystem on the ground plane Weeks after the eruption, large mammals such Elk returned to the area
Years after, the plant composition in the blast zone was similar to adjacent lands that had been recently logged Thousand acres of land was set aside after the eruption as national parkland as an experiment which would allow nature to take it’s own course
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Rope as a metaphor - Two elements interacting
Anthropocentric and biocentric systems Potential for new systems within the existing biocentric and anthropocentric Anthropocentric and Biocentric as separate elements
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= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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Biocentric systems can affect anthropocentric systems
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Anthropocentric systems can affect biocentric systems
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Anthropocentric and biocentric systems Potential for new systems within the existing biocentric and anthropocentric In the case of Anthro-Bio, the anthropocentric systems are always the main focus (Primary Element). Biocentric systems are simply adopted and adapted for anthropocentric gain (Secondary Element).
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A51> B49<
= 51>% Anthropocentric = 49<% Biocentric
In the case of Bio-Anthro, the Biocentric systems are always the main focus (Primary Element). As a result of anthropocentric activity the anthropocentric systems are altered by the biocentric (Secondary Element).
51>
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A49< B51>
= 49<% Anthropocentric = 51>% Biocentric
Emerging categories Anthro-Bio
Anthropocentric and biocentric activities are completely separate both operating at maximum capacity (100%).
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The extent of anthropocentric need for energy consumption.
A100 B100
= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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A biocentric system in its natural enviroment, algae.
Anthropocentric systems interfere with biocentric systems and initiate the process of change, although both still operating at equal capacities (100%).
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A100 B100
= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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Emerging categories Anthro-Bio
Anthropocentric activity places methods of control on biocentric systems, in this case, algae. Anthropocentric systems are the primary element (51>%) and biocentric systems are now the secondary element (49<%).
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Algae is being manipulated by anthropocentric activity.
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= 51>% Anthropocentric = 49<% Biocentric
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Anthropocentric systems have successfully altered biocentric systems, creating a new category ‘Anthro-Bio’ of which in this case the resulting product is algal biofuel.
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Algal Biofuel is the outcome of anthropocentric manipulation on biocentric systems. Ultimately this is for anthropocentric gain.
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= 100% Anthro-Bio
Emerging categories Bio-Anthro
Anthropocentric and biocentric activities are completely separate both operating at maximum capacity (100%).
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Anthropocentric activity creating power within Chernobyl.
A100 B100
= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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A biocentric system in its natural enviroment, a forest in the area of Chernobyl.
Biocentric systems interfere with anthropocentric systems and initiate the process of change, although both still operating at equal capacities (100%).
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B
100
100
A100 B100
= 100% Anthropocentric = 100% Biocentric
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Emerging categories Bio-Anthro
Biocentric activity places methods of control on anthropocentric systems, in this case, the Chernobyl power plant. Biocentric systems are the primary element (51>%) and anthropocentric systems are now the secondary element (49<%).
B
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Biocentric systems begin to alter the anthropocentric environment.
A49< B51>
= 49<% Anthropocentric = 51>% Biocentric
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Biocentric systems are continuously altering anthropocentric systems, creating a new category ‘Bio-Anthro’ of which in this case the resulting products are a new mix of vegetation types in an inhabitable area.
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A new environment has been created from the biocentric manipulating the anthropocentric environment.
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= 100% Bio-Anthro
Aswan Dam - Egypt: Mans attempt to control mother nature
A n t h r o - B i o Anthro-Bio is the manipulation and governance of biocentric systems for the benefit of the Anthropocentric.
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Reasons for regeneration to occur How does algae grow and regenerate?
140 99 15
Days for Algae crops to grow
Percent of the carbon dioxide can be absorbed by alagae
Thousand square miles needed to replace petroleum fuel in America
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How does the regeneration occur? How does mankind alter the regeneration of algae for their own use?
10 33 300 24
Times more oil output per acre than corn or soy beans
Dollars per gallon to produce algal biofuel
Thousand species of algae
Hours for green algae to double in biomass
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Biocentric activity taking over the anthropocentric environment
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B i o - A n t h r o Bio-Anthro asserts the value of biocentric influence on the anthropocentric environment.
What caused regeneration to occur? What caused Biocentric systems to take over Anthropocentric systems? After the nuclear explosion there was no anthropocentric activity in the area, this allowed biocentric systems freedom to flourish.
500,000 31 ? 4 60
Workers attempted to contain the explosion
Immediate deaths
Rising death toll continues
Square kilometres of forest turned red/ brown and died
Percent of the fallout was in Belarus
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How did the regeneration occur? How did the natural environment recover and then take over the man made environment after the nuclear explosion?
10 12 400 1.5
Years after the explosion a healthy ecology had started to form Kilometres from the reactor large mammals such as Russian wild boar, wolves, moose and roe deer were more common than in clean non-restricted areas Necropsied bank voles did not have a single tumour
Million dollars would be needed to carry out experiments to indicate if Chernobyl created an increase in genetic mutation and birth defects
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Fluxuation of the regeneration process
State of Flux Regeneration occurs as a range of processes however, these are NOT necessarily circular in form. The process itself is something which is continuous and often sporadic, linked directly to and influenced by the external factors that are present. Point of paramount significance
Regeneration
Decline
Original concept diagram of the process
POC If drawn, the process would look like more of an oscillating spiral or sporadic line rather than an ongoing circle. The points of regeneration (shown in the diagram) still exist, just in a different place or form.
