MATERIALSCAPE:

The Transformation and Revitalization of

an abandoned limestone quarry into

an educational and recreational public park

A CREATIVE PROJECT

SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

BY

XIAO YANG

MEG CALKINS, COMMITTEE CHAIR

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

MUNCIE, INDIANA

MAY 2016
 The Transformation and Revitalization of an abandoned
limestone/gravel quarry in Southern Indianapolis
into an educational and recreational public park

2 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABSTRACT

I’m grateful to my loving parents for supporting my education MaterialScape layers a 65-acre educational park of material

and life expedition in the US during the past three years. consumption on an abandoned quarry in Indianapolis, IN.,

where material extraction was and still is a major component

Special thanks to my thesis committee chair, Prof. Meg of Indiana’s cultural and economic history.

Calkins, FASLA, and two committee members, Prof. Miran Day

and Prof. Jody Rosenblatt Naderi, RLA., for their persistent The project aims to create an immersive and engaging learning

guidance and support. experience for the visitors through the visualization and the

representation of the consumption of six essential materials

I also want to thank other professors of the department of (water, stone, coal, steel, gasoline, and salt) in landscape

landscape architecture at CAP and my dearest studio architecture’s design language. It addresses sustainability not

colleagues who have ever inspired and guided me through only through environmentally low-impact development of the

this journey. quarry site but also through emphasizing cultural sustainability

by integrating innovative and rich educational programs.

Last, to Tiger Sui, for his continued help and patience.

As a future landmark destination, the project has the potential

to bring multiple benefits to the west Indianapolis community

where the site is located, including raising land value and

strengthening public space networks and more importantly,

creating a sense of belonging and honor.

4 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS LIS T OF FIGURES

[ Acknowledges ]_4_ 01_01. diagram of “MII Baby.”( Mineral Information Institute, 2013) 23

[ Abstract ]_5_ 01_02. diagram of essential material consumptions, environmental footprints of resources mining 26-27

01_03. A flambeau display in Indiana, with multiple large flames on top of the gas wells 31

01_BACKGROUND 01_04. location map of case studies 32

I_introduction_12_ 01_05. an overview of ROM site 33

II_problem statement_15_ 01_06. ROM project’s site plan and programs 34

III_assumptions and delimitations _16_ 01_07. visitors walk down the elevated pathway to the entrance of concert hall. 35

IV_process and methodology_18_ 01_08 rock-face and festival ambiance working well together on a concert night at ROM. 35

01_09. Minimal shape and contrastive material application at ROM 36

02_PROJECT SITE 01_10. the raw texture of quarry wall contrast with the minimal style building 36

V_site selection_50_ 01_11. site plan of the Eden Project 37

VI_site description_52_ 01_12. the overview of the Eden biomes lying on a clay quarry. 37

VII_site analysis_55_ 01_13. climate-control biome concept derives from natrual forms, and fit into existing topography. 38

VIII_site history and formation process_62_ 01_14. Water strategy diagram of The Eden Project 39

IX_site opportunities_66_ 01_15. project program analysis of the Eden Project 41

V_ site selection 01_16. an overview of the quarry garden 42

03_DESIGN 01_17. the unique stainless steel walkway over the water, attaching to the quarry wall. 43

X_design conceptualization_70_ 01_18. site plan and programs of the quarry garden 43

XI_client and site programs_74_ 01_19. diagram of project program analysis of the quarry garden 45

VIII_site design_78_ 01_20. site physical model with layered cardboard, the initial concepts are played and explored onto the

IX_landscape nodes_84_ model throughout design process. 47

[ Epilogue ]_110_

[ References ]_111_

6 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 7

02_01. diagram of the site selection comparison 50 03_11. detail diagram and perspective drawing of [coal] 94-95

02_02. location map of the potential sites 51-52 03_12. perspective of [ coal ], looking upwards from the entrance of the groundfloor “dark room“. 98-99

02_03. site aerial map 53 03_13. detail diagram and perspective drawing of [steel] 102-103

02_04. site aerial map 53 03_14. perspective of [ steel ], looking towards north 104-105

02_05. signage outside the site, prohibiting outsiders from entering the site. 54 03_15.the salt production pond 107

02_06. diagram of regional open space system and site analysis 55 03_16. an aerial view of the colorful salt lakes 107

02_07. diagram of existing circulation system and proposed entrance 56 03_17. detail diagrams and perspective of [ salt ] 108-109

