In the shadow of the dam(med)

Abstract

Settlers developed the American West by controlling and subduing the processes of nature. This thesis explores architecture that reveals those processes, not subdues them. A prime example of this is the area along the North Platte River in southeastern Wyoming. The area's quick settlement has resulted in poor land development that threatens the area's current, agriculture-dependant, livelihood. Reservoirs developed to support the agricultural industry have reached the end of their useful lives, and now threaten the water supply. Once such reservoir, located in Guernsey, Wyoming, is silting and must be removed. In the early 1900's, society built whatever was necessary to maintain its livelihood. It was about building quickly and controlling the forces of nature. But that approach caused problems that need to be repaired. With a new land use strategy for the river, and strategic localized site planning, architecture will be a solution. Rather than spending millions of dollars dredging the reservoir, architecture can ignite a series of positive land development. Architecture provides mankind with historical insight. It is a way for people to interact with nature and visualize an environment's effect over time. In order for people to integrate with nature, they must be aware of the processes that shape a place. To fully integrate architecture into the landscape, four points must be considered: the current conditions, the history, a new use for the land, and the implementation and integration of all these aspects.