merson Heights What is a Charrette? - Ball State University

Sustainable SystemsFig. 13AOverview:Green infrastructure, when part of alarger network, can reduce pollutedstormwater run off, create new wildlifehabitat and diverse ecosystems, andenhance neighborhood identity. Asustainable systems framework plancan create a unique identity and drawin new residents looking to be partof a sustainably minded community.Other benefits may include increasedproperty value and long term costsavings for the neighborhood. Therealso happens to be a considerableamount of funding currently forstormwater management.13A: raingardensNative plantings and water tolerantplantings can be combined with otherstormwater management techniquesto reduce the negative affects ofheavy rainfalls. Raingardens can beincorporated in portions of esplanades,as shown here at the ends. Thesecould be installed as the ends of theesplanades are reconfigured to betterallow school bus turns, a problemcurrently.Fig. 13B13B: raingardensThis section begins to illustratenative plantings and water tolerantplantings can be combined with otherstormwater management techniquesto reduce the negative affects of heavyrainfalls. Raingardens allow for waterto percolate naturally back into theground and keep stormwater out ofthe city’s overly burdened sewer systemand can be accommodated in bothpublic property and private yards.Fig. 13CVisions for the Future:Fig. 13DHurdles to Overcome:13C: WatershedsThis plan illustrates the path ofstormwater as it flows through thecommunity. An invisible “ridge” splitsthe flow of water into two directionsof waterflow. The “high and dry”nature this creates was a key sellingpoint when the neighborhood wasfirst built, but today reminds us of theimpact urban development has on thenatural systems that sustain us.13D: Green CanopyThis diagram illustrates existing“green” locations, from the largeparks and streambanks to the finegrainedpatterns of individual yards.Regardless of scale, this greenspaceworks together as an interconnectedsystem of green canopy. Trees provideshade, wildlife habitat, fragrant scents,increased property value, coolermicroclimates during hot summers,and soak up rain water to reduce thenegative affects of heavy rainfall.Design Charrettemerson Heights