Role of the Designer as Facilitator between Science and Society Amy Grossman Urban Riparian Symposium Houston, TX 2/16/17
Rainscapes Demonstration Project
Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm 1. Links design to a standard landscape ecology paradigm. 2. Examines how design connects ecological ideas to social systems. 3. Identifies common problems that could interfere with the success of a project. by Joan Iverson Nassauer and Paul Opdam Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644.
process : pattern stormwater hydrology : erosion/flooding pattern : process erosion/flooding : stormwater hydrology
What does that mean for Austin? Source: http://www.roanokeva.gov/1831/water-quality-and-roanokes-streams
What is happening? Source: https://environment.arlingtonva.us/stormwater-watersheds/
process : pattern stormwater hydrology : erosion/flooding process : pattern : design stormwater hydrology : erosion/flooding : rainscapes
What is a rainscape? Leaky Cistern Rain Garden
Where are we putting them? Study area within Waller Creek Watershed Civic Spaces within the study area
raingarden raingarden raingarden Reilly Elementary Campus leaky cisterns raingarden raingarden raingarden
Who are we working with?
Specific design requirements: Capture 1.8 runoff Clay soil slow infiltration 12 max depth 4:1 slopes mowing/safety Drought/Inundation hardy plants Education/recreation uses
1. Links design to a standard landscape ecology paradigm. 2. Examines how design connects ecological ideas to social systems. 3. Identifies common problems that could interfere with the success of a project.
Design as a link between science and landscape change Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. Figure 2, Design as a link between science and landscape change. p.636.
Contaminants from parking lot Diversity of plants Cleaner water reaching the creeks
Stormwater Runoff : 1.8 vs 1.3? Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqiiqapmoy0/
Stormwater Runoff : 1.8 vs 1.3? Source: http://www.completetanksandpumps.com.au/index.php/blog/different-sizes-for-rainwater-tanks/
cost model decentralized GSI Design as a link between science and landscape change Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. Figure 2, Design as a link between science and landscape change. p.636. scientists deliberate Impaired ecological health is 1.8 necessary? rainscapes Improved creeks demonstration sites Stakeholder buy-in
1. Links design to a standard landscape ecology paradigm. 2. Examines how design connects ecological ideas to social systems. 3. Identifies common problems that could interfere with the success of a project.
Potential Problems: (identifying) Appropriate Tools Source: https://onsizzle.com/i/kittens-facebook-grumpy-cat-66214/ Models or other tools may be too narrow. Source: Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. pg 636
Potential Problems: (lack of) Multidisciplinary Teamwork Disciplinary barriers may cause scientists or practitioners to reject knowledge or tools that are relevant but unfamiliar to them. Source: Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. pg 636 Source: http://list25.com/25-adorable-dogs-cats-memes/
Potential Problems: (poor) Communication Source: http://catplanet.org/what-cat-meme/ Communication processes among scientists, practitioners, and society stakeholders may be inadequate to ultimately support innovation. Source: Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. pg 636
Potential Problems: (insufficient) Feedback from practice to science Source: http://catplanet.org/what-cat-meme/ If scientists are not involved in practical applications of scientific knowledge, they may not learn how they could improve the effectiveness of their science. Source: Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. pg 636
In Conclusion Using design as a method, scientists may act as providers of objective information, warn of societal problems, act as mediators in conflicts, or carry out an independent assessment of the effectiveness of a policy. Source: Nassauer, Opdam. Design in science: extending the landscape ecology paradigm. Landscape Ecology. 2008 (23):633-644. pg 643