dc.description.abstract | Sustainable, permaculture living is a recurring trend in residential
design. Society is becoming more aware of the impact humans have
on the environment, along with learning ways to minimize an ecological
footprint while living a happier and healthier life. Vegetable gardens, fruit
orchards, and even chicken coops are becoming more popular to find
in a backyard, especially in urban environments. As cities begin to feel
the impact of diminishing untouched real estate, developers have turned
to brown-field land for residential developments to assist with growing
populations. Cities such as Salt Lake City, Utah are experiencing
tremendous growth but the city is running out of room due to surrounding
natural barriers (mountains and a lake).
The purpose of this thesis research is to explore permaculture driven,
community development in an urban setting while still providing a work,
live, and play environment. The research will analyze sustainable design
for a residential community through storm-water collection, waste-water
filtration, and permaculture production; healthier living through active
environments, and outdoor living all located within the Greater Salt Lake
Area on a brown-field site. Through case study research of sustainable
developments, permaculture, and brown-field construction, a creation
of a criteria set of standards will be produced for further research and
design content. Also, comparative analysis will help show the impacts
of a mid-class development and benefits that affect society. Brownfield
site developments are becoming more common in cities that are
reaching their construction capacity. A brown-field site development
will add a special challenge to this design goal due to strict rules and
guidelines that are required for redevelopment.
This project strives to create a successful and sustainable development
in the Greater Salt Lake Area. Ideally this criteria and standards could be
implemented in various urban areas experiencing the need to re-purpose
brown-field land while remaining conscious of society’s impact on the
environment. Ultimately, the hope for this thesis proposal is to persuade
developers to create beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally focused
spaces that modern culture craves. | en_US |