Sustainably Symbiotic: A Study Using Lichen Biomimicry to Design a Sustainable Multi-Use Campground in Cavalier County, ND
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Abstract
Evaluating if designing a multi-use campground using biomorphic design relating to LICHEN could benefit the overall camping experience. The Pembina Gorge near Walhalla, North Dakota was determined as the design setting. The analysis exploration hopes to provide proficient lichen inspired campground layouts and design methods by utilizing characteristics of native lichens and the geographical and geological areas lichen thrive on. Using ArcGIS layers created from research, I will design a sustainable and educational lichen-style campground that informs users with wayfinding signage that are directional, regulatory, identification based and informational. Interpretative signs will connect users with historical and educational photos of native lichen and vital habitats, how lichens can teach us to detect air pollution before reaching dangerous levels, and how we can use native lichen design principles to design sustainably. On the ground site investigating and photo analysis of lichen species and ecosystems will possibly verify online research creating a symbiosis of mutual data. Interactive lichen displays configured to design principles of the five senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch could offer top experiences if applied correctly. Extended research using similar campground case studies will help build a design narrative capable of sustainability through camping experience and land management. Final design model will be concluded once all needed information regarding the project is collected and studied. Although findings would vary depending on location and lichen species, this methodology could be applied to any location wanting to explore sustainable campground development.