Design Strategies
Ecosystem Implementation
Macro-Scale Ecosystem
The conceptual foundations for strategic implementation on the site are formulated, allowing strategies correlating to functionalities, existing structures, and spaces to be translated. These strategies are not intended to present a finished design ready for construction. Instead, they aim to address critical questions to ensure a working and resilient translation of an urban ecosystem.
The application process itself is notably non-linear. Formulating these strategies required a dynamic approach, continuously adjusting the focus between micro and macro scales. This was essential to ensure the quality of the ecosystem, as it cannot be developed from just one perspective or without considering the many steps in between. It requires constant reassurance, ensuring synergies, pathways, relationships, and critical observation for unusual strategic applications, such as the beaver habitat.
The principles and tools will be visually presented across different scales. Initially, at the large overall ecosystem scale, akin to an urban masterplan, followed by the scales of the individual subsystems with their applied theories, systemic principles, and strategic translation.
The ecosystem scale will explore guiding concepts that have evolved through the principles and are applied using the toolkit relating to each of the four elements: human, water, flora, and fauna. This comprehensive approach ensures that each element is integrated thoughtfully, contributing to the creation of a sustainable, functional, and adaptable urban ecosystem.
01 Weavery and Plant Dye - human
02 Beaver Habitat
- fauna
03 The Fulda Wetlands - water
04 Biodiversity Research Lab - flora
05 Animal Aided Design Co-Working - fauna
06 Communal Backhouse - human
07 Shared Living
- flora
08 Multi Species Garage
- human
Micro-Scale Subsystem
As the overview of the applied ecosystem strategies is provided through the lens of the macro view, the individual subsystems, or the micro
scale, follow a different approach.
Each subsystem entails its own mini chapter, containing a theory block, a detailed explanation of the subsystem, its strategy, plans, and views. The theory blocks extend the base knowledge relevant for the specific systems and the ecosystem as a whole. Following this, the detailed subsystems are further explained, showcasing the main protagonists and their relationships, and how the principles are applied both functionally and spatially.
The specific strategies for each subsystem are illustrated in their evolutionary process,
accompanied by the applied principles and tools, followed by plans.
To capture the atmospheres of the individual subsystems, specific Points of View (POVs) conclude each subsystem chapter. These POVs offer uncommon perspectives from more-than-human protagonists and their experience within the fully developed ecosystem in co-existence with the other elements. This approach challenges conventional perspectives, aiming to open up new possibilities and insights for the viewer by presenting these unique viewpoints.