How do waterscape projects combine landscape design and natural processes to create dialogues that engage both culture and nature? The case of the Boston park system and the solar city

Aliki-Myrto Perysinaki (1)

1 Laboratoire Architectures, Milieux, Paysages

The transformation of nature through urban development has resulted in a disturbed ecosystem. Urban infrastructure built to contain and overpower natural processes has finally been particularly harmful. In recent years, some ecologically and culturally conscious design practitioners have tried to develop a way to combine the processes of nature and the aesthetic qualities of water in order to create urban spaces that bring people together in embracing the nature and culture of a place. These types of projects are called “waterscapes.” Waterscapes are constructed water features in urban public squares and parks: they celebrate the role of water in our urban landscapes and allow people to experience the qualities of water through touch, sight and sound. The rationale behind this way of treatment of water resources is to produce sustainable and beautiful urban spaces where people can engage with the pleasures of water.

Mots clés: Waterscape; urban ecology; water infrastructure systems

Domaines: Environnement et Société

Aliki-Myrto Perysinaki. How do waterscape projects combine landscape design and natural processes to create dialogues that engage both culture and nature? The case of the Boston park system and the solar city. World Wide Workshop for Young Environmental Scientists: 2010, May 2010, Arcueil, France. ⟨hal-00521475⟩