ConfluenceHydro-Green Energy Research & Assembly FacilityWill Ives | University of Oregon | 2010 - 2011

energy. industry. ecology.

Thesis Statement Background Data Project Brief

Site & Context Neighborhood & Site Profile Analysis & Planning

Program Major Space Profiles Programmatic Diagrams Program Matrix Precedents Works Cited

Contents

Amongst all the argument regarding climate change and carbon emissions one fact is indisputable; there is an immediate need to change the way we power our way of life. Modern civilization’s reliance on fossil fuels, which the earth provides in finite quantities, must be reduced and eventually eliminated. To this end, the need for alternative, renewable energy sources has never been more real.

Simultaneously, society is realizing how significantly industrialization and modernization have impacted the ecosystems of the world. Natural habitat, specifically in urban environments, has been devastated and diminished to the point that the existence of several species is seriously threatened. If left unre-solved eventually mankind may ultimately be the most threatened species. Despite the inherent link between energy and environment, they are rarely viewed holistically. While the challenge of addressing these issues is daunting, there is great potential for modern society to slow and reverse the negative impact, and ultimately function in a manner that has a net positive effect on the natural environment.

Historically, rivers have played an important part in the growth and advancement of society. Today, rivers provide an excellent opportunity to positively affect change on both energy and environmental crises, specifically the urban watershed. The rivers and estuaries of the world have always offered an endless supply of clean, renewable energy and emerging technologies have made the task of harness-ing this power significantly less invasive and more efficient. This provides an opportunity to reduce the need for carbon emitting energy sources, while minimizing harm to ecosystems. The urban river is also the ideal place to begin the move toward cleaner, more habitat friendly waterways. Restoration of urban habitat both improves conditions for native species and enhances the built environment in which we live.

The proposed project, an assembly and production facility for new hydro energy solutions, will help to foster a new attitude towards both the energy and ecologies. Located on an urban river within a histori-cally polluted industrial area of Portland, OR, the project has a great opportunity to act as a working example of a clean and net positive industrial movement. Not just coexisting with ecologies, but rather thriving in adjacency.

Thesis Statement

90Estimated period of time between when global oil supply will run dry and replace-ment sources, such as renewable energy, will be able to satisfy the same demand².

001Metric tons of CO2 emissions that would be prevented annually by doubling the current US hydroelectric output³.

YEARS 1

Average cost of new hydro power per kilowatt hour. This is compared to 5¢/kwH for coal and 12.5¢/kwH for nuclear power¹.

¹ Source: “Average Cost by Source” US Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov² Source: “Future Sustainability Forecasting by Exchange Markets: Basic Theory and an Application” report, authors: Nataliya Malyshkina and Deb Niemeier, University of California, Davis, cited in Environmental Science & Technology, November 8, 2010.³ Source: “Renewable Energy Report” http://www.altenergy.org/renewables.html

CENT MILLION

As of mid 2010, nearly 70% of US energy was provided by fossil fuels, and almost 50% from coal burning power plants. Not only are these resources limited, but highly pollutive and sourced through extraction and mining processes which typically leave behind a burnt and scarred earth. Natural gas, the next highest source, burns significantly cleaner yet is still a limited resource. There are varying opinions on when fossil fuels reserves will be exhausted, however few studies predict they can meet current demand for more than 100 years.

Nuclear Power, which provides approximately 20% of US energy remains a viable, yet controversial option. It has long been argued that the process of mining and enriching uranium negates the benefits of reduced operational emissions. While nuclear power has the potential to bridge an energy gap in the future it should not be considered a long term solution.

Renewable energy outputs have increased significantly over the past decade, however they still only account for 9% of US Energy, roughly the same percentage as in 1949⁵. The problem facing large scale expansion of renewables is both prohibitive costs and lack of public support. The majority of hydro-power output is produced by large scale dams which have limited life spans and are disruptive to ecologies. Recently there has been significant emphasis on the expansion of solar and wind energy but large scale solar and wind farms require massive storage capacities and extensive transmission infra-structure. Despite these issues solar, wind and hydro sources remain the most viable long term options. However, it seems unlikely that these can replace fossil fuels in their current forms.

