D E S T I N AT I O N 
DAM REMOVAL
     designing historical narratives into 
post-industrial landscapes
 Carolyn Corl
1

Approval Project Chair:    Mark R. Eischeid
Committee:  
     Chris Enright
Committee:  
     Kory Russell
Submitted in partial fullfillment of the
Master of Landscape Architecture
Department of Landscape Architecture
College of Design
University of Oregon
June 11, 2021
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In recent decades, dam removals on American rivers 
have accelerated due to environmental concerns for 
stream ecology coinciding with the obsolescence of dam 
infrastructure built in the early 20th century. In some cases, 
parts of a dam’s structure are left behind to minimize 
Abstract riverbank disturbance or to appease community members who oppose dam removal for its cultural significance. 
Like other post-industrial landscapes, the traces and ruins 
associated with dam infrastructure tell a story of the 
site before, during and after the infrastructure severely 
altered the landscape. At dam removal sites specifically, 
acknowledging this narrative of landscape change and 
recovery is a unique design opportunity that cannot be 
addressed through restoration or preservation alone. But 
through literature review and case study analyses, this 
project builds a design framework for engaging with the 
traces left behind by dam removal. By examining how 
landscape architects have previously worked with other 
types of post-industrial landscape remnants to elicit a site’s 
narrative through design, a decision-making procedure 
for proposing design interventions for historic remnants 
and how to make them compatible with an overall 
design concept was developed. The design intervention 
framework is then exemplified through a proposed site 
design at the former Savage Rapids Dam on the Rogue 
River in Southern Oregon. 
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I would like to thank the University of Oregon faculty I also want to acknowledge that the site for this 
for showing me how to understand landscapes through project is located on the ancestral homelands of the 
design. I am especially grateful to my project chair, Mark Takelma people who lived in the Rogue River Valley for 
Eischeid, who thoughtfully and enthusiastically guided millennia. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde 
me through the research process. Thank you to Chris Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the 
Acknowledgments Enright, who has whole-heartedly supported my cohort Siletz Indians identify their members as living descendants throughout our three years at the University of Oregon, of the Takelma people, who joined these tribes when they 
but especially during our final year, which of course has were forcibly removed by colonists during the Rogue River 
been challenging for everyone during the pandemic. War in the 1850s.
To my cohort, I feel incredibly lucky that I got to be a 
part of such a talented, fun, and inspiring group of people. 
Thank you all for your feedback and encouragement 
throughout this project. 
Thank you to my colleagues at the Cultural Landscape 
Research Group. Working with you all has been a highlight 
of my time at graduate school and your support during 
the past year has been so meaningful. 
To my family and friends, thank you for your support 
and love.
Thank you to the community members of the Rogue 
Valley who helped in my site research. 
vi vii
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 5: Design Intervention Framework 
1.1 Project Scope 1 5.1 Introduction 73
1.2 Significance 3 5.2 Traces, Strategies and Tactics 73
1.3 Research Goals, Objectives and Questions 7 5.3 Design Intervention Framework 76
Contents 1.4 Research Methods 81.5 Chapter Preview 10 Chapter 6: Site Design
Chapter 2: Design Theory 6.1 Design Goals 79
6.2 Designing with the Framework 79
2.1 Introduction 13 6.3 Design Concepts and Selection  84
2.2 Aesthetic Value of Ruins in Design 13 6.4 Site Design 87
2.3 Cultural Value of Ruins in Design 14
2.4 Ecological Value of Ruins in Design 16 6.5 Trace Interventions 
98
2.5 Economic Value of Ruins in Design 17
2.6 Design Theory Framework 19 Chapter 7: Discussion
Chapter 3: Case Studies 7.1 Evaluation 1177.2 Future Applications 116
7.3 Conclusion 117
3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 URBN Dry Dock No. 1 22
3.3 Ballast Point Park 26 References 121
3.4 Mill Ruins Park 30
3.5 Duisberg Nord 34
3.6 Design Strategy Framework 39
Chapter 4: Site Background
4.1 Introduction 43
4.2 Dam Removal in the Western U.S. 43
4.3 Rogue River Environmental History 46
4.4 Site Selection 51
4.5 Savage Rapids Dam Site Conditions 57
4.6 Savage Rapids Dam Historic Aerial Analysis 62
4.7 Savage Rapids Dam Site Historic Traces Inventory 65
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Chapter 1: Introduction 4.2 Owyhee Dam Postcard 45
4.3 Rogue River Postcard 45
1.1 Oregon Context Map 2 4.4 Savage Rapids Dam Postcard 45
1.2 Rogue River Dam Map 2 4.5 Gold Hill Dam Remnants 56
1.3 Concrete Chunk Keepsake from Savage Rapids Dam 4 4.6 Gold Ray Dam Remnants 56
Figures 1.4 Interpretive Kiosk at Elwha Dam 5 4.7 Savage Rapids Dam Remnants 561.5 Project Methodological Approach 9 4.8 Willow Baffle Riparian Restoration Planting 584.9 Savage Rapids Dam Site Infrastructure and Habitat Zones 59
Chapter 2: Design Theory 4.10 Urban and Transportation Context 604.11 1952 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam 62
4.12 1976 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam 62
2.1 Design Theory Framework 19 4.13 2001 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam 63
4.14 2021 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam 63
Chapter 3: Case Studies 4.15 Savage Rapids Dam Circa 2006 66
4.16 Savage Rapids Dam After Removal in 2009 66
3.1 Application of Design Theory Framework 21 4.17 Revegetated Savage Rapids Dam Site in 2020 67
3.2 Railroad Remnant Guiding Site Circulation and Planting 25 4.18 Historic Traces Inventory of Former Savage Rapids Dam                          68
3.3 Recycled Pavement from Site Demolition in Planters 25               and Former Savage Rapids County Park
3.4 People Gathered Around the U-shard Drydock 25 4.19 Historic Remnants of Savage Rapids Dam Structure                            69
3.5 Views of the Sydney Harbor Cut from Historic Seawall 29  Post-Dam Removal
3.6 Historic Artifacts Found During Demolition Encased in 29 4.20 Corresponding Photographs to Historic Traces Inventory 70
      Rubble Gabions
3.7 Planters in the Shape of Former Oil Tank Footprints 29 Chapter 5: Design Intervention Framework
3.8 Dramatic Lighting Design at Mill Ruins Park 33
3.9 Concrete and Steel Walkway Providing Access to Ruins 33 5.1  Framework Building Process 73
3.10 Urban Plant Species Colonizing Mill Ruins 33 5.2 Intervention Tactics for Traces: Leave As-Is 74
3.11 Geometric Planting within the Ruins of the Sinter Park 37 5.3 Intervention Tactics for Traces: Modify + Remain in Place 74
3.12 Steel Walkway Built Over Remnant Pilings 37 5.4 Intervention Tactics for Traces: Modify + Relocate 75
3.13 Historic Photograph Frieze 37 5.5 Intervention Tactics for Traces: Construct 75
3.14 Concrete Remnants Repurposed for Climbing 37 5.6 Blank Design Intervention Framework Matrix 77
3.15 Key Design Intervention Takeaways  38 5.7 Design Intervention Framework Matrix Filled Out for 77
3.16 Design Strategy Framework 39 Savage Rapids Trace #5, the Stepped Buttress Wall
Chapter 4: Site Background Chapter 6: Site Design
4.1 Bonneville Dam Postcard 45 6.1 Design Goals for Post-Dam Removal Sites 79
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6.2 Design Intervention Matrix, filled out for Sixteen  80
      Different traces at Savage Rapids Dam
6.3 Design Concept #1 Parti Diagram 84
6.4 Design Concept #2 Parti Diagram 84
6.5 Design Concept #3 Parti Diagram 85
6.6 Design Concepts 1, 2, 3 with Traces Projected 86
6.7 Table Showing Concept and Traces Compatibility 86 “Out of a ruin a new symbol emerges,
6.8 Savage Rapids Site Design 90 and a landscape finds form and 
6.9 Design Section A at the South Dam Abutment Access Point 92
6.10 Design Section B at Pipeline Boardwalk Terminus Lookout 93 comes alive.”
6.11 Design section C at Viewshed “e” 94
6.12 Steel Steps Referencing Color of Site’s New Steel Irrigation 96 - John Brinckerhoff Jackson
      Pipeline that Replaced the Dam A Sense of Place, a Sense of Time
6.13 Contrast Between Original Dam Aggregate Concrete and 97 New Haven: Yale University Press, 1994, ix.
      Pumice-based
6.14 Fish Ladder Remnant Intervention 99
6.15 Fish Ladder Viewing Area Intervention 100
6.16 South Bank Abutment Ruin Intervention 101
6.17 Floodgate Hinges Intervention 102
6.18 Stepped Buttress Wall Intervention 103
6.19 North Bank Abutment Ruin Intervention 104
6.20 Concrete Encased Wood Stave Pipe Remnant Intervention 105
6.21 Cofferdam Footings Intervention 106
6.22 Cottonwood Allée Intervention 107
6.23 Former County Park Parking Lot Intervention 108
6.24 County Park Boat Ramp Intervention 109
6.25 Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines Intervention 110
6.26 Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration Intervention 111
6.27 Colonial-Era Gold Mining of River Rock Intervention 112
6.28 Salmon Habitat Restoration Intervention 113
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1.1 PROJECT SCOPE cultural and environmental history. The objective of this 
project is to create a narrative-driven design framework 
As many types of twentieth century infrastructure for providing visitor access at historic dam removal sites 
continue to deteriorate, we will be left with landscapes that enhances recreation with place-making.
scattered with industrial ruins. This dilemma continues to While dam removal is a national issue, this project is 
 CHAPTER 1: be addressed by landscape architects, who use design focused on dam removals that have occurred along the to reframe outdated post-industrial infrastructure as Rogue River in Southern Oregon (Figure 1.1) The Rogue 
cultural and recreational resources for public access. In has long been famous for its plentiful Coho salmon Introduction recent years, one type of infrastructure that continues to runs and several dam removals in recent decades have become obsolete is the dam. Dams become obsolete for benefi tted the habitat restoration for the Coho and 
several reasons, whether they have become too costly other native anadromous fi sh species. This project will 
to maintain, have become unsafe, they are negatively specifi cally examine the Savage Rapids Dam removal site, 
impacting stream ecology or their utility has been replaced which was the most contested of the three Rogue River 
by new technology (O’Connor, 2015). Since 2012, more dam removals that occurred along a twenty-mile stretch 
than 1,200 dams have been removed in the United States, of the Middle Rogue River (Figure 1.2). The three dams 
with 99 dams removed in 2018 alone (American Rivers, were each installed for diff erent purposes at diff erent 
2020). As dams are removed, their ruins often remain times, but all were centered around the Euro-American 
in the landscape to minimize disturbance on riverbanks colonial settling and farming of the Rogue River Basin in 
because they are so structurally embedded into the river’s the late 19th century and the early 20th century. As federal 
edge during initial construction. The rapid transformation standards for dams and fi sh ladders changed and the old 
of a river’s ecological health can be witnessed fi rsthand infrastructure began to fail, the dams were removed. The 
by visiting these dam removal sites, making them popular fi rst dam to be removed was the Gold Hill Dam in 2008, a 
destinations for environmental enthusiasts. Sometimes diversion dam used by the town of Gold Hill for water and 
dam remnants are also often left behind in the landscape energy and built in the 1940’s. Next to be removed was 
to give community members a piece of history to hold Savage Rapids Dam in 2009, which was an irrigation dam 
on to (Weir, 2021), which also attracts people who are built to serve surrounding farmland in 1922. Last to come 
interested in the cultural heritage of dam sites.  Because down was Gold Ray Dam in 2010, which was built in 1904 
of these varying interests in dam removal sites, dam ruins to supply hydroelectricity to a gold mine and then later to 
present unique opportunities for landscape architects power the local area’s grid until 1972. With the removal of 
to design visitor access that fully acknowledges a site’s these three dams salmon populations have begun to rise. 
change over time, encompassing narratives of both culture Now that there are 157 miles of undammed river uptream 
and ecology. The research presented here foregrounds of the Rogue’s mouth at the Pacifi c Ocean, fi sh can migrate 
dam ruins as post-industrial artifacts that reveal a site’s more easily and the nutrient cycles of the river have 
1
improved. All that remains of these dams are concrete 1.2 SIGNIFICANCE access to the ocean from a seaport in Massachusetts. 
ruins at the river’s edge that allude to the dams that once In the American west, the natural topography of rivers 
existed. One reason landscape architects often design with and their valleys in dry climates allowed water to be the 
By reviewing design literature and a series of design Portland post-industrial ruins is to reuse these leftover objects to resource that was extracted during settlement, making 
case studies that explore other types of post-industrial 0 
Salem tell the story of a site’s history. These objects can hold a dam infrastructure an important agent in transforming the ruins, a design framework for historical narrative potent symbolic meaning of the past and off er landscape west into an industrialized system of agricultural irrigation 
contextualization of dam ruins will be established Pacific architects an opportunity to curate the public’s encounter and hydropower. Now many of these dams have been 
and applied to the ruins at Savage Rapids Dam and Ocean removed, and as a result, the physical remnants left behind 
0 with physical history. 
its surrounding site. The case studies include a range Eugene We have seen this in projects across the country by the process of dam removal have yet to be explored by 
of design projects that address design approaches to where outdated industrial infrastructure speaks to the designers through the same narrative-driven landscape 
industrial ruins, ranging from grain mills and shipyards regional industrial economy and is repurposed through architecture we have seen with other post-industrial 
to gas and iron plants. By understanding that these ruins. This project situates dam removal sites in the West 
design interventions resulted from an intricate site-based Rogu
design. One example of this is the Bethlehem Steel Stacks 
e
in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This steel factory in the as a post-industrial landscape typology that is currently 
knowledge of historic traces, a strategy for inventorying e r heart of the Rust Belt supported the local economy by overlooked in contemporary landscape architecture.
features left behind by previous industrial use will be 0 Medford employing thousands of local people. Once the global Dam removal continues as more dams become 
demonstrated at a dam removal site. This inventory model 
Figure 1.1: Location of the Rogue River in Oregon economy shifted and the steel plant closed in 1995, the 
obsolete and wildlife conservation becomes more 
guides designers to think about how each trace can be steel plant remained empty for fi fteen years before it imperative in the face of climate change. These sites 
used in a spectrum of design intervention: to keep as is, 
-}'----. was repurposed by designers at WRT Design to become 
present important opportunities for public access for 
modify, repurpose or reconstruct. Ultimately, the project --,..- an arts and culture venue that acknowledges the site’s several reasons: 
demonstrates how designing with these interventions (/) )> ; history.  While the steel plant’s ruin-like structures are no 1. They are valuable cultural landscapes that 
communicates a dam removal site’s complex narrative of Josephine Jackson ... longer in use, these architectural objects still hold value communicate the historical impacts of colonial settlement 
disruption and recovery. County County
1-
-v<<<!'y for the people of Bethlehem, making the park’s historical and environmental activism.
Gold Ray narrative an important element throughout the design. 
2. The dams themselves cannot be preserved after 
Gold Hill There are many other examples of parks like these, each their removal according to conventional preservation PLACEHOLDER GDaRmAPHIC Dam unique to an economic region that experienced change practices, but design can be used to create meaningful 
in a post-industrial economy. Sites with ruins from former experiences around the fragmented dam remnants. 
Savage Rapids shipyards, coal plants, paper mills and textile mills have 
3. The recreation opportunities associated with their 
Dam been redesigned to tell the environmental history that is 
reservoirs disappear with dam removal, revealing a need 
unique to a region’s landscape. for new recreational programming at many of these sites.
Rogue River
0 2 4 The pre-industrial landscape heavily infl uences a Oregon Scenic Waterway 8
Rogue River - Miles region’s industrial typology because its natural resources 
Oregon Scenic Waterway C) - 0 2 4 8 Miles determine what can be extracted or exploited, whether 
Rail Line Figure 1.2: Locations of dam removals on the Rogue River it is access to coal in the mountains of Pennsylvania or 
Removed Dams
Rail Line
Removed Dams
2 3
Riv
DAMS + CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE they pose a unique challenge to the practice of historic 
preservation. Their infrastructure, while still intact, can be 
Dam removal sites and their ruins deserve attention argued as a structure representing a period of significance 
from landscape architects for their value as cultural for its design or its role in a historic narrative. But for 
landscapes with cultural artifacts. Dams have provided a historic structure to be preserved, it must possess a 
many jobs, helped irrigate miles of farmland and were certain amount of integrity. When a dam is removed, 
seen as engineering marvels. At some sites, communities its structural integrity is destroyed, but the history left 
may wish to preserve traces of a dam’s history because behind by dam removal may remain as a mark on the 
they can often be associated with early settlement of landscape that is outside of the scope of preservation 
towns. In many rural communities, dams brought water defined by the National Historic Preservation Act. Section 
and power to remote areas, creating the infrastructure 106 of the NHPA requires that a structure must have 
necessary for the establishment of a town. On the other enough physical integrity to show its character, be over 
hand, a dam may have a more negative history because fifty years old and have a historical significance tied 
the construction of some dams submerged or impacted to events or people (National Register Bulletin, 1995). 
important fishing areas for indigenous peoples and this Figure 1.3: Concrete Chunk Keepsake from the Savage Rapids Dam Preservationists have discussed this dilemma regarding 
infrastructure is associated with the colonial settlement of Removal, from: Earth Justice, https://earthjustice.org/slideshow/sav- historic dam removals and their answer is to typically ing-the-pacific-salmon, accessed May 6, 2021
the American West. distill a site’s history down into some sort of interpretive 
Another cultural value that dam removal sites hold sign to stand in for preservation of the missing dam.  Figure 1.4: Interpretive Panel and Overlook at the Elwha Dam, from: A Mountain Hearth, https://www.mountainhearth.com/2016/04/an-elwha-
is their representation of the restoration efforts by many advocates. Visitation to these sites can be enhanced by Without the historic structure, interpretive signs must without-dam-is-like-fish.html, accessed April 21, 2021
people that resulted in dam removal. Dam removal visibly providing visitor access through a narrative-embedded present the entire history of the landscape, through 
restores ecosystems by allowing for river sediment to design and by protecting the dam ruins themselves. text and image only (Figure 1.3). Historic preservationist 
flow naturally and restarts the nutrient cycle carried by In this project, various site histories are communicated Althea Wunderler-Selby questioned whether interpretive agrees that this approach has the potential to only 
migratory fish.  At dam removal sites people can learn and through design by bringing attention to the change interventions at some dam removal sites are effective acknowledge limited scopes of history, either as, “…
reflect on this change and understand how the former that the Rogue River has undergone due to human enough to represent a dam’s historic presence post- signaling that the dam-less landscape is a twenty-first 
infrastructure became harmful to the environment. intervention over time, both positive and negative. removal. Her research looked at several dam removal century constructed artifact…” or that most interpretation 
Due to the significance of dam removals in sites around the Pacific Northwest that have interpretive only acknowledges industrial history while leaving out 
environmental history, they are often visited by DAMS + PRESERVATION signage installed at overlooks and found that these signs indigenous narratives like how the site was used for 
environmental enthusiasts, with people traveling to remote did not entirely satisfy community members who were traditional fishing practices (Stevenson, 2017: 11). This 
places to do sightseeing of dam removal sites. Figure This research explores how we can use design to attached to the cultural meaning of the dam before project demonstrates that a narrative-driven landscape 
1.3 shows a piece of Savage Rapids Dam that was kept balance historical narratives of objects across a spectrum removal. In a sense, the physical void left by the dam design of dam removal sites and their ruins can provide 
by one of the environmental litigators, Mike Sherwood, of integrity to preserve the cultural heritage connected removal left a cultural void in the community’s identity, a more comprehensive and inclusive expression of site 
who worked in support of the dam removal, showing the to dam structures, even after they are gone or partially and efforts to preserve the dam’s memory through history, which goes beyond traditional preservationist 
sentimental importance of dam removal for some salmon removed. This is important for dam removal sites because signage alone fall short. Preservationist Ian Stevenson interpretive interventions. The case studies do not rely 
4 5
on interpretive signs alone to engage people with the By redesigning dam removal sites for new recreational 1.3 RESEARCH GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND rich infrastructure history at the Rogue River, where three 
remnants of their post-industrial uses, they rely on design programming, like rafting, fishing, hiking and exploring the QUESTIONS dams were recently removed, and only the concrete ruins 
interventions. This research demonstrates how designers post-industrial dam ruins, tourism and local recreation can of the dams remained. My objectives for this project 
can push beyond the limits of the interpretive panel to be revitalized after dam removal. GOALS then became: to understand how other designers have 
provide a four-dimensional experience of the site’s history.  designed with post-industrial site histories, to study the 
In cultural landscape preservation, the term “feature” PROJECT AUDIENCE This project came out of a recurring concern I had environmental history of Rogue River Valley and how the 
is typically used to refer to any physical elements in the when conducting site research for each of my studio history of these dams shaped that region’s history, and 
landscape that pertain to a site’s historical significance. In summary, dam removal sites present complex projects. This concern was that in learning about each to explore how to reveal a historical narrative at a dam 
Since this project seeks to express more history than landscape narratives that deserve to be incorporated into site’s rich history, I did not have a method for how to removal.
beyond what is physically present at the site, the term design, much like other post-industrial sites. There is an thoughtfully bring those stories into my designs. In some 
“trace” will be used to mean an element of site history that opportunity at these sites to balance cultural preservation, cases, these designs incorporated physical artifacts of QUESTIONS
expresses a moment in time related to a site’s historical recreation and ecological restoration through design for that history, and in others, narratives that were no longer 
narrative. A trace can be a visible artifact found in the site’s the benefit of the public and the ecoregion they are a visible needed representation. I wondered how design At a broad scale, this project investigates: 
landscape, or it can be an invisible memory documented part of. More broadly, this research is meant to benefit could illuminate these histories in thoughtful ways that 
by oral or written history, expressed through metaphor in designers who find themselves grappling with complicated push beyond the interpretive panel found at many historic Is there a design framework that can translate design 
design. site histories and narratives relating to anthropogenic sites. Therefore, the first main goal for this project is interventions across different post-industrial landscapes? 
impacts on a landscape and to give them a design to give designers a guide for design interventions that 
DAMS + RECREATION strategy for accounting for the many traces that industrial express a site’s complex history. At a finer scale, this project explores:
infrastructure leaves behind.  My second goal is to establish dam removal sites 
In many cases dams are associated with recreation. as a type of post-industrial cultural landscape that can How can the design framework be used to design at 
The calm, deep water of reservoirs behind dams are benefit from design by landscape architects for the sake of dam removal sites for public recreational use rooted in site 
typically used for boating, swimming and fishing. When recreation, preservation and restoration. history?
a dam is removed, there is a new need for a recreational 
outlet at the site for the surrounding community. In the OBJECTIVES
case of the Savage Rapids Dam, recreation was one of the 
issues at the center of public debate over dam removal. To achieve these goals, I needed to understand how 
According to Josephine County Historian Joan Momsen, landscape designers have previously dealt with this topic. 
People who like[d] the boating, swimming Because of the amount of physical artifacts left behind 
and recreational aspect saw no reason to remove at post-industrial sites, these types of landscapes have 
the dams… Savage Rapids Lake was the only close allowed designers to create visitor experiences around 
by lake that one could water ski on and taking historic infrastructure to tell a site’s history. This led me to 
that away meant people would have to drive search for my own post-industrial site that I could research 
further… Many of the motels, some on the river, and then test my design framework with. I discovered a 
are now apartments.  People do not come as 
much (Momsen, 2021). 
