Graduation Semester and Year

2012

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture

Department

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor

Taner R. Ozdil

Abstract

In 1999, The EPA published The Stormwater Phase II rule, which instituted the implementation of "techniques, measures or structural control to manage and improve the quality of stormwater runoff" otherwise known as Best Management Practices (BMP). These strategies are designed to address one or more of three factors; flow control, pollutant removal, and pollutant source removal. As part of the list of techniques associated with BMP's, one in particular has become a more strategic approach that mimics predevelopment hydrology (EPA, 2012). This approach is known as Low Impact Development. Low Impact Development (LID) practices have emerged as the new alternative to conventional planning strategies. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the design and implementation processes of LID in order to gain clear understanding about the effects and integration of low impact principles in urban environments, specifically the Dallas - Ft Worth (DFW) area. The research specially concentrates on various design or constructions disciplines such as; landscape architecture, architecture, and engineering, approach a design or construction of Low Impact Development. Also, what are the influences that have helped designers choose LID practices over conventional planning strategies. This research concentrates on various LIDs implemented in by primarily using qualitative methods (Bogden, Taylor,1998). Research primarily utilizes interviews and site observations on existing LID's in selected sites in DFW. It first reviews and documents the different types of LID practices and uses those practices as a basis for qualitative analysis through the use of interviews with design firms. To analyze what construction techniques and processes have been used, the thesis will conduct interviews with different individuals that have design and implemented LID practices in the Dallas -Fort Worth area. Part of the criteria for selecting this group was that each of their work has been designed and constructed in the Dallas - Ft. Worth Area. In addition to the interviews, a case study has been documented at Texas A & M University Extension Service, Dallas location. This case study shows the problems and issues involved in the construction process associated with LID practices. While at Texas A & M, documentation about the construction processes of LID was obtained through passive field observation techniques (Marcus et al, 1998). Two types of LID practices, a single green roof installation and bioretention area, were observed at the study area over period of four weeks. In conclusion, low impact development practices have become more abundant in the continuously expanding Dallas- Ft Worth area. The framework for this evolving alternative to conventional planning strategies has become a universal language across design disciplines. The decision to choose low impact development over traditional methods lies solely to each individual that is involved in the design and construction process. The significance of this topic is important to landscape architects because it involves in particular the one area that each designer has a direct influence upon; the environment in which we inhabit. The American Society of Landscape Architecture mission statement is "to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. (ASLA, 2012).

Disciplines

Architecture | Landscape Architecture

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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