US Energy Production by Source⁴

45%45%

24%

19%

6%2%

2%1% Coal

Natural Gas

Nuclear

Hydro

Wind

Wood

Geo Thermal

Other

US Renewable Energy Production by Source⁴

45%55%

6%

9%

15%

15% Hydro

Bio Fuel

Wind

Solar/PV

Geo Thermal

The need for

⁴ Source: “Energy Production by Source” US Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov⁵ Source: “The Real Problem with Renewables” Robert Bryce, Forbes, May 2010.

New Energy

70Of Oregonians that live within the 11,000 sq miles of the Willamette River Basin, which in 2006 was identified as America’s 3rd most at Endangered River by the non-profit Rivers America⁷.

001Estimated number of years until fish from the Willamette River will once again safe to consume. Currently daily consumption of fish from the river carries a 1 in 10 chance of getting cancer⁸.

PERCENT 3

Out of 31 known fish species native to the Willamette River are currently listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act⁶.

⁶ Source: “Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon” Report, Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, October 2010.⁷ Source: “Cleaner Rivers For Oregon” Report, Oregon Environmental Council Online, www.oeconline.org/our-work/rivers/cleaner-rivers-for-oregon-report/willamette-river.⁸ Source: “Polluted Willamette River Sullies Image Of A Green Oregon” Kim Murphy, LA Times, April 8, 2000.

SPECIES YEARS

For a significant portion of history rivers have been hosts to urban environments of varying scales. They provide nourishment, transit and entertainment. However, as cities grew trees were cleared, natural banks were replaced with walls, and pollutants were freely dumped. For centuries the devastative impact of these actions were largely unknown, and more recently they have been largely ignored. Despite renewed focus, urban watersheds remain one of the more polluted natural environments within the civilized world.

The State of Oregon and City of Portland have long been leaders in environmentally responsible initia-tives. A citizen led clean up of the Willamette River in the 1960’s and the regional regulations that followed were models in creation of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act⁸. In fact, a 1972 National Geo-graphic cover story documented the Willamette's journey "From Shame to Showcase: A River Restored." Few would have guessed that just 25 years later the Willamette would be listed as the nation’s 3rd most endangered river⁷. While the dumping of sludge and toxic waste had been eliminated, much of the waste was never removed. Additionally, the profound effects of run off and other invisible pollutants had been ignored, leaving the Willamette the most toxic river in the Western United States.

Obviously the effect of pollutants and toxins on already fragile river ecologies is profound. Lost in this is the fact that shore clearing and river bank alterations have been just as devastating. Shallow riparian areas and inlets are home to many species and especially vital to spawning salmon. In these areas trees provide shade, helping to cool the river in warmer months, essential to the trout, salmon and steelhead native to the river. Additionally, fallen leaves, vegetation and micro-organisms are important components in the aquatic food chain. The majority of natural banks within the main industrial sector of the Willamette, spanning from the Steel Bridge to the confluence with the Columbia, have been system-atically altered and destroyed. This has eliminated habitat and endangered hundreds of species. There is significant need to repair and restore these habitats so that salmon, and other species which rely on the shallow waters of the rivers shoreline, can enjoy a renaissance in a new, healthier Willamette Basin.

Eco Factor

The

Solar Wind Hydro

⁹ Source: “The Real Problem with Renewables” Robert Bryce, Forbes, May 2010.¹⁰ Source: “In Stream Hydropower” Hydro Green Energy, www.hgenergy.com/hydro.html

Renewable Energy Power Density (w/m²)⁹ Renewable Energy Capacity Factor (%)¹⁰

windsolarhydro

Emerging technologies have made renewable energy sources more accessible than ever before. However, there are so many alternatives it can be difficult to understand which sources are the most viable. While any source that minimizes carbon emissions is a step in the right direction, a case can be made that new hydrokinetic technologies offer the most efficient and sustainable solution available today.

The most significant advantage over other renewables is in simple physics. Water has an energy density 800 times greater than that of wind¹¹, and as it constantly moving, provides consistent and predictable output. Additionally, hydrokinetic turbines offer access to this power without the need of new dams, which have many negative impacts on the environment. Wind turbines are in most cases larger, more expensive and require hundreds of miles of transmission lines. While effective as a secondary source, solar arrays rely on an energy source that is rarely available for more than 12 hours daily. Furthermore, the capacity factor, which measures the percentage of available energy absorbed, of new hydrokinetic turbine systems is nearly 98%. Photovoltaic systems operate at a capacity factor of approximately 15%, while the most efficient wind farms rarely exceed 60%, although capacity factors of 15-30% are much more common¹⁰. Wind and solar power systems also detract visually as they rely on large above ground equipment that in many cases is highly visible. New hydrokinetic systems operate quietly underwater, and depending on scale, require minimal above surface equipment.

