Directed Deposition: Exploring the Roles of Simulation and Design in Erosion and Landslide Processes (2015)
article⁄Directed Deposition: Exploring the Roles of Simulation and Design in Erosion and Landslide Processes (2015)
abstract⁄Working with and against environmental processes, such as the movement of water, earth, and rock, and terrain, has been a perpetual challenge since the dawn of civilisation. While it has been possible to gradually tame many landscapes to perform in a predictable manner, there are many circumstances where we are forced to live with and around such processes in everyday life. This research is primarily interested in the potential of design to interact with such processes. Specifically, we are interested in the designed redirection of erosion and landslide processes already observable in nature, taking the urbanised hillsides of the Alps as test case scenario. The research specialisation continues a research and design focus specialised on processes material deposition of river and flood systems, further down the water catchment chain REF ANON 2012. This specific alpine research is compelling in the context of Anthropocene processes, we are specifically focussed in the appraisal, harnessing and redirection of existing environmental phenomena, given what can be understood as our inevitable interaction with these processes Sijmons 2015. Within this broader research, which has ecological, cultural, and formal potential, this paper shall explore the practical aspects of connecting design, and the designer, with the potential for understanding and designing these evolving mountain landscapes. There is a long history behind the development of landscape elements which control avalanches, mud, rock, and landslides. The cultural, functional and aesthetic role of such elements in the landscape is relatively undiscussed, epitomising an approach that is primarily pragmatic in both engineering and expense. It is perhaps no surprise that these elements have a dominant physical and visual presence in the contemporary landscape. Through the investigation of synergies with other systems, interests, and design potential for such landscape elements, it is proposed that new potential can be found in their implementation. This research proposes that the intuitive linking of common design software to direct landslide simulation, design of and cultural use can interact with these natural processes. This paper shall demonstrate methods to within which design can enter the process of landscape management, linking the modelling processes of the landscape designer with the simulation capabilities of the specialised engineer.
|
|
| Year |
2015 |
| Authors |
Melsom, James; Girot, Christophe; Hurkxkens, Ilmar. |
| Issue |
ACADIA 2105: Computational Ecologies: Design in the Anthropocene |
| Pages |
211-221 |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
directed-deposition |
