Goals

The research/design project looks at urban design to enhance

communities with an emphasis on parks and plantings.

Nature can play a role in revitalizing the city’s image.

City Image

• Late 19th century New York City• Post WWII Suburban Paradigm

– Strong connection with nature– Separating uses, car-oriented– Main street to malls– Not sustainable

• Smart Growth– Compact, mixed-use neighborhoods– Strong pedestrian connections– Vertically incorporating nature

Green=nature=sustainability= The City

Which one?

Source: Flickr

How Nature Affects Us

• Nature increases attention, memory, and uplifts mood (Marc Berman, University of Michigan)

• Increased job satisfaction (Dr. Tina Marie Cade, Department of Agriculture at Texas State University)

• Less domestic disturbances• Surgery patients have less

complains, pain medications, and faster heeling

How Nature Affects Us• Cleans the air (NASA study)

• Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene

• Removes dust (Lohr and Peason-Mims 2003)

– As much as 20% reduction of particulate matter

• Prevents soil erosion, reduces rainwater runoff, keeps area cool

Green Facades

• LEED points for:– Reducing heat islanding (1point)

– Water efficient landscaping (1-2 points)

– Innovative wastewater technologies (1 point)

– Optimize energy performance (1 to 10 points)

– Innovation in design (1-4 points)

MacroPopulationIncomeZoningTraffic FlowPedestrian ConnectionsTransit ConnectionsSite History

MicroSurrounding usesDistrictsUrban character Transportation connectionsStreet safety

Site AnalysisNu’uanu

Inspirations

Takeo Shimagoshi

• 2007 Architecture Review Award for Emerging Architecture winner Taketo Shimohigoshi

• The World Without Us by Alan Weisman

Nature Suburban Urban

Not to scale section of Nu’uanu to Downtown

Enveloping the City

Terraces

Green Facade

Pali and Vineyard Intersection

Vineyard Street

North West CornerTerraces and farming areas

North East CornerShallow pools, water

fountain, & water falls

Along Pali HighwayTerraces and stone steps

Along Fort Street

Conclusion

Nature can revitalize the city’s image. The research confirms the benefits of incorporating nature in urban spaces.

The design serves as an example of what can be achieved with keeping nature in

mind.

Thank you