Reconnecting man with nature : post industrial landscape development

Abstract

Industries became a permanent addition to cities in the 18th century, transforming the natural landscape and influencing the people directly dependant on it, this enforces to the consumer culture we experience every day. This industrial development all over the world has disregarded apparent and non-apparent relationships that humans have within nature, resulting in the connection between humans and nature to become estranged, leaving humankind searching for identity and purpose. This study investigates the connection between humans and nature through adapting the post-industrial landscape, to ultimately establish an identity of place for human well-being. The study proposes that apparent and non-apparent relationships between humans and nature can be introduced in the post-industrial landscape through the concepts of ecosystem services and commemorative design. By commemorating the natural landscape, memories and experiences will create an appreciation for the natural landscape, strengthening the connection between humans and nature. Different ecosystem services are generated by the design to establish ecological and human well-being. The sketch plan design intervention proposes that, these apparent and non-apparent relationships between humans and nature are revealed and celebrated. The non-apparent relationships are transformed into apparent design features within the landscape to make visitors aware of their unity with nature and the services it provides them with. The design proposal creates opportunities for interaction, education and appreciation by means of food gardens, utility gardens, biodiversity gardens and experiments of spontaneous succession. The purpose of these interventions is to restore the post-industrial landscape while creating a strong cultural connection to heritage within industries and nature to reconnect humankind with their own identity as part of nature.