6 7
1.4 RESEARCH METHODS CASE STUDIES project that he led through his employer, the Freshwater 
Literature Case Study Savage Rapids Dam 
Analysis Trust. A phone interview with retired Southern Oregon Review Site Research
 This project uses literature review and case study A review of case studies examined design projects University Native American Studies professor and local 
analyses to build a design framework for engaging with and their approaches to designing with historic objects tribal member David West on January 22, 2021, discussed 
the traces left behind by dam removal, based on how through the design theory framework established in the ............. / ...... the pre-contact and contact-era history of the site. Three 
landscape architects have previously worked with other literature review. These case studies were chosen for their site visits were made in January, February and April of 
types of post-industrial landscape remnants to elicit a variety of geographic regions, post-industrial narratives 2021 to document existing conditions with sketches and Design Design Historic 
site’s narrative through design. Ultimately the resulting expressed through design and for the importance of Theory Framework .....•  Strategy Framework Traces Inventory photography and to conduct a comprehensive inventory 
framework is tested by applying it to a design that water to the industrial processes that historically impacted of the site’s historic traces.
incorporates the various historic traces related to dam the landscapes, to parallel the impacts of dams found at ······ ............. ... 
removal at Savage Rapids Dam on the Rogue River. The this project’s dam removal site. These projects include 
,, .. ············/ 
Design SYNTHESIS
fi nal design is then evaluated based on the values and URBN Dry Dock No. 1, a former shipyard in Philadelphia, Intervention Framework
strategies determined throughout the literature review and PA, Ballast Point Park, a former ballast quarry and oil Once the design theory framework from the literature 
case studies. These methods will be discussed in terms processing plant in Sydney, Australia, Mill Ruins Park, review was used to identify a design strategy framework 
of what information was gathered for the research, how a former grain mill in Minneapolis, MN, and Duisberg from the case studies, these design strategies were used to 
it was synthesized, how it was used in design and the Nord, a former iron plant located in Duisberg, Germany. establish a framework for creating specifi c interventions for 
resulting approach to analysis. Information about these projects came from the Site Design Evaluation historic traces. This matrix, called the “design intervention websites of the design fi rms, published interviews with framework,” allows designers to consider diff erent types of 
LITERATURE REVIEW the designers, the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s design interventions, using intricate site-based knowledge 
landscape performance case studies, the National Park of historic traces gained through inventorying features left 
The project began with a literature review of Service website, journal articles and personal observation. Figure 1.5: Project Methodological Approach, where circles represent behind by previous industrial use. This inventory-based actions and rectangles reperesent products
landscape design theory related to designing at sites model also guides designers to think about how design 
with complex post-industrial histories. This also included SITE BACKGROUND RESEARCH strategies for each trace can be used within a spectrum 
reviewing literature that discusses approaches to part of the Rogue River. Interviews with three people of intervention tactics (keep as-is, modify, repurpose or 
expressing site narratives through site design. Sources Savage Rapids Dam and the surrounding Rogue with specifi c knowledge of the Savage Rapids Dam site construct) similar to the types of interventions seen in the 
came from journal articles and books. The literature River environment were researched to understand the history were conducted by phone and email. Josephine case studies.
review led to my own development of a design theory site’s entire historical narrative. This research began with County Historian Joan Momsen provided information 
framework, which was then used to evaluate the case archival research of government documents about the regarding the community’s response to dam removal and DESIGN
studies based on how closely they follow the approaches dam removal, an analysis of historic postcard imagery the site’s former cultural signifi cance as a recreation site 
discussed in the literature. depicting the dam and the Rogue River to understand through email correspondence on December 30, 2020. A To test the usefulness of the design intervention 
the cultural importance of the dam and the recreational phone interview with restoration ecologist Eugene Wier framework, a dam removal site with a complex 
culture of the Rogue River, and a review of archeological on January 11, 2021 discussed the dam removal, which environmental history was selected for an overall 
literature to understand the pre-contact history of this he helped plan, and the subsequent riparian restoration schematic design that combines each historic trace into 
8 9
a cohesive narrative. The design intervention framework 1.5 CHAPTER PREVIEW
was used to aid in site design in a number of ways. Each 
inventoried trace was first considered using the design Chapters 2 and 3 lay the groundwork for the project’s 
intervention framework matrix, to think about how a Design Intervention Framework. Chapter 2 presents the 
design could incorporate each trace. At the schematic discussion and findings from the literature review, resulting 
scale, the design intervention framework was used in a Design Theory Framework, while Chapter 3 shows 
to identify which of three design concepts was most the four case studies and the resulting Design Strategy 
compatible with accommodating as many of the traces as Framework. Chapter 4 then presents the synthesis of the 
possible. two frameworks into the Design Intervention Framework 
and discusses how it can be applied to a site with historic 
ANALYSIS traces connected to a post-industrial narrative.
Chapter 5 presents the sociopolitical and 
To understand if the design intervention framework is environmental context for dam construction and dam 
useful or not, the design was analyzed through the lens of removal in the Western United States, arguing that Savage 
the previously established design theory framework and Rapids Dam on the Rogue River is an exemplary dam 
design strategy framework. This analysis looks specifically removal site to study. The site’s environmental history 
at how the design intervention framework functioned as a dating back to 9000 years ago is presented, as well as an 
tool for design, and not critiquing the design itself. inventory of current conditions at the dam site and the 
surrounding landscape.
Chapter 6 shows how the Design Intervention 
Framework is applied to designing the Savage Rapids 
Dam site. The process of using the matrix from the 
design intervention framework is demonstrated. The 
trace interventions are discussed within the context of a 
unifying design concept and then as individual features 
encountered in the landscape. 
Chapter 7 evaluates the site design. Future 
applications at other dam removal sites are considered, as 
well as the transferability of the framework across post-
industrial landscape typologies.
10 11
2.1 INTRODUCTION 2009). Chan warns that while industrial ruins fi t well into 
the Enlightenment aesthetic that we are accustomed to as 
In the last few decades, there has been a signifi cant part of the Western landscape tradition, it is easy for the 
amount of literature on landscapes that engage with history behind ruins to be overshadowed by their aesthetic 
historic site features like post-industrial ruins (DeSilvey quality. She urges designers to, “…treat ruins primarily as  CHAPTER 2: and Edensor, 2012). Something that all of these sources historical evidence and secondarily as aesthetic devices” have in common is that they each explore the value (Chan, 2009: 30). Designers should be aware if the historic 
that ruins hold for design opportunities, whether that artifacts they are designing with start to feel like they are Design Theory value is aesthetic, cultural, economic or ecological. These only follies in the landscape. If they are treated only as diff erent types of design approaches will be examined follies, then the design will not be honoring the site’s true 
to show how designers can employ design strategies for narrative. 
ruins that establish a meaningful sense of place at these When considering ruins through this Enlightenment 
historic sites. Since there is a lack of literature surrounding lens, we understand that they can be simultaneously 
the post-industrial design of dam removal ruins, these romantic and dystopic (DeSilvey and Edensor, 2012). The 
approaches can be used to support a design framework visual attraction of post-industrial ruins comes from their 
for such projects. appearances appealing to an earlier time period, inspiring 
a vague feeling of nostalgia, but also eliciting feelings of 
2.2 AESTHETIC VALUE OF RUINS IN DESIGN the sublime by appearing apocalyptic in their degraded condition (DeSilvey and Edensor, 2012). While designers 
should take Chan’s advice by not solely relying on the 
We will fi rst examine the purely aesthetic features sublime aesthetics of ruins for their design concepts, this 
of post-industrial ruins that attract landscape designers. dynamic aesthetic gives designers the opportunity to build 
At their surface, ruins from a former era have a distinct off  of a preexisting material quality. The design’s material 
material quality to them that can inspire design for several palette can at least be guided by this aged aesthetic to 
reasons, which is worth unpacking. bring a sense of time into a design. 
The aesthetic appeal of ruins goes back far beyond Since post-industrial ruins can inspire such complex 
the withering factories and processing plants of the emotions, one may wonder if most people simply fi nd 
20th century. Crumbling Classical structures set against them beautiful or aesthetically pleasing. In Tim Edensor’s 
a backdrop of wild vegetation were popularly used to book titled, Industrial Ruins: Spaces, Aesthetics and 
lead the eye across designed landscapes during the Materiality, he makes the assumption that most people 
Enlightenment tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries. fi nd little aesthetic value in a landscape containing 
The mystery, scale and ambiguity of ruins makes them industrial ruins due to the amount of disorder that is 
attractive to people, but can be easily mythologized (Chan, visible. He disagrees with this, calling for a broader 
13
definition of what is acceptable aesthetically in public which typically allude to negative anthropocentric effects team was able to unearth a portion of the large rocky of industrial ruins in revealing a site’s cultural narrative 
landscapes. He argues that ruins present a unique on the environment, this overall narrative structure is outcropping to reveal part of the whole, suggesting the through design is Elisabeth Chan in her essay, “What roles 
contrast to conventional landscapes because their spatial relevant. So, while ruins give designers an obvious starting depth of the rock’s structure below the surface. Exposing for ruins?” from 2009. In a response to contemporary park 
organization is influenced by a previous purpose, which point in assembling landscape narratives, it is important to more of the rock also revealed marks left behind by designs that overlook the cultural narrative associated with 
gives them a more dynamic influence on their spatial order first consider the structure of the narrative that the design glacial grinding. By taking advantage of the rock’s size industrial ruins, Chan examines ways that designs involving 
(Edensor, 2005). By looking to the original design layout of will communicate. and texture in this way, Olmsted directed the narrative of ruins can address an honest representation of a site’s 
an industrial site, a designer might take advantage of the Many people write about the narrative quality geologic processes that unfolded on the site at one time. historic narrative.  She outlines these approaches in a list 
purely aesthetic layout of leftover structures and features that sites with historic remnants lend themselves to This idea can be applied to industrial ruins by considering of guidelines, which are each relevant to this topic. The first 
which would otherwise not exist. Letting this “disordered” due to their fragmentary nature. This is seen by some how they may be hidden or revealed in a design to point that she makes, which has already been discussed 
space guide design will result in an aesthetically unique as an opportunity for design intervention to reveal illustrate narrative. in terms of aesthetics, is that ruins should be treated as 
site plan. the site’s historical narrative. Robin Dripps, who writes By looking at sites that have ruins with varying historic artifacts and not simply as sculptural fixtures that 
about the nuances of a site’s historic ground in her degrees of integrity, there is a unique opportunity to support site design (Chan, 2009). Secondly, she urges 
2.3  CULTURAL VALUE OF RUINS IN DESIGN essay, “Groundwork,” discusses the qualities of a site’s explore a spectrum of narrative construction that shows designers to consider how these ruins will be preserved 
ground and finding artifacts and clues that represent both how history can be, to use John Dixon Hunt’s alongside a design that will age as well. It is important for 
The cultural value of ruins comes from their symbolic site history within the ground. Once the artifacts are phrasing, “found and exploited” (Hunt, 2014: 63) or how designers to design a place that will not only be relevant 
representation of a former time. This history is always discovered, she writes that, “…the potential of these history might be “invented for a site” (Hunt, 2014: 106). for today’s users, but those in the future as well, and this 
associated with a cultural narrative, which designers can clues lies in the suggestive possibilities that these Hunt’s essays in Historical Ground: The Role of History in also rings true for the narrative that the designer chooses 
bring out through design in a number of ways. seemingly incomplete artifacts offer, and their ability to Contemporary Landscape Architecture examine, “…how to build. Thirdly. Chan advises that the historical narrative 
First, it is important to identify what is meant by the be combined, reconfigured, or hybridized…” (Dripps, the history of a particular site may be invoked and used and context should be the primary guide for the design 
term “narrative.” Narrative in landscape design is defined 2005:71). This summarizes the creative possibilities that in a new intervention” (Hunt, 2014: xiii). The collection concept. History should guide everything because if the 
by Matthew Potteiger and Jamie Purinton in their book, designers can take advantage of as they build a narrative of essays focus on two main themes, which are,  “…how site’s history gets lost in the design, it will be more difficult 
Landscape Narratives. They differentiate history and out of the visible history (ruins) and the hidden history history is manifested in places that provide designers to uncover later (Chan, 2009).  Her fourth guideline is to 
narrative, explaining that a site’s history is what happened, of a site. Designers can combine and reconfigure spatial with the material for that reference, and then how history only rely on simple, minimal interventions that will not 
while the site’s narrative addresses how that history relationships of narrative elements around artifacts to tell could be fabricated, manufactured or ‘feigned’ for sites…” distract from the ruins too much or add false narrative 
happened. It is the role of the designer to unfold the a story. (Hunt, 2014: xiv).  This framing of contemporary design context to them. The fifth guideline warns against what 
narrative through site design to communicate the cultural In the same collection of essays as Dripps, Elizabeth practice can be applied to sites with ruins, specifically by historic preservationists call, “rehabilitation, restoration 
significance of a place (Potteiger and Purinton, 1998). They Meyer addresses fragments as opportunities for reading the physical conditions of a history-rich site and or reconstruction” (Birnbaum, 1996). She believes that 
advise that when designers assemble site narratives, that a communicating narrative in her essay, “Site Citations.” to designing with its remaining objects or in some case, its ruins should be left as-is and protected so that they are 
narrative must have a minimum of two events to illustrate Instead of looking at industrial ruins she takes a close absence of objects. It leads designers to ask how “feigned” preserved in that state. Attempting to structurally rebuild 
cause and effect. A general narrative that arises for look at another type of site remnant, the rock formations history can be a valuable tool in supporting hidden site what has been lost to time through design interferes with 
landscape designers are the relationship between cultural found at the Rambles in Central Park. While these are not narratives where the only visible history comes in the form the narrative symbolized by the ruins. Her last guideline 
processes and ecological effects resulting from those ruins, they too signal processes from an earlier time. Using of structural remnants. is to, “…program processes of discovery into the design 
cultural processes. In the case of post-industrial ruins, cross-section maps of Central Park’s geology, Olmsted’s The author who most explicitly discusses the value of industrial ruin parks” (Chan, 2009:30). This aligns with 
14 15
her advice to use minimal interventions because it places unnatural causes” and allow for designers to introduce natural resources, but Haag is presenting a wider scope of nothing. The other extreme is to fully commit to the site’s 
the ruins at the front of the design’s program, so it is a landscape narrative of change through intervention Seattle’s historical identity by offering views of the green, industrial past by converting the ruins into a museum. 
not distracted by other uses. Overall, Chan’s guidelines (Potteiger and Purinton, 1998: 214). At sites where ruins are remediated promontory alongside rusted gas plants and In between these two, he says, there is flexibility for how 
for keeping a site’s history intact alongside the physical less intact or the past anthropogenic mark on the land is snow-capped mountains. The arrangement of views gives stakeholders in the community and local economy might 
remnants of that history very clearly warn against less visible, narrative-driven design can help make these visitors a comprehensive understanding of the place by want designers to adapt and reuse the cultural artifacts 
over-designing and over-programming. While ruins, as aspects of the site’s history more visible. sharing this complex ecological narrative at such a large of industrial ruins (Hardy, 2005). In an urban setting this 
fragments, do offer designers an open-ended narrative, Ruins that communicate a landscape’s change scale. This context-scale is an important consideration for may look like a mixed-use housing development, retail 
Chan’s advice is to keep the design clear and simple. from industry to remediation are important devices for designers who want to show ecological change at a site environment or a cultural landmark like a music venue. 
acknowledging landscape history, especially in places scale. As long as the history of the place is not completely 
2.4  ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF RUINS IN DESIGN where those former industries or infrastructures shaped lost or overly exploited, this approach can be vital in the 
the cultural and ecological development of an entire 2.5  ECONOMIC VALUE OF RUINS IN DESIGN preservation of historic places. In less urban areas, we 
Post-industrial sites that feature ruins often leave region. The ecological implications of an industrial can assume that there might be less private investment 
behind a legacy of ecological harm due to their former economy are not restricted to the site, but the entire Part of what makes industrial ruins intriguing to to support projects like this. In this case public recreation 
industrial uses. Whether this impact is highly visible ecosystem that surrounds it. When designing at a site people is their symbolism of failure in the face of an funding may be able to support the integration of a 
or invisible and subtle, the structural ruins that remain with industrial ruins, it is important to take advantage economic shift. They can even be seen as physical historic ruin into a proposed trail or coupled with the 
are the only figures onsite that can answer for these of connective links to the greater context of the site to evidence of global capitalism’s flawed structure (DeSilvey funding of a new boat ramp facility. The project also might 
environmental harms. The people who caused the harm show how the history may have affected the environment. and Edinsor, 2012). This is of course a narrative that may have the potential for drawing more tourism to a remote 
have long since left. This leads designers to treat the ruins Thaïsa Way writes about how environmental context be expressed through a site design, but many designers area, winning the support from local businesses and local 
and the contaminated landscape that they represent as was used in Richard Haag’s design of Gas Works Park in will also see industrial ruins as an opportunity for governments who have a say in public project funding 
poisonous relics to rebuild a healthy ecosystem around. her essay titled, “Landscapes of industrial excess: A thick economic renewal, especially in urban environments where allocations.  
Creating this contrast between a ruined landscape sections approach to Gas Works Park” (2013). Gas Works, land is in high demand. A designer’s insight on this varying degree of design  
and a remediated landscape is especially attractive to which features the ruins of a former gas plant and tar If a designer’s goal is to achieve economic intervention comes from designer Peter Latz, who is well 
landscape architects because it shows people the process refinery, is located on a hill overlooking Lake Union and revitalization, it is important to know how much a known for his designs that successfully adapt and reuse 
of healing that can occur from a restorative landscape the surrounding Seattle area. Way mentions that this was design can transform a historic place for its new purpose industrial sites.  He gives designers ideas for transforming 
design. If the ruins were not present, it would appear as formerly a sacred viewpoint to local indigenous peoples before all history is lost. Or, if a designer leaves too little post-industrial landscapes into cultural destinations as 
if the industrial landscape was never here at all, and it is that eventually become littered and contaminated by untouched, they must consider if it will function well well as economic opportunities for the community. In 
important to acknowledge this ecological transformation. industrial use. She suggests that Haag designed the enough for contemporary economic needs. A review of Latz’s personal writings about his project, Duisberg Nord, 
Potteiger and Purinton describe the narrative opportunity viewsheds of the site to capture the region’s wealth of industrial parks was undertaken by Hugh Hardy in a Places he outlines some of the main programmatic features of 
that post-industrial wastelands afford designers when natural resources, like the Puget Sound, Olympic and Journal article titled, “The Romance of Abandonment: the design that in turn led to economic revitalization of a 
restoration occurs. The symbolism that Potteiger and Cascade Mountains, to be considered alongside the tall Industrial Parks.” Hardy discusses the spectrum of formerly vacant site (Latz, 2003). What is worth drawing 
Purinton address in looking at these wastelands are the stacks of the gas plant. While they may seem like opposing approaches that land developers and designers use when from this account is how his approach always stayed 
clues in the landscape that can be tied to industrial use. forces ecologically, these elements capture the history of an industrial site is redeveloped.  On one end of the loyal to the site’s historical context, much like Chan urged 
These, “traces, fragments and abnormalities point to Seattle. Seattle is a place that has an identity closely tied to spectrum is to completely clear the land and start with designers to do in her guidelines. The former iron and 
16 17
steel plant used to employ many in the area and Latz 2.6  DESIGN THEORY FRAMEWORK
worked alongside several architects as the master plan 
for the site was developed to bring back the site’s history By examining how scholars and designers have 
of worker housing as new housing opportunities. He also written about approaches to the design of post-industrial 
attracted new users to the site by including a program of sites, we get a sense of the values and narratives that ETIC CUL
recreational tourism inspired by the site’s industrial history, are central to each post-industrial landscape design. We TH T
with many gardens, rock climbing walls and even a diving know that ruins are aesthetically compelling because • cultural 
center. While not authentic to the site’s historic uses, they of their association with feelings of the sublime due to aesthetic narrative 
are focused on experiencing and discovering what is left value of ruins is associated their scale and the crumbling, human-built contrast they presented with ruins is 
of the site’s industrial heritage. This fits nicely in the center offer against the power of nature.  Ruins also symbolize a expressed
of Hardy’s spectrum between museum and tear-down narrative of human history, which can be brought to the 
in terms of economic opportunities that were created forefront in a design by using certain interventions to fill in 
as Duisberg Nord. Latz’s design concepts were able to narrative gaps that have gone missing in the deterioration design of 
stay true to the history without making experiencing that of a ruin. In a similar way, a site’s ecological change can 
history the site’s only use, which helped the local economy. • post-industrial be emphasized through design to reveal a narrative of • 
industrial obsolescence in contrast to a resilient landscape. ruins
And with this obsolescence and cultural change, there 
often comes economic upheaval as well, which can either economic 
be expressed through a design narrative or through narrative of change 
programmatic changes to a landscape that engage with ecological restoration is associated 
potential new economic uses for a site. expressed with ruins is addressed
These four approaches, shown in Figure 2.1, are too • 
abstract to guide design until they are examined on 
the ground at built works of post-industrial landscape 
architecture. The next phase of inquiry will be guided 
with this four-pronged framework in mind, looking at Figure 2.1: Design Theory Framework
case studies across different post-industrial landscape 
types. From there we will have proven examples of design 
strategies that are aligned with these four aspects of post-
industrial design, and from there, design at a dam removal 
site on the Rogue River.
18 19
ECOLOGIC AA EL S
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Framework Building Process:
1. Design theory lit review that looks at 
the four ways that designers approach indus-
trial ruins: ecological, cultural, economic, 
HE
TIC CUL
aesthetic T T
cultural 
2. Case study review of four projects (four aesthetic narrative value of ruins is associated 
different industrial site typologies) that use presented with ruins is 
specific design interventions to address these expressedTIC CU
3.1f o uIrN appTroRacOhesD to UdesCignTinIgO at iNndustrial TH
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sites: list interventions  These case studies were reviewed using the theoretical cultural 
aesthetic fnraarramtivee work assembled from the literature review of texts design of associated 
3. As seen in case studies, in order to value of ruins is presented with ruins is post-industrial 
apTpoly tdheeset etyrpmes oinf ient etrvheent iomnso, insttri ceatffe  ective design approach for edxpirsecsseudssing contemporary design approaches at historic ruins
thes itter-based knowledge of be gaacineeds t hlerofutg hb inevhenitn
hisdto rbic ytraces must orying fe adtuarems le frt emoval, it is necessary to sites (Figure 2.1). In summary, the framework discusses economic 
exabmehiinnde b yd peresviiogusn i nsdturstaritael ugsei.e Tshi sa intv esni-tes with historic remnants. design of how site history is expressed through aesthetic, cultural, OAL narrative of G 1 change 
 CHAPTER 3: tory model guides designers to think about post-industrial 
ecological associated 
Sinchoew  deaachm tra rce cmano bve ausle dsites are an increasingly newer ecological, and economic narratives alongside physical 
restoration is 
expressed with ruins is  in a spectrum of ruins addressed
addintervention (keeplikitei tohen t ytpoes  tohf ine
 a st yisp, meodify, or repurpoterventiosns  osefe ni ninf trhae sct
sre) aseu cture ruins that designers traces of infrastructure. Through these four lenses, we can 
preservation
+
Case Studies masytu edinesg. age with, we must look beyond dams to othe
interpretation
narrativer o f eexcochanomianmge icn e the design strategies used by these designers, ecological GO
typologies of obsolete infrastructure from the ninerestteoreation is 
associated 2
expr snsedth awith ruins is 4.  Evaluate dam site design (and process) andddres shedow they can be seen as as transferable strategies 
L AA
dam
andb atswed eonn tthieesteh 4  ccaetegnotruiesr,i eexspl.a iTn hhoew  fthoeu r projects that are that can be applied generally to obsolete infrastructure site design
artifacts site conditions for dam removal sites TRACE C
revideiffwer efrdom i onth tehr peoste-in cduasstreial  tsytpuoldogiiess  show examples of designers remnants. Figure 3.1 shows how the four approaches 
recreation restoration ETI CU
TH
LT
utililozoiknedg a tr emnants from obsolete infrastructure to bring from the theory framework are applied to each case cultural aesthetic narrative 
value of ruins is associated 
site narratives into programming for recreational use. study to pick out design strategies that lead to actionable Values presented with ruins is expressed
Each diff ers in the type of ruin and the industrial history intervention tactics within each theoretical approach. At 
that it symbolizes, off ering a broad spectrum of design the end of each approach analysis, design strategies are design of 
approaches. summarized within each case study. Design post-industrial 
Strategies ruins
AES
URBN Dry TH narrative of economic 
Dock No. 1 ecological change Intervention restoration is associated 
A Tactics expressed
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EST addressedSttrategy H
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design of TH TEC
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ruins TH T aesthetic narrative value of ruins is associated 
cultural presented with ruins is 
ECOL aesthetic narrative 
expressed
Mill Strategy O value of ruins is associated 
Ruins Park presented with ruins is expressed
EC design of ON Strategy post-industrial 
design of ruins
post-industrial 
Strategy ruins
narrative of economic 
Duisberg ecological 
change 
restoration is associated Figure 3.1: Application of Design Theory Framework Nord with ruins is narrative of economic change expressed addressedecological 
restoration is associated 
expressed with ruins is addressed
21
ECOLOGIC AA EL S
ECOLOGIC AA EL S
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ECOLOGIC AA EL S
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3.2  URBN DRY DOCK NO. 1 AESTHETIC NARRATIVE Aesthetic Design Strategy: the edge and have contact with the water that formerly 
1. materials contrast old and new textures and uses supported decades of shipbuilding at this location. For 
Designer: Julie Bargmann, D.I.R.T. Julie Bargmann, the lead designer at D.I.R.T. (Dump It its contemporary use, it offers the calming experience 
Location: Philadelphia, PA Right There) favors post-industrial design projects for the CULTURAL NARRATIVE of gazing out at a body of water while taking a break 
Client: URBN, Inc. opportunity to let the existing conditions of a site speak from the office. These two uses, the historic and the 
Date Completed: 2009 to the past by challenging traditional ideals of landscape Bargmann is explicit in her commitment to honoring contemporary, are made compatible by the light touch 
Size: 3 acres beauty. In a 2016 interview with Landscape Australia she site history in her design at the Navy Yard. She sees the left on the cultural landscape. This exemplifies Bargmann’s 
says, paving over of cultural landscapes as a great disrespect effort to tie the cultural narrative of the past together with 
SITE HISTORY The goal of my design approach with the to the people who spent so many years of their lives at the present to unify people through a sense of place. 
