Designing (with) Trees: Active Agents in Architectural Production

Abstract

This thesis embarks on a multifaceted exploration of the relationship between urban trees, architectural representation, and the legal framework governing their existence, with a particular focus on tree hearings in Boston as a platform for this study. Against the backdrop of capitalist influences shaping urban landscapes, standardized modes of representation often prioritize economic interests, relegating urban trees to two-dimensional depictions in architectural drawings. Such representations obscure the rich complexity and ecological significance of trees, thereby shaping design choices that threaten their vitality. Amidst these challenges, Massachusetts has initiated efforts towards granting public trees legal recognition, providing a foundation upon which this study builds on to advocate for further improvements in tree rights and protections. This encompasses tree hearings, where developers and residents seek permission for the removal of healthy public trees, involving municipal authorities, tree wardens, and local communities. Through extensive dialogue with experts and stakeholders dedicated to this cause, the thesis identifies loopholes within existing laws and institutional frameworks, leading to the development of a tree appraisal system that employs alternate representations of trees that encourage new ways of valuing their role within architectural thinking and production. The exploration examines how a more nuanced collaboration with trees in design processes can enhance the value of architecture, and how design can in turn contribute to the protection of trees. Ultimately, the goal is to enrich tree hearing conversations by recognizing them as reflections of a larger climate conversation around trees and nature. By intervening in their legal site and imagination, the thesis fosters a more inclusive dialogue that transcends the binary decision of whether to cut down a tree or not.