Parkland in Support of Biodiversity

Abstract

The Great Lakes of North America hold about one fifth of global surface fresh water excluding glaciers. These watersheds have experienced environmental stress due to dumping of sewage and industrial waste, as well as pesticide runoff from agricultural lands. As an opportunity to learn about water processes and raise awareness about waste, this thesis proposes an ecological solution for passive wastewater treatment. A master plan informs a site strategy in the community of Stoney Point, Ontario for the design of a passive wastewater education centre. The living machine uses design parameters of function, education, and recreation. This thesis is a proposed solution for combining infrastructural public works building and a treatment wetscape for new public parkland. What is the architectural building form in the study of natural wastewater treatment, and how do these studies inform the conversion of open septic cells into a remediated water park?