good, bad and the ugly of post-industrial sites is sites like this one. She says, “…respecting those histories 
This site was formerly a decommissioned U.S. Naval to challenge the persistent pastoral ideal. That means respecting their generations of work. Wiping out Cultural Design Strategies: 
Shipyard established during the 19th century on League beauty emerges through empathy with how that working traces condemns the next stage of that site to be 1. rail traces guide circulation
Island in Philadelphia. With Philadelphia being the landscape has come to be, what is latent within it generic” (Landscape Australia, 2016). Her design approach 2. drydock infrastructure used as water feature
“birthplace of the U.S. Navy,” (Navy Yard, 2021), League and what potential has yet to be revealed. Sort of is determined to engage with these “working traces” as 
Island served an important role in the development of the like the story of the ugly duckling that transforms much as possible to connect the people using the site ECOLOGICAL NARRATIVE
naval fleet when it became the one of the government’s into a swan. (Landscape Australia, 2016) today with the thousands of men and women who also 
main shipyards shortly after the Civil War. At its peak, the Her design of Dry Dock No. 1 re-frames the aesthetic spent their days working here. The ecological narrative expressed in Bargmann’s 
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard employed over 40,000 people value of the site’s material remnants by keeping the The main traces that she identified include the former design is evident in the “dump it right there” mantra that 
and constructed 53 warships during World War II. It was materials on-site and in the landscape for new uses. rail lines and the former dry dock that is now filled with she is known for. By retaining and processing demolition 
also an important place for ship repair with 1,218 ships She highlights their “ugly” or unconventional aesthetic water. Both former infrastructure features are no longer materials from the site’s decommissioned shipyard, the 
also repaired at League Island at that time. The last ship appearance by adding contrasting elements typically functioning, but instead of removing them, she used them site retains traces of its cultural character, while also 
was built in 1970 and naval operations stopped in 1991. found in contemporary landscape design. For example, as the overall framework for planning site use. cutting down on waste produced through demolition that 
At the site, the dry dock was used for shipbuilding and the various rubble mixes that were created by crushing The rail lines function to guide circulation throughout would typically be hauled off-site. As shown in Figure 3.4, 
rails were used for transporting materials. As shipbuilding torn up concrete and asphalt from the site’s ground are the site and its trail connection to the greater Navy Yard the unconventional aesthetic of the rubble mulch and 
technology changed, Dry Dock No. 1 was too small used as a sort of dry mulch around gridded tree plantings public landscape, as seen in Figure 3.2. To further develop rough-edged pavers made of concrete aggregate used 
to support modern shipbuilding. Due to it size and its and within Corten steel planters found in the courtyard the experience of using these paths, she flanks the edges throughout draw attention to an unconventional design 
deteriorating timber piling structure, the dry dock was of the corporate offices. This contrast retains the unique of the rail lines with Corten steel planters, which reinforce approach of adaptive reuse in the landscape. 
decommissioned well before the Navy Yard’s closure.  texture of the site’s original materials but adapts them the experience of moving through the pathways. When Another design element that is perhaps less visible 
Today the former Navy Yard on League Island is a 1,200- to contemporary uses. She is at once challenging how one is walking, they are forced to look down and notice are the bioswales placed throughout the site that not only 
acre business complex. The business at Dry Dock Number contemporary landscape design looks by using these the recognizable metal trace of a rail line. filter stormwater to prevent chemical runoff from entering 
One is URBN, inc., who hired D.I.R.T. to design their materials, but is also packaging her design in a way that is The large U-shaped drydock, shown in Figure 3.3, is the river, but also support irrigation of the long hedgerows 
waterfront headquarters. digestible with the typical elements that it does retain, like the centerpiece of the site, allowing people to walk up to that shade the west-facing walls of the business park’s 
trees, planters lighting and pathways. buildings. The rows line up with the historic brick buildings 
22 23
that themselves have been adapted and updated to be amenity lawn and amphitheater-like steps for gathering 
more energy efficient for modern use. By adding this large groups for events. Pods of benches and tables are 
shading element, the overall goal for this historic site to be placed throughout the rubble-paved landscape. The site 
part of a more modern and sustainable future is supported has a welcoming public space that invites office workers 
through landscape design. from throughout the League Island office spaces to reflect 
on the wartime history while taking breaks from their 
Ecological Design Strategies: conference calls and computer screens.
1. recycled site demolition material used as traditional 
landscape elements (pavers, mulch) Economic Design Strategies: 
2. bioswales support shade plantings 1. site programmed for corporate campus use: amenity 
grass, break tables, event space
ECONOMIC NARRATIVE
Post-industrial landscapes are inherently tied to their 
role in an industrialized, capitalist economy. In the case 
of this site, there is a narrative of wartime industry born Figure 3.2: Railraod Remnant Guiding Site Circulation and Planting, Figure 3.3: Recycled Pavement from Site Demolition in Planters, from: 
out of necessity. The navy yard’s production of war vessels from: D.I.R.T. Studio, http://dirtstudio.com/#urbndd, accessed May 1, D.I.R.T. Studio, http://dirtstudio.com/#urbndd, accessed May 1, 2021
can even be seen as a small part of the United States’ 2021
role in shaping the global economy across the 19th and 
20th centuries, resulting in what is now a global economy, 
where production is often outsourced. The new economic 
narrative that is perpetuated at URBN Dry Dock No. 1 is 
very much of that globalized economic structure, where 
consumer products are designed and conceived in the 
offices that this landscape supports, only to be assembled 
elsewhere. There are no longer men and women hauling 
materials or heavy machinery at this site - that has all 
moved overseas. The programming of the site design 
reflects the needs of the new, modern work force that 
interacts with the site every day. Bargmann included 
amenities for the office workers by programming the space 
that is still framed by its wartime history. The U-shaped 
upper edge of the dry dock is now equipped with an 
Figure 3.4: People Gathered Around the U-shaped Drydock, from: D.I.R.T. 
Studio, http://dirtstudio.com/#urbndd, accessed May 1, 2021
24 25
3.3  BALLAST POINT PARK alongside new, modern infrastructure that supports public Aesthetic Design Strategies: one may wonder if that is visible enough. 
access. Material remnants are effectively highlighted in 1. framed views of surounding landscape The next layer of history that is revealed at the site 
Designer: McGregor Coxall this way, giving them a role in the space-making of the 2. juxtaposed textures of old and new, man-made and is the construction the luxurious villa, Menevia, built by 
Location: Sydney, Australia design.  Cast-in-place concrete walkways and stairs lead naturalistic British colonists in the 1860’s. When portions of the Caltex 
Client: Sydney Harbor Foreshore Authority visitors through a vast collection of ruins and rubbles, infrastructure were being dismantled, many remnants of 
Date Completed: 2009 using the clean lines of modern design to signal what is CULTURAL NARRATIVE the former villa were uncovered, including the portions 
Size: 6.2 acres old and what is new at the site. Natural features are also foundation of the villa revealing its footprint, as well as 
highlighted through this contrast of texture to show areas Expressing the complex site history was another smaller artifacts like 19th century plates and cups. The 
SITE HISTORY that have been reclaimed by native plantings or sandstone design goal for McGregor Coxall at Ballast Point Park designers maintained the geometry of the footprint in 
cliffs that have been revealed after the demolition of the (McGregor Coxall, 2021). Interventions for this approach its trapezoidal form by adding terraces to the design 
Ballast Point Park’s cultural history begins prior to Caltex facility. allude to each time period that is significant to the site, that show the same shape. The small scale artifacts were 
the colonization of Australia when this waterfront site Another example of this old versus new aesthetic from subtle references to Aboriginal history, the colonial encased in an interpretive display that shows photos 
was used by aboriginal people for its access to marine intervention style is how the designers modified the villa, the ballast quarry and the site’s final use as an oil and historical information, while also suspended in the 
resources. After the displacement of the indigenous original concrete seawall from the Caltex facility, which is terminal. Aside from the Aboriginal history, marks on the rubble of the gabions (Figure 3.6). Visitors are able to 
people that lived here, a luxurious private marine villa tall and imposing. The thick brutalist slab puts a barrier land or infrastructure ruins that signify each period are pick out these small human-scale traces throughout their 
called Menevia was built at the site in the 1860’s. Eventually between exterior harbor views and the interior sunken amplified through their distinct geometric or material exploration of the site. 
the sandstone that supported the villa’s foundations lawn spaces (Figure 3.5). Knowing what to retain from the forms to symbolize each layer of history. The sandstone quarrying that occurred in the later 
was needed for ship ballast, and the site soon became industrial infrastructure and what to remove or modify Regarding the expression of Aboriginal history in part of the 19th century is addressed in the design by 
a ballast quarry used by the European ships. Its final use played a major role in the creation of this space, especially the design, the main action taken by the designers to displaying the parts of the sandstone cliffs that were 
was as a petroleum distillation plant owned by Caltex in how the seawall was modified to frame harbor views. acknowledge the layer of pre-contact site history was to carved out to provide ballast for ships. The sections that 
from 1928 until 2002. McGregor Coxall’s design concept By cutting out sections of the seawall throughout the give the park a “second” name, which is “Walama.” This show the most scarring from excavation in quarrying are 
for this waterfront site is to evoke the multilayered history park, framed views of the surrounding waterfront are word is from the aboriginal Dharug culture, who occupied exposed and framed by walls of gabions. The gabions 
that has occurred at the site while implementing as many incorporated into the design. An intentional framing of the Sydney region prior to colonization. “Walama” means, seem to almost replace and rebuild the stone wall parts 
sustainable practices as possible in its construction. views also occurs at an art installation at the water’s edge, “to return,” referencing the site’s return to nature with the that were removed through the act of quarrying the site called “Delicate Balance” by artist Robyn Backen. This new planting of native plants around the various industrial ruins over a century ago. Large slabs of sandstone are also 
AESTHETIC NARRATIVE concrete structure uses the same material language of (McGregor Coxall, 2021). While the other historical periods strewn throughout to tie the ballast quarrying narrative the seawall ruins to show views, but they are created in a are more visibly represented in the design by references into the entire design. 
With the expression of a remnant industrial site history more confined space that draws upon naval architecture, to infrastructure left behind by building construction, The site’s most recent industrial use is the Caltex oil 
returning to a more natural form as one of the main pointing out specific landmarks in the surrounding quarrying and oil processing, these marks on the land terminal, which left behind the most infrastructure ruins for 
concepts behind this design, an assemblage of materials horizon. Both of these concrete design elements show speak to the nature of colonization’s harmful and lasting the designers to work with in their design. At the site scale, 
from the past are left in place throughout the site’s how McGregor Coxall considered what should be modified impact on sites. Perhaps the designers’ effort to “return” the locations of each the former oil tanks were retained in 
current infrastructure, creating a patchwork of textures from the site’s infrastructure and what could be expanded the wildlife at the site somewhat to its pre-colonial the landscape through concrete footprints of their circular upon through the addition of contemporary sculpture. condition is the representation for this layer of history, but forms, turned into planters (Figure 3.7). This circular motif 
26 27
recurs throughout the site to reference the oil processing very similar to D.I.R.T.’s approach to keeping materials that goods like ballast and oil are no longer distributed 
history of the site. Upon entry there is an art installation onsite for repurposing through design, but also retaining from this site, local people can reclaim this site for their 
created from one of the former rusty oil tanks, called Tank the historical character of the materials. These “rubble use. After this park was built, a 50% growth in home 
101, with poetic text describing the harbor carved into walls” saved 19,450 cubic meters of virgin construction values occurred within a 500-meter radius now that the 
the metal that shows on the ground when light passes materials from being used on the site (Kilbane, 2017). The waterfront and its expansive views were made accessible 
through it. This is another example of an artifact found rubble within these gabion walls also resembles a similar (Kilbane, 2017). Programming for the local suburban 
on site that was modified for a contemporary use that color tone to the quarried sandstone cliffs that make up community is evident in the play areas nestled into the 
contributes to an understanding of site narrative. Poetic the large parts of the site. It seems as if the designers are infrastructure ruins. The various interpretive installations 
text about the site’s unique history and surroundings is showing a rebuilding of the land mass that was extracted found throughout the design also helps families learn 
also used in other parts of the site, cast into concrete to in the quarrying, further developing the narrative of about their local history and how the economics of 
carry the cultural experience consistently through the site. restoring the land. colonization and petrocapitalism have influenced their 
Another way that the narrative of environmental region.
Cultural Design Strategies: progress away from extractive and fossil fuel-supporting Figure 3.6: Historic Artifacts Found During Demolition Encased in 
1. interpretive installations (art installations, story text landscapes is the wind turbines installed in the Tank 101 art Economic Design Strategy: Rubble Gabions, from: McGregor Coxall, https://mcgregorcoxall.com/
carved into infrastructure, human artifacts displayed) installation. The wind turbines were designed to generate 1. waterfront access and amenities for new suburban project-detail/125, accessed May 1, 2021
2. infrastructure ruin forms used to symbolize different up to 8 kW of energy. While they are now defunct, their community of families
periods in site history insertion into this former energy landscape makes a 
statement of ecological change. 
ECOLOGICAL NARRATIVE
Ecological Design Strategies: 
In the concept of returning the site to its natural state, 1. recycled aesthetic 
restoring native vegetation at this post-industrial site 2. reassembled quarry
was key. A stormwater collection concept was developed 3. rain gardens in tank-shaped planters and stormwater 
using the circular tank footprint planters, which are placed wetland
within a flood-tolerant rain garden that captures the runoff 
from the upland areas of the site. This functions to filter ECONOMIC NARRATIVE
stormwater before it enters the harbor, counteracting any 
ground pollution from the site’s industrial past. This site design’s economic narrative is closely tied to 
To enhance the metaphor for ecological progress, its ecological narrative, with it being a former extraction 
sustainable construction techniques and materials were site as well as a processing plan for fossil fuels. Its 
also an integral part of this site design. A highly visible repurposing into a public park is the first and foremost Figure 3.5: Views of the Sydney Harbor Cut from Historic Seawall, 
design element found throughout the park are the walls program, with this portion of waterfront becoming Figure 3.7: Planters in the Shape of Former Footprints of Oil Tanks, from: McGregor Coxall, https://mcgregorcoxall.com/project-detail/125, from: McGregor Coxall, https://mcgregorcoxall.com/project-de-
made of gabions filled with recycled demolition materials, accessible for the first time since before colonization. Now accessed May 1, 2021 tail/125, accessed May 1, 2021
28 29
3.4  MILL RUINS PARK AESTHETIC NARRATIVE quality of the structure’s ruins. The plants also soften the encounter unseen histories associated with the site.
edges of the crumbling bricks, bringing a narrative of By using a concrete walkway with modern metal 
Designer: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board With this park’s straightforward program of offering natural beauty into the broken ruins, which is yet another fixtures, visitors also see a contrast in what is historic and 
Location: Minneapolis, MN up views and interpretation of the riverfront mill ruins, it is concept that elicits ideas of the Enlightenment tradition. what is contemporary and know that they are to stay on 
Client: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board,   important to examine the way that the ruins are presented the pathway created by modern materials. This material 
National Park Service aesthetically to visitors. With the partial excavation that Aesthetic Design Strategies: contrast helps communicate what parts of the site are 
Date Completed: 2005 took place at the site, the ruins are revealed from the slope 1. lighting culturally significant and what is infrastructure for modern 
Size: 11 acres of the riverbank and a wide array of original masonry 2. plant maintenance use. 
building techniques are revealed in the structure’s ruins. By 3. partial excavation 
SITE HISTORY removing certain parts of the ruins, new views of the inner Cultural Design Strategies: 
rooms containing historic machinery were created. While CULTURAL NARRATIVE 1. concrete walkway choreographs experience
During the 19th-century, grain mills were built visitor access to these spaces is not allowed, this strategic 2. circulation planning part of the larger St. Anthony Falls 
along the Mississippi River to be powered by the water excavation frames these revealed inner spaces from the The historic narrative of Mill Ruins Park is primarily Heritage Trail 
coming down St. Anthony Falls, which established an designated pathway. communicated through wayfinding and circulation 
economy for wheat flour production in Minneapolis. These Lighting complements the texture and space created alongside the mill ruins. Not only does this choreographed ECOLOGICAL NARRATIVE
waterworks, “…made up the largest direct-drive, water- by the brick structure and unifies the ruins with the circulation design protect the ruins from erosion or 
powered facilities in the world and greatly increased the downtown city lights that serve as the backdrop behind other impacts from human use, it places visitors in an The ecological narrative told at this site is minimal. 
production of flour” (National Park Service, 2020). The the park. Dramatic lighting adds aesthetic contrast to exploration of spaces that allow them to consider the However, it is worth repeating that the ruins themselves 
efficient output from these mills put the city of Minneapolis the structure by further abstracting the darker, more different landscape elements that are connected to the are colonized with urban plant species. While this does 
on the map as flour was exported across the United mysterious voids with the faces of its more intact walls former flour mill’s development. Circulation brings visitors add a certain softening aesthetic value to the ruins, it also 
States and throughout the world. As milling technology (Figure 3.8). This high-contrast lighting, combined with on a path between the various ruins and the canal that allows for a narrative of novel urban ecosystems to be 
changed, many of the riverfront milling facilities shut down the reflection it casts on the historic mill canal, is able to held water from the water-powered facility and eventually put on display in the public eye. By allowing these plants 
and became abandoned. An archeological study of the spatially amplify feelings of the sublime inspired by the under the Stone Arch Bridge, which historically supported to take over the ruins, visitors are able to see specimens 
mill ruins led to its nomination to the National Register ruins. From the vantage point on the pathway, one is the railroad that distributed goods and resources from for the types of cosmopolitan species that continue to 
of Historic Places in 1971 and was later considered for either looking up at the towering ruins or back at the canal Minneapolis to other regions. As one walks along the thrive in post-industrial environments. It would have been 
development by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board in reflecting the crumbling structure. riverside ruins and looks at the machinery, they also learn reasonable for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation 
1988. To introduce access and interpretation of the mill The sublime and Enlightenment landscape that was how water played a role in the regional economy. This Board and the National Park Service to require more 
ruins in a park setting, the site was partially excavated and often evoked in the 18th and 19th centuries by artists and trail is connected to the St. Anthony Falls Heritage trail, vigorous plant maintenance on the structures, but this 
opened to the public as part of the Mississippi National landscape designers not only included crumbling ruins as which further connects visitors to the greater industrial relaxed approach speaks to the narrative of a changing 
River and Recreation Area in 2005. an element in the landscape, but also vegetation taking infrastructure that relied on the Mississippi River for its urban environment.over the ruins, signaling the power of nature to overcome natural power. Discovery along this route is also enhanced 
human intervention. Mill Ruins Park allows urban plant by the accompanying Mill Ruins Quest Activity Guide, 
species to colonize the ruins, adding to the forgotten which uses clues and rhymes to help children and adults 
30 31
Ecological Design Strategy: 
1. plant maintenance style communicating recovery
ECONOMIC NARRATIVE
The trail system and interpretive signage along the 
route are connected to an adjacent museum, called the 
Mill City Museum. This is dedicated to educating the 
public about the grain milling operations that created 
economic growth for the city of Minneapolis. With the 
mill ruins outside of the museum, the site is framed by 
the museum as a symbol for development for historic 
development of the region. Therefore, the interpretive 
program of the museum bleeds into the site’s interpretive 
information, telling the story of Minneapolis’s early 
economy. Figure 3.8: Dramatic Lighting Design at Mill Ruins Park, from: Min- Figure 3.10: Urban Plant Species Colonizing Mill Ruins, from: Intrepid 
neapolis Park and Recreation Board, https://www.minneapolisparks. Life, https://www.intrepidlife.com/mill-ruins-park/, accessed May 1, 
Economic Design Strategy: org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/mill_ruins_park/, accessed May 2021 
1. interpretive information part of a museum describing 1, 2021
economic history of region
Figure 3.9: Concrete and Steel Walkway Providing Access to Ruins, 
from: Rant Lifestyle, http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/05/08/
32 top-10-landmarks-in-minneapolis/, accessed May 1, 2021 33
3.5  DUISBERG NORD  regional identity, so people organized efforts to rescue the and its larger site context as views framed by openings in the ruins (Figure 3.13). The experience is designed to 
structures from demolition. The formation of the German the blast furnace machinery. When they reach the top, a be immersive in the timeless space that it creates, but 
Designer: Peter Latz and Partners Industrial Heritage Association and the Nordpark Interest panoramic view shows the whole industrial site and the if visitors wish to dive deeper into the industrial history 
Location: Duisberg, Germany Group aided in the preservation effort. town that it supported for nearly a century. This vantage there are wayfinding columns that offer QR codes that 
Client: Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Nordrhein- point also allows visitors to view the industrial ruins as can be scanned to learn more. This subtle introduction 
Westfalen, Stadt Duisburg, Emschergenossen  AESTHETIC NARRATIVE individual sculptural elements in the landscape to guide of technology to the site’s history narrative makes room 
schaft Essen, Kommunalverband Ruhrgebiet their exploration of the site. for new views of repurposed site use while retaining 
Date Completed: 2002 Duisberg Nord is often thought of as one of the The aesthetic value of the site’s industrial ruins is interpretive information for those who seek it. In its larger 
Size: 445 acres first landscape projects to challenge ideas of landscape also highlighted by a massive tarpaulin frieze showing cultural context, this trail is connected the Ruhr district’s 
beauty by transforming a brownfield site littered with abstracted historic photos of industrial machinery (Figure larger Industrial Heritage Trail and the European Route of 
SITE HISTORY infrastructure ruins into a welcoming space for humans. 3.12). Created by artists Bernd and Hilla Becher, the frieze Industrial Heritage.
According to landscape design critic Hugh Hardy, this has been installed on the walls of the power plant building Another way that modern technology is employed 
Thyssen Ironworks in Duisburg-Meiderich was built design defies “…the traditional serene notion of ‘park,” and since 1999. By showing these curated images upon entry throughout the site to reference the past is through 
in 1901 to fulfill demand for pig iron in Europe and the “…juxtaposes nature with industry by transforming massive alongside the real-life, three dimensional encounters a curated lighting installation by artist Jonathan Park. 
US for shipbuilding. Pig iron, also known as crude iron, is industrial objects into places of culture and recreation” with the machinery, visitors understand that the ruins are Different parts of the park are illuminated by three 
produced for the eventual creation of steel by smelting (Hardy, 2005: 34). This juxtaposition runs as an aesthetic meant to be seen as beautiful rather than utilitarian. colors: red, green and blue. Red symbolizes the fire and 
iron ore in a blast furnace. Coal from the nearby landscape theme throughout the large park, specifically through heat used to produce the iron. Green symbolizes the 
was also used to power the blast furnace. By 1912, five planting design around ruins, by offering visitors access Aesthetic Design Strategies: gas and pollution produced by the ironworks during 
blast furnaces operated, producing different types of to structures either through a viewing platform, or by 1. geometric planting design alongside ruins manufacturing. Blue symbolizes the water that was drawn 
pig iron for use in mechanical engineering. By the 1970s, drawing attention to the ruins as cultural artifacts through 2. viewing platform from the local landscape to be used in production. Parts 
the European steel market was flooded and production art installations. 3. art installation of machinery tied to these functions are illuminated with 
was cut back, closing Blast Furnaces 1 and 2. Some blast While artful planting occurs throughout Duisberg their respective colors at night for visitors to enjoy as they 
furnaces were reconfigured to specialize in other types of Nord, ruins are most highly contrasted with planting in CULTURAL NARRATIVE explore the park (Landscape Park Duisberg-Nord, 2021).
pig iron production, but the demand was ultimately too the Sinter Park, where the grid of a demolished building’s 
low to sustain any business. The plant eventually closed footprint still exists in the landscape and is used to create The landscape park is programed to be experienced 
in 1985. The ironworks produced 37 million tons of pig various garden rooms filled with planting (Figure 3.11). The through exploration via the Industrial History Circular Trail, Cultural Design Strategies: 
iron during its operation (Landscape Park Duisberg-Nord, orderly plantings vary from room to room, but the frame which leads visitors through the ruins of the ironworks 1. historic walking trail part of larger regional Heritage 
2021). of the building’s crumbling grid that separates them brings to show them each section of production. However, this Trail program of industrial site access
The large contaminated site and its massive to mind the dialectic between nature and industry. “history trail” does not lead visitors through a perfectly 2. lighting installation and technology used for 
infrastructural remnants led the local community to Another important aesthetic design feature that Latz preserved museum-like circuit, but rather provides interpretation 
question what to do with the site. Ultimately the ironworks designed into Duisberg Nord is the tall viewing platform an exploration of mysterious ruins that stand among 
were decidedly an important part of the town’s skyline and at the top of Blast Furnace 5. As visitors climb to the top artistically planted meadows and tree grids, as well as of the steel staircase they are able to see the large site reflecting pools and elevated walkways that reupurpose 
34 35
ECOLOGICAL NARRATIVE Ecological Design Strategies: 
1. waste water features, 
Like many post-industrial designs, the ecological 2. ornamental planting in contaminated zones
narrative is tied to revealing a story of remediation and 3. nature education 
the site’s return to a more balanced, natural state. Latz 
and his team accomplished this through an artistic design ECONOMIC NARRATIVE
of planting and storm water management on the site. 
