Integrating Urban Acupuncture and the Triple Bottom Line to Revitalize Portland's Downtown Core
| dc.contributor.advisor | Ribe, Rob | en_US |
| dc.contributor.author | Rycewicz, Audrey | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-07-10T21:10:33Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-07-10T21:10:33Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-06 | |
| dc.description | 50 pages | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | This urban design methodology combines two complementary theories: the Triple Bottom Line framework and Urban Acupuncture. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) emphasizes equal consideration of social, environmental, and economic impacts in decision-making processes, while Urban Acupuncture draws parallels between discrete interventions in the urban realm and the practice of acupuncture. The research focuses on Portland, OR, a city facing common urban challenges, including homelessness, safety, economic repercussions of COVID-19, climate change, and overemphasis on personal vehicles. Informed by the TBL and Portland's specific issues, 15 goals were identified across environmental, social, and economic categories. Urban Acupuncture guided the translation of these goals into tangible interventions in the urban context. To select a research site, an overlay analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Pro, considering the following factors: street tree density, proximity to parks, the urban heat island index, and the vulnerability index. The resulting "Environmental Vulnerability" index led to the selection of a 5 by 5 block area in Downtown and Old Town Chinatown as the research site. The research site is characterized by notable challenges, including a significant number of surface parking lots contributing to environmental vulnerability, low canopy cover (6%), and a presence of individuals experiencing homelessness. It also holds cultural importance, hosting beloved events such as the Rose Festival, Blues Festival, and Portland Saturday Market. Based on potential use types, synergies, and conflicts among the 15 goals, six site types were identified: Ecological Landscapes, Blue Infrastructure Landscapes, Personal Vehicle Landscapes, Community Landscapes, Small Business Landscapes, and Residential Landscapes. Each site type was assigned specific goals, and the conceptual design of each site was informed by those goals. Placement of site types within the research area considered site conditions and opportunities. Each design was evaluated based on its effectiveness in addressing assigned goals and additional serendipitous achievements. By adopting a district-wide approach and utilizing sustainable small-scale landscape interventions, the methodology aims to generate greater benefits compared to a traditional site-by-site approach. By considering district-wide opportunities and conditions, designers can identify site types that prioritize synergies among goals while avoiding conflicts. However, it is crucial to address the housing needs of the area, as neglecting issues of affordable housing and homelessness may undermine the effectiveness of landscape improvements in achieving triple bottom line goals. Incorporating these findings and considerations, future urban design planning and design endeavors can strive towards creating sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically vibrant urban environments. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.orcid | 0009-0009-5094-4935 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1794/28514 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.publisher | University of Oregon | en_US |
| dc.rights | Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-US | en_US |
| dc.subject | urban acupuncture | en_US |
| dc.subject | landscape architecture | en_US |
| dc.subject | urban design | en_US |
| dc.subject | triple bottom line | en_US |
| dc.title | Integrating Urban Acupuncture and the Triple Bottom Line to Revitalize Portland's Downtown Core | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis / Dissertation | en_US |