Digital emulation of ecological systems: modeling a new approach for landscape architecture

The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate an innovative application of dynamic digital modeling to the contemporary practice of landscape architecture. My work questions the persistent use of static (including dynamic-yet-determinate) representations of natural systems when developing and communicating design ideas in typical approaches to landscape architecture. It proposes instead a way to emulate dynamic ecosystems using computer algorithms, an approach that both represents and explores the relationships between human activities and natural environments. This thesis starts by exploring “nature samples” in four formats and contexts. “Nature samples” are representations of nature that are meant to function as natural systems despite their isolated or fragmented condition. The formats/contexts considered are ecosystems in video games, curated nature in natural history museums, isolated ecosystems in idealized space settlements, and closed ecosystems in science-fiction and biospheres. Taking into account various conceptual lenses, such as the Magrathea metaphor, and practical methods, such as object and system simulations in programming techniques and computational algorithms, the thesis then applies lessons from those case studies to the practice of landscape architecture by undertaking three projects of digital ecosystem emulation. Those projects parameterize biotic and abiotic objects and emulate interconnected ecosystems in different landscape architecture design scenarios. The first project illustrates how to test land use plans by emulating the relations between urban development patterns and climate change using cellular automata and surface energy budgeting. The second project explores how to achieve design optimization using evolutionary computing. The third project implements a web tool to parameterize and automate the green infrastructure design process. Based on the three projects, discussions are presented about how current digital tools in landscape architecture lead designers to produce static representations and, alternatively, how integrating the dynamic digital emulation of ecosystems into design workflows can foster more meaningful and impactful results.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.L.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Jiang, Lin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hays, David L.
• Yang, Wendy

• Landscape Architecture
• Dynamic
• Computational Design
• Nature Samples
• Parameterization
• Ecosystem
• Emulation
• Celluar Automata
• Genetic Algorithm
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Lin Jiang

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116276

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F116276