Stormwater management was installed to ensure that As is common with large post-industrial sites like 
no remaining chemicals get into the local river, the Old Duisberg Nord, its closing came as a result of an economic 
Emscher. This water system consists of several sections shift, therefore impacting the town and region where 
which are visible across the site, as they also function as it supported workers. Local and federal governments 
aesthetic features in the landscape. These sections are the associated with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia 
Clear Water Canal, the Dyke, the Channel, the Gorge and helped fund the construction of Duisberg Nord through 
the Stream. All of these feed rain water from across the the International Building Exhibition, with the goal of 
site into the Old Emscher, which was originally used in the revitalizing the community through enhancing the 
production of iron at the plant and was contaminated in Figure 3.11: Geometric Planting within the Ruins of the Sinter Park, Figure 3.13: Historic Photograph Frieze, from: Landscape Park Duis-industrial site as a destination for recreation and natural from: Latz + Partner, https://www.latzundpartner.de/en/projekte/ berg Nord, https://www.landschaftspark.de/en/leisure-activities/
the process. open space. The aim was to connect local residents with postindustrielle-landschaften/duisburg-nord-sinterpark/, accessed frieze/, accessed May 1, 2021 
Planting also plays a major role in not only the the industrial heritage of their region but also attract more May 1, 2021
beautification of contaminated zones, but to also represent people to the area through tourism by turning the site 
an optimistic outlook on the site’s revival as a place to into a recreational destination. Recreational programming 
support life. Rows of poplars and black locusts have been at the site now utilizes the industrial infrastructure for a 
planted alongside industrial features to create a canopy range of activities. There is a diving training space which 
across the site. Enclosed areas like the Ore Bunker and the also doubles as an “underwater event space” in a former 
Sinter Park (Figure 3.13) put plants in unexpected places gas tank that is now safely filled with water. High concrete 
alongside the main trail, revealing secret gardens in the walls of the ruins now are used as climbing walls and a 
ruins, transforming grey concrete rooms into green oases. high ropes course is hung from infrastructure ruins (Figure 
Additionally, the massive scale of the site and its extensive 3.14). There are also several event spaces that are as big as 
planting program allows it to support a diverse population concert halls and as small as conference rooms. These new 
of bird, insect and mammal species. There is a “Biological site uses not only attract people to visit from all over the 
Station” that visitors can access to learn about the region, many of the recreation facilities charge a fee for 
biodiversity of the site as it undergoes the transformation use, as well as event rentals, making the landscape park 
from ironworks to public park itself a new economic driver in the community.
Economic Design Strategy: Figure 3.12: Steel Walkway Built Over Remnant Railway Pilings, from: Figure 3.14: Concrete Remnants Repurposed for Climbing, from: Latz 
1. recreational programming aimed to encourage tourism Latz + Partner, https://www.latzundpartner.de/en/projekte/postindus- + Partner, https://www.latzundpartner.de/en/projekte/postindustri-
36 trielle-landschaften/duisburg-nord-bahnpark/, accessed May 1, 2021 elle-landschaften/duisburg-nord-spielpunkte/, accessed May 1, 2021 37
CASE STUDY Aesthetic Approach Cultural Approach Ecological Approach Economic Approach 
URBN Dry • High contrast of old • Historic infrastructure • Recycled demolition • Amenities for 3.6  DESIGN STRATEGY FRAMEWORK certain elements to reveal more material.
Dock No. 1 and new materials forms guide trail materials repurposed as contemporary Design interventions that expressed cultural narratives 
circulation and landscape design corporate campus Moving from a more theoretical framework of typically let the left-behind ruin elements guide the 
exploration elements coexist with topics that post-industrial landscapes offer designers to exploration of the site through circulation oriented toward 
• Improved stormwater infrastructure a practical and applicable framework required a close a program of discovery in the landscape. Designers can 
management symbolizing former look at how these four different case studies utilized the use this approach to their advantage when developing an 
industrial workforce traces of physical history found at their sites and built their overarching design concept that will guide layout. In many 
Ballast Point • Framed views using • Historic infrastructure • Recycled demolition • Amenities for designs around them through interventions ranging in cases, traces in the landscape that guided circulation were 
Park infrastructure forms guide trail materials repurposed as suburban family programmatic planning to re-purposing materials found modified for a cultural expression, like an art installation 
• High contrast of old circulation and landscape design recreation coexist with on-site. Each Case Study’s observed design strategies that ties into the site’s narrative to tell the history of the 
and new materials exploration elements infrastructure for each theoretical approach are listed out in Figure site beyond interpretive text. 
• High contrast of • Art installations as • Improved stormwater symbolizing former 3.15, which can be referred to throughout this section’s Ecological design interventions at these sites always 
natural and man- interpretive management industrial site use discussion. Figure 3.16 shows a distilled version of the table involved the recycling and re-purposing of historic site 
made materials interventions • Restoration narrative in Figure 3.15, which moves the design strategies found materials that would otherwise be hauled off-site, like 
expressed through in the Case Studies to a more general and transferrable ripped up pavement or other demolition materials. 
planting format to be used at sites beyond the Case Studies. Planting palette and design was always oriented toward 
Mill Ruins • Lighting used to • Historic infrastructure • Restoration narrative • Interpretive program For interventions that dealt with the theme of restoration of a native ecosystem, often with an added 
Park dramatize ruins forms guide trail expressed through closely tied to adjacent aesthetics in the design of post-industrial sites, there was function of storm water management. By amplifying 
• Excavation of ruins circulation and planting and plant museum describing a juxtaposition being used as an important design tool, the textures and colors of the restoration planting, this 
presents framed exploration maintenance practices the industrial economic whether it was the highlighting the contrast between old narrative of landscape change is made more visible to 
vignettes of • Connects to larger development of the and new materials or natural and man-made. Textures of people experiencing the site’s story. 
infrastructure “heritage trail” region the ruins and traces were typically left as-is but amplified Economic considerations often came in the form of 
 through lighting, framed views, or the excavation of planning for programming related to contemporary site 
Duisberg • Framed views using • Historic infrastructure • Improved stormwater • Amenities for 
Nord infrastructure forms guide trail management recreation and tourism 
• High contrast of circulation and • Restoration narrative utilize infrastructure  Aesthetic Cultural Ecological Economic 
natural and man- exploration expressed through 
  Connects to larger  • High contrast of materials • Historic infrastructure or 
• Recycled demolition materials • Programmatic uses for site 
made materials • planting that juxtapose natural and remnant forms guide or infrastructure repurposed aimed at economic changes 
“heritage trail” man-made or old and new circulation and exploration as landscape design elements in region, typically to support 
• Art installations as • Framed views of ruins or • Art installations that interpret • Restoration narrative a new workforce or tourism 
interpretive traces from trail cultural history beyond text or expressed through planting 
interventions kiosks • Stormwater management 
 using remnant infrastructure 
   Figure 3.15: Key Design Strategy Takeaways Figure 3.16: Design Strategy Framework
38 39
uses that align with the economic and social changes 
that occur at a site over time. This may look like providing 
amenities for a new type of recreation to attract tourists 
or offering more passive recreation opportunities on the 
grounds of a site that used to see heavy industrial labor by 
its users. 
These guidelines, when paired with the theoretical 
framework, give designers a sturdy foundation to 
approach the design of any post-industrial site. However, 
when designing with ruins and sites with traces of rich 
histories, the true variables are the richness of the site’s 
existing conditions and the history found at that first site 
visit. The next phase of the design framework will describe 
how to apply these more general design approaches to 
specific traces found in the landscape in Chapter 5. 
40 41
4.1 INTRODUCTION on the waterways of the American West over the 19th 
and 20th centuries shows the rapid transformation of the 
As stated earlier, dam removal sites have complex landscape that Euro-American colonization demanded as 
landscape histories that can be revealed through design. agricultural economies developed in states like Oregon 
This project focuses on a specifi c site: Savage Rapids and Washington. 
 CHAPTER 4: Dam on the Rogue River. This chapter provides historical This association with an industrialized colonial context for the site at the regional scale, then discusses westward expansion has long made dams a cultural 
how the site was selected from other dam removal sites symbol for mastering nature and harnessing its power Site Background on the Rogue River. The site’s complex history and existing (Jackson, 2013). The powerful industrial aesthetic of dams conditions are then presented to foreground the design is often described as “monumental,” and their concrete 
shown in the next chapter, which was done using the structures were purposefully designed to appear imposing 
Design Intervention Framework. and overbearing, so that the public would trust their 
structural stability (Jackson, 2013). This aesthetic can be 
4.2 DAM REMOVAL IN THE WESTERN U.S. attributed to Bureau of Land Reclamation engineer John 
R. Freeman, who was known to push this aesthetic on 
Building dam infrastructure in waterways has long early 20th century dam projects in the West, using what 
been a tool for enabling Euro-American settlement of dam scholar Donald Jackson calls, the “’psychology’ of 
the United States landscape, starting in New England dam design” to create dams that used monumentality 
during the 17th century (Stevenson, 2017). Dams of all to their advantage to express strength and fortitude 
types began to dot the nation over time to aid in industry, (Jackson, 2013). Freeman was known to criticize dams 
irrigation, and power generation. With the expansion of with delicate or pastoral designs that could blend into 
homesteading in the American West at its height towards the landscape, which is perhaps why the aesthetics of 
the end of the 19th century, a need for more systematic most concrete dams in the West show a stark contrast 
and widespread agricultural irrigation resulted in the of grey concrete dominating riverine landscapes, making 
establishment of the Bureau of Land Reclamation, which the monumentality of dams purposefully visible (Jackson, 
became responsible for organizing the West into irrigation 2013). These monumental dams, as engineering spectacles 
districts connected to dammed waterways (McDermott, in the landscape, became tourist attractions. Their 
2016). Once established, the Bureau of Land Reclamation monumentality is apparent in the imagery found in tourist 
constructed some of the largest dams in the Pacifi c postcards from the 20th century, showing that the dam 
Northwest during the New Deal Era, like the Bonneville infrastructure that became part of the Western landscape 
Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River. was celebrated by many (Figures 4.1 and 4.2).  
In contrast to other regions of the United Sates, this In the 1990’s, less than a century after most of the 
expansive policy-driven infrastructural armature placed dams in the West were constructed, dam removal became 
43
TH 1.PIUWU Mllt. ICIHJll'['III.U OA-. COI.UWll .t, IIU'l"Dl MIGlifWA¥. Olt(~ 
a topic of interest in the Pacific Northwest. Dwindling Mountains across a large portion of Southwestern Oregon 
salmon populations because of inadequate fish passage and into the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1.1). This geographic 
at many structurally obsolete dams fueled the effort location has made it a uniquely suitable salmon habitat, 
to remove dams to restore river ecologies. With the providing nearly 4,000 miles of river for salmon to migrate 
government purchase of the Elwha and Glines Canyon prior to Euro-American settlement, which sustained the 
dams on the Elwha River in 1992 under the Elwha Act, diets of indigenous peoples for thousands of years (Blumm 
planning for dam removal and researching its ecological and Erickson, 2012). Once settlers arrived in the Rogue 
benefits on a large scale became a reality (Blumm and Basin, the region became famous across the nation as the 
Erickson, 2012). This massive policy decision led the river with the largest salmon population in Oregon (Blumm 
way for several other dam removals in the Northwest, and Erickson, 2012). As settlement occurred, seemingly 
beginning in 2000’s. Dams on tributaries of the Columbia conflicting reputations of the Rogue arose around both 
River like the Condit Dam on the White Salmon River its recreational fishing reputation as the best in Oregon 
and dams on the Sandy River and Bull Run River were and talk of its industrial potential for hydropower and 
all removed between 2007 and 2011. At this same time, irrigation. Imagery from printed ephemera throughout 
a series of dam removals also occurred on the Rogue the 20th century portrays the Rogue River as a fisherman’s Figure 4.1: Postcard of Bonneville Dam Spillway, circa 1940s, Figure 4.2: Postcard of Owyhee Dam and Reservoir, circa 1940s,
River in Southern Oregon for many of the same reasons: paradise (Figure 4.3), but also a destination to witness the from: https://www.ebay.com/itm/203046182563, accessed April 21, 2021 from: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324512249497, accessed April 21, 2021
obsolete infrastructure for fish passage and outdated monumental power of dam infrastructure at Savage Rapids 
industrial technology that had since been abandoned. The Dam (Figure 4.4). This conflicting cultural perception of 
golden era of the dam in the Pacific Northwest had quickly the Rogue River as both an abundant fishing resource 
peaked in the 20th century and began fading fast in the and an industrial asset makes the narrative of dam 
21st century. Dam removals happen in stages, often with removal especially rich at the Rogue. The establishment 
the construction of a temporary cofferdam to hold back of an ecotourism economy associated with fishing on the 
water while the original dam structure can be dismantled Rogue ironically overlapped with the construction of the 
with machinery and explosives, then debris is cleaned Rogue Dams, which negatively impacted anadromous fish 
up and hauled away. Today, several large dam removals migration, and as a result, impacted fish populations on 
are currently being proposed on the Klamath and Snake the Rogue River. Dam removal sites like Savage Rapids 
Rivers, possibly opening even more Pacific Northwest Dam represent the environmental conflict narrative 
rivers to migrating fish. surrounding all dam removals, however this river’s historic 
While the rapid and extensive damming of Pacific reputation as Oregon’s premier fishing destination makes 
Northwest rivers during settlement disrupted many the recovery of fish habitat through dam removal all the 
stream ecologies and their salmon populations, none more meaningful.
was disrupted by damming quite like the Rogue River. 
The Rogue and its tributaries drain from the Cascade Figure 4.3: Postcard of Fisherman on the Rogue River, circa 1910, Figure 4.4: Postcard of Savage Rapids Dam, circa 1968,
from:https://www.ebay.com/itm/174735184563, accessed April 21, 2021 from:https://www.ebay.com/itm/172850456745, accessed April 21, 2021
44 45
4.3 ROGUE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY corridor of the Upper and Middle Rogue River. Looking Tveskov, 2008).  as the 1820’s, since the fur trapper Peter Skene Ogden 
more closely at the river’s terraces and diverse topography Like many other Indigenous peoples’ diets in Oregon, observed that the indigenous people he encountered 
INDIGENOUS LIFE ON THE MIDDLE ROGUE RIVER along the Upper and Middle Rogue River we can see camas bulbs were an important source of nutrition. The on the Middle Rogue owned European-style iron axes 
several plant communities that were all important for bulbs are dug from seasonally wet prairies within the and Chinese ceramics (O’Neill and Tveskov, 2008). By 
Along the Middle Rogue River, human occupation people living in this environment. The parts of the Rogue Rogue River Basin and baked in pits with hot stones the middle of the 19th century Euro-American colonists 
has been traced to two main cultural groups: the that have more broad, gradual terracing are dominated by (O’Neill and Tveskov, 2008). Cheno-ams like amaranth coming to the Middle Rogue increased once gold was 
Penutian-speaking Upland and Lowland Takelma. The oak woodlands and savanna species like Pacific madrone were a grain that was foraged. Another nutritious plant found in several of the Rogue’s tributaries. The plentiful 
Lowland Takelma lived in closer contact with the river, and manzanita. Some of these woodlands also contain source came from the seeds of the tarweed plant, which fisheries, fertile farmland and gold prospects further 
while the Upland Takelma took advantage of mountain mixed conifer species like ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir and was used for its fatty oils. motivated colonists to settle there, which also increased 
and forest resources. Based on archeological evidence, broadleaf deciduous trees like big leaf maple and black Aside from foraging for plant resources, hunting and conflict with the Takelma people. The Oregon-California 
this section of the Rogue River has experienced human cottonwood. The lower terraces near the river contain fishing along the Rogue supported life as well. Salmon and wagon trail passed through a part of Lowland Takelma 
habitation by ancestral Takelma people as early as the dense riparian vegetation like willow and cottonwood. other anadromous fish like trout and steelhead were fished territory, between Table Rock and Grants Pass, a portion 
Paleo-Indian period (9000 years ago) up until the contact North-facing slopes along the Middle Rogue are typically at falls and rapids along the Rogue using dip-nets, traps, of the Rogue River where three dams would later be 
with Euro-American settlers in the 1820’s (Atwood, 1996). dominated by conifers whereas south facing slopes have spears and fishing line (Atwood and Gray, 1996). Seasonal built. As conflict in this area of the river intensified, several 
These people continued to occupy the Rogue as their way more drought-tolerant, oak savanna communities (Atwood fishing camps were often sited at these parts of the river. peace negotiations between the colonists and Takelma 
of life shifted from a highly mobile and nomadic lifestyle to and Gray, 1996).   The migration patterns of the various anadromous fish were attempted, including the Table Rock Treaty in 1853, 
a more sedentary one. In the Early Archaic (9000-7000 BP) Important tree nut sources were found in the acorns species living in the Rogue allowed for fish runs virtually which established the Table Rock Indian Reservation. 
small hunting and gathering groups were mostly mobile of oaks, with black oaks preferred, as well as western year-round, making this food source abundantly available Table Rock overlooks the present-day site of the Gold Ray 
along the river corridor. In the Middle Archaic (7000- hazelnut and pine nuts from a variety of pine species like with the use of the right tools. Since the Lowland Takelma dam. This was the first reservation in the Pacific Northwest 
2000 BP), certain sites appear to have been used for a ponderosa and lodgepole pine. Acorns were processed lived in closer proximity to the river, they would often trade (O’Neill and Tveskov, 2008). Once they relocated to 
more stable routine of setting up seasonal hunting camps by grinding them to a meal and removing the tannic acid salmon for deer meat with the Upland Takelma. Upland the reservation on the north banks of the Rogue, the 
and food processing. Technologies for food storage and by soaking them in water. Proximity to the Rogue River Takelma would hunt deer by disguising themselves as Takelma watched as their camas fields quickly became 
processing were becoming more sophisticated, based on may have allowed people to soak the meal in basins dug deer and stalking them or by driving them into fences with destroyed by livestock and their salmon fisheries heavily 
the tools and food remnants found at sites along the river. directly into the riverbank. Pine trees were also used for the help of hunting dogs (Atwood and Gray, 1996). Small impacted by gold mining. Their former territory was taken 
In the Late Archaic (2000-200 BP) up until contact, there food when the cambium layer of the tree was scraped mammals like rabbits and squirrels were also consumed. advantage of under Oregon Donation Land Claim Act of 
was a transition from foraging and seasonal subsistence out and mashed into cakes. Pine needles are also a good 1850, which allowed white men over 18 to take 320 acres 
to a more sedentary lifestyle due to a growing population source of Vitamin C and were used to make tea. Thick pine EURO-AMERICAN COLONIZATION AND SETTLEMENT of land each and 640 acres if they had wives (Cordes, 
that demanded more stability, new land management logs were also used to make dugout canoes. Manzanita, OF THE MIDDLE ROGUE RIVER 2020). Reservation life was horrifically disrupted in 1855, 
practices like burning, trade across territories, and which is still ubiquitous on the upland slopes of the Rogue when the Lupton Massacre was carried out by a violent 
continued adaptation of food processing and storage today, has red berries that were used as an ingredient in By the early 19th century, fur trappers and gold group of white miners and settlers from Jacksonville who 
methods (Atwood and Gray, 1996). pemmican, eaten raw or dried, or ground up with pine prospectors began to explore Oregon, looking for valuable called themselves “the Exterminators” (LaLande, 2020). 
Before contact, the Takelma depended on a wide nuts to make a paste. The reddish bark and silvery green land and resources. Contact and trade between the This reignited tensions and sparked the last few years of 
range of food sources that all could be found within the leaves were used to make medicinal teas (O’Neill and Takelma people and Euro-Americans occurred as early the Rogue River War, which ended in 1856. This resulted 
46 47
in the Takelma becoming detained and displaced to Jacksonville and Central Point. Over the 1920’s and 1930’s only one issue: the design of the fish passage infrastructure outdated dam obsolete.  It was removed in 2008 and a 
other reservations across Oregon, including the large the wooden dam sprang several leaks that were typically did not function as well as it was meant to, and standards wetland restoration project has been implemented at its 
Coast Reservation, far away from the Rogue River valley stopped using sandbags (McDermott, 2016). In 1941 the for fish passage were constantly changing. While there was former reservoir. 
in a completely different environment. Once they were leaking and rotting wooden dam was replaced with a a fish ladder installed on the north bank, there were no fish 
removed, the Table Rock Reservation was opened to white concrete dam and an improved fish ladder. A fish counter screens in place, which caused migrating anadromous fish POLITICAL CONFLICT OVER DAM REMOVAL
colonists for mining and settlement. Federal legislation like was installed as well. By 1972, the dam’s turbine system to be sucked into the gravity canals and into the irrigation 
the Homestead Act of 1862 and the Forest Homestead Act became obsolete and the dam stopped producing power. system. One farmer reportedly scooped hundreds of Environmental policy and protection of rivers was 
of 1906 continued to incentivize colonization of Oregon’s It sat as a historic reminder of the Rogue’s settler history migrating salmon out of his irrigated fields (McDermott, becoming more popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s, first 
tribal lands along the Rogue (Lundgren, 2006). New until its removal in 2010.  2016).  Screens were finally installed by GPID in 1934. A with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968, which 
infrastructure like the 1887 opening of the Southern Pacific major reconstruction in the 1950’s also adapted the dam protected another section of the Rogue, and the National 
Railroad in Jackson County also made the area more The warm and dry climate of the Rogue River and to new standards, but those too became quickly outdated. Environmental Policy Act in 1969. The formation of 
accessible to foreigners (McDermott, 2016). its surrounding valley made agriculture somewhat of a Environmental policy eventually targeted dams like Savage American Rivers Conservation Council also occurred 
challenge in the early days of settlement. Irrigation for Rapids Dam and after many decades of political conflict, in 1973, which eventually became a key group in dam 
THREE DAMS ON THE MIDDLE ROGUE: GOLD RAY farmland was in high demand in Josephine County, so an alternative pumping system was built to irrigate crops removal activism. By this time, environmental groups 
DAM, SAVAGE RAPIDS DAM AND GOLD HILL DAM the Grants Pass Irrigation District (GPID) was assembled so that the Savage Rapids Dam could be removed in 2009. were aware of the negative impact that dams had on 
in 1916 and was granted water rights to irrigate 18,000 The town of Gold Hill is located several miles anadromous fish. New England had witnessed its native 
As gold mining along the Rogue continued to attract acres (GPID, 2019). They tried numerous approaches to upstream from Savage Rapids Dam along the Rogue River. salmon population completely disappear because of the 
people from across the West, some mining operations pumping water from the Rogue River into canals, but Colorado-based Ideal Cement Company decided to build hundreds of small dams built in the 19th century and 
grew to include hydraulic mining, a mining technique the pumps continuously washed away, begging for a a cement plant in Gold Hill because they were able to conservationists did not want to see the same happen 
that uses pressurized water to blast rock or sediment more sturdy and permanent solution to irrigation. The quarry gravel at an upland site and also use hydropower to Pacific salmon (Stevenson, 2017).  The American 
away. One mine along the Middle Rogue was owned by construction of an irrigation dam at Savage Rapids, the from the Rogue River. The dam powered the company’s Rivers Conservation Council was active in lobbying 
the Ray brothers, C.R. and Frank. In order to power their outfall of Savage Creek (named after the adjacent Savage operations as well as some residents of Gold Hill. The against federal funding for dam projects, holding their 
hydraulic mining operation using hydropower, they built family homestead) began in 1920 under contract with dam also diverted water from the river to supply the town first National Dam Fighter’s Conference in 1976. The 
the Gold Ray Dam. To build the dam they had to flood a Los Angeles engineer (GPID, 2019). It was a hollow with water. The dam was small, at only 2 to 6 feet high, first termination of major dam funding from Congress 
an entire riparian woodland located upstream adjacent concrete dam that diverted water away from the river which was thought to be low enough for fish to jump but due to lobbying by the American Rivers Conservation 
to Table Rock. It was the first hydroelectric power in the and into gravity canals that piped water across the valley migrating salmon would get sucked into the diversion Council happened in 1981. In a 1986 amendment to the 
Rogue Valley. The dam structure was built out of wood (McDermott, 2016). The dedication ceremony drew over canal just as they did at Savage Rapids Dam. After Savage Federal Power Act determined that the Federal Energy 
and had a barely functional fish ladder on its south side. three thousand people and the keynote speaker was Rapids Dam, this was thought to be the second worst Regulation Commission must give “equal consideration” 
Eventually the gold mining prospects at the site dried up Dr. W.J. Kerr, then-president of Oregon State University. obstacle for migrating fish on the Rogue River (Water to environmental protection of fish and wildlife when 
and the brothers sold the dam in 1921 to the California The large-scale irrigation system was a success, making Watch, 2020). Ideal Cement stopped operations in 1969 considering funding for hydroelectric projects, which 
Oregon Power Company, which later was called Pacific virtually any crop suited to Southern Oregon’s climate when a new plant was opened in Seattle (McDermott, further slowed the building of new dams (Stevenson, 
Power (Momsen, 2009). Gold Ray Dam’s power generation possible to grow (Momsen, 2009). As a result, 12,815 acres 2016). The town of Gold Hill replaced their water supply 2017).  
