Dissertation

In my dissertation, "Architecture & Ecology," I investigate how natural ecologies can be revitalised within cities, specifically questioning if such approaches could become a new standard of practice for London. I start by examining London's significant challenges, including biodiversity loss and the urban heat island effect, which have resulted from centuries of urbanisation and habitat fragmentation. To understand potential solutions, I analyse international case studies, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration in Seoul and the green architecture of Capita Spring in Singapore, using criteria like ecological richness, habitat connectivity, and sustainability practices. Through this research, I argue for a fundamental shift in architectural and urban planning practices. My conclusion posits that for London to create a truly resilient and sustainable urban ecosystem, it must adopt a more critical and holistic approach that integrates ecological repair, uses sustainable materials, and fosters deep community engagement.

Cover page of a dissertation titled 'Architecture & Ecology' by Samuel Howarth, discussing natural ecologies revitalization in cities and its potential for London.
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Table of contents page from a book titled 'Architecture & Ecology' by Samuel Howarth, including sections on introduction, theoretical background, loss of biodiversity, revitalisation, conclusion, bibliography, and images with page ranges.
A museum exhibit display with text describing Harold Deardon's 1950s painting of a family feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square, highlighting history and ecology, from the London Museum in 2016.
A painting of an African American family at a park, surrounded by pigeons and other people, with a background of city buildings.
An illustration of an industrial factory with multiple smokestacks emitting smoke, surrounded by small buildings, people, horses, and carts in a park-like area.
Page from a book or article discussing London’s parks and green spaces, biodiversity, and climate change, with citations and highlighted text about 'The Anthropocene event' and climate crisis.
Moss-covered rocks and trees in a lush green forest.
Page from a book or article discussing biodiversity, ecosystems, and the importance of forests and ecological interactions.
Close-up of yellow and red lady's slipper orchids with green leaves in the background.
Page from a book or research paper titled 'Architecture & Ecology' by Samuel Howarth, discussing ecology, biodiversity, and conservation, with a sidebar photo of the Lady Slipper Orchid.
View from above of a green rooftop garden between tall buildings in an urban cityscape.
Excerpt from a text discussing urban ecology, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and the impact of human activities, including a note about the High Line park in New York City and vandalism at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England.
Aerial view of a large tree with a stone wall running through it on the left, and a single big tree on a grassy hill with a cloudy sky on the right.
Page from a book or magazine discussing the Sycamore Gap tree and its significance, with a small inset photo of the tree before and after it was cut down.
Satellite image showing a city on the left and a forest with scattered clouds on the right, divided by a river.
Page from a book discussing Epping Forest, its historical expanse, deforestation, and ecological significance, with a sidebar noting how Epping Forest may have looked before human alteration.
A tall, multi-tiered pagoda surrounded by greenery and trees, with a pathway leading to it.
Page from a publication or book discussing architecture and ecology, featuring a photo caption referencing the great pagoda at Kew Royal Botanical Gardens.
Futuristic cityscape with lush trees, flying vehicles, and high-tech buildings.
Page from a book or article titled 'Architecture & Ecology' by Samuel Howarth, discussing living architecture, ecological criteria, habitat connectivity, sustainability practices, climate resilience, community involvement, and ecosystem services with a sidebar featuring solar punk artwork depicting a green futuristic cityscape.
Two separate images of urban roads. The top photo shows a busy elevated highway with cars and high-rise buildings in the background. The bottom photo displays a street with an adjacent canal, greenery, and construction on buildings in the background.
Page from a book or article discussing ecological restoration projects, including Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea, and the revitalization efforts in London, with tables and highlighted text.
A man in a suit standing on stepping stones in a shallow river, with greenery on the banks and a city skyline with tall buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.
Page from a publication with text about habitat connectivity and urban green spaces in Seoul South Korea. It includes references to research and sustainability practices.
People walking under two arches over a stream in an urban setting.
A page from a publication titled "Architecture & Ecology" describing a community-focused project for Cheonggyecheon stream restoration, highlighting environmental, social, and urban benefits.
Modern skyscraper with vertical lines and rooftop gardens in a city with other tall buildings, clear sky with some clouds.
A page from a book or article discussing architecture and ecology, with text about Capita Spring Tower in Singapore, and a small photo of the tower in the upper right corner.
View of a spiraling indoor balcony with greenery, trees, and sunlight, seen from above.
A page of a book or article with text discussing urban greening, the Urban Greening Factor, and biodiversity in city planning, including references and a highlighted quote about open air green spaces in Capita Spring.
A person walking with a pink umbrella on a rainy day in an urban area with modern, curved skyscrapers and greenery.
A printed academic article discussing the ecological and architectural features of a skyscraper in Singapore called Capita Spring, highlighting its green spaces, rooftop sky garden, and ecological integration.
Diagram showing UV light disinfecting air with virus particles dying in a designated disinfection zone, generated by GUV devices.
A page from a book or document discussing architect Samuel Howarth's work on sustainability practices at Capita Spring, including the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact.
Skyscraper under construction with cranes on top, surrounded by other tall buildings in a city.
Text from a book or magazine discussing sustainable architecture, specifically the construction of Capita Spring in Singapore, its environmental impact, and sustainable practices.
Urban courtyard with a water feature, surrounded by modern multi-story buildings with balconies and green landscaping.
A page from a document with text discussing sustainable urban development, green infrastructure, and ecological approaches, including a quote about Lake within The Barbican, London.
A modern brick shopping mall with a red sign that reads "BEST" and overgrown weeds and trees surrounding it, with a smaller, damaged brick wall in the foreground.
Page from a text discussing ecological repair in architecture, including concepts like sustainable materials, urban development, community engagement, and ecological design, with a reference to a forest building in Richmond, Virginia.
Two photographs of urban parks. The top photo shows a river with a heron standing near the water's edge, surrounded by tall grasses. The bottom photo depicts a landscaped river with buildings in the background, trees, bushes, and a fountain in the river.
Page of a text document discussing ecological repair strategies and sustainable urban development, including a quote about native wetlands creating throughout Cator Park in Greenwich, London, 2023.
A minimalistic design with a centered quote about art and nature on a white background.
Close-up of an ancient bronze bust of a bearded man with curly hair, showing signs of aging and patina.
A bibliography with various references on urban planning, environmental issues, and climate change.
Page with references and citations related to climate change, urban resilience, biodiversity, and environmental policies.
A text-heavy document with references and URLs, partially visible with a plain background and no images.