Post on 08-Jan-2017
Urban Greenspace in Seattle
Linyi Ge, Daniel Schmidt, Tajinder Singh, Tessa Rough
Urban Ecology
How can we be more sustainable living within the urban environment of Seattle?
Interaction between human activities and urban greenspace
Definition: The relationship of living organisms with each other and their surroundings within the urban environment
In the next 40 years ⅔ of the world population will be living in growing urban centers
Need for Ecological Areas in Urban Settings
Urban Greenery attracts attention to the city and reduces suburban sprawl
Allows for biodiversity in cities including green roofs, tree-lined streets, parks, gardens, wetlands
Improved quality of life is often associated with the amount of green areas such as increased social interaction and recreational opportunities
Assists in Filtering in the air, purifying water, reduction of noise, and buffering climate extremes
History of GasWorks Park: Seattle Gas Light Company
The Seattle Gas Light Company operated from 1906-1956
Seattle’s primary source of power until the 1930s
Accessibility of natural gas ultimately ended the company in 1956
Gas plant, Seattle, c. 1950. Aerial photo by Floyd Naramore. CBE Visual Resources Collection.
History of Gasworks Park: Creation of a Seattle Landmark
Land purchased by the city of Seattle in 1962 for park purposes
Master Planner Richard Haag preserved remnants of the gasification plant
Visual reminder of “Then & Now”
Gasworks Park and Urban EcologyHistorical public park!
Public space and playground
Events and activities
Part of the urban ecological system
Sustainability
Maintenance and Renewal of Gasworks Park
Gaswork Park play area renovation, planned on Dec 2013
Gasworks Art ParkUse to be South Melbourne
Gas Plant
1957 Plant Closed for New Brown Coal Plant in Morwell
1986 South Melbourne Gas Plant Converted to Park
Old Builds used as Theatres, Art Galleries, and Art Studios
References
http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-landscape-architecture/urban-ecology
http://uwpressblog.com/2015/04/15/gas-works-park-a-brief-history-of-a-seattle-landmark/