eventually extended to the nearby towns of Ashland, of farmland were now irrigable (GPID, 2019). There was intake with a new pumping system in 2005, making the By the time the Rogue River dams were almost 
48 49
completely obsolete in the later part of the 20th century, Rogue Valley, the state of Oregon and the Northwest” more cost than to remove it. After several environmental prior, when the dam removal was still recent (Freeman, 
the people who cared about keeping them around were (McDermott, 2016). impact assessments were conducted, funding for the dam 2018). These visible improvements to salmon habitat make 
the local farmers and politicians who depended on them Savage Rapids Dam followed in 2009, even though removal was gathered and the dam was removed in 2010 this stretch of the Rogue River a unique place to witness 
for irrigation, or in the case of Gold Ray Dam, historical its removal had been in process for decades. The actual (McDermott, 2016). landscape change.
regional identity. A group called the Friends of the Gold removal itself began in 2006. Compared to the small 
Ray dam argued that dam removal would only have removal of Gold Hill Dam, which cost $1.2 million, Savage ECOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF 4.4 SITE SELECTION
more negative impacts to salmon habitat as sediment Rapids Dam ended up costing $27 million (McDermott, MIDDLE ROGUE DAM REMOVALS
was released downstream. They were also pushing for 2016). Because of this high cost, acquiring the funding The Rogue River in Oregon was chosen for this project 
the dam and its powerhouse to become protected under for the project took almost a decade. The first major step While dam removal does come with some ecological because of its reputation for salmon fishing and the unique 
the National Historic Preservation Act. Two factions arose towards funding the removal came when senators Ron risks, especially older dams with lots of sediment buildup, occurrence of three subsequent dam removals within 
out of the conflict over preserving versus removing the Wyden and Gordon Smith proposed the Savage Rapids it only took a few years to witness the positive impact several years of each other, taking away over a century of 
three dams, the “save the dam” faction versus the “free Dam Act in 2000 with $22.2 million to fund the dam these dam removals have had on anadromous fish infrastructural interference of the Rogue River’s waters all 
the Rogue” faction (McDermott, 2016). Ultimately, when removal (McDermott, 2016). The removal process consisted populations in the Rogue. Monitoring programs have at once. Now that over a decade has passed since these 
the Southern Oregon Coho Salmon became protected of damming half of the dam at a time while the hollow effectively captured these results. One of the more striking removals, we can look at what these sites have become: 
under the Endangered Species Act in 1997, the scales concrete structure was disassembled one piece at a time. changes that ecologists have witnessed is the recovery the state they are in, how and if they are accessed by 
were tipped in favor of dam removal. Funding picked When Gold Ray Dam stopped operating in the 1970’s, of gravel habitat on the river floor. Gravel is an important people, and the opportunities they offer designers. This 
up for each removal project and it was clear that the Pacific Power donated its run-down facilities to Jackson place for salmon to spawn and when dams are built, discussion outlines the design opportunities found at each 
cost of removal was far cheaper than cost of repair or County, where some residents where enthusiastic about sediment piles up behind them, burying these important dam removal site on the Middle Rogue and how they are 
preservation of the dams, each having a difference of turning the powerhouse and dam into a historic museum spawning environments. One way that ecologists monitor applicable to the Design Theory Tramework of historic 
several millions of dollars (McDermott, 2016). and county park (McDermott, 2016). The reservoir that salmon spawning activity is by looking for “redds,” which sites having aesthetic, cultural, ecological and economic 
formed behind the dam was also popular with local people are ruts in the river gravel created by salmon burying values. Through this analysis, it was determined that the 
REMOVAL OF THE MIDDLE ROGUE’S THREE DAMS for recreation purposes. Formerly a riparian woodland, the and fertilizing eggs. An ecologist monitoring the former Savage Rapids Dam site ultimately will benefit the most 
flooded area created by Gold Ray’s construction became a reservoir behind Gold Ray dam saw 45 redds within a from this project’s design framework approach.
The first dam to be completely removed was Gold Hill lively wetland habitat called Kelly Slough. Some even said few feet of Gold Ray’s ruins the year after dam removal, 
Dam in 2008. The town got help from the Rogue Valley that this area created valuable salmon habitat that would compared to none when the dam was up (Freeman, 
Council of Governments to line up funding (McDermott, be negatively impacted in the case of Gold Ray’s removal. 2013). Savage Rapids Dam’s removal exposed nearly GOLD HILL DAM 
2016). A dam removal ceremony celebrated the As the conversation surrounding dam removal entered 200,000 cubic yards of sediment and its former reservoir 
commencement of the removal and a press release from the picture in the 1980’s, community members who underwent a transformation as well (Oregon State CURRENT CONDITIONS AND SITE USE
NOAA quoted Gold Hill mayor Gus Wolf, who said, “…as enjoyed the historic dam structure and its wetland were University, 2012). The number of redds monitored at 
stewards of the Rogue River, which flows through the heart opposed to removal. Eventually it was the historic dam’s Savage Rapids Dam also showed a positive improvement, Gold Hill Dam’s remaining infrastructure is located 
of our city, we fully support removal of the dam. Dam fish passage issues that made dam removal a liability for with the amount of redds in 2018 nearly doubling the on Jackson County Park lands adjacent to the Gold Hill 
removal and restoration of the site will provide benefits fines and therefore a priority. Jackson County couldn’t number counted in 2017 (Freeman, 2018). There were Sports Park and along the Rogue River Greenway biking 
not only to the citizens of Gold Hill, but to citizens of the afford to upgrade the nonfunctional dam’s fish ladder for 186 redds counted where there were only 91 three years and walking trail. While formal circulation is lacking, 
50 51
some desire lines connect the deteriorating powerhouse ceremonial fishing spot and with the dam now removed, CONCLUSION AESTHETIC VALUE
structure and fish passage infrastructure to the Greenway more salmon can be caught upstream from Gold Hill. For 
trail, allowing for some access. The site’s main use by the many white, settler-descendant local people, the rapids This site offers exciting recreational and economic Of the three Rogue River sites, this one retains the 
public appears to be graffiti tagging, of which there is near Ti’lomikh Falls are popular for white water rafting. opportunities that can be tied in with whitewater least amount of dam infrastructure. The actual dam 
much of. programming that are planned for adjacent areas. There structure is mostly gone, except for a small section of the 
ECOLOGICAL VALUE is also a good amount of infrastructure to work with to abutment on the south bank of the river, which is in view 
AESTHETIC VALUE engage the public with the dam removal narrative through from the park land on the north bank. This small section 
The ecological transformation that has occurred design. However, this site is already quite accessible, albeit was left for two reasons: to maintain structural stability 
Of all three sites, this site retains the most due to dam removal is less apparent at this site. With not designed, for the public. With its location right off underneath the existing train tracks and roadway, but also 
infrastructure, with its powerhouse, fish ladder, fish screen the amount of litter from taggers and people using the of the Rogue River Greenway trail, and with its current to leave an artifact in the landscape for the community 
(Figure 4.5) and plugged diversion canal all intact. The space for drinking and smoking, a narrative of renewal following of street artists, this site already possesses a type members who fought for historic preservation of the 
public’s engagement with the infrastructure through does not come across, but has potential. The post-dam of a recreational program and use that could certainly dam. Less obvious traces of the dam remnants that could 
tagging also adds a new aesthetic layer over the industrial riparian restoration planting along the plugged canal has be enhanced through design, but is still serving the be highlighted in design include aggregate concrete 
sublime of the former powerhouse. It is worth considering since been colonized by Himalayan blackberry and would community in some way already. inlaid within the native white granite on the river bank 
how a site design would impact this space’s use as a place require extensive mitigation measures. (Figure 4.6), showing where the north bank abutment was 
for artistic expression through tagging. GOLD RAY DAM secured to the rock through the pouring of a concrete 
ECONOMIC VALUE foundation. There is also a field of buried granite and 
CULTURAL VALUE CURRENT CONDITIONS AND SITE USE concrete rubble that has potential for repurposing in a 
Community members involved with the white park design, especially since this area is unable to sustain 
Before the dam was removed, a National Historic water rafting community have discussed adapting the The Gold Ray Dam site is accessible to the public any plant life with this thick layer of rubble at its surface. 
Preservation nomination was submitted for the powerhouse structure into a climbing wall and whitewater through loosely developed nature trails and a small The powerhouse machinery that was preserved and 
powerhouse and fish passage, but was denied for reasons event center, similar to recreational programming seen at interpretive installation displaying some of the historic somewhat curated for public viewing also offers potential 
unknown to the author. Therefore, the infrastructure Duisberg Nord. The Gold Hill Whitewater Club has also powerhouse machinery uphill from the former dam. This for inclusion in design to offer a contrast between the 
on this site was significant enough to members of the proposed a landscape design nearby to accommodate land is owned by Jackson County and Oregon State Parks. site’s current use of outdoor recreation rooted in natural 
community to put forth a preservation effort, but this sports events at the Ti’lomikh Falls rapids, which has been The trails are not well-established and the trail leading to resources and the site’s potential for cultural resource 
effort fell through even before the dam was removed. scouted as a possible white water route for the summer the interpretive display is not ADA accessible. The site is recreation.
This shows that while it lacks some integrity, it is still an Olympics in 2028, which will be held in Los Angeles. The largely used by hikers who come to view wildlife in the 
important cultural resource that is worth re-interpreting site’s location is also desirable to develop as it is located large riparian wilderness area that was in part created by CULTURAL VALUE
through design. The site is also just downriver from within the town of Gold Hill and is only a few minutes drive Gold Ray Dam. 
Ti’lomikh Falls and the “storytelling stone,” an important from Highway 99 and Interstate 5. This site’s cultural value was evident when community 
cultural site for the Takelma people, where a ceremonial members protested the dam’s removal and attempted to 
netting of the spring’s first salmon is caught historically. have it preserved by the National Historic Preservation 
Damming this section of the river no doubt impacted this Act. The main structure that was attempted to be 
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preserved was the dam’s powerhouse, which had fallen recreation continues to attract people to the Rogue River. SAVAGE RAPIDS DAM 1920’s litter the site. Erosion lines from the former reservoir 
into disrepair after decades of the dam not being used.  can be found within most viewsheds facing the north 
The machinery from the powerhouse nods to the requests ECONOMIC VALUE CURRENT CONDITIONS AND SITE USE bank. A few recreational infrastructure traces of the former 
of the citizens who hoped to keep it around, but the site county park remain as well. 
where the powerhouse once stood is completely blank. An While outdoor recreation attracts tourists to the Rogue The site is still owned by the Grants Pass Irrigation 
anonymous source in the community expressed their and River landscape in this area, and this site has the potential District and while it was historically leased to Jackson CULTURAL VALUE
others’ disappointment with the county’s design of the for such a site use, accessing the site is not easy as it lies County to create Savage Rapids County Park, it is now 
park and its sparse acknowledgement of the historic dam within a largely rural residential area and is located on the closed to the public as it undergoes riparian plant Visible or not, this site’s rich history can be traced back 
landscape. A design that references the site’s former uses north bank of the Rogue, far away from the main road restoration under a lease with the Freshwater Trust. It is to pre-contact. This section of the Rogue was known by 
in a more immersive recreational experience could really of Highway 99 and Interstate 5. There are no businesses unclear what the future of this site will hold, aside from the Takelma as, “the rocks,” a place where fish were easily 
enhance this site’s cultural value. in the vicinity to stimulate with the development of this the habitat restoration that is attempting to provide more caught by nets as they jumped over rocky rapids (West, 
This site is also near Table Mountain, where the Table area, except for maybe rafting guide companies if it could shade on the Rogue River through riparian vegetation to 2021). This rocky riverbed gained a new significance when 
Mountain Reservation was situated during the Rogue River become a popular takeout or stop-off.  regulate the water temperature for migrating anadromous Euro-American settlers came and began mining some of 
war years, with views of the mountain at various elevations fish. Before the dam was removed, this reservoir park the rocky riverbed for gold. As tensions between colonists 
that could become more accessible through more CONCLUSION was located less than a ten minute drive from downtown and Takelma heightened, this site was eventually used as 
comprehensive trail design. Framed views of this landmark Grants Pass and served as an important recreational hub a detainment area for a group of Takelma people before 
and its cultural significance to the local indigenous While this site offers great potential for a place-based for swimming, fishing and boating. The dam ruins, located they were forced to relocate to the Coast Reservation 
communities prior to and during colonization have the design that references the dam and its ecological effects as a few hundred feet downstream from the former park, are (West, 2021). This cultural history is currently invisible at 
potential to be acknowledged here. well as the site’s pre-contact history, the remote location frequently visited by people driving down Highway 99, the site and deserves recognition. 
makes it less of a priority for development. Another reason although it is private property. Extensive social trails show The site’s visible history is tied to the dam in every 
ECOLOGICAL VALUE it is not the top priority out of the three sites is that its evidence of this. Some graffiti occurs around the dam way, whether it is the actual dam infrastructure parts or 
partially developed nature trails and interpretive signage ruins and several informal shelters have been built from physical remnants from the reservoir park. The reservoir’s 
Of all three dam removal sites, this site has the most around the dam’s old machinery do offer some cultural vegetation by individuals experiencing homelessness. recreational value was very important to the community 
extensive and rich wilderness area, with a fascinating and ecological orientation to this rich site.  While they are and was one reason why community members opposed 
novel wetland ecosystem that was in part created by the not fully capturing the site’s history in the way a narrative- AESTHETIC VALUE the dam removal (Bureau of Land Reclamation, 2006). The 
flooding of a riparian forest during construction of the driven design could, at least the site is accessible to the dam itself also represented significant history to some 
Gold Ray Dam. As the former river reservoir morphs back public for use in some way. Of the three sites, this site has a medium amount of community members as well. Policy was introduced in 
into a more natural form over the coming years, this area historic infrastructure from the dam left intact. Apart from 2000 to gain government funding for the removal effort, 
will be an exciting place to witness the transformation pieces of the abutment (Figure 4.7) and fish ladder that called the Savage Rapids Dam Act. This bill required 
post-dam removal. A trail design concept that takes are found at the dam site, traces that allude to the dam’s future recreational development of the site to replace the 
visitors through these changing conditions and the wildlife impact on the site can be found throughout, dating as far public park area that would be altered by dam removal 
that thrive here would be a huge asset to the surrounding back as the construction of the dam. Footings from the (Oregon Congressional Senate, 2000). This has not yet 
community, especially as tourism based in outdoor original cofferdam that was made to build the dam in the been set in motion, but now there is even more land to be 
54 55
developed into a park due to lower water levels after dam CONCLUSION 4.5 SAVAGE RAPIDS DAM SITE CONDITIONS
and reservoir removal, offering an expansion of the former 
cultural uses for the site. At Savage Rapids Dam, landscape design can be used LAND USE
to fill the void of a formerly valued recreation site that was 
ECOLOGICAL VALUE affected by dam removal, and use the changes brought The 15.5 acre site is located on the Rogue River’s 
to the site from dam removal as assets to explore through southern bank on the border of Josephine and Jackson 
The Freshwater Trust’s riparian vegetation restoration narrative-driven design: the ruins, successful habitat Counties, with its western portion in Jackson County and 
project that is already underway at the site can lend restoration, new access to a healthier river and more eastern in Josephine County. The entire site is currently 
itself easily to public access that engages visitors with robust fisheries. Bringing design narratives to this site also owned by the Grants Pass Irrigation District, but the 
the narrative of restoration at this site post-dam removal. Figure 4.5: Gold Hill Dam Remnant, photo by author, January 2021 gives the opportunity to honor the cultural significance former Savage Rapids County Park has historically been 
Using design to make these restoration interventions more of this site for its indigenous uses pre-contact and to leased to Jackson County for a recreation site, which 
visible can further show the transformation that this site commemorate its more painful indigenous history during included a boat ramp, restrooms and day use amenities. 
is experiencing after nearly a century of being dammed. the Rogue River War. Overall, this site is most ideal out of With the dam removal, this park was closed to the public 
Narratives of anadromous fish habitat restoration that the three to demonstrate how dam removal sites can be and the GPID land is now being leased by the Freshwater 
are associated with the river bank’s riparian plant habitat designed to balance recreation, restoration and cultural Trust, a conservation non-profit based in Portland. In 
can be expressed through trails and outdoor education resource preservation to have a positive impact on the 2010 the Freshwater Trust submitted a proposal for 
opportunities at this site. surrounding community. riparian restoration, which was implemented in 2016. 
Because of this site’s rich history and amount of dam The restoration project, which is largely occurring on the 
ECONOMIC VALUE remnants, it also offers a wide variety of historic traces western half of the site due to the eastern half’s rocky 
that can be explored using the design framework that this subbase, has served to stabilize stream banks from 
There is a clear opportunity to revitalize this former Figure 4.6: Gold Ray Dam Remnant, photo by author, project will test. This makes it an ideal site for examining erosion post-dam removal, as well as create shadier 
recreational site to attract tourism to both the dam January 2021 how a design framework for post-industrial landscape shoreline conditions to regulate water temperature for 
removal cultural resource as well as park amenities design can be used, while also establishing dam removal anadromous fish habitat. The westernmost part of the 
that support river recreation, like boating and fishing. sites as compelling design opportunities. site is used by GPID for an irrigation pumping facility that 
Surrounding fishing lodges and restaurants would benefit replaced the irrigation capabilities of Savage Rapids Dam. 
from the public usage of this site, just as they did when A small pumping platform takes water from the Rogue 
Savage Rapids County Park was so popular. While there River and is pumped through canals and pipelines into 
is no longer a calm, deep reservoir to attract people, the various Josephine County agricultural lands. The ruins 
narrative-driven site design and trail system will reframe of Savage Rapids Dam stand alongside this new facility’s 
the various historic traces as natural and cultural resources infrastructure (Figure 4.9). 
to engage with. 
Figure 4.7: Savage Rapids Dam Remnant, photo by author, 
January 2021
56 57
HYDROLOGY AND GEOLOGY
Existing Riparian
The mainstem of the Rogue River has its headwaters Forest
at a spring near former Mount Mazama, now Crater 
Lake, called Boundary Springs. The river descends into Container Lower RiparianPlanting
the Rogue River Valley from these higher elevations into 
a fl atter, more gradually terraced landscape. At some 300’ Savage Creek 
portions of the river, dramatic canyons are carved through Willow Baffl  e
basaltic rock. At the Savage Rapids site, a gently sloped / Lower RiparianPlug 
solid basaltic riverbank is makes up the western portion Winter High Flow 300’ Wetland  Planting Savage Creek 
of the site near the dam ruins. Savage Creek also has I 
its outfall at the eastern edge of the site. After passing Wetland  Upland Forest 
through the former dam site, the Rogue River winds its Upland Forest 
way across the southwestern corner of Oregon before Formerly Savage Formerly Savage 
emptying into the Pacifi c Ocean at the town of Gold Figure 4.8: Willow Baffl  e Riparian Restoration Planting used by the Rapids  County Park Lower Riparian Upper Riparian Rapids  County Park Upper Riparian
Beach. Freshwater Trust at the banks of the former Savage Rapids County 300’
Park (not to scale), based on National Center for Conservation Science Savage Creek GPID Facility
and Policy’s 2010 assessment and recommendations GPID Facility
SOILS Wetland  Bare Rock
Upland Forest Dam Ruins
Soils located along the Rogue River terracing in the with 80% of the rainfall occurring between October and Bare RockFormerly Savage Tax Lot
region and on the site are classifi ed as Camas-Newberg- April (Connolly, 1994). Rapids  County Park Upper Riparian
Evans complex. This soil provides ideal habitat for riparian Figure 4.9: Savage Rapids Dam Site Infrastructure and Habitat ZonesGPID Facility Dam Ruins
species. The soil that is located upriver from the former VEGETATION near theB arriev Reorc kcontain dense riparian vegetation like willow the newly exposed gravel and riverbank, species being Savage Rapids Dam has an eroded bank from the high and cottonwood, which is what we see at the Savage restored include white alder, willow and cottonwood by Tax Lot
water levels of the former reservoir receding. The parts of the Middle Rogue that have more broad, Rapids DDaamm R usiintse, especially at the former county park planting willow baffl  es and rows of cottonwoods (Figure 
gradual terrBaW cCOinNTgEX Ta, BrLUeE  RdIVoERm inated by oak woodlands and recreatiToanx  Lsoitte (Figure 4.9). 4.8). The Freshwater Trust’s restoration project combines 
CLIMATE savanna species like Pacifi c madrone and manzanita. Some A 2010 vegetation as30s0e’ ssment conducted by the planting natives that stabilize the river terrace’s soils with 
of these woodlands also contain mixed conifer species National Center for Conservation Science and Policy the removal, maintenance and monitoring of invasive 
The climate in this region typically has mild, damp like ponderosa pine, Douglas-fi r and broadleaf deciduous showed a mix of native riparian species recolonizing the species. Invasive species removal techniques include 
winters that range on average in temperature from 32 trees like big leaf maple and black cottonwood. North- riverbank after dam removal, as well as several invasive mastication, hand pulling and spot herbicide application. 
to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with hot, dry summers that facing slopes along the Rogue are typically dominated by plant species. Some key species in the upper riparian zone 
range on average in temperature from 55 to 85 degrees conifers whereas south facing slopes have more drought-
BW CONTEXT, BLUE RIVER include Oregon white oak, California black oak, white 
Fahrenheit. Winters have an annual rainfall of 30 inches, tolerant, oak savanna communities.  The lower terraces alder3 0a0’nd big leaf maple. In the lower riparian terrace of 
BW CONTEXT, BLUE RIVER 
300’
58 59
ANIMALS interest in outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, 
especially now that fi shing and boating have become 
With the dam removal narrative at the forefront of enhanced by dam removal. A 2012 online survey put out 
this site’s history, anadromous fi sh species habitats are by Jackson County Parks in partnership with Oregon
important to consider at Savage Rapids Dam and at the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State Parks 
outfall of Savage Creek (see Figure 5.9). The most sensitive Medford collected data about the public’s perception of river access
fi sh species include the Coho Salmon, Coastal Cutthroat  on the Rogue River as well as the current recreational 
Trout, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout and Redband Trout. Other Grants Savage Rapids users. This survey showed that most Rogue River boaters 
strategy species that the Oregon Conservation Strategy Pass Dam Site on this stretch of river use drift boats and rafts far more 
lists for this ecoregion include amphibians, birds, reptiles than motorized boats (Jackson County Parks, 2013). The 
and small mammals. Amphibians include the Clouded top three requested riverside amenities include: a need for 
Salamander, Coastal Tailed Frog, Del Norte Salamander, sites to put in and take out non-motorized boats, ability 
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog and the Southern Torrent to access hiking trails along the river and the availability of 
Salamander. Birds include the Common Nighthawk, Ashland restrooms (Jackson County Parks, 2013). The top problem 
Flammulated Owl, Great Gray Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, that people said they encounter on the Rogue River is 
Marbled Murrelet, Northern Spotted Owl, Purple Martin, a lack of sites to access the river (Jackson County Parks, 
White-headed Woodpecker and the Yellow-breasted 0 2.5 5 10 15Miles C) 2013). 
Chat. Reptiles include the California Mountain Kingsnake 0 2.5 5 10 15
Miles
and the Western Pond Turtle. Small mammals include the Figure 4.10: Urban and Transportation Context of Savage Rapids Dam TRANSPORTATION
American Marten, California Myotis, Fisher, Fringed Myotis, 
Hoary Bat, Red Tree Vole, Silver-Haired Bat and Townsend’s RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Urban and rural development in this area is connected 
Big-eared Bat (Oregon Conservation Strategy, 2021). by two major arteries, Interstate 5 and US 99. A freight rail 
With the Rogue River at the center of outdoor line runs along the Rogue River on the north bank, which 
URBAN CONTEXT recreation in this region, it is safe to say that each of historically ran the Shasta Route on the Southern Pacifi c 
these towns benefi ts economically from the recreation passenger train (Figure 4.10). 
