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Gathering Terrain

With Sierra Druley, 2017 

Theoretical landscape design for Painted Dog Research Trust, Sizinda Region, Zimbabwe


This design provides a framework for mitigating environmental extremes and supporting place-based learning on the Painted Dog Research Trust. Interconnected elements work to imbue the complex, historically fertile and currently degraded landscape with rich long-lasting social and ecological value. Gathering Terrain envisions a holistic, scalable system that upturns exploitative historical site practices by addressing social and ecological needs through deployable, accessible low-tech interventions.

Five phases - collect, treat, fortify, grow, and connect, support a highly functioning landscape and providing immersive human experience on the site. By bridging the gap between resilience technologies and experiential connection to place, the plan aims to support ecological literacy and landscape stewardship.

Diagram illustrating resource extraction and climate change impacts

Collect: seasonal water retention pond and components

Treat: stormwater gathering space proposal

Fortify: planting scheme for erosion mitigation and soil remediation

Grow: aquaponic domes designed to host people, fish and vegetation

Connect: community library and rooftop terrace

Geo-political site context

Cultural landscape context and surrounding soil types

Left, waterbody context highlighting nearby Zambezi River and Victoria Falls; right, roof catchment potential based on regional rainfall

Gathering Terrain

With Sierra Druley, 2017 

Theoretical landscape design for Painted Dog Research Trust, Sizinda Region, Zimbabwe


This design provides a framework for mitigating environmental extremes and supporting place-based learning on the Painted Dog Research Trust. Interconnected elements work to imbue the complex, historically fertile and currently degraded landscape with rich long-lasting social and ecological value. Gathering Terrain envisions a holistic, scalable system that upturns exploitative historical site practices by addressing social and ecological needs through deployable, accessible low-tech interventions.

Five phases - collect, treat, fortify, grow, and connect, support a highly functioning landscape and providing immersive human experience on the site. By bridging the gap between resilience technologies and experiential connection to place, the plan aims to support ecological literacy and landscape stewardship.

Diagram illustrating resource extraction and climate change impacts

Collect: seasonal water retention pond and components

Treat: stormwater gathering space proposal

Fortify: planting scheme for erosion mitigation and soil remediation

Grow: aquaponic domes designed to host people, fish and vegetation

Connect: community library and rooftop terrace

Geo-political site context

Cultural landscape context and surrounding soil types

Left, waterbody context highlighting nearby Zambezi River and Victoria Falls; right, roof catchment potential based on regional rainfall

Using Format