The above diagram illustrates how regeneration works as a process, but in greater depth and detail. The horizontal lines indicate various changes or factors which occur and have significant impact on the need for regeneration. I.e A new mobile phone is released, the older model becomes obsolete through choice, therefore regeneration must take place. Each horizontal line also represents a ‘Carrying Capacity’. The carrying capacity is the optimum level or maximum amount of activity the system can withstand without having to eventually regenerate. Regeneration is illustrated by the purple line which hits varying points of carrying capacity. When the line meets it’s lowest point (point of change), this is where the regeneration process begins. Once regeneration has occurred and the environment reaches it’s maximum carrying capacity, this pattern continues to form a cycle of ‘boom and bust’ regeneration. This process can be completely natural (biocentric), or completely induced by man (anthropocentric). The term carrying capacity is commonly known as a biological term, but it can be linked with patterns created by regeneration.
Maximum Carrying Capacity
Point of Change
Point of Change
The cycle that is created is reminiscent of the ‘Boom and Bust’ cycle which appears in Economics. A boom–bust cycle is an episode characterized by a sustained increase in several economic indicators followed by a sharp and rapid contraction.
“The carrying capacity of a biological species in an environment is the maximum population size of the species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water and other necessities available in the environment.”
CIRCULAR
In order to illustrate the relationship between the process of regeneration and the term carrying capacity, the circular diagram (above) has been combined with the carrying capacity and points of change, resulting in a diagram which illustrates a pattern of process.
The outcome of combining the two diagrams illustrates that if regeneration was a circular process it would be very predictable and repetitive, following the same process pattern time after time. In reality, the process is much more sporadic, with various levels and patterns of regeneration, meaning the initial hypothesis is disproved.
A continuous process The external factors which are present at the time of regeneration, influence the way in which the systems operate. As the factors can never be the exact same, the outcomes and processes are continuously changing, resulting in a continuous dynamic regeneration process. This is illustrated in the sporadic nature of the diagram below.
Fig 1: The process of regeneration is sporadic yet still fairly continuous in appearance
Downsview Park In 1999, an international competition was held to select an urban park design for a former military base in Toronto. This 320-acre federal park will provide natural and formal garden environments, offering both passive and active recreation while promoting such themes as environmental sustainability, new ecologies, and the rich heritage of the site. The way in which the designers chose to visualise their ideas for the site was not in traditional format such as plans, elevations and sections. Instead, the graphics focused upon the process of change which would occur over time. This was an attempt to highlight the significance of land management.
In the example below, the diagram illustrates a continuous process of regeneration which is interupted by an event caused by external factors. Events such as natural disasters, human interventions, instant shift in system patterns can all cause this need for emergency regeneration.
Fig 2: The process of regeneration is continuous, but is affected by an instant change in the pattern of the system
New Orleans - Hurricane Katrina An example of a continuous dynamic system could be the city of New Orleans, where a continuous process of regeneration occurs naturally. However, the sudden drop in the graph above indicates the destruction which was caused by hurricane Katrina, leading the system into a state of emergency regeneration. After the initial need for emergency regeneration, the system begins to return to its former continuous dynamic state.
Emerging Regenotypes Defining types of regeneration
By using case studies to explore anthropocentric and biocentric systems , a pattern emerges which highlights two different, yet significant types of regeneration. One type of regeneration is successive and occurs over a period of time, quite often influenced or initiated by anthropocentric activity. The other type of regeneration occurs in an instance and is often triggered by biocentric activity. The events which cause regeneration to occur often tend to be emergencies, changes in trends or anthropocentric desires. The two terms which seem appropriate for each type are Continuous Dynamic Regeneration and Emergency Regeneration. Continuous Dynamic Regeneration is the process that occurs when a decision is made to regenerate a particular entity for benefit. The decision can come from anthropocentric or biocentric driving forces. This type of regeneration is usually a longer process which can take time and planning (anthropocentric), but can also evolve and develop (biocentric). Examples of CDR include: • Advances in technology • Real estate development • Production of Biofuel • Development of an un-managed forest
Emergency Regeneration is the resulting product of a significant event which forces systems to be regenerated. The significant event will interrupt the standard process/ cycle of regeneration and result in a need for emergency measures to be taken. The initial onset of a need to regenerate usually occurs within an instance, although the actual regeneration process can go on for varied periods of time. In anthropocentric terms, regeneration could be a much quicker process due to humans needs of interaction and civilisation i.e Manchester Bombing regeneration. Whereas, in biocentric terms systems can take much longer to regenerate due to having little or no anthropocentric influence i.e The regrowth of Chernobyl.
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CDR
Concept Diagram Evolution from the categories to ER and CDR
An interface for regeneration Outcome of our treatise
The outcome of research in this treatise forms an interface (framework) which allows for communication between anthropocentric and biocentric systems. The interaction between the two is determined by external factors which indicate if there is a need for emergency regeneration or continuous dynamic regeneration to take place. By utilising the two categories (ER and CDR), external factors and carrying capacities we can predict the nature of regeneration. In Anthropocentric and Anthro-Bio terms, this allows humans to assess and act up on the situation more effectively and efficiently.
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