The closest city to Savage Rapids Dam is Grants Pass, opportunities within their vicinity. Recreation activities 
with a population of 38,502. It is located six miles from the along this section of the Rogue River include fi shing, 
town center. The smaller town of Rogue River is located rafting, drift boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, hobbyist 
just 3.8 miles upstream and has a population of 2,742. gold mining and wildlife viewing. Fishing lodges and 
Further upstream is the small town of Gold Hill, located motels have historically existed along this stretch of the 
12 miles away, with a population of 1,300. Medford, the Rogue, especially the Weasku Inn, which has been next 
largest city in the Rogue Valley, is 24 miles away and has a to Savage Rapids Dam since 1924. Savage Rapids Dam is 
population of 84,550 (Figure 4.10). still in an ideal location to take advantage of the growing 
60 61
4.6 SAVAGE RAPIDS DAM SITE HISTORIC railroad that carried Southern Pacific passenger trains Highway 99 less traveled. In Figure 4.12, the lanes of I-5 area, as it was a popular recreation location. It is notable 
AERIAL ANALYSIS starting in 1887 is visible along the north bank of the are visible north of the river. By this time, it is clear that that with the damming of the Rogue that the reservoir’s 
Rogue River. U.S. Highway 99, which served as the main a swimming beach was developed at the Savage Rapids shoreline comes all the way up to the edge of Highway 99.
With Savage Rapids Dam built in 1921, the landscape route for crossing the state before I-5, is located along the County Park site, as well as boat access and parking. To By 2001, the trees planted at Savage Rapids County 
shown in Figure 4.11 has spent over 30 years adjusting southern bank.  Fishing docks are seen downstream from the west of the beach, a mature stand of cottonwoods park continued to mature alongside the swimming area 
to new water levels at the dam’s reservoir. The area that the dam in front of the Weasku Inn fishing lodge, where has been grown in the park area, giving shade to picnic and parking lot, shown in Figure 4.13. In this image it is 
would soon become Savage Rapids County Park appears salmon were known to linger in front of the dam due to areas. By this time, the park had facilities for day use and possible to see where the water level drops off significantly 
mostly unvegetated and especially flooded at the outfall of the dam’s poor fish passage infrastructure. overnight camping. Compared to the 1952 aerial, several just off the shore of the park. This resembles the river’s 
Savage Creek. While Interstate 5 is not yet built, the By 1976, the construction of Interstate 5 in 1957 made motels and private residences began to surround the park natural shoreline, pre-dam, and it is apparent that the 
1952 1976 2001 2021
Interstate 
5
Weasku Inn
Fishing Docks GPID Irrigation 
Pump Facility
Southern Pre-Removal 
Pacific Rail Reservoir Pre-Removal 
Dam Dam Shoreline Dam Reservoir Savage Rapids 
Savage Creek Dam Ruins ShorelineCounty Park
Outfall
Highway Savage Rapids County 
99 Park Swimming Beach Abandoned Savage Rapids 
Residential and Parking Lot County Park Swimming 
Development Beach and Parking Lot
300’ 300’ 300’ 300’
Figure 4.11: 1952 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam, from University of Figure 4.12: 1976 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam, from University of Figure 4.13: 2001 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam, from University of Figure 4.14: 2021 Aerial Photo of Savage Rapids Dam, from University of 
Oregon Library Oregon Library Oregon Library Oregon Library 
62 63
reservoir’s high water line has eroded the soil in these 4.7 SAVAGE RAPIDS DAM SITE HISTORIC the foundation of the viewing platform remain, as well 
areas, which would naturally be covered in riparian TRACES INVENTORY as a large upper fish ladder basin directly in front of the 
vegetation. While difficult to make out from this scale, the platform.
park’s boat ramp went directly into the flooded outfall of Through intensive site background research that 
Savage Creek, which certainly impacted the anadromous guided multiple site visits, an inventory of historic traces 3. South Bank Abutment Ruin
fish habitat of the creek, for any fish that made it past the was assembled, which is mapped out in Figure 4.18. Each 
dam. The lack of buffer between the parking area and the trace represents part of the site’s historical narrative, so The long concrete abutment on the south side 
river also would have allowed untreated runoff directly into in order to include the whole narrative in the site design, supported the dam’s structure and spillway when the dam 
the Rogue and Savage Creek.  each trace must be understood. The following list briefly was intact. The dam removal cleared the spillway structure 
The dam was removed in 2009 and GPID’s new describes the historical significance of each trace and up to the edge of the south abutment’s stepped buttress 
irrigation pump facility is visible west of the dam ruins in photographs of each traces’ existing conditions can be wall, giving the Rogue plenty of space to flow freely. Today 
Figure 4.14.There is now a very different landscape than seen in Figure 4.20, with each number corresponding to it is surrounded by riparian vegetation (compare Figures 
what existed pre-removal. The dotted white outline shows the listed traces. Traces 14, 15 and 16 do not have photo 4.16 and 4.17), showing the resilience of this riparian site 
the reservoir’s former shoreline and we see the amount documentation because they are not visible at the site, after dam removal. 
of riverbank that has been exposed and replanted in although we know that these narrative elements are 
restoration or by volunteer recolonization of the riparian important to site history through background research. 4. Floodgate Hinges
species, at times in perfect lines where the shoreline 
used to be. A staging area used for equipment during 1. Fish Ladder Remnant All that remains of the dam’s lateral floodgates are 
dam removal shows some compaction to the west of the the rusted metal hinges that fastened the gates to the 
parking lot, where leftover piles of rock and rubble exist. Several small concrete parts of the lower south dam. Three of them remain (see Figures 4.18 and 4.19) 
Savage Creek’s outfall has re-vegetated, with the boat bank fish ladder remain embedded in the native rock, on the buttresses supporting the abutment. The original 
ramp remaining and leading to nowhere. The motel across which supported the entire fish ladder structure before functioning floodgates can be seen in Figure 4.15. 
the street has fallen into disrepair. dam removal. This fish ladder was especially difficult for 
anadromous fish to navigate, which is one of the main 5. Stepped Buttress Wall
reasons the dam was removed. The remnants in relation 
to the entire former fish ladder plan can be seen in Figure The stepped buttress on the west side of the 
4.19. abutment historically provided access for dam 
maintenance near the center of the dam (Figure 4.11). It 
2. Fish Ladder Viewing Area now supports the edge of the abutment closest to the 
river. 
This roadside parking and viewing area was once used 
by motorists on Highway 99 to view the dam and the fish 
jumping up the concrete fish ladder. Safety railings and 
64 65
11. County Park Boat Ramp
When the dam was removed, the water line from the 
reservoir moved away from the former boat ramp and 
left the boat ramp far away from the new water line. The 
concrete dock platform remains. The ramp tilts downhill, 
pointing perpendicularly to Savage Creek’s outfall. 
12. Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines 
Looking across the Rogue from the site, erosion 
lines are apparent on the north bank. These lines are 
visible underfoot at the site on the South Bank as well if 
one looks closely, but they have been mostly covered in 
Figure 4.15: Savage Rapids Dam circa 2006, from: Bureau of Figure 4.16: Savage Rapids Dam After Removal in 2009 Figure 4.17: Revegetated Savage Rapids Dam Site, photograph by restoration planting. 
Reclamation, “Finding of No Significant Impact, Fish Passage from: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am1waD_2yIM/VDrferjclmI/ author, October 2020
Improvements, Savage Rapids Dam, Grants Pass Project, Oregon,” 2006 AAAAAAAAn1g/iG42yolT2KU/s1600/800px-Savage_rapids_dam_ 13. Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration
remains.jpg. Accessed May 6, 2021
6. North Bank Abutment Ruin Rapids County Park. Alongside these older cottonwoods, 
has been determined to be eligible by the State Historic younger stands of cottonwoods were planted during The successful riparian restoration project at this site is 
The abutment remnant on the north bank shows Preservation Office in 2005 (Bureau of Reclamation, 2006). riparian restoration after dam removal. an important part of the river recovery narrative. Shading 
a vivid section cut of the dam where it was bisected of the riverbank helps control the water temperature for 
during dam removal, making the view of this structure an 8. Cofferdam Footings from Dam Construction 10. Former County Park Parking Lot spawning fish, which is why the willow and cottonwood 
important visual element in establishing the dam removal baffle is used. It is evident by the orderly planted rows. 
narrative at this part of the site. These concrete pieces are remnants from one of the The original parking lot at the former park site remains 
cofferdams built upstream of Savage Rapids Dam during and is roughly 35,000 square feet. It used to support both 14. Colonial Era Gold Mining of River Rock (Invisible 
7. Concrete Encased Wood Stave Pipe Remnant one of its early periods of maintenance or construction day and overnight use at the park, which is why it is so Trace)
(Wier, 2021). They are scattered throughout the site. large. Large parts of the pavement are cracked, especially 
The historic wooden stave pipe encased in concrete is on the western half where it was used for dam removal Early Euro-American colonists originally came to the 
a remnant from when the dam was used to pipe irrigation 9. Cottonwood Allée equipment staging.   Rogue Valley for its gold prospects. The river rock along 
water upstream. It is now decommissioned and terminates this part of the Rogue was picked and mined for decades, 
at a weathered opening exposing the wood-lined pipe An allée of mature cottonwood trees dates to when impacting the riparian ecosystems that indigenous peoples 
from the 1920s. This is the only artifact on the site that this part of the site was used as a day use area at Savage relied on for food sources. While these miners are gone, these very rocks were once likely impacted by mining.
66 67
6
1
5
3 4
2
7
8 12 1
13
Enlarged Map Below 1112
Tax Lot 9 10
Former County Park
invisible traces: 3
14 15 16 2
300’
5
1 Fish Ladder Remnant 9 Cottonwood Allée
2 Fish Ladder Viewing Area 10 Former County Park Parking Lot 6
6 4
3 South Bank Abutment Ruin 11 County Park Boat Ramp
1
N4 Floodgate Hinges 12 Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines IMftOYIM&Nff 
5 200 ft SM.AGE RA.Pm OAM 3 5 Stepped Buttress Wall 13 Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration
2 4 6 North Bank Abutment Ruin 14 Colonial-Era Gold Mining of River Rockn u m b e r  a n d  l a b e l , h a v e  p h o t o s  Figure 4.19: Historic Remnants of Savage Rapids Dam Structure Post-Dam Removal, shown in yellow over the Federal Bureau of Reclamation’s 1974 construction 
w i t h  e a c h  t r a c e  t o  g o  a l o n g  
s i d e 7 Concrete Encased Wood Stave Pipe 15 Salmon Habitat Recovery plan for anadromous fi sh passage improvements. Numbers correspond to the numbered traces in Figure 4.18.
8 Coff erdam Footings from Dam 16 Takelma Fishing Hole and Rogue River 
Construction War Detainment Area 300’
Figure 4.18: Historic Traces Inventory of former Savage Rapids Dam and former Savage Rapids County Park
68 69
1 2 3 10 11 Figure 4.20 continued: Corresponding Photographs to the Historic Traces 
Inventory of former Savage Rapids Dam 
and former Savage Rapids County Park. 
Circled numbers identify each trace as 
noted on Figure 4.18. Photographs by 
author, February and April 2021.
4 5 6 12 13
15. Salmon Habitat Recovery (Invisible Trace) 16. Takelma Fishing Hole and Rogue River War 
Detainment Area (Invisible Trace)
With the dam removal and the riparian restoration at 
the site being for the benefit of anadromous fish habitat From David West’s oral history, we know that this site 
restoration, it is important to include this element of the was once an important fishing area for the Takelma tribe 
narrative. As was mentioned in the Environmental History, and was later used by white colonists as a detainment area 
when the dam was removed and the sediment behind the for a group of Takelma people during the Rogue River 
dam washed away, the former reservoir’s gravelly bottom War. This project sees this painful history as an important 
7 8 9 quickly brought spawning salmon to the site as evidenced historic trace that should not be left out of communicating by salmon redds in the gravel, observed by the monitoring the historical narrative of the site, especially since it shows 
ecologists.  the brutal settler colonization of the Rogue Valley that led 
Figure 4.20: Corresponding Photographs to the Historic Traces Inventory of former Savage Rapids Dam and former Savage Rapids County Park. Circled to the enormous disruption of the Rogue River ecosystem 
numbers identify each trace as noted on Figure 4.18. Photographs by author, February and April 2021. due to dam construction.
70 71
5.1  INTRODUCTION 5.2 TRACES, STRATEGIES AND TACTICS
As shown in Figure 5.1, the Design Intervention This chapter outlines a procedure for designing 
Framework’s goal is to include each of the values derived interventions for individual historic objects at a post-
from the literature review (aesthetic, cultural, ecological, industrial site, and then making the interventions  CHAPTER 5: economic) when designing each trace, guided by the compatible with an overall design concept. Using this demonstrated design strategies examined in case studies framework can aid in explaining the design process to 
Design Intervention (Figure 3.16). All of the case studies relied heavily on a clients at post-industrial sites. To explain the process, some close reading of the historic traces found at their sites key terms need to be defi ned before proceeding:to guide design interventions. An additional component 
Framework to be added to this design framework is a process for Traces: An element of site history that expresses a evaluating the existing traces found at a site to determine moment in time related to a site’s historical narrative. A where and how these types of design strategies should trace can be a visible artifact found in the site’s landscape 
take place, called intervention tactics (Figures 5.2-5.5). or it can be an invisible memory documented by oral or 
TRACE written history. While the literature review focuses on the 
term “ruins,” this project uses “traces” because it does not 
imply deterioration or decline of a history, but merely a 
neutral change over time. 
Values
Trace Visibility: The degree to which the narrative 
element for a part of site history is visible at the site. This 
is similar to the term “integrity” used in preservation, but 
this project aims to include traces that lack integrity to tell 
Design a more complete narrative. For example, at a dam removal 
Strategies site the dam’s remnants are highly visible, while the 
salmon restoration is not, although we know it occurred 
at the site based on research and can express it through 
Intervention design. 
Tactics
Design Strategies: : General design guidelines derived 
from case studies that allow traces to support aesthetic, 
DESIGN cultural, ecological and economic values (Figure 3.16). 
Figure 5.1: Framework Building Process, applied to historic traces through 
design
73
Intervention Tactics: A spectrum of intervention 
that defines the level of modification of a given trace 
(Figures 5.2-5.5).
Figure 5.2: “Leave-as is,” demonstrated at Savage Rapids Dam Trace Figure 5.3: “Modify and Remain in Place,” demonstrated at Savage Figure 5.4: “Modify and Relocate,” demonstrated at Savage Rapids Figure 5.5: “Construct,” demonstrated at Savage Rapids Dam Trace 
#5, the Stepped Buttress Wall Rapids Dam Trace #5, the Stepped Buttress Wall Dam Trace #5, the Stepped Buttress Wall #5, the Stepped Buttress Wall
TACTIC #1: LEAVE AS-IS TACTIC #2: MODIFY AND REMAIN IN PLACE TACTIC #3: MODIFY AND RELOCATE TACTIC #4: CONSTRUCT
This tactic has the designer leave the trace In this case, the trace’s structural quality is This tactic further explores the structural or Because some traces are less visible than others, 
untouched, if the existing condition of the trace itself considered for how it can support programming that material quality of a trace by modifying it and using it design can add more context to the trace’s narrative 
can communicate the desired narrative element. An is tied to communicating the site narrative to visitors. elsewhere on the site to support the site design. This value by constructing a more complete physical 
example of this tactic from the case studies is the An example of this tactic from the case studies is the may be a trace that is plentiful on the site and can be representation for visitors to interact with. This tactic 
vegetation at Mill Ruins Park (Figure 3.10), which tells walkway built over the remnant railway pilings that applied for a new use, like the crushed rubble used to is used at Ballast Point Park, when round concrete 
the story of resilient urban plant species overtaking transported materials at Duisberg Nord (Figure 3.12), unify the design and repurpose materials at Dry Dock planters in the shape of the now removed oil tanks are 
the infrastructure. because it helps visitors explore the site by guiding No. 1 (Figure 3.3). For this tactic, the location of the installed on the site to remind visitors of their former 
them, while they also experience the artifact in situ, trace is less significant than the act of repurposing it. presence and impact on the site’s history (Figure 3.7).
which alludes to its original industrial use.  
74 75
5.3 DESIGN INTERVENTION FRAMEWORK modifying the wall in place to be climbed on with Step 3: If the designer’s goal is to maximize the number INTERVENTION TACTICS
contemporary metal fi xtures creates a contrast with the of traces that can be incorporated into a design concept 
Step 1: Perform historical research of the post-industrial old concrete of the dam. It also helps create a new view to express a site’s history, the matrix can be used to aid in Tra
 ce Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 
Name  as-is remain relocate 
site and conduct a site inventory to record all remnants of the other dam ruins and site. Under “Cultural,” this selecting a design concept. This can be done by plugging in place 
of site history, which are referred to in this research as trace can be used to guide circulation and exploration each trace and its chosen intervention from the matrix into Aesthetic      
“traces.” because the steps on the buttresses are historically a schematic design concept to see if it is compatible with 
meant to be used for ascending this part of the dam to the spatial and phenomenological experience envisioned Cultural      
Step 2: The Intervention Tactics introduced in 5.2 were perform maintenance, allowing people to engage with for the concept. This procedure will be demonstrated in 
combined into a decision-making matrix with the Design the historic cultural use of the artifact. It meets the criteria more detail in the Chapter 6.2, using a total of sixteen Ecological      
Strategies gleaned from the Case Studies and Literature for “Ecological” because it re-purposes a remnant leftover traces at one post-industrial site, Savage Rapids Dam.  
Review.  To use this matrix, list each trace for the site out from demolition for a designed feature in the landscape. Economic      
in its own individual Design Intervention matrix (Figure Its “Economic” value comes from the role it will play as a The Outcome: The designer is left with a schematic 
4.6 shows a blank example of the matrix) and fi ll in dots recreational element on the trail to engage visitors, which site design that considers how to incorporate all of the  Figure 5.6: Blank Design Intervention Framework Matrix, 
on matrix based on how the diff erent Design Strategies helps support the local tourism economy that is built elements of a post-industrial site’s history at an individual, ready to be used to aid in trace design
(Figure 3.16) fi t best into each Intervention Tactic. This around river-based recreation. The dots that were fi lled in artifact-scale level, while also informing the overall design 
decision-making is based on how the designer sees for this tactic are shown in Figure 5.7. concept that thoughtfully connects each historic trace. 
the trace’s role in communicating site narrative. To The tactic of “Modify and Relocate” did not receive 
demonstrate this procedure, we will use the trace from any dots because the trace’s signifi cance comes from its 
INTERVENTION TACTICS
Figures 5.2-5.5, the Stepped Buttress Wall from former location as a structural element in the dam that should be Step ped Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 
Savage Rapids Dam using the matrix in Figure 5.6. preserved. The tactic of “Construct” did not apply either, Buttress  as-is remain relocate Wall
For the “Leave As-Is” tactic, the four Design Strategies because the main context that could be constructed in place 
in Figure 3.16 were considered. The aesthetic value of around this trace would be to rebuild the section of dam Aesthetic      
leaving the structure as-is was determined because that used to make up its other side, and this is a narrative 
of the moss that has taken over the concrete surface, that is based in dam removal, so rebuilding the dam Cultural      
showing the age of the trace. Its weathered appearance seems illogical. 
as a concrete ruin of the dam also communicates the Based on which tactic gets the most dots, the designer Ecological      
site’s narrative of dam obsolescence and dam removal. is then guided to make a more site-specifi c design 
Both reasons led to a dot being fi lled in for “Aesthetic” recommendation for the historic trace, also informed by Economic      
under “Leave As-Is.” As for “Cultural,” “Ecological” and site history research and programmatic needs. This is 
“Economic,” the leaving it as-is tactic did not fi t with any of intentionally open-ended, allowing for the creativity of the  
designer to also guide interventions. Figure 5.7: Design Intervention Framework Matrix, fi lled out these strategies. for Savage Rapids Dam Trace #5, the Stepped Buttress Wall
For the “Modify and Remain in Place” tactic, all four 
strategies seemed applicable. Aesthetically, because 
76 77
DESIGN STRATEGIES DESIGN STRATEGIES
GOAL 1
6.1  DESIGN GOALS
Similar to other post-industrial sites, traces at dam preservation
removal sites tell a story of the site before, during and +interpretation
 CHAPTER 6: after infrastructure severely altered the landscape. At Savage Rapids Dam, acknowledging this narrative of GL 2 OAlandscape change is a unique design opportunity that A
dam
Site Design cannot be solved through restoration or preservation site designalone, and can also fi ll a programmatic gap for the recreational landscape that is associated with the recreation restoration
dam’s reservoir. This requires a delicate and detailed 
consideration of each trace to build the narrative, which 
is why the Design Intervention Framework matrix is useful 
for a project of this kind. 
The following design goals for Savage Rapids Dam Figure 6.1: Design Goals for Post-Dam Removal Sites
were compiled from research into the site’s complex 
history, an understanding of the preservation and 6.2  DESIGNING WITH THE FRAMEWORK
restoration opportunities that dam removal sites present 
and the recreational trends of the Rogue River area. The design process followed the Design Intervention 
Framework that was outlined in the previous chapter. 
Goal 1: To honor the visible and invisible cultural histories This began with a thorough inventory of the site (Figure 
of impact and recovery that have unfolded at this site over 4.11) to understand the traces that are visible on the site 
time or those that are important to express through design so 
Goal 2: To enhance recreational opportunities created they are not lost. Each trace was considered for design 
by dam removal and fi ll the outdoor recreation void left using the matrix (Figure 5.6), with the next pages showing 
by the closing of Savage Rapids County Park through the completed matrix for traces 1-16 (Figure 6.2), with 
a discovery-based exploration of dam remnants along discussion of this process following. Then three overall 
hiking trails, new fi shing and boating access on a now design concepts were developed for the site that would 
undammed stream with enhanced fi shery health have the potential to unify the traces into a cohesive 
Goal 3: To educate the public about post-dam removal spatial experience that also communicates the site’s post-
riparian plant restoration and the cultural signifi cance of dam narrative. A description of the three design concepts 
the plants and animals that it benefi ts follows, as well as a discussion of how the matrix was used 
to test each concept’s ability to communicate the narrative.
79
GO
L 3
01 Fish Ladder Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Floodgate Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Conc rete Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Form er Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Remnant as-is remain relocate 04 Hinges as-is remain relocate 07 Stave Pip e as-is remain relocate 010 Parking Lo t as-is remain relocate 
in place in place Remnant in place in place 
Aesthetic Aesthetic Aesthetic      Aesthetic      
Cultural Cultural Cultural      Cultural      
Ecological Ecological Ecological      Ecological      
Economic Economic Economic      Economic      
02 Fish Ladder Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 5 Stepped Leave Modify + Modify + Construct  8 Ol d Leave Modify + Modify + Construct   Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Viewpoint as-is remain relocate 0 Buttress as-is remain relocate 0 Coff erdam 11 County Park  as-is remain relocate 0  as-is remain relocate 
in place Wall in place Footings
Boat Ramp
in place in place 
Aesthetic Aesthetic Aesthetic      Aesthetic      
Cultural Cultural Cultural      Cultural      
Ecological Ecological Ecological      Ecological      
Economic Economic Economic      Economic      
03 South Bank  Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 06 North Bank Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 0 9 Cotton wood Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 0 12 Rese rvoir Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Abutment as-is remain relocate Abutment as-is remain relocate Allée  as-is remain relocate Shoreline  as-is remain relocate 
Ruin in place Ruin in place in place Erosion Line in place 
Aesthetic Aesthetic Aesthetic      Aesthetic      
Cultural Cultural Cultural      Cultural      
Ecological Ecological Ecological      Ecological      
Economic Economic Economic      Economic      
Figure 6.2: Design Intervention Matrix, fi lled out for sixteen diff erent traces at Savage Rapids Dam. The blue dots indicate which Design Strategy aligned   
best with each Intervention Tactic, to decide which tactic to choose to move forward in design, which is highlighted in light blue. 
80 81
013 Ripa rian Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 015 Sa lmon Leave Modify + Modify + Construct  TRACE MATRIX RESULTS settlers who colonized the Rogue Valley, and while the Restoratio n as-is remain relocate Habita t as-is remain relocate dam itself left marks on the land, the displacement of 
Project in place Recovery in place Some traces had more clear alignments with the indigenous peoples at this site only lives on through oral 
Aesthetic      Aesthetic      Design Strategies and Intervention Tactics than others. and written histories, which can be interpreted through 
For example, the Leave As-Is Tactic often supported design under consultation and guidance of descendents 
Cultural      Cultural      the Aesthetic Design Strategies because many physical of the Takelma people, if they consent to this history being remnants hold their aesthetic value in their found commemorated. 
appearance, so traces like the dam remnants (traces 2, 3, Another less visible narrative is that once the dam 
Ecological      Ecological      4 and 5) could have been left As-Is to achieve Aesthetic was created, people found new uses for the site through 
Design Strategies. However, the design goal of providing recreation at the dam’s reservoir at Savage Rapids Park. 