Using the same basic principles that have been understood for centuries, modern hydrokinetic tech-nologies have increased efficiency and decreased turbine size to the extent that they can now be installed in rivers and estuaries with little disruption to the local ecologies and pose minimal danger to fish and other species. The overall capacity of this energy source is limited to regions with rivers and tidal flows but it can make a significant impact in the immediate future while larger scale tidal energy systems are further researched and developed. Currently, Hydroelectric sources account for 6.5% of the US power and through the use of hydrokinetic turbines it is estimated that nearly twice this energy could be produced by the countries waterways¹².

¹¹ Source: “Nation’s First ‘Underwater Wind Turbine’ Installed in Old Man River” Alexis Madrigal, Wired Online, www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/12/hydrokinetic/, December 2008.¹² Source: “Underwater Wind Turbines Tap River Energy” Erik Sofge, Popular Mechanics Online, www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/4213223, October 2009.

The case for

New Hydro

The proposed project will seek to address and build upon new and existing eco-industrial synergies through the design of a research and assembly hub for new hydro energy technologies. Programmati-cally, the project will merge production, research and public amenity through a significant connection to the Willamette River. Additionally, the project will seek to be completely energy independent and envi-ronmentally regenerative. Net zero energy will be achieved through a hydrokinetic turbine array, which will also serve as a working example of the capabilities of this technology. This will be supplemented by solar arrays and small scale wind turbines. Reducing energy and resource need will also be important in reaching net zero goals. Dependence on the municipal water source will be eliminated through water catchment, grey water recycling and a living machine. Heating and cooling requirements will be met mostly through passive systems while extensive day lighting will reduce the need for large scale artifi-cial lighting.

The client for the project is Hydro Green Energy, a Houston, TX based company. Founded in 2002 they are a leader in the advancement of Hydrokinetic energy systems. They were responsible for the instal-lation of one of the first hydrokinetic system in the world, a 35 Megawatt turbine installed in the Missis-sippi River in 2008. As demand and their operation grows the need to consolidate ventures under one roof and establish a position in the Pacific Northwest makes Portland, Oregon a strategic location. The region’s historical emphasis on environmental issues creates the opportunity to expand the goals and focus of the company to not only support habitat protection, but complete habitat restoration and public outreach. This goal that will be shared and supported by the City of Portland and a developing Eco Industrial District.

ProjectBrief

The state of Oregon is one of the nation’s leading users of renewable energy with more than two thirds of the state energy coming from Hydroelectric plants. Oregon, and the city of Portland is also home to several groups and organizations which are dedicated to the protection and restoration of natural habitat and ecologies. Coupled with Portland’s desire to encourage green industry and innovative projects in the North Reach, this is an ideal location for the project.

The chosen site is the old Mar Com site, just north of the St. Johns Bridge, and adjacent to Cathedral Park. This site meets the project needs for immediate adjacency to the Willamette River, proximity to transit, both rail and road, as well as public access. The site falls within the North Reach of the Willamette river, an area with a rich industrial history that has been marred by pollution and waste. The opportunity to create a project that will accomplish two main goals. First, creating a transition between the St. Johns neigborhood and the industrial zone which eliminates the hard edge typical of similar conditions. Secondly, demon-strate that industry does not need to be smoke stacks and pollution but can be both innovative and environmentally regenerative.

Site & Context

The North Reach of the Willamette River is a primarily industrial zone which spans from the Broadway Bridge north to the confluence with the Columbia River. Identified as “Portland’s Working Waterfront” it provides access to global commerce and serves as a gateway to the city and the economic heart of the region.

Years of heavy industry use have left behind toxic sediments in the river as well as contami-nated upland sites. Additionally, several species of fish that are native to this region have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, including Chinook and Coho Salmon. Past industrial practices have also left behind a scarred and significantly altered river bank with little recreational access.

