Megaflora Forest
Vertical Landscape Studio
Drawing inspiration from cellular mitosis and parametric design, this vertical forest masterplan utilizes planter columns to add a new layer to Boston’s North End while fighting coastal erosion, mitigating urban heat island, and providing amenities. The columns are placed in variable densities and sizes determined by an attractor field of the neighborhood’s hottest areas. The resulting web of modules has three primary functions in the water, on the land, and integrated with human structure.
Each module is formed of webbed concrete to reduce carbon footprint and create space for plants and animals to thrive. The tallest and largest planters can be occupied by humans, accessed through puzzles, cable cars, and gymnastics. As they vary in size and height, the planters feature correlating flora and fauna, making each tower the host of a unique ecosystem.
The three typologies of blue, green, and gray correspond to different species of plants and different goals of ecological intervention. The blue towers occupy the water and the harbor, providing a barrier to coastal erosion, as well as valuable homes for native oysters, fish, and aquatic plants. The green towers house a variety of local species of plants, acting as passageways for birds, bees, and butterflies, while simultaneously providing shade to the city. These units occupy a multitude of landscapes, such as the tops of roofs, parks, and roadway medians. The gray planters are placed primarily around heavy infrastructure, such as highways and train stops, and carry hearty plants that can filter pollution and mitigate heat. These units can also house human related amenities such as public restrooms, water fountains, bike racks, and playgrounds.
Spring 2023
Northeastern University School of Architecture
Each module is formed of webbed concrete to reduce carbon footprint and create space for plants and animals to thrive. The tallest and largest planters can be occupied by humans, accessed through puzzles, cable cars, and gymnastics. As they vary in size and height, the planters feature correlating flora and fauna, making each tower the host of a unique ecosystem.
The three typologies of blue, green, and gray correspond to different species of plants and different goals of ecological intervention. The blue towers occupy the water and the harbor, providing a barrier to coastal erosion, as well as valuable homes for native oysters, fish, and aquatic plants. The green towers house a variety of local species of plants, acting as passageways for birds, bees, and butterflies, while simultaneously providing shade to the city. These units occupy a multitude of landscapes, such as the tops of roofs, parks, and roadway medians. The gray planters are placed primarily around heavy infrastructure, such as highways and train stops, and carry hearty plants that can filter pollution and mitigate heat. These units can also house human related amenities such as public restrooms, water fountains, bike racks, and playgrounds.
Spring 2023
Northeastern University School of Architecture