An ecological beltway: reinhabiting utopia

Abstract

This thesis shows how Cincinnati, a city defined by itself and FEMA as a climate haven, can reimagine its beltway of I-275 and its pockets of failed suburban utopia into an ecological beltway. Designed for both those who are forcibly displaced or those who choose the nomadic lifestyle, this reimagination of space provides hubs of temporary stay and necessary means of maintenance.

This thesis proposes a transformation of waste landscapes along the metro area’s porous edge of the 275 beltway. This restorative transformation allows for nomads to reside in spaces that are connected to transportation, necessary resources, and surrounding nature. Specifically it looks at recycling existing infrastructures directly falling off the highway and bleeding into the corridors running through its many pockets of failed suburban utopias.

This thesis’ question asks: how can architecture respond to the waste of the sprawling 20th century industrial city, and the increasing nomadism of populations, to foster desirable forms of inhabitance for multi-species collaboration?