The Reemergence of a Dynamic Landscape: A New Delta Ecology

This slideshow is part of: Selected Undergraduate Design Studio Projects--Thesis 2012-13

Jeremy Jacinth

This proposal is an effort to rethink the inhabitation of a landscape in crisis. Beginning in the 1850’s Sacramento’s San Joaquin Delta was converted from fresh water tidal marshland into a series of islands constructed with levees around the perimeter, and drained in order to “reclaim” land for agricultural production. Due to various factors, this reclaimed farmland began to compact, contributing to the current condition wherein the levees contain the sunken islands, which are now more than twenty feet lower than their natural height. This project proposes a return to the dynamic condition of the original landscape by systematically reimagining agricultural production, allowing for the inundation of the islands as needed. In doing so, the risk of levee failure and resulting property damage can be mitigated. By concentrating the inhabitation and commerce of these islands at the proposed infrastructural elements, the region can streamline the circulation of goods while also creating valuable public space that will serve as a place of recreation. 

 

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