Applying Ecological Principles of Design for Restoring Brownfields: A Case Study in River Rouge, MI

Abstract

Background and objective: Failing industrial cities have left behind a legacy of social, economic, and environmental decline. The aftermath includes cities that have experienced departing residents, decaying infrastructure, and urban blight. Although there are many contributing factors to degradation, for cities such as Detroit, MI, much of its infrastructure has become vacant, and due to previous heavy industrial use, some of the lots have turned into brownfields. This research aims to create a design guideline for revitalizing industrial vacant lands or brownfields through the application of ecological design principles. Methods: By adopting a case study approach, this research focuses on safely reconstructing the economic, social, and environmental health of communities by creating an ecological design matrix based on the landscape ecology principles of design; and applying those elements to the 80" Hot Mill company, located in River Rouge, MI, United States. Additionally, a landscape performance assessment was conducted to evaluate the benefits of the proposed planning and outcomes regarding environmental, social, and economic aspects. Results: Following the creation of a master plan, the post-design metrics show positive environmental outputs such as the reduction of carbon sequestration, air pollution elements, waste from the site, and an increase in the retention of stormwater. The social impacts measured showed favorable outcomes which included visual quality, safety features, the addition of recreational and gathering spaces, as well as bike lanes and pedestrian walking paths. Economically, improvements have been seen in stormwater maintenance costs and energy savings. Conclusion: The findings from this research aim to help future designers and planners in implementing ecological design principles in order to optimize the restoration processes of brownfields and vacant lands.