Economic      Economic      recreational opportunities through exploration of the This park left behind several traces that also allow it 
remnants required these traces to use the Modify and to be remembered through design that engages with 
  Remain in Place Tactic to support Design Strategies for the historic traces of Savage Rapids Dam. The design 14 G old- Leave Modify + Modify + Construct 16 Tak elma Leave Modify + Modify + Construct Cultural visitor use, which always added more dots to that Tactic’s challange is combining all of these points in time into a Mine d as-is remain relocate  as-is remain relocate Landscape column. The two traces that used the Tactic of Modify unifying concept, which the Design Framework procedure Rock in place in place and Relocate (8 and 10) were chosen because of their will help with next. 
Aesthetic      Aesthetic      material abundance that could be repurposed in new 
ways to support Design Strategies. The traces that used 
Cultural      Cultural      the Construct Tactic were the traces with the least amount 
of physical remnants, which allowed a representational 
Ecological      Ecological      construction to support each of the Design Strategies. If 
there were any traces with unclear results, ultimately the 
Strategies and Tactics chosen came down to how a visitor 
Economic      Economic      would best interpret history through that trace, according 
to the designer. 
  Leave Modify + Modify + Construct   Leave Modify + Modify + Construct The site’s traces and these tables reveal that the 
Figure 6.2 co ntinueads:- Dise sign Inretemrvaeinnt ion Mreatloricx,a fit ell ed out for sixteen diff erent traces at Savage Ra pids Daams-.i sT he bluere dmotasi nin dicatree wlohciachte D esign dominant narrative at this site is the dam infrastructure 
Strategy aligned best with eachin I nptelarcveen tion Tactic, to decide which tactic to choose to move forward in design, which iins  hpilgahcleig hted in light blue. and its removal. However, this design is about connecting 
Aesthetic      Aesthetic      the dam infrastructure narrative to the less visible cultural 
narratives that resulted from dam construction and 
Cultural      Cultural      removal. This began with the decades of settlement that 
led up to demand for the dam’s construction. This dam 
was then built to irrigate the farmland of Euro-American 
Ecological      Ecological      
Economic      Economic      
82 83
  
6.3  DESIGN CONCEPTS AND SELECTION its path unfurls into multiple channels of pathways with concept sketch in Figure 6.4. The circulation follows these emphasize the obstruction that dams create within 
more naturalistic curves and “eddies” that pause at various linear traces left on the landscape and emphasizes their rivers, which can be translated to the experience of the 
Until now the Design Intervention Framework has programmatic elements dedicated to recreation and spatial quality through planting, which is also used to anadromous fish that were impacted by dams like Savage 
been used to make design decisions for small-scale experiencing the historic traces on the site. Metaphorically, frame views of the stream bank erosion visible on the Rapids.
interventions of each trace. Next the framework will this concept represents the narrative of recovery that north bank of the river. The views and trail circulation take 
be tested on a larger scale, as an aid in selecting a this site is undergoing after dam removal, because after the visitor through a series of spatial experiences that trace DESIGN CONCEPT SELECTION 
design concept by seeing how well a single concept can this engineered element that altered the river’s shape the reservoir and dam’s former presence on the site in 
accommodate and unify the sixteen traces, both spatially and speed was removed, the river has been adjusting to contrast to what exists there now in the form of a riparian By using the Design Intervention Framework outlined 
and through a compelling narrative. The following three its natural pre-dam shape at the former dam reservoir. restoration project and dam removal site. in Chapter 4, one concept can be selected based on 
concepts that were tested came out of the site research This transformation narrative is told through the spatial certain objectives for achieving design goals. In this case, 
and analysis done in Chapter 4 and sketching done during layout of the design concept by showing that the further DESIGN CONCEPT #3: DAM RUIN VIEWS REVEALED maximizing the inclusiveness of the historic narrative, 
site visits. one walks from the dam ruins, the more the paths which supports Goal 1, was tested for each concept. 
meander through the increasing biodiversity of the native 
DESIGN CONCEPT #1: RIVER RECOVERY vegetation restoration, just as the site will slowly recover Objective Supporting Design Goals 1, 2 and 3: 
over time. While the site will never be the same as it was Maximize visitor understanding of the landscape’s 
before the dam was built and the ecology of the region narrative by including as many traces as possible in a 
was altered by Euro-American settlement, the effort to design
recover what was lost ecologically through dam removal is Figure 6.5: Design concept #3 parti diagram
put on display through this concept. For the three concepts, each trace and its chosen 
intervention from the matrix was placed in each design 
DESIGN CONCEPT #2: SHIFTING SHORELINES The rectilinear form of the dam that previously cut concept to see if it would be compatible with the spatial 
Figure 6.3: Design concept #1 parti diagram perpendicularly across the Rogue River is replicated across and phenomenological experience envisioned for each 
the site to emphasize the monumental presence that the concept (Figure 6.6). If a trace could be accommodated, 
Inspired by the natural form of a dechannelized dam had in the landscape prior to removal. This concept is its number is outlined in a white circle. If not, it is 
meandering river, this concept bases path circulation and expressed through columns of riparian planting that block outlined in a dark blue circle. An answer of “yes” or “no” 
site exploration on the configuration of a river’s natural views of the dam ruins unless the visitor is walking parallel was associated with each trace intervention, with a dot 
course as it traverses the landscape, unobstructed. The Figure 6.4: Design concept #2 parti diagram to the river, as if they are the river’s stream meeting the representing “yes” (Figure 6.7). The design concept that 
parti diagram in Figure 6.3 shows that beginning at the dam. This is sketched out in Figure 6.5. When the path was able to accommodate the 100% of the proposed trace 
dam remnant site, the circulation is rigid, singular, and meets these openings at the perpendicular meeting of interventions was Concept 1: River Recovery because its 
angular, much like a channelized stream that has been Focused on the impacts that the dammed river’s the two directions, views of the dam ruins are revealed, circulation layout matched up with the trace locations from 
engineered by humans, or a stream that has its flow reservoir had on the landscape, this concept uses the to show where the Rogue flows freely through the dam dam ruins to riparian restoration. Concept 2: Shoreline 
controlled by damming. As this singular, rigid axis path former shoreline of the reservoir and erosion lines to abutment now that it is mostly removed. This concept Traces, only accommodated 69% of the trace interventions 
moves upstream toward the plant restoration project site, guide circulation at the site, shown by the lines in the creates a phenomenological experience to repeatedly due to its emphasis on existing conditions, which didn’t 
84 85
Concept 1: River Recovery
6 1 2 3 $
1
5
Con2ce3pt4 1: River Recovery 1 4
2 2
6 3 1 2 37 $
1 12 28
5 14
3 4 13 1 4
Con2cept 1: River Recovery 15 4 211
12 P
10 2 2
Concept 1: River Recovery 16 5 29
7 3 1 2CON3CEPT6 $
1 8 12 6 214 1
5 6 13
3 4 15 147 1 2 342 $2 1 2
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3 4 16 102 25
9 8 1 22 3
4 allow much room for the less visible traces to come 6.4  SITE DESIGN
7 369 211 2 through. Concept 3: Dam Views, only accommodated 56% 8 1214 7 # # # of the trace interventions, due to its sole focus on dam Once the River Recovery concept was selected 
Concept 2: Shifting Shore8 lin1e4 s 12 15 13 417
3
0 2 23 infrastructure. The rigid, rectilinear geometry also clashed using the Design Intervention Framework, and the Trace 
15 13 P 1112 58 4 23 2 with the site’s scattered distribution of traces. Intervention Tactics were determined for each of the 16 10
9 12 P
11
1 11 5 2 2 If we also use the more general values behind 6 10 traces, there was a general sense of what the interventions 161 9 6192 12 the framework: the aesthetic, cultural, ecological, and that integrated the traces into the overall concept would 5 # # #
Con2cep3 t4 2: Shifting Shorelines 6 1 economic, we can also consider which concept matches up look like. Next, any additional programmatic elements 17103 7 231 2 with all four values. Concepts 2 and 3 seem more closely that will help achieve the project goals needed to be 
181 2 tied to the aesthetic and cultural opportunities at this 3 considered in the site plan. These included combining 6 7 8 4 3 site, while Concept 1 can integrate the ecological change the traces and their design interventions with the cultural, 
1 8 12 192 12 and recovery narrative that makes this site so compelling. 5 9 4 1 ecological and recreational needs for the site, all within 14 # #3 #Concept4 2: Shifting Shorelines # #13 # All three concepts would be able to accommodate the 2 the River Recovery concept with attention to Circulation, Concept 2: Shifting Shorelines 11 regional recreational programming that supports the 
12 P 103 10 314 3 Planting, Views, Materials, and Programming.10 tourism economy, like a boat ramp and fi shing area, 
9
7 11
6 15 16 11 24 2 but Concept 1’s fl exibility makes that programming for 6 CIRCULATION
1 8 1 12 11200%12 69% 56%24 2 compatible with the exploration of the site’s history.5 5 14
3 4 3 4
13
2 (16/16) (11/16) (9/16) Incorporating discovery into the circulation not only 2 P 1112 13 13 14 1 Conclusion: If one of the main project goals is supports the recreational programming goals for the site 10
2 39 ($) 24 ($) 15 ($)9 14 4 to incorporate as many traces as possible to wholly to attract tourism, but it puts the site’s historic remnants at 77 15 16 4 communicate the site’s narrative while achieving the four 
12 the forefront of the experience at Savage Rapids Dam. This 8 12
Concept 3: Dam8  Ruin Views Revealed 100%1569% 56%4 4 main design strategies associated with designing at a 14 Leave as-is Modify + remain in place Modify + move to a new Construct was an important point made by Chan (2009), as discussed 1314 place13
P 1$1 1(16/161) 62(11/16)3 (9/16) 4 4
post-industrial site, then Concept 1 should be employed to in Chapter 2. The design of trail circulation was guided by 
12
12 P 11 10 4 move forward with design for its fl exibility and inclusivity.39 ($) 24 ($) 15 ($) two main goals: to incorporate the experience of discovery 6 9 10
9 15 16 alongside the site’s historic traces and to create a linear 1
5 15 16 100% 69% 56% narrative sequence along the trail that tells a story of 
Con 32cept4 3: Dam Ruin Views Revealed Leave1as-is00%Mo1dify +-rem-ai-6n in-9pla-c%e--Mo-dify1+ move t~o5a n6e1w %1 Construct(16/16) (1plac1e /16) (9/16) ecological disruption and recovery resulting from dam 
$ 1(16/16)329((1$1) /162)34 (($9)/16)14 construction and removal. The following text describes 5 ($)
6 39 ($) Figure 6.7: Table Sh7 Con2c4ep(t$s )Accom15od(a$
o)wing which the system of trail circulation as experienced moving from 
1 12 te the 16 8 west to east along the site, to show how discovery and 
5 Concept 3: Dam Ruin Views Revealed Leave asT-israceMsod ifay +nremdain intphlace iMro dIifyn+ mtoevertova newntionConstr.u ctplace narrative have been built into the trail design.3 4 13
Con2cept 3: Dam Ruin Views Revealed Leave as-$is Mod1ify + remain in place Mo2dify + move to a new Construct11 3 4 Starting at the dam ruins, trail access is introduced P place12
6 103 $ 1 2 3 4 through a path with rigid geometry that runs orthogonally 1 976 5
12 14 15 161 2 8 3 4
5
Figure3 64.6: Design concepts #1, #2, #3 with Traces Projected. If the trace doesn’t fi t13 into the concept’s 
86 spa2 tial layout, it is represented by a dark blue circle. 11127 P 8710
8 12 9
7 13 14 15 16
8 12 P 1112
10
13
9
P 1112 14 15 16
10
9
14 15 16
TRACE 
along the dam’s axis. The concrete mass of the south or a more level, curving trail that stays upland. Along the toward the dam. For those that start the trail at this side will remain, as will the cottonwood stands, unless they are 
abutment is accessed via steps, and for the more bare rock, cofferdam remnants lead hikers to the river of the park, the process of discovery will move in an cleared for a trail or view, or where the canopy is thinned 
adventurous, a ladder that runs down the edge of one of (Figure 6.20) to discover traces of the gold mining that opposite direction, where the riparian environment slowly at the picnic area (Figure 6.8). Specimens of other native 
the concrete buttresses. People can walk on top of the brought settler colonialism to the region, revealed through transitions to a landscape dominated by the infrastructure shrubs that are used throughout the restoration project 
dam and imagine what it was like when hundreds of cubic subtle art installations in the rock (Figure 6.26). of the dam, signifying the landscape change that occurred are displayed with labels along the trail (Figure 6.25)
feet per second of Rogue River water was hurling through The rocky trail and the upland trail meet up again before and after dam construction and eventual removal. leading to the proposed Rogue River War commemoration 
the radial floodgates. Exploring the top of the dam as the riparian tree canopy thickens. This moment in The design’s overall concept is to mimic the recovery garden, to show which plants have historically thrived 
abutment also offers a unique vantage point to view the the trail circulation marks a transition toward witnessing of a formerly engineered river as it returns to its natural here and have ethnobotanical value for local indigenous 
north bank’s abutment remnants and the Savage Rapids. the post-dam removal ecological recovery that has morphology, and the trail circulation forms follow this, peoples.  
After descending the abutment, visitors are confronted occurred naturally over time and through riparian planting transitioning from the rigid, orthogonal circulation near On the western half of the site, near the dam, 
by the dimensions of the void left between the two restoration done by the Freshwater Trust. The main trail the dam to a more organic and meandering trail system at the Freshwater Trust’s planting restoration thins out 
abutments through dam removal, marked by a concrete leads visitors to discover the park’s former use as Savage the park area, while the site’s narrative unfolds to follow a significantly due to the rocky ground at the river’s edge. 
slab that intersects the path (Figure 6.15). From here, Rapids County Park when the dam’s reservoir provided similar story.   Some upland riparian species thrive at the upper terraces 
they can discover the original remnants of the historically recreational water access for the people of Grants Pass. of the bank, like cottonwood and oak. Screening trees 
controversial fish ladder, which is partially reconstructed to The trail passes through an allée of mature cottonwood PLANTING of these species are planted to hide and reveal views 
provide a unique obstacle course experience that mimics trees original to the former park that grow across from of the river and dam ruins along the boardwalk so that 
the route that migrating fish had to swim up to pass a row of densely planted cottonwoods as part of the Based on the design strategies found in the case visitors can contemplate the pipeline infrastructure they 
through the dam (Figure 6.13). The circulation brings them riparian restoration efforts implemented in 2016 (Figure studies, planting is an important tool for communicating are walking along and its relationship to the dam and the 
back over the dam abutment where they can continue 6.21). The circulation then leads visitors to view the a narrative of recovery at a post-industrial site because larger context of irrigating the Rogue Valley. 
upstream to the rest of the park and trails. restored wetland and framed views of the river, eventually it shows that life can persist even after a landscape is Screening trees are also planted along the stairway 
The middle portion of the park is accessed via a raised leading back to the main park area. This is where the severely altered by human infrastructure. This design’s entrance to the dam site from the parking area and 
boardwalk that runs parallel to the river and the concrete salmon life cycle is represented in the pavement of the planting concept aims to amplify the spatial and overlook. The purpose of this is to hide the dam ruins 
pipeline that was once used for transporting water from trail leading to the fishing platform (Figure 6.27). Here narrative elements of the site’s existing conditions as from view so that the sound of the river’s rapids is the 
the irrigation dam. Visitors discover the pipeline at the people can look at views of the recovered dam reservoir a site undergoing restoration and recovery, while also main sensory experience while descending into the site. 
boardwalk entrance, where it is partially excavated to show area, which now provides healthy anadromous fish referencing narratives from the site’s past to enhance The meadow that surrounds the east side of the dam ruins 
its form. The serpentine pipeline is hidden and revealed habitat at its gravelly bottom. The site’s ethnobotanical visitor experience. is planted with tall native grasses to mimic the flowing 
through excavation alongside the straight boardwalk history can be discovered along the trail where plant With the in-progress riparian planting restoration water that once pooled there when the dam was intact. 
(Figure 6.19). At the boardwalk’s terminus, the weathered markers point out specific plants and their traditional uses. already occurring at the site, there was an opportunity Cottonwood and willow stands that have naturally grown 
opening to the pipeline marks its ending signifying the These native plants are also found nearby at the garden to incorporate the restoration plan into the park’s around the dam ruins are left in place to again show the 
obsolescent irrigation technology once used at the site commemorating the Takelma detainment at the site planting design. This means that much of the planting at natural succession catalyzed by dam removal. 
(Figure 6.9). Discovery of this part of the site is encouraged during the Rogue River War . former Savage Rapids County Park would remain intact, 
through two trail options: a more adventurous rocky path The trails lead to the main parking area, which especially at the river’s edge, while enhancing the park’s 
that traverses steps built into the bare rock of the riverbed, is where many people would begin the trail, moving programmatic needs. The willow baffle at the riverbank 
88 89
Rogue River Recovery Park 
DAM RUIN AREA PIPELINE TERMINUS DAY USE AMENITIES
LOOKOUT
Raft Tie-Off 
Fish Ladder Existing Informal
Exploration Fishing Area To Fishing 
Trail PlatformPipeline
West Boardwalk River Rock
Picnic Former Boat 
Parking Reservoir AreaTerminus Exploration Ramp 
+ Meadow + Trail Bioswale
Dam Lookout Trail Map 
Overlook Pipeline + 
History East ParkingBoardwalk 
Entrance Kiosk
Area + Boat 
Ramp
TRACES
1 Fish Ladder Remnant
2 Fish Ladder Viewing Area
3 South Bank Abutment Ruin The west entrance to the park At the park’s center is the rockiest The east entrance to the park 
4 Floodgate Hinges gives visitors an overlook view of the part of the site, where the Pipeline has several day use amenities for 
5 Stepped Buttress Wall dam remnants, alongside a collection Boardwalk and its lookout traverse the recreational use of the river and the 
6 North Bank Abutment Ruin of historic postcard and dam removal rock along the old irrigation pipeline. park. A raft tie-off  area makes the Raft Tie-Off 
7 Concrete Encased Wood Stave Pipe images to enhance the interpretive kiosk After the pipeline’s end, the trail splits. park a picnic destination for boaters Existing Canopy To Remain
8 Coff erdam Footings from Dam Construction at the trail’s entrance. The trail descends For the more adventurous hikers there fl oating down the Rogue. Boaters can Willow Baffl  e
9 Cottonwood Allée
to the dam for exploration of the is a rocky adventure trail with steps use the boat ramp to put in or take out 
Meadow remnants, or to the Pipeline Boardwalk installed at the steepest places leads here. Another interpretive kiosk greets 
10 Former County Park Parking Lot Gathering Area to reach the east side of the park. to an informal fi shing area. For other hikers with the site’s history before they 
11 County Park Boat Ramp Picnic Area hikers, a more level trail stays upland. encounter each trace on the hiking 
12 Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines Stormwater Planting trails. 
13 Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration Enlargement Plan (see following page)
14 Colonial-Era Gold Mining of River Rock 4’ Wide Compacted Gravel Universal Access Trail
15 Salmon Habitat Recovery 3’ Wide Adventure Trail 0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 300’ 500’
16 Takelma Fishing Hole and Rogue River Historic Irrigation Pipeline
War Detainment Area 91Framed View Figure 6.8: Site Plan for Savage Rapids Site Design
B
A A’
B’
I I I ~ 
O' O' 5' 70' 2.5' 5' Figure 6.9: Design Section A at the 
South Dam Abutment Access Point 
Figure 6.10: Design Section B at the 
Pipeline Boardwalk Terminus Lookout, 
showing views of the river and north 
abutment dam remnant
92 93
VIEWS riparian restoration of the dam’s former reservoir area.
The last view seen of the dam (or the fi rst, if the visitor 
As seen in the case studies and the literature is heading downstream) occurs at a view sequence created 
review, creating intentionally framed views throughout through three openings in the willow baffl  e halfway 
a landscape is an important tool for communicating a along the trail. View “c” facing west shows the north dam 
narrative. This design uses the framing of views along abutment ruin. View “d” facing north shows the layers of 
the trail to curate a spatial experience that emphasizes streambank erosion carved into the riverbank from the 
elements that symbolize diff erent parts of the site’s former reservoir, showing the lasting eff ects of the dam 
historical narrative. These will be discussed in three parts: on the landscape. View “e”, facing east, looks toward a 
views of the dam ruins, views of the dam’s lasting eff ects massive beaver den, where juvenile fi sh can be seen taking 
on the landscape, and views of the river’s recovery. refuge from the natural river fl ow (Figure 6.11). This view 
Views of the dam ruins present the remnants as symbolizes the wildlife’s positive response to dam removal. 
cultural artifacts marking the Rogue River’s settler-colonial Without the restored riparian vegetation at this location, 
agricultural history and the eventual obsolescence of the which was formerly under water, the beaver would not be 
irrigation dam. The large concrete structures on either able to build its den and live here. 
C riverbank exemplify early 20th century concrete dam On the east side of the site, three more views are design, while the river-sized void between the north and framed along the river at varying distances from the 
south abutments signify the 2009 dam removal. Views of trail to allow the riparian vegetation to frame the river in 
the dam are presented fi rst at the roadside parking area diff erent ways. View “f” nestles visitors inside of the willow 
with a viewing platform, where motorists historically pulled baffl  e to view the fl owing river. View “g” sets the viewshed 
over to watch salmon jumping up the dam’s treacherous far back into the riparian forest but is left open to be 
fi sh ladder. Now the dam ruins are presented as framing viewed over low-growing ground cover vegetation as the 
C’ the free-fl owing river alongside the fi sh-friendly irrigation landscape gently slopes down to the river. Opened views 
pumping infrastructure that replaced the irrigation dam. from the picnic area trail are meant to be glimpses of the 
I The dam’s obsolescence is meant to be contemplated as fl owing river as the water moves parallel to the hiker. 