The River Plan, and North Reach Plan are visionary plans to meet the challenges in this region while preserving an “Industrial Sanctu-ary” for this vital sector of Portland’s economy. The comprehensive effort focuses on Eco-nomic, Environmental and Social aspects, while allowing the city to remain an attractive location for emerging innovative industries.

North Reach Plan

North Reach Plan Study AreaNorth Reach Plan Study Area

St. Johns Neighborhood Historically St. Johns has coexisted with Portland as an independent city on the east banks of the Willamette. Today the community is probably best known for the iconic St. Johns Bridge and the stunning views from Cathedral Park. It is a very unique area, adjacent to the river, industry and parks, while maintaining a vibrant historical town center. The area is significantly more diverse than downtown Portland with 32% of the population representing non-white races.

St. Johns is fairly pedestrian friendly although freight traffic and poor rail crossings do cut off some areas. Although close in proximity to the Willamette, the land adjacent to the river has been significantly under-utilized. The Willamette Greenway connects here and needs some repair and focus.

The St. Johns Plan, which was completed in 2004 identifies the area as an important and vital part of the future of Portland. The focus of the plan is to preserve the land north of Cathedral Park as an industrial and employment zone. While utilizing land to the south for mixed use development which will appeal to a diverse range of businesses.

St Johns Plan Study Area

St Johns/Lombard Plan Study Area

MarCom Site The proposed site for the Project is the Mar Com site located on the Northeast bank of the Willamette River, just downstream from the St. Johns Bridge. The 15.5 acre site shares a property line with Cathedral Park to the South and Port of Portland Terminal 4 to the North. Historically the site was used for ship and equipment repair, lumber manufacturing, storage and sales. The most recent use was as a tug, barge and ship repair facility.

The site is located on a stretch of the Willamette which was designated a federal Superfund site in 2000. For the purposes of Remedial Investigation the site was split into two operable units now known as the north and south parcels respectively.

The site currently exists as brownfield site in need of significant clean up and re vegetation. The low land of the property has excellent potential to create wetland habitat. The North Reach Plan identifies the river bank of the site as a potential property to acquire and rehabili-tate to provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

Mar Com Site

Marcom Site

Port of PortlandTerminal 4

Mar Com Site

Major Street Connections Potential Shared Port FacilitiesRail Line

Willamette River

Cathedral ParkPortland WaterPollution Lab

St. Johns B

ridge

N S

t. Louis Ave

N Willamette Blvd

Major Transit Links: Mar Com & Adjacent Sites

Transit Connections Freight and public transit connections are very important to the program. The site is sufficiently connected to both rail and roadways which will provide adequate transit. Additionally the potential exists to share port facilities with the adjacent Port of Portland Terminal 4.

Public transit is accessible via bus lines which connect to the MAX Yellow Line. Pedestrian and bicycle access from down-town St. Johns is well connected, however an improved rail crossing is needed.

It is also vital to create a link to the Willamette Greenway Trail. This will allow the public to engage with restored wetland and riverbank habitat as well as provide views to the production and research facilities of the project. This requires an additional segment of trail to be added to the existing plan.

Port of PortlandTerminal 4

Mar Com Site

Existing/Planned Greenway TrailRail CrossingProposed Additional Trail SegmentRail Line

Willamette River

Cathedral Park

St. Johns B

ridge

Portland WaterPollution Lab

Willamette Greenway Connections: Mar Com & Adjacent Sites

Restoring HabitatA major initiative of the project will be the restoration and rehabilitation of natural habitat and the river bank. Following any necessary remediation the river bank and wetlands will be restored following guidelines established in the North Reach Plan. Every effort will be made to minimize building within the bank zone, with the exception of program elements which require direct adjacency to the Willamette River. However, it will be important to provide opportunity for the public to interact with and understand the processes at work, creating a living laboratory of ecological revitalization.

