Stakeholder-based sustainable design: a participatory learning model

Small mid-western towns face significant challenges in the creation of sustainable landscapes. Trends in 20th century development emphasized car-oriented design which drew businesses and people out of town centers, while subsequent economic downturns have left many towns with budget shortfalls and expensive, over-capacity infrastructure (Pigg 1991, 6-7). Adoption of sustainable design practices emphasizing human health and green infrastructure could have manifold economic and social benefits (Sullivan 2014, Wolf 2005 ). However, most information and resources regarding sustainable design practices are tailored to serve professionals working in suburban and urban environments. Citizens from smaller communities have few resources enabling them to identify and prioritize sustainable design goals. In this thesis, I examine the efficacy of a Learning Circle, a participatory learning model, in building the competence and confidence of stakeholders in Mattoon, Illinois to engage in a sustainable design process for their communities, and in facilitating buy-in within the community.

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

2014

Author dc:creator

• Olney, Elizabeth

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sullivan, William C.

• Sustainable design
• Small town
• Park
• Learning circle
• Stakeholder participation
• Green design
• Mattoon Illinois

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Elizabeth Olney

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50611

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/50611