0O’' 5’' 170’' one walks along the pipeline boardwalk and the dam ruins are hidden and revealed by vegetation (View a, Figure 6.8), MATERIALS 
ending at the weathered, empty opening of the historic 
Figure 6.11: Design Section C at 
Viewshed “e”, showing a hiker irrigation pipeline (View b, Figure 6.8). As the trail moves Creating contrast between the materials of the 
observing the existing beaver den further from the dam, several viewpoints bring visitors proposed landscape design elements and the existing 
out to the river to see the dam ruins of the north bank conditions of the site is an important design strategy 
abutment, but soon the dam vanishes from view as the seen in the case studies. This contrast can be achieved by 
visitor becomes more enveloped by the vegetation of the placing old and new materials side by side to emphasize 
94 95
the age of the historic remnants, so they do not blend in plants will contrast with both the lifeless concrete that 
with the contemporary design elements. The narrative of they are alongside and also the more sporadically placed 
post-industrial ecological recovery can also be expressed natural succession plants found nearby in the landscape. 
by contrasting textures of natural and man-made materials 
to emphasize the relationship between the infrastructure PROGRAMMING
and its effect on the site’s ecology. Both of these 
approaches are important to the dam removal narrative The programmatic goal for this design is to balance 
in this design because it aims to provide an exploratory recreation with preservation and interpretation of the 
experience of the dam’s traces by adding structured site’s history. Programming the space of the former park 
access like stairs and boardwalks, while also presenting the and the dam area with recreational opportunities that 
ecological recovery that the site has undergone after dam meet the needs of different users at a dam removal site 
removal by highlighting the riparian restoration. make this goal achievable.  At the former county park, 
The contrast between old and new can be seen before dam removal, the site provided reservoir access 
most evidently at the dam ruins, where corten steel stairs Figure 6.12: Steel Steps Referencing Color of Site’s New Steel Irrigation Figure 6.13: Contrast Between Original Dam Aggregate Concrete and to boaters, swimmers, fishers, and picnickers. The new 
on black steel stringers, and stainless steel ladders and Pipeline that Replaced the Dam’s Irrigation. Left: Photo by author, April Pumice-based.  Left: Photo by author, March 2021. Right: From https:// design accommodates these needs by folding them 
safety railings have been added to the south abutment 2021. Right: From https://www.buymetalonline.co.uk/product/corten-steel- www.nemotile.com/verve-cement-pumice-12x24.html, accessed April 21, weathered-stairs/, accessed April 21, 2021 2021 into the larger spatial concept of telling the story of 
to provide access during exploration (Figure 6.9). The rust recovery after dam removal occurs. The extensive trail 
finish on the steps was chosen for its color contrast to the network that winds through the former county park now 
dam’s grey concrete and to match the color and material pumice as a cement replacement, which will also give providing paved surfaces in the design, the large former includes the dam site and its traces as part of the park’s 
of the new irrigation pipeline that extends over the river, it a contrasting texture to the historic dam’s traditional parking lot at the county park is planned to be kept as-is programming, creating a new recreational opportunity 
which replaced the obsolete dam irrigation canal system. concrete composition (Figure 6.12). at its eastern half, but ripped up and crushed into rubble for exploration and interpretation at the site. The site’s 
This rust-finish metal is also employed at the pipeline This old and new concrete contrast also appears at the to provide a material for trail substrate throughout the day use programs are supported by amenities that 
boardwalk, which contrasts with the grey aggregate rocky path, where new pumice concrete steps have been site, similar to D.I.R.T.’s approach at URBN Dry Dock No. 1 include hiking trails that are guided by site history, a 
pipeline that snakes alongside the boardwalk (Figure 6.19). poured into natural depressions in the solid rock along (Figure 3.3). The texture of the crushed, faded asphalt will fishing platform, a boat ramp, a raft tie-off area, picnic 
The poured concrete pad that offers a gathering space the river. As the path meanders, the concrete cofferdam provide a material contrast between natural and man- area, environmental interpretation of native plants and 
between the dam abutments will be made of a footings that are littered throughout the site are placed made as the rubble-based trail leads through the many the salmon life cycle, and the commemoration of the 
lighter-toned concrete than the dark grey aggregate of near the steps to lead the hiker through the rocky traverse sections of the riparian restoration planting (Figure 6.22). Rogue River War events that occurred at the site. Each 
the dam, so that as native rock and remnant concrete (Figure 6.20). This also provides an interesting material The contrast between remnant paving and planting of these programs play an important role in meeting the 
chunks poke out of the flat surface of the concrete there contrast between the old concrete footings, the new will also be seen at each parking lot, where stormwater needs for the different users of the site, whether they 
is a clear contrast of what is old and what is new (Figure concrete steps and the natural grey rock, showing the planters are designed to repurpose both the upper fish are environmental enthusiasts who want to visit the dam 
6.15). Because traditional concrete is one of the highest juxtaposition between natural and man-made, alluding to ladder remnants at the west lot and the county park boat removal site and access the ruins, or local community 
producers of carbon emissions due to cement production, the site’s infrastructure history. ramp at the east lot (Figures 6.14 and 6.23). At these members who opposed dam removal for either the loss 
any new concrete will be made of concrete that uses local In another effort to create a sustainable solution to installations, the geometric patterns of the stormwater of recreation opportunities at the county park or the loss 
96 97
of the dam as a cultural artifact. As rafting and fishing 6.5  TRACE INTERVENTIONS 1. Fish Ladder Remnant 
continues to be a popular tourism attraction to the Rogue 
River, this site can now support those activities to help The overall schematic design of the site articulates Intervention Tactic: Construct
the local economy continue to develop its identity as an the site’s dam removal narrative while cohering separate 
ecotourism destination. What makes this park unique is historic traces found throughout the site. To understand Description: Some of the shallow concrete walls 
that it is not just a redesign of the former Savage Rapids how the design intervention framework functions at of the dam’s original fish ladder are reconstructed 
County Park, but now it tells the story of how dam removal a more detailed scale, the following section presents along the trail to lead visitors up and over the 
impacted the Rogue River in a way that allowed for better each trace according to its proposed tactic and design obstacles that the fish once swam to get past 
fishing and better boating opportunities because the strategies, shown in Figures 6.14-6.28. To refer to each the dam. Using differently toned pumice-based 
unobstructed river now allows for healthier anadromous trace’s intervention matrix that was used to aid in design, concrete, a contrast is shown between the new 
fish migrations and no barriers to boats that float through see Figure 6.2. concrete and the old concrete fish ladder remnants 
this stretch of the Rogue. The educational interpretation embedded within the river rock. 
components related to native plant restoration and salmon 
habitat also orient the recreational exploration of the trails Aesthetic Design Strategy: The material contrast 
in the site’s narrative of ecological recovery after dam between concrete and native rock textures is 
removal. emphasized.
Cultural Design Strategy: Historic infrastructure 
forms are preserved to guide trail circulation and 
exploration of fish ladder area.
Ecological Design Strategy: The historically obsolete 
fish passage conditions are interpreted through 
an installation showing narrative of ecological 
progress.
Economic Design Strategy: The installation is part of 
recreational programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.14: Fish Ladder Remnant Intervention
98 99
2. Fish Ladder Viewing Area 3. South Bank Abutment Ruin
Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place
Description: The former roadside parking and Description: The largest historic remnant on 
viewing area for the dam is repurposed to create the site is made accessible to safe exploration 
a more expansive view of the dam removal site by providing stairs and ladders onto the 
by extending it across the hillside, where stainless structure. A paved gathering area adjacent to 
steel and concrete stairs lead down to the dam the abutment frames some of the removed 
ruins. Cultural context to the dam ruins is provided portion of the abutment’s concrete remnants 
through an installation that replicates historic found in the river bank’s rock.
postcard images of the dam when it was once its 
own roadside attraction in this very location. Aesthetic Design Strategy: The intervention 
emphasizes the material contrast between 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: The redesign of this area the old concrete abutment and stainless steel 
offers an ADA accessible view to observe dam access structures, while also creating view 
ruins. opportunities of the site.
Cultural Design Strategy: Art installations showing Cultural Design Strategy: The historic 
former dam postcard imagery and dam removal infrastructure forms are preserved to guide 
photos along railing show past cultural framings of trail circulation and exploration of dam 
the dam. structure and dam removal remnants.
Ecological Design Strategy: The concrete upper fish Ecological Design Strategy: The concrete 
ladder remnant is converted into a stormwater infrastructure is repurposed for recreation.
planter to filter stormwater from the parking lot.
Economic Design Strategy: The installation 
Economic Design Strategy: The roadside attraction is part of a recreational trail hiking 
supports the ecotourism identity of region. programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.15: Fish Ladder Viewing Area Intervention Figure 6.16: South Bank Abutment Ruin Intervention
100 101
4. Floodgate Hinges 5. Stepped Buttress Wall
Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place
Description: The remaining metal hardware of the 
hinges provides a cadenced spatial arrangement 
for installing contemporary stainless steel access 
infrastructure to the abutment. By using these 
areas to fasten new hardware to the structure, 
access will seem more aligned and seamless with 
the existing layout of the abutment remnant.
Aesthetic Design Strategy: The new railing 
emphasizes the material contrast between the 
old metal fixtures and contemporary metal safety 
railing.
Cultural Design Strategy: The historic infrastructure 
is used to provide safety for access during visitor Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place
exploration of historic remnants.
Description: The stepped buttress on the west side of the abutment historically provided access to the dam for dam maintenance. 
Ecological Design Strategy: It repurposes existing These original concrete steps are left untouched on the west side of the dam, but the stepped geometry is mirrored on the east 
metal infrastructure for safety during recreation. side of the abutment with corten steel steps on a black steel stringer that provide access up and down from the highest point on 
the abutment. 
Economic Design Strategy: It supports a 
recreational trail hiking programming attracting Aesthetic Design Strategy: The material contrast between old concrete abutment and contemporary steel access structures is 
tourism. emphasized, while creating view opportunities of the site.
Figure 6.17: Floodgate Hinges Intervention Cultural Design Strategy: The historic infrastructure forms are preserved to guide trail circulation and exploration of dam structure 
and dam removal remnants. 
Ecological Design Strategy: Concrete infrastructure is repurposed for recreation.
Economic Design Strategy: It supports recreational trail programming, attracting tourism.
Figure 6.18: Stepped Buttress Wall Intervention
102 103
6. North Bank Abutment Ruin 7. Concrete-Encased Wood Stave Pipe Remnant
Intervention Tactic: Leave As-Is Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place
Description: The abutment remnant on the north Description: The historic wooden stave pipe encased 
bank shows a vivid section cut of the dam where in concrete is a remnant from when the dam was 
it was bisected during dam removal, making the used to pipe irrigation water upstream. It is now 
view of this structure an important visual element decommissioned and terminates at a withered 
in establishing the dam removal narrative at this opening exposing the wood-lined pipe from the 
part of the site. Providing views of this preserved 1920s. This is the only artifact on the site that has 
as-is trace from different viewpoints along the trail been determined to be eligible by the State Historic 
symbolizes the dam’s lasting impact on the site’s Preservation Office in 2005. By partially excavating 
ecology. the pipe without harming its structural integrity, 
it becomes more visible alongside the boardwalk, 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: Direct views are created which crosses over it several times. The pipeline’s 
toward the north abutment from south abutment presence on the site symbolizes the demand for 
with trail circulation. irrigation as settler colonialism overtook the Rogue 
Valley in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 
Cultural Design Strategy: The historic infrastructure which is why the dam was eventually built. 
forms are preserved to guide trail circulation and 
exploration of dam structure and dam removal Aesthetic Design Strategy: The material contrast 
remnants. between old concrete abutment and contemporary 
steel boardwalk is emphasized by partially 
Ecological Design Strategy: Leaving the ruin in excavating the pipeline.
place continues to stabilize the riverbank.
Cultural Design Strategy:  The historic infrastructure 
Economic Design Strategy: It is part of recreational is preserved to guide boardwalk circulation and 
trail programming attracting tourism. exploration of dam-related infrastructure.
Figure 6.19: North Bank Abutment Ruin Intervention Ecological Design Strategy: Concrete infrastructure is 
repurposed for recreation.
Economic Design Strategy: It is part of recreational 
trail programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.20: Concrete Encased Wood Stave Pipe Remnant
104 105
8. Cofferdam Footings from Dam Construction 9. Cottonwood Allée
Intervention Tactic: Modify + Relocate Intervention Tactic: Leave As-is
Description: These concrete pieces are remnants Description: The main trail follows an allée of 
from one of the cofferdams built upstream of mature cottonwood trees, which are a remnant 
Savage Rapids dam during one of its periods of of the day use area at Savage Rapids County 
maintenance or construction. They litter the site, Park. Alongside these older cottonwoods, 
so there are about thirty of them in all. Along the younger stands of cottonwoods were planted 
portion of the trail that is closer to the dam site during riparian restoration. The trail cuts between 
leading into the restoration area, these objects these two generations of cottonwoods, showing 
are moved and placed along the trail to serve as the contrast between the different periods of 
wayfinding, with some of them supporting signage. recreation and restoration that occurred here. 
 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: The material contrast Aesthetic Design Strategy: The trail provides a 
between old concrete abutment and new concrete spatial juxtaposition between the taller and older 
trail access is emphasized, as well as the material park-era cottonwood trees and the smaller, denser 
contrast between the old concrete and native rock. riparian restoration cottonwood trees.
Cultural Design Strategy: The historic infrastructure Cultural Design Strategy: The historic vegetation is 
artifacts preserved to guide trail circulation preserved to guide trail circulation and exploration 
through wayfinding. of the site’s changes over time.
Ecological Design Strategy: Concrete objects are Ecological Design Strategy: The existing tree canopy 
repurposed for wayfinding. is maintained.
Economic Design Strategy: The installation is part of Economic Design Strategy: It is part of recreational 
recreational trail programming attracting tourism. trail programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.21: Cofferdam Footings Intervention Figure 6.22: Cottonwood Allée Intervention
106 107
10. Former County Park Parking Lot 11. County Park Boat Ramp
Intervention Tactic: Modify + Relocate Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place
Description: The original parking lot takes up a Description: When the dam was removed, the 
large portion of the site at the former park and water line from the reservoir moved away from 
to reduce the amount of paved surface at the the former boat ramp and left the boat ramp 
park, only half of the parking lot will be needed far from the water. It now tilts downhill, pointing 
to support visitor access, since it now longer will perpendicular to Savage Creek. When the parking 
support both day and overnight use as it once did. lot is resurfaced, it can be gently graded to run 
The western half can be ripped up and crushed stormwater toward the boat ramp, which will be 
to create a rubble that preserves a texture from de-paved and built into a stormwater planter 
the former park and can also be embedded in the that cleans the water entering Savage Creek. 
4’ wide fine compacted gravel trail designed for The concrete platform that served as a dock can 
universal access throughout the park. now provide a viewing area to see the planting 
patterns from above and learn about stormwater 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: There is a material management. 
contrast created between the site’s natural 
vegetation and man-made pavement rubble. Aesthetic Design Strategy: The intervention 
provides a material contrast between the 
Cultural Design Strategy: Historic infrastructure stormwater vegetation and concrete infrastructure. 
materials are preserved to guide trail circulation. 
Cultural Design Strategy: An historic infrastructure 
Ecological Design Strategy: Pavement is repurposed artifact is preserved.
and the area is depaved and restored into a 
meadow. Ecological Design Strategy: Concrete infrastructure 
is converted into a stormwater planter to filter 
Economic Design Strategy: It supports recreational stormwater from the main parking lot.
tourism programming through trail creation and 
parking. Economic Design Strategy: It supports recreational 
use of site.
Figure 6.23: Former County Park Parking Lot Intervention
Figure 6.24: County Park Boat Ramp Intervention
108 109
12. Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines 13. Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration
Intervention Tactic: Modify + Remain in place Intervention Tactic: Leave As-is
Description: By aligning the trail with the erosion Description: The successful riparian restoration 
lines marking the former reservoir, hikers are project at this site is an important part of the river 
oriented to the areas of the site that were formerly recovery narrative and is shown to visitors by 
underwater. Wherever the trail aligns with the orienting them with the native plants used in the 
former waterline, linear planting of riparian native restoration project. Both entry trails are planted 
species occurs parallel to the trail. with these species specimens marked with labels, 
so that as people explore the site they know 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: Views of north bank what was planted to restore the riparian plant 
erosion are framed through restoration planting. community. 
Cultural Design Strategy: The evidence of historic Aesthetic Design Strategy: The established willow 
impact of infrastructure is preserved to guide trail baffle frames views of the river. 
circulation. 
Cultural Design Strategy: The evidence of 
Ecological Design Strategy: The planting follows an ecological restoration is displayed to guide trail 
established riparian restoration approach. circulation. 
Economic Design Strategy: It is part of recreational Ecological Design Strategy: The intention maintains 
trail programming attracting tourism. restoration plan and educates visitors about it.
Figure 6.25: Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Lines Intervention Economic Design Strategy: It is part of a 
recreational trail programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.26: Freshwater Trust Riparian Restoration Intervention
110 111
14. Colonial-Era Gold Mining of River Rock 15. Salmon Habitat Restoration
Intervention Tactic: Construct Intervention Tactic: Construct
Description: Early Euro-American colonists Description: With the dam removal and the riparian 
originally came to the Rogue Valley for its gold restoration at the site focused on anadromous fish 
prospects. The river rock along this part of the habitat restoration, but it is important to include this 
Rogue was picked and mined for decades, element of the narrative but is challenging to show 
impacting the riparian ecosystems that indigenous since it is underwater. In lieu of this, the trail leading to 
peoples relied on for food sources. Subtle, life-size the fishing platform communicates the importance of a 
bronze sculptures of 19th century gold mining salmon’s stream environment throughout its life cycle 
tools can be found around the bare rock to remind by embedding figures of salmon throughout their life 
visitors of the human impacts on the site the years cycle in the paved path, along with art installations of 
leading up to the construction of the dam, where the natural shapes and textures of the underwater river 
gold mining and then farming were drawing structure embedded in the path as well, such as course 
people to colonize the area. gravel or woody debris. When people arrive at the 
fishing platform to view the river, they can then imagine 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: The installation draws the environment of the fish under the surface that has 
attention to texture of river rock through the been recovered after years of sediment buildup.
material contrast used in the installation. 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: The trail provides views of the 
Cultural Design Strategy: Evidence of the restored reservoir. 
historic impact of settler colonialism is shown in 
interpretive art installation. Cultural Design Strategy: Art installations embedded in 
trail paving are used to communicate the importance 
Ecological Design Strategy: It communicates the of salmon migration to its life cycle and the life cycle is 
early ecological impacts of settler colonialism.  used to guide circulation on the trail.
Economic Design Strategy: The installation is part of Ecological Design Strategy: It communicates the 
recreational programming attracting tourism. ecological impacts of dams and the ecological results of 
their removal.   
Figure 6.27: Colonial-Era Gold Mining of River Rock 
Intervention Economic Design Strategy: The trail leads to the fishing 
platform, making it part of the recreational fishing access 
programming attracting tourism.
Figure 6.28: Salmon Habitat Restoration Intervention
112 113
16. Takelma Fishing Hole and Rogue River War 
Detainment Area
Intervention Tactic: Construct
Description: From David West’s oral history, we know 
that this site was once an important fishing area for the 
Takelma tribe and was later used by white colonists as a 
detainment area for a group of Takelma people during 
the Rogue River War before they were forced to migrate 
to the Coast Reservation in 1856. This project sees this 
painful history as an important historic trace that should 
remain visible, especially since it represents the brutal 
settler colonization of the Rogue Valley that ultimately 
led to the enormous disruption of the Rogue River 
ecosystem through dam construction. However, this 
design framework cannot account for a representation 
of an indigenous narrative without consulting with 
the tribal communities that it represents. This project 
acknowledges that at this stage, this design element is 
simply a placeholder for a proposed idea that should 
only be further developed through collaboration and 
consultation with the tribe, if they chose to do so. 
Aesthetic Design Strategy: N/A
Cultural Design Strategy: N/A
Ecological Design Strategy: N/A
Economic Design Strategy: N/A
114 115
7.1  EVALUATION because it guides visitors to see both the dam’s lingering 
impacts on the landscape on the west side of the site, 
Overall, the site design and trace interventions applied then as the paths meander more organically to the east, 
to Savage Rapids Dam exemplify a fi rst attempt at using the riparian restoration process is revealed. The project’s 
the Design Intervention Framework to guide a narrative- main limitation for using this approach to decide on 
 CHAPTER 7: based design at a dam removal site. The methods for a design concept was the lack of community or client creating the framework included a literature review of involvement. While the framework can theoretically be 
Discussion design theory relating to the design of historic traces 
used by a designer to justify a design concept proposal to 
and a series of case studies analyzed using that design a community or client, this project was not able to include 
theory. Guidelines from the literature and observations that type of public engagement and deserves further 
from the case studies informed the creation of the Design exploration. 
Intervention Framework, which can be used by designers The framework was also used to determine design 
to determine how to incorporate the design of individual interventions for each historic trace to achieve the 
historic traces into a design, and select a design concept three design goals for dam removal sites. For Goal 1 of 
that connects the traces together. honoring the site’s cultural history, the framework was a 
For Savage Rapids Dam, the framework tested and helpful tool because it helped me consider the cultural 
determined a strong design concept, which also aligned intervention strategies observed in the case studies. 
with all three design goals for dam removal sites (Figure This was helpful for considering how exploration of the 
6.1). Using the framework helped select the River Recovery traces can create an encounter with physical history, 
concept because it accommodated the maximum number except for the design of the invisible traces left behind 
of traces that could be incorporated into the design to by the Takelma tribe before and during contact with 
preserve and communicate the site’s historical narrative colonists. The case studies fell short in presenting design 
through design. This means that Goal 1 of honoring and strategies for including indigenous narratives, which 
preserving the site’s history is accomplished through each unfortunately led the framework to fall short in this way. 
trace expressing historical meaning throughout the site. While research into archeology and oral history showed 
Goal 2 of providing recreational access to an improved that the site has a complex indigenous history, a single 
river habitat was accomplished because the fl exibility of designer should not control this narrative. This research 
the meandering river concept allowed for incorporating does not present a solution for how to handle traces 
the exploration of historic traces alongside the recreational tied to indigenous narratives, other than by advising 
programming tied to Rogue River tourism activities that the historic research is done in the most unbiased 
like fi shing and boating. The meandering river concept way possible and that consulting tribal members should 
supports Goal 3 of expressing the recovery narrative of be done to understand if and how the cultural narrative 
a landscape that has undergone post-industrial change can be expressed at the site. For this project, this type of 
117
consultation and collaboration did not occur, which meant there is no way to test how effective these interventions Framework can be applied to other dam removal sites and experienced by commemorating the dam removal 
that only a placeholder in the schematic site plan refers are at communicating site history, the design created in the same way it was applied to Savage Rapids Dam, narrative through design. This research sets a theoretical 
to the Takelma history. Goal 2 of enhancing recreational using the framework invites visitors to experience a place by researching and inventorying site history and using precedent that can be used to discuss future design 
opportunities created by dam removal was successfully with historical significance where they otherwise would not the framework to proceed with design. The Rogue interventions at dam removal sites like these. 
supported by using the framework because it guided me have, which is already more engaging than standing at an River’s other dam sites would benefit from the use of this 
to consider how each trace can be used to enhance the overlook reading a sign. framework and would give the opportunity to understand 7.3  CONCLUSION
aesthetic, cultural, ecological and economic values of the An overall limitation for using the framework matrix how well the framework functions across a spectrum of 
site for human use. This helped push the design beyond a to design historic traces may include the open-endedness integrity, since each site contains more or less remnants 
park a with a trail and a boat ramp by creating recreational of the Design Strategies and Intervention Tactics, since the of the dammed landscape. Savage Rapids Dam had more This research set out to accomplish two main goals. 
programming that is rooted in the site’s history, while framework is meant to guide design, not prescribe it. A fair remnants than Gold Ray dam and less than Gold Hill Dam. The first goal was to establish dam removal sites as 
also supporting the Rogue River’s local tourism economy amount of creativity is required from the designer using By comparing how more invisible traces at Gold Ray Dam a type of post-industrial cultural landscape that can 
tied to hiking, fishing and boating. However, the results it, as well as an in-depth understanding of site history and are expressed using the framework, we could get a better benefit from design by landscape architects for the sake 
of how economically supportive these recreational inventory. These variables are left up to the designer and sense of how well the framework functions to fill in the of recreation, preservation and restoration. The second 
design interventions would be is only theoretical, will influence how useful the framework will be for them. narrative gaps created by dam removal. goal was to create a design framework that can be used 
showing another limitation to the framework.  Goal 3 of Specifically for site history and inventory, the availability Dam removals that are planned for the near future at sites with complex post-industrial landscape histories 
communicating a narrative of ecological recovery was of historic information for a site and the time it takes also present opportunities to use the framework, since to guide how design interventions shape the narratives 
achieved through using the framework because its cultural to perform research and conduct site visits could pose the designer may have the advantage of choosing which expressed through design. Accomplishing both of these 
and ecological design strategies for traces provided ideas obstacles for many designers. For Savage Rapids Dam, materials or remnants could remain on-site to use in goals together involved building the framework based on 
for creating an experience of discovering the recovery no up-to-date survey documentation, specifically contour creating a design narrative. Some of the ecological design other complex post-industrial design projects and testing 
narrative while also helping me make design decisions line data, was available for the site that did not include intervention strategies of repurposing old materials or it out at Savage Rapids Dam, an historic dam removal 
that were ecologically beneficial to the site, like taking the pre-dam removal conditions. This limited the scope creating restoration planting designs could be used to site on the Rogue River. By showing how the various 
advantage of materials found on-site to repurpose in of how in-depth the project’s site design could be since bring design into the initial phase of recovery after dam narrative elements associated with dams in the West, 
design or using the existing riparian restoration planting as understanding of the topography was based on sketching removal. Two contested dam removal projects in the from colonization to dam construction, to dam removal 
a design element. at site visits and aerial photos. Pacific Northwest that are tentatively planned for the next and recovery, can be expressed by designing with historic 
This project was originally inspired by creating an few years are on the Klamath River in 2023 (Burns, 2020) traces using the framework, dam removal sites are proven 
immersive experience that pushes beyond text and 7.2  FUTURE APPLICATIONS and Snake River in 2030 (Weaver, 2021). Much like with 
to be a compelling post-industrial landscape to design. 
image-based interpretive panels that are typically found at other dam removals, the goal for these removals is to This demonstration of the framework can also be applied 
historic sites. While the trace interventions and site design to any post-industrial landscape to aid in design and as 
do create physical representations of Savage Rapids Dam’s As was stated at the beginning of this project, dam 
restore river health and remove obsolete infrastructure 
harming salmon runs.  When these dams are removed, it more 20th century infrastructure becomes obsolete, there 
history, some historical context is still required to frame the removal sites are a type of post-industrial landscape that will be because of many decades of political maneuvering will be many opportunities to use it in the future. 
visitor experience. Therefore, there are interpretive kiosks are increasing in numbers and offer unique landscape and environmental activism by tribal groups, scientists,  
at each entrance to the park, so that visitors who want to architecture design opportunities for recreation, 
learn more about the site history can easily do so. While preservation, and restoration. The Design Intervention 
farmers, and congressmen. These stories of activism,  
recovery and change deserve to be told at each site  
118 119
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