Shallow Water HabitatRestored Wetland Habitat Re vegetated Riparian Habitat

Restored River Bank

Mar Com Site: Habitat Restoration Plan

Assembly & Production

Main Assembly Parts Storage Shipping/ReceivingOffices Management Sales Administrative Meeting RoomsBreakroomWC/Miscellaneous

70,000 7,500 15,000

1,200 (4 @ 300) 1,200 (6 @ 200)1,600 (open)1,500 (2 @750)1,000800

Project Total 108,850

Research & Demonstration

Testing Bays Display/PresentationOpen Lab Space StorageOpen OfficesMeeting Room WC/Miscellaneous

8,000 (4 @ 2,000) 1,4004,000 8001,000750 400

Education & Conservation

Open Event Educational Display ClassroomsCafe WC/MiscellaneousHabitat Walk

5,000 1,000800 (2 @ 400)1,200400Exterior

The program consists of three major components; Assembly & Produc-tion, Research & Demonstration, and Education & Conservation. Architecturally these will be viewed holistically, however for the purpose of clarity the are subdivided within this document. While they vary significantly in terms of spatial need, experiential quality and adjacency requirements, linking spaces to both the river, and common spaces will be vital to a successful project.

Program

The turbine assembly and production facilities are the major interior space of the project. The main assembly room will accommodate the simultaneous assem-bly of up to 20 large scale turbines or the spatial equivalent of smaller turbines. The space will be characterized by a high clearspan which is significantly day lit and ventilated, minimizing the need for interior lighting and a mechanical cooling system. The fabrication of the majority of components is out-sourced requiring significant space for shipping, receiving and storage. A storage capacity of 20 “ready to ship” turbines is a minimum requirement. This space will also accom-modate the main offices and meeting rooms which are to maintain a visual connection to the main operation, yet with sufficient acoustical separation. The office spaces also require significant day lighting and ventilation.

Assembly &Production

The research and demonstration facili-ties are the secondary interior space. Portions of these spaces will serve as a public face of the facility and require a higher level of fit and finish. The main components, Four 2,000 sq. ft. testing bays, require either direct access to the river or a significant amount of diverted river flow. These bays will be utilized for final product testing, demonstration, and research, along with contractor mainte-nance and installation education. Day-lighting will be important, however with the exception of control rooms minimal climate control is required as most testing will be done at outside tempera-ture. A secure laboratory with open adaptable space will be included adja-cent to the testing bays and will be further supplemented by open office space and equipment storage.

Research &Demonstration

The smallest, yet most significant, component of the program is the public conservation education and outreach center. Here, permanent displays will provide the public with information and demonstrations detailing the minimal effects of low speed hydrokinetic turbines on water quality, habitat and species. The broader issue of alternative renewable energy sources will be also be addressed, along with the need to protect, preserve and when necessary, rehabilitate habitat. A large, open multi-purpose space will host events and rotating exhibits while smaller class-rooms will provide space for small scale educational programs. A small cafe will operate on a variable schedule based on planned events. This space will connect to an exterior elevated habitat walk which will bring the public safely near a significant stretch of restored river habitat and shallow tidal inlets. This walk will also connect to the larger planned river esplanade.

Education &Conservation

Experiential Goals

MainAssembly

70000 40

Function Occupancy Equipment &Furnishings

AdjacencyRequirements

ECS &Sustainability

Criteria

Height(ft)

NetArea(ft²)

Location of final assembly of various components of large scale hydrokinetic turbines.

Expansive clearspan space, primarily functional, modern clean design

Accommodate 10-20 full time assembly staff; regular visits by management, customers, and industry profes-sionals

Overhead cranes and tracks, rail transfer tracks, tool storage, large racks, large elevated work surfaces, sealed concrete floor

Extensive daylighting and natural ventilation

Access to loading dock and parts

ComponentStorage

7500 20 Storage of various turbine components received from manufacturers prior to final assembly.

Efficient storage and tracking of turbine components

N/A Industrial storage racks

Access to daylight when possible

Access to loading dock and main assemblyShipping man-ager, transit operators

Shipping &Receiving

15000 40 Receive large scale shipments via rail and road, provide storage of up to 20 fully assembled turbines.

