Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth. The sheer immensity of different plant and animal species, along with microorganisms, soils, and sediments form the foundation of landscapes (both natural and constructed). Researchers highlight urbanization as one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. We reduce and alter biodiversity patterns when we convert habitats into cities by constructing buildings, building roads networks, filling wetlands to create parking lots, and shaving down and hardening coasts and riverbanks. However, we need biodiversity in urban areas to help cool and clean air, absorb and filter water, store and sequester carbon, and improve human health and wellbeing.
In 2020, I participated in the design studio course Hacking Chengdu at MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning. The focus of the course was to investigate Chinese city development and generate innovative design solutions for new urban development. We centered our research on the eco-city Luxelakes in the periphery of Chengdu, the capital city of China’s southwest province, Sichuan. Over winter break, our class carried out field research and engaged with local stakeholders. We then returned to MIT and developed our projects over the spring semester.
My research generated strategies to introduce 200 regional plant species to Luxelakes. The eco-city is situated in the most botanically rich province in China; however, the site lacks an abundance of plant species. Out of 12,000 plant species native to the region, Luxelakes contains less than 1% of this diversity. I also outline how maximizing biodiversity provides new opportunities for community activities around the themes of art, recreation, education, and science while promoting new forms of ecological and cultural legacy.
Are you interested in learning more? Read my final report below.
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