02_08. diagram of area of contamination in relation to the water bodies. 57

02_09. diagram of major quarry walls of the topography 59

02_10. diagram of elevation series of the quarry site 61

02_11. diagram of the size change of the quarry lake. 63

02_12. diagram of site formation process 65

03_01. the diagram of material consumption calculations and representation 71

03_02. diagram of design concept 72

03_03. proposed site program 75

03_04. hand-drawing draft of masterplan, indicating the views and spatial connections within the focus

points. 79

03_05. masterplan and site programs of MaterialScape 80-81

03_06. bird-eye view of the overall landform and site elements 82-83

03_07. the conceptual hand-drawing detail plan of [ stone ] 85

03_08. detail diagram and perspective drawing of [stone] 86-87

03_09. perspective of [ stone ], looking west from top of the quarry wall. 90-91

03_10. the conceptual hand-drawing detail plan of [ coal ] 93

8 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 9

 01_background
I_introduction

II_problem statement

III_ assumptions and delimitations

IV_process and methodology

10 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 11

 I_INTRODUCTION

_why quarries?
results in a massive loss of biodiversity as plants and aquatic

The MaterialScape project draws inspiration from the habitats have been destroyed.

photography works by Edward Burtynsky, who has made

“The concept of
poetic portraits of the manufactured or the post-industrial the landscape as • Natural Drainage destruction: Pits and quarries disrupt the
architecture has
landscapes that possess the visual uniqueness and emotional become an act of existing movement of surface water and groundwater.
imagination. I remember
impacts: quarries, oil farms, factories and so on. Behind looking at buildings • Water pollution: the interruption of natural water recharge
made of stone, and
those beautiful but disconcerting pictures lie the conflict thinking, there has can lead to reduced quantity and quality of drinking water for
to be an interesting
between raw materials extraction activities and the calling landscape somewhere residents and wildlife near or downstream from a quarry site.
out there because
for an uncompromised natural environment. Quarries, in this these stones have been Also, the hazardous substances most likely to be present
taken out of the quarry
sense, highly symbolize human’s enduring efforts of materials one block at a time. at quarry sites are “fuels for heavy equipment, detonators,
I had never seen a
extraction to support their living environment: the construction dimensional quarry, but explosive charges, detonation cord, various metals, and nitrate
I envisioned an inverted
materials for buildings, houses, roads-everywhere. cubed architecture on fertilizers used for large fragmentation charges” (EPA,2009).
the side of the hill. ”

----- Edward burtynsky

As human’s footprint expands on earth, it results in countless However, at the same time, those abandoned mine lands

open wounds to the landscape: highly manufactured, altered possess such topographical uniqueness and cultural

and deserted land of collapsed ecological system, exposed significance to the foundation of human being’s life, which

stones, and little vegetation cover. Here is a list of negative could turn into innovating design opportunities.

environmental impacts from mining activities:

• Habitat/Biodiversity Loss: Mining activities in the pits or

quarries require the removal of almost all natural vegetation,

topsoil and subsoil to reach the aggregate underneath. It not

only leads to a loss of existing animal wildlife but also

12 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 13

_Why Indiana?
II_ Problem statement
Indiana is geologically rich in mineral resources. According

to the National Mining Association’s statistics in 2012, The MaterialScape project explores possible design solutions

Indiana’s home to 293 mining operations. Throughout the to reclaim and transform an abandoned limestone quarry in the

past two hundred years, Industrial material extraction and Indianapolis urban area into an educational park. The project

consumption have been the primary engine of Indiana’s visualizes and demonstrates the consumption of six essential

economic development. Among the diverse material raw materials of everyone’s lifetime: water, stone, coal,

resources that have been mined in Indiana like coal, natural gasoline, steel and salt, and addresses cultural sustainability

gas, and petroleum, stone resources are the icon of Indiana in sculptural and aesthetical appealing landscape settings.

for one-third of the mining activities here were of stone and

aggregates production, according to the Indiana Geological The project will address the following sub-questions.

Survey in 2007. • Cultural sustainability in the landscape: How to create

a public park that sustains the site’s cultural significance

Specifically, Indiana limestone, as a high-profile and enduring in material consumption through sculptural, aesthetical

dimension stone, is unique to the southern part of the Indiana. appealing landscape elements as well as educational and

In the history of Architecture of the United State, Indiana demonstrative site programs?

limestone has been used to build up some of the national’s • Material consumption and representation: How much raw

iconic buildings, such as the Empire State Building in New material does each person consume in his or her life and

York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and the National Cathedral how to demonstrate the quantity and quality of each material

in Washington D.C. For decades, Hoosiers took pride in the through a park design?

mining and crafting trade of the Indiana limestone. • Adaptive reuse of landscape: How to best reuse and

preserve the existing quarry terrain as well as reclaiming the

In this sense, Indiana has a rich cultural background and social materials or resources left on site?

connection to the mining industry, which echoes the project’s

ambition to address the aftermath of post-mining land and to

reconnect/return those lands to the urban fabric.

