Reply To: What is ecological urbanism?

[Thomas J. Johnson]

What are some examples modern parks, storm water management systems, transportation systems, etc. that exemplify Ecological Urbanism?

In my early post, I neglected to mention Millennium Park as an example. Combining modern and classical design, it transformed a sub-grade rail yard into the largest green roof (on structure) park in the world. In doing so, the park simultaneously eliminated an industrial eye sore and reconnected the Loop with the lake shore. To say it’s been a success would be an understatement!

Another recent example is the Park at Lakeshore East by James Burnett.
http://www.ojb.com/projects/#/the-park-at-lakeshore-east
While small in comparison at 5.3 acres, the park provides a much need break from the surrounding city-scape and begins to create a hop-scotch connection of parks between Millennium Park to the South and Lincoln Park to the North.

With all due respect to Mr. Burnett, who’s office is in Southern California and whose practice I greatly admire, this raises another question; Does part of Ecological Urbanism involve hiring local designers? No matter how much an out-of-town designer attempts to understand a region, it can take a lifetime to understand the nuances of a place and it’s environmental / climatic behavior. There are numerous examples in the ASLA awards of projects being completed by designers who live half way around the world from the site. I have a hard time believing that there isn’t a local designer, who has a thorough understanding of the region, that could have done as good a job or better. This disconnect becomes obvious when materials fail, sites flood, plants dies, etc. Any thoughts?