Efficient storage and tracking of incoming and outgoing com-ponents and assem-blies

Storage bays, loading dock, machinery capa-ble of handling heavy loads

Access to daylight

Access to main assembly and heavy transit

Offices &Meeting

5500 10 Office and meeting space for manage-ment, sales and administrative staff

Open and closed office spaces for multiple needs; large meeting space with flexible parti-tion; overlooking main assembly space

Accommodate 10-20 full time staff during normal busi-ness hours

Office desks, chairs, shelving, partitions, confer-ence tables

Extensive daylighting and natural ventilation

Overlooking main assembly

Experiential Goals

Testing &Demonstration

8000(4@

2000)

20

Function Occupancy Equipment &Furnishings

AdjacencyRequirements

ECS &Sustainability

Criteria

Height(ft)

NetArea(ft²)

Variable condition testing for fully assembled turbines prior to shipment; wave and other experimental testing

Functional, well lit, indoor/outdoor space with visual connection to exterior riverwalk

Accommodate 10-15 full time research staff; regular visits by management, customers, and industry profes-sionals

Overhead cranes and tracks, testing tanks, wave generation and simulation machines, shared desks and chairs

Extensive daylighting and natural and mechanical ventilation

Access to Willamette River and main assem-bly

Open Lab 4000 20 Research & Devel-opment for new and emerging hydro energy technologies

Open, well organ-ized space adapt-able to various configurations to meet changing research initiatives

Accommodate 10-15 full time research staff, management, and visiting researchers

Laboratory work tables, desks, chairs, technical and computer operated equip-ment

Access to daylight and advanced mechanical ventilation

Access to Willamette River and testing facilities

Offices &Meeting

1750 10 Office and meeting space for full time and visiting researchers

Open flexible office and meeting space

5-10 full time research staff, visiting researchers, lab assistants

Office desks, chairs, shelving, conference tables

Access to daylight and natural ventilation

Access to lab and testing facility

Entry &Display

1400 15 Public & main entry for research wing, adaptable for small scale events and industry training

Higher end finish adaptable space, welcoming and bright

Primarily researchers and staff entering and exiting the facility, potential up to 50 visitors

Higher end sofas and lounge chairs, walls adaptable to variable displays

Access to daylight

Shared entry with educational component

Experiential Goals

Open Event 5000 20

Function Occupancy Equipment &Furnishings

AdjacencyRequirements

ECS &Sustainability

Criteria

Height(ft)

NetArea(ft²)

Adapt for large scale educational and industry and meet-ings also available for private rental

Well lit, clearspan space, welcoming and adaptable, views to Willamette River and St Johns Bridge

Accommodate up to 250 persons depending on event and func-tion

Variable setup of tables and chairs

Extensive daylighting

Near main entry, view to river

Classroom &Educational

1600 10 Host school field trips of all ages and provide educational outreach regarding renewable energy and urban ecologies

Adaptable enclosed and open spaces will serve as a main entry for the public element of the program

Accommodate 20-40 visitors of varying back-ground

Desk, chairs, interactive displays

Access to daylight

Access to other public spaces

Cafe 1200 10 Provide and onsite meal option for users, typically open during normal business hours

Relaxing modern environment for both employee and visitor use

Staff of 2-4 depending on need, custom-ers

Dining tables, chairs, lounge chairs

Access to daylight

Access to other public spaces, exterior

Habitat Walk N/A N/A Bring users to restored river and wetland habitat without disturbing the environment; link the project to the Willamette Greenway Trail

Outdoor environ-mental experience with intermittent benches and break points

Employees, visitors, local residents, Greenway Trail users

Concrete and wood walkway and benches, revegetated landscape

N/A Access to river and educational spaces

Research

Public

Assembly

Transit

Willam

ette River

*Not to Scale

Main Assembly ComponentStorage

Shipping &Receiving

Office &Meeting

Testing &Demonstration

OpenLab

Multi-purpose

Entry

Cafe

OpenOffice

Education

ProgramAdjacencies

Scale 1” = 100’

Scale Relations

Precedents

Precedents

Tianjin Urban Park is Located in Tianjin, China, a northern Chinese city with a population of nearly 12 million. Rapid urbanization turned once rich wetlands and salt marshes into a dump and runoff site for city storm water. Pollution and littering became heavy while slums and temporary structures began to go up around the site. In 2003 local residents began to complain about the conditions and the city established a set of goals for the site.

