A post-industrial landscape : the use of bioremediation in the creation of urban park space
Authors
Advisor
Marlow, Christopher M.
Motloch, John L.
Issue Date
Keyword
Degree
Department
Other Identifiers
CardCat URL
Abstract
The reuse of derelict sites for new purposes is becoming more and more important as time goes on. All across the country (and the globe) designers are now presented with the responsibility to transform the urban landscape and re-envision the way in which we view dilapidated areas. This project identifies the environmental concerns of remediating a brownfield, the various benefits of converting an industrial brownfield into a park space, and the most effective remediation strategies to clean up such properties. More specifically, this project explores the site of a former manufacturing gas plant (MGP) on the southeast side of Indianapolis and displays how it can and should be transformed into a large regional park to serve the residents of a struggling community. The MGP, currently owned by Citizens Energy, has been located on this exact property for over a century and thus, poses inherent environmental challenges such as soil, water, and air pollution. To remove extremely harmful contaminants and restore the soil and groundwater, the redesign of the site integrates various bioremediation methods. Despite the intense remediation process, the integration of various park amenities and effective pedestrian access, and the realignment of the adjacent greenway are important design components. The site of the former Indianapolis Coke facility will inspire revitalization of the surrounding community, provide underserved recreational opportunities, remove the stigma associated with the site, emphasize the history of the facility and the southeast side, and will be restored to reflect the natural environment that once existed there.