(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2008) Kahler, Bradley Scott; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Bill Rea; Ralph Johnson (co-chair)
The Yellowstone Ecological Center for Observation (Y Eco) is designed to function as an educational facility that employs sustainable and ecological methods. Y Eco incorporates a living machine (an all-natural water purification system utilizing micro-organisms, various plants, etc.), various alternative energy resources (i.e. photovoltaic arrays, vertical wind turbines, hydro-electric in-stream turbines), as well as other passive and active sustainable and ecological design methods. An elevated pedestrian bridge forms Y Eco's "spine" and provides direct access to over 700 acres of public land on the opposing shore of the Yellowstone River. Y Eco is to be the means to better educate a public predominantly rooted in oil refinement and coal fed power production industries. The need is dire to begin a transformation of habit, an awareness and respect for one's own contributions to a society enveloped in its currently fragile nature.
