Wildlife Xing: A Migration Along the Appalachian Trail
Undergraduate Thesis
University of Virginia School of Architecture
Spring 2019
As a result of severe climate change in the southeastern United States, many plants and animals will need to move large distanes north in order to track preferred climates. With less than 2% of natural habitat sufficiently connected in the eastern United States, this thesis proposes an ecological intervention of a crossing structure to facilitate migration north along the Appalachian Trail -- a natural migratory route which offers the opportunity for human engagement.
The intention is that this proposal will be one of many wildlife crossing structures along the Appalachian Trail, acting as the first to get public attention and to rethink the interface of humans and nature. While the crossing structure is largely designed for non human users, the integration of human programs aims to raise awareness on the effects of climate change on nonhumans.
This design thesis accompanies a body of research and written work for a thesis completed in Fall 2018 for the fulfillment of Bachelor of Architectural History. The writings explored the history and emergence of the field of conservation biology in the United States as a response to the ecological destruction of twentieth century infrastructural development. This research grew into a stronger interest in implementing conservation ethics in design and proposals geared towards the nonhuman user.
