Thesis
Designing the WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm using a whole systems approach
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100115
Abstract
Finding new solutions to improve intensively managed agricultural systems involves a whole systems design approach, which integrates the disciplines of landscape architecture and agroecology and takes into account environmental, social and economic concerns. This thesis explains the development of my master plan of Washington State University's Eggert Family Organic Farm. The design process involved understanding site history, inventory, analysis, program development, conceptual design and design development. An empirical approach to understanding the landscape also allowed for a deeper understanding of the physical site over the course of one year. The 30-acre site for the Organic Farm is on campus and is a 10-minute walk from the center of campus. The physical site has been in pasture for 30 years, ranges from 2400-2700 feet in elevation and is predominately south facing with slopes from 0 to 30%. Soil tests show that productive silt loam soils dominate the landscape. I focused on five major elements for the design: Food, Water, Energy, Structures and People. I used site inventory and analysis to determine the suitability of the site for these five elements. Food was further categorized into vegetable production on gently sloping lands, perennial fruit orchards and dryland grains on mostly moderately sloping lands and livestock on mostly strongly sloping lands. I determined the direction and accumulation of water flow to find solutions for capturing and storing water on-site. I found best locations for energy generation based on site analysis of wind speed and direction and sunpath. Structure placement and ideal areas for people to experience the site were established by conceptual drawings involving access and other influences such as water and shelter needs. The master plan was designed to be visually coherent and offers site-specific recommendations for the WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm. The plan demonstrates the considerations and interrelationships that are required to make an on-campus organic farm a reality. The plan could serve as a working model for other university organic farms.
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Details
- Title
- Designing the WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm using a whole systems approach
- Creators
- Laurie Ann Mooney
- Contributors
- Jolie B. Kaytes (Degree Supervisor)John P. Reganold (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Design and Construction, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900524805901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis