Regreening the Built Environment Nature, Green Space, and Sustainability

Regreening the Built Environment examines the relationship between the built environment and nature and demonstrates how rethinking the role and design of infrastructure can environmentally, economically, and socially sustain the earth.

In the past, infrastructure and green or park spaces have been regarded as two opposing factors and placed in conflict with one another through irresponsible patterns of development. This book attempts to change this paradigm and create a new notion that greenspace, parks, and infrastructure can indeed be one in the same. The case studies will demonstrate how existing "gray" infrastructure can be retrofitted with green infrastructure and low impact development techniques. It is quite plausible that a building can be designed that actually creates greenspace or generates energy; likewise, a roadway can be a park, an alley can be a wildlife corridor, and a parking surface can be a garden. In addition to examining sustainability in the near future, the book also explores such alternatives in the distant and very distant future, questioning the notion of sustainability in the event of an earth-altering, cataclysmic disaster.

The strategies presented in this book aim to stimulate discussions within the design profession and will be of great interest to students and practitioners of environmental studies, architecture, and urban design.

Chapter 1: Introduction: A New Paradigm for the Built Environment

Chapter 2: Why Re-Green the Built Environment?

Chapter 3: Ecological Design, Energy, & Waste

Chapter 4: Land Conservation & Preservation
Chapter 5: Auto-Alternative Transportation: A Catalyst for Greenspace

Chapter 6: Roadways

Chapter 7: Parking Surfaces

Chapter 8: Buildings & Rooftops

Chapter 9: Corridors

Chapter 10: Alternative Sites

Chapter 11: Implementing Green Infrastructure

Chapter 12: Conclusion

Michael A. Richards completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies/Social Sciences and a Master of Architecture at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, U.S. Since this time, Michael has devoted much of his research to increasing environmental awareness in architectural education and practice and to finding a balance between the natural and built environments. Michael has worked in teaching, research, and administrative capacities at several colleges and universities, including the University of Vermont, the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College, Erie Community College, Vermont Technical College, and the Community College of Vermont.