FORESTS: Histories and Future Narratives

From a distance, all forests appear to be remarkably similar: they are ecosystems characterized by the dominance of trees, they provide habitat for species of flora and fauna, they provide shelter and resources to humans, and they are key agents in climate mitigation and adaptation. Yet, at the same time, they are all unique, and their distinctiveness is what will draw our attention to them as the subject of study. More specifically, we will examine case examples of designed forests, those that were introduced into a site with intention. The seminar will be structured in three parts. The first one, “Understanding Forests” will explore basic concepts that explain how forests work, such as sprouting and evolutionary and ecological succession. The second one, “Forest Legacies,” will explore the evolving role of forests in the history of designed landscapes and the overlap between forestry and design. Finally, we will explore contemporary works of regeneration and conservation, from small urban forests to transcontinental mega forests. Students will examine case examples of their choice and explore through text and image the necessary multivalence and multi-scalarity of these landscapes in the future. A central theme of analysis will be how the encounter of new sciences and technology, when combined with market economies (or the resistance against them), drives shifts in forest ecology and design.

The first day of classes, Tuesday, September 3rd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD. As this course meets on Monday, the first meeting of this course will be on Tuesday, September 3rd. It will meet regularly thereafter.