Mediative Urbanisms – Entry 114
Presented by:
Jacob Lindsey – jacob (at) jacoblindsey (dot) com
Charleston, SC
Ryan M. Wilson – typicalstate (at) gmail (dot) com
Evan M. Timms – evantimms (at) gmail (dot) com
SLOW URBANISM
We propose that Irish Hill embrace Slow Urbanism and say “yes” to a method of development that embraces the fibrous roots of the native Oak Savannah.
Our proposal is not just a design, but a process that will accommodate sustainable building on the site for future generations. We have developed a six-part method to transorm this post-industrial land from a state of resource exhaustion into a plant-based reorganization designed to establish future growth.
Recontour
Steep slopes remnant from previous development will be lessened, allowing flood waters to expand through this reach of the Beargrass Creek. Meanders will be adapted to allow a variety of productive habitat conditions. Soils will be stabilized with native plants and adaptive structures.
Plant
The Upland Site will undergo a rigorous planting to establish an Oak Savannah. A mixed-matrix of slow-growing Oaks and fast-growing Cottonwood will be staked across the site. Sun-tolerant perennials will be seeded across the site to provide cover and start kick-start nutrient-cycling.
Connect
Establish a network of pathways across the site, as the infrastructure for long-term development. Pathways will bring community members into the site to participate in the regeneration. Children entering the site at an early age will have the opportunity to track the growth of the project over their lifetime.
Harvest
Fast maturing Cottonwoods will be harvested from the site to start the Building process, allowing Oaks and true-Savannah species to fill-in the site.
Select Sites
Adapt the forms of the building to creatively fit the least disturbing sites for development, avoiding flood zones and maximizing views.
Build
Build places that bring children and citizens into contact with the restored site. Build institutions that use resources grown from restored soils and utilize the waters of the Bear Creek.
Slow Urbanism:
Our proposal is a challenge to mindfully transform this land into a productive landscape which will support nature and culture for generations to come.
