Green New Deal Landscapes

Book excerpt: Given the ongoing climate and socio-ecological emergencies, it is paramount to support a socially just rethinking of the world we inhabit, which is intrinsically dependent on the health of the earth’s systems. This requires a radical transformation of the role of environmental designers in developing propositions, mitigation strategies and advocacy initiatives. This issue of AD explores the principles behind the Green New Deal and how they apply to the architectural and landscape professions. Whatever form the Green New Deal will take and is taking, it will be materialised through infrastructure, buildings, landscapes and various other constructed forms. The contributors to this AD examine the theoretical frameworks and design practices within which the protocols of the Green New Deal could be integrated. Initially, such a goal requires a survey of the available design tools and methodologies necessary to achieve a transition to a decarbonised economy in an equitable manner. The articles feature design practices who are transforming their existing modes of operation to work in environments were fossil fuels are kept well below ground, and to explore renewable forms of local, regional and planetary urbanisation. Contributors: Lindsay Bremner; Miriam Brett and Mathew Lawrence; Billy Fleming, Christina Geros, Jon Goodbun and Godofredo Enes; Kai Heron and Alex Heffron; Jane Hutton; Daniel Kiss and Swadheet Chaturvedi, Elena Luciano, Yasmine Yehia and Rafael Martinez, Liam Mouritz and Alex Breedon; Clara Oloriz; Manuel Shvartzberg Carrió; and Troy Vettese, Drew Pendergrass and Filip Mesko. Featured architects: Groundlab, Monsoon Assemblages, and Julian Siravo.