4th week
Molly [Fire Mitigation]
The presentation was really well structured and pointed out very interesting issues. I found especially interesting the maps you showed of the sensible areas regarding fire, and the fact that they do not seem to inform development. I think it would be very interesting to show one example about that that you find relevant. I am also curious about the reforestation policies, if any, contributing to the recovery of the affected sites and impeding the urban/suburban development of those areas. At what level are these issues legislated? Municipal, State, or Federal?Another issue you mentioned was the need of designing buffer to help protecting both the residences and the environment. In this case, the same you went into detail with small scale issues it would be very interesting if you could show some suggestion of how these buffers operate, one best practice case at least.
Dough [Coastal Restoration after disaster]
Your presentation was very detailed and a very good example of how to deal with processes in the urban environment. Scale and time were again important parts of the proposal.I enjoyed particularly the fact that you included historical maps in your research, looking at the original state of things always reveals important clues to look at. You pointed out some of the challenges you are facing in your professional practice, and in a way you brought together research and implementation of ideas, something very stimulating when in School. Good luck.
Jonathan [Wind Turbines]
Your topic brings together two important aspects: the visual component of landscape as a cultural construction, and the ways that landscape is also valuable in terms of production.The cases you chose were all interesting, I will encourage you to look at Holland as a place where mills are linked to the very process of construction of the land- the polders. This case could help you to explore an extreme case of engineered landscape, and the way these elements could help to create a sense of place.In addition, as I told you, it would be interesting to show a very simple diagram about the way wind mills operate. Apart from the visual elements we can see I guess they create a physical network to transport the energy that happens underground. Which is the impact of that?
Julianne [Resident Canadian Geese]
I must confess I have never thought about the issues you brought to the class. Far from focusing on the Canadian Geese I think you were reflecting, as Anne pointed out as a way of conclusion, in a very serious problem in urban environment: how we manage pests. The way you frame the problem was very instructive and easy to follow, and I would like to know what other species could be considered in a similar situation. It was clear that we only like from nature the part that we can control, what is clean and predictable. Again education is key to inform people about the right way to deal with animals in urban settings.
