Urban Design and Ecology!
On a level much closer to the pedestrian, people all over the world are designing small structures, like parklets, modular homes, and pop-up playgrounds, which can fill spaces overlooked by larger urban planning efforts. These infill developments have gained global momentum and allow people to design, build, and interact with structures in a more intimate, multi-purpose way. Our project situates itself in this global movement of multi-functional, community-based design. We are using our knowledge of ecological restoration and urban infrastructure to build a module for recreation, work, and relaxation to be situated at FEAST's Butterfly Garden (a plot of land behind Stewie that FEAST restored with native plants for native pollinators). The interactive sculpture combines jungle gym, outdoor seating, and meditative space to encourage any passerby to appreciate the landscape, and lounge/play in the structure as they see fit. This sculpture is a prototype, but the idea is that once assembly is fine-tuned, structures like this are replicable, and can be easily erected across abandoned lots, vacant space, or curbside parking, using simple materials like steel, wood, and fabric, many of which can be recycled.
Alma Olavarria Gallegos ‘19 is a CTSJ major from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Layla Hamedi ‘19 is a UEP major from Los Angeles, California.