GI JOE: Green Infrastructure for the Average Joe

Abstract

The landscape that supports our cities is often invisible to its inhabitants. This thesis examines how landscape infrastructure can communicate in our lives. The fabric of our cities stitches together the intricate systems we need to sustain our communities. Transportation of goods and services is made possible by a collection of roads, sewers, pipes, power plants, and wires that make up this fabric. How can we integrate green infrastructure into the existing ecological functions of the city? How can these functions intertwine and work cohesively? Suburban environments have the potential to reflect the new urban systems of high-performance landscapes. These suburban environments are becoming increasingly appealing to homebuyers; however, consumers would currently have to give up some of that walkability, public spaces, and parks when moving into a suburban environment. Designing towards a sustainable suburban environment through green infrastructure and the implementation of high performance landscapes would enhance the ergonomics, making that suburbia more attractive than ever. Implementing this plan will result in developing a guideline for suburban environments that will be a sustainable and suitable implementation for further suburban environments.