1. Contain and purify urban storm water2. Improve the saline-alkali soil through natural processes3. Recover landscape with low maintenance native vegetation4. Provide opportunities for environmental education5. Storm water management6. Landscape sustainability

The project consists of 21 pond cavities varying from 20-40 meters in diameter and 1-5 meters deep. Materials that could not be broken down through the natural process were removed from the site. Remaining debris were buried in above ground mounds and underground cavities. During the rainy season the ponds fill and seasonal wetlands and pools develop, starting a filtration and cleansing process which is supplemented native vegetation and select non-native species. The project was conceived as a living laboratory which will create a positive change in the natural environment providing educational information on the process. A system of red asphalt paths winds through the park while wood platforms allow visitors to walk above ponds and wetlands. Placards offer information regarding the process and plant species in each region of the park. Following a two year growth process the park opened to the public in 2008 and has already had over two million visitors. In this time the soil conditions and contaminant levels have shown significant improvement, proving the potential for natural pollution remediation strategies.

Location: Tianjin, ChinaTypology: Urban ParkCompletion: 2008Scope: 22 HectaresArchitect: Turenscape

RegenerativeLandscape

Location: Sudbury, Ontario, CNTypology: Research FacilityCompletion: Spring 2011Scope: 30,000 sq. ft.Architect: Busby, Perkins +Will

Living withLakes Centre

For decades Sudbury, Ontario was known as an industrial watershed and polluted wasteland. Mining and smelting operations left over 7,000 lakes biologi-cally dead and 35,000 hectares of land scarred and contaminated. Over the past two decades the region has undergone an intensive clean up process which has brought about a slow, but measurable change to the region. In the early 2000’s local authorities began looking to commission a project which would serve as a symbol of the environmental restoration in the region. In late 2009 construction began on Busby, Perkins + Will’s vision of The Vale Inco Living with Lakes Centre on the shores of once dead Lake Ramsey. The 30,000 sq. ft. facility will serve as the new home of the Freshwater Ecology Unit, an ecosystem restoration research Co-op largely responsible for the successful rehabilitation of dozens of lakes in the region. Their continued research is focused on new and more efficient methods of restoring ecologies damaged by industrial use. The facility links the built and natural environment through various systems which help the building meet a goal of achieving projected 2050 climate standards. The project is heated and cooled using a mix of geo-thermal and radiant floor systems. Rain, run-off and grey water are filtered through a bioswale and collected in an existing wetland which serves as a natural cistern for the facility. Water is then drawn from the wetland for water closets, irrigation and boat cleaning. Water for other functions is drawn directly from the Ramsey Lake and after a natural filtration process is returned to the lake in a cleaner condition. Power for the facility is largely drawn from a nearby wind farm. When operations begin it is anticipated the project will use 77% less energy and 80% less water than comparable research centres while annual operating costs are expected to be nearly $75,000 less. Once completed in early 2011 the project will exceed LEED Platinum standards and is scheduled to become carbon neutral within 10 years.

“Average Cost by Source” report, US Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov

“Future Sustainability Forecasting by Exchange Markets: Basic Theory and an Application” report, authors: Nataliya Malyshkina and Deb Niemeier, UC-Davis, cited in Environmental Science & Technology, November, 2010.

“Renewable Energy Report” http://www.altenergy.org/renewables.htm

“Energy Production by Source” report, US Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov

“The Real Problem with Renewables” Robert Bryce, Forbes Magazine, May 2010

“Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon” report, Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, October 2010.

“Cleaner Rivers For Oregon” Report, Oregon Environmental Council Online, www.oeconline.org/our-work/rivers/cleaner-rivers-for-oregon-report/willamette-river.

“Polluted Willamette River Sullies Image Of A Green Oregon” Kim Murphy, LA Times, April 8, 2000

“In Stream Hydropower” Hydro Green Energy, www.hgenergy.com/hydro.html.

“Nation’s First ‘Underwater Wind Turbine’ Installed in Old Man River” Alexis Madrigal, Wired Online, www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/12/hydrokinetic/, December 2008.

“Underwater Wind Turbines Tap River Energy” Erik Sofge, Popular Mechanics Online, www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/4213223, October 2009

“Regenerative Landscapes” Turenscape, http://www.turenscape.com

“Living with Lake Centre” Busby, Perkins & Will, http://www.busby.ca

“River Plan / North Reach” report, City of Portland Bureau of Planning, Draft, May 23, 2008

“Proposed Greenway Trail Alignment” report, City of Portland Bureau of Planning, Draft, July 3, 2006

“River Concept” report, City of Portland Bureau of Planning, Draft, April 6, 2006

Works Cited