Studio Description
Within my first landscape architecture studio in Fall of 2025, we were tasked with analyzing the concept of dystopia versus utopia in order to inform our designs throughout the semester.
From my analysis of dystopia versus utopia, I came to the conclusion that they are essentially one in the same. They include the same features, only showcasing them in a different way. For example, they are both set in the distant future, in an uran setting, within a very controlled and structured society, and both emphasize a relationship with nature. Within utopia, nature is extremely controlled, while in dystopia, it is extremely wild. This led me to an additional conclusion: utopia and dystopia are a matter of perspective. For example, nature would view utopia as dystopia, and dystopia as its utopia.
In my designs within this studio, I focused on the relationship between nature and mankind / built environment.
Project Description
We were tasked with creating an enclosed microcosm-like structure that focused on an ecological process within the Atchafalaya Basin, interacted with the surrounding environment, and could be replicated and placed throughout the Atchafalaya Basin.
Concept Statement
Throughout the 1800s, logging within the Atchafalaya Basin decimated the old growth Cypress forests that were once fully dense. This microcosm design aims to recreate what these forests might have been like to experience, while also contributing to cypress reforestation. Its form is inspired by the form of a cypress trunk and cypress knees, and it features educational pavilions where people can learn about ecological processes.
Project Description
Simmesport, Louisiana is the northernmost city within the Atchafalaya Basin and sits along the Atchafalaya River protected by an earthen levee. The site boundary for this project includes a large batture space between the river and levee, the levee itself, an elementary school, a recreation area, and many residences. Since the levee was built, the interior of the town has been largely disconnected from the natural hydrology of the area. Our goal for this project was to reconnect hydrology within the levee.
Concept Statement
With both abiotic and biotic forces already prevalent on the site, with features like the natural batture space and the man-made levee, this solution offers a design that leans into this idea of man-made versus natural forces of movement. This design brings water into the city by pumping water over and cutting through the levee. The concept of abiotic & biotic forces of movement create a paradoxical and high contrast design, with some man-made, rigid, geometric features, and some natural, fluid, and organic features. This contrast, along with the incorporation of hydrology within the levee, highlight hydrological and ecological processes, giving people the opportunity to interact with and learn about them more. Aligning with the existing adjacency to the elementary school, the design features educational and kid-friendly programming. With fishing being a major industry within Simmesport, this design includes many fishing locations. Due to Simmesport’s existing festivals and need for economic growth, this design features a large festival area and space for businesses.
