Rediscovering our past : a post-industrial, remnant park/open space for Pike Township and surrounding areas

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Authors
Ridenour, John M.
Advisor
Spangler, Ronald L.
Issue Date
2003
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.L.A.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are an estimated 450,000 derelict, urban brownfield sites in the United States (http://www.bizsites.com/2000/am00/ environment.html). These sites are largely the result of the economically-oriented phenomenon known as de-industrialization. Many of the industrial facilities that once blanketed our urban landscape now sit abandoned in a state of perpetual blight. These decaying industrial structures and surrounding landscapes often pose a number of environmental, economic, and social threats to surrounding communities.The future success of infill development in the 21St century largely hinges on the ability of planners, ecologists, and designers to effectively sustain environmental, economic, and social/cultural systems. Urban brownfield development is a contemporary form of infill development that seeks to revitalize landscapes by effectively remediating and refurbishing these post-industrial, contaminated sites. In today's decentralized society, brownfield development, in coordination with the historic preservation of existing industrial structures and landscapes, can offer an increasingly environmentally sustainable and educationally unique opportunity for designers. Brownfield development is an ecologically and technologically complex field that involves the teamwork of a number of skilled scientific and design professionals. Landscape architecture is beginning to play an increasingly important role in this method of redevelopment. Contemporary landscape architecture professionals must possess a multi-disciplinary knowledge base in order to successfully communicate and design effectively. The landscape architect as planner, ecologist, designer, and in this case, historian, must comprehend the site development, remediation, and design development processes involved.This study looks at the roles of historical preservation and adaptive reuse in the emerging field of brownfield development. Case studies in Seattle, Washington, Duisburg, Germany, and Vintondale, Pennsylvania serve as contemporary examples of the positive repercussions of such planned infill projects. This study analyzes the Marathon Ashland Petroleum site, a contaminated, post-industrial oil refinery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Upon the completion of site inventory and analysis, suggestions for innovative remediation and adaptive reuse strategies were produced. An environmentally conscious and economically feasible masterplan for the development of a community-based, remnant industrial park/open space were then provided. This study provides insight into the recreational and educational opportunities available with the construction of such a park, promotes community pride by focusing on the concept of industrial heritage, and serves as a model for design professionals in their perception of contemporary design and brownfield development.