14 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 15

 _Definition of terms
III_Assumptions, delimitations
Material Consumption
and definition of terms
The consumption of materials characterizes the expenditure

_Assumptions in specific terms (per unit of production) of material resources

• The creative project will be developed after the reclamation (fundamental and auxiliary materials, fuel, energy, and

process of vegetation, soil formation and drainage system on depreciation of fixed assets) needed for production. Each

the site, and the concentration of the project is not on the year the Mineral Information Institute calculates the annual

ecological reclamation process. and lifetime consumption of mineral and energy resources

• The community around the site is supportive to the from information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and

redevelopment of the quarry site. And the landowner is other sources to show the dependence that Americans have

agreeable to the overall project proposal. on the mining industry.

• There are no specified budget limits to the project, but the Landscape Interpretation

project will consider applying budget reduction procedures Interpretation facilitates a connection between the visitor and

during the design process. the site resource. A meaningful link is forged through a dynamic

combination of spatial experience, visual and sensational

_Delimitations cognition that conveys relevant themes and information.

For the creative project, the following delimitations have been Quarry Reclamation

noted. Restoration of mined land to original contour, use, or condition.

• It’s not the intention of the project to ensure the success of Also describes the return of land to alternative uses that may,

construction and reclamation efforts. under certain circumstances, be different from those prior to

• It’s not the purpose of the project to develop a quarry mining.

adaptive reuse prototype that fits into all quarry sites. Culture Sustainability

For a given landscape understood as a space and a place,

social and cultural criteria encompass objects and structures,

such as historical remains and habitat for people, and values

such as the sense of place, local culture, and traditions

(Axelsson, Robert et al., 2013).

16 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 17

 IV_ Process and Methodology 1_Literature Review
The literature review explores the body of literature and research
The project’s research starts with the literature review, which
articles around three topics: theories of culture and aesthetics
is a synthesis of existing theories that are related to the quarry
in sustainable landscape design; material consumption study
redevelopment as well as an answer to the questions from the
and legacy of material extractions/industrial mining activities
II_problem statement. From the literature review, the overall
in Indiana.
concept of the project is formed.

_Beyond ecological performance: culture and aesthetics in

The literature review is followed by case studies of existing
sustainable landscape design
practices in the field of landscape architecture regarding

quarry reclamation strategies, cultural representation, and

The three pillars in sustainable landscape design are the
educational landscape design. The case studies further
principals of ecologic, economic and social sustainability.
contribute to the site’s programming and concept development.
Along with the rise of environmentalism in the mid-1990s’

century, the intricate balance of the three elements has been

Other methodologies such as site observation and 3D
broken.
modeling and visualization are used to facilitate the design

process.
In this sense, the sustainable ideology of technology in the

aspect of ecological development has emerged as a dominant

force to the landscape architecture field as James Corner

and other landscape architects witnessed: “It is not unfair to

say that contemporary theory and practice have all but lost

their meta-physical and mythopoeic dimensions, promoting

a landscape architecture of primarily prosaic and technical

constructions”(Corner, 78). Professor Elizabeth K. Meyer of

University of Virginia further explained,

“Sustainable development requires more than designed

18 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 19
 landscapes that are created using sustainable renewed and reconnected to the biophysical world

technologies. Design is a cultural act, a product ”(Elizabeth, 17).

of culture made with the materials of nature, and

embedded within and inflected by a particular social Culturally rich and aesthetically appealing landscapes have

formation; it often employs principles of ecology, but the power to change people’s conscious, behavior and finally

it does more than that. It enables social routines and initiate social change.

spatial practices, from daily promenades to commuting

to work. It translates cultural values into memorable

landscape forms and spaces that often challenge,

expand, and alter our conception of beauty”(Elizabeth,

15).

In order to rebuild the balance among the three elements

in sustainable landscape design, Corner argued about the

important but ignored role of culture value to the landscape

architecture’s practices, “Many fail to appreciate the role

that landscape architecture plays in the constitution and

embodiment of culture, forgetful of the designed landscape’s

symbolic and revelatory powers, especially with regard to

collective memory, culture orientation, and continuity” (Corner,

78).

Meyer further pointed out the importance of aesthetics in

creating a cultural landscape,

“A beautiful landscape works on our psyche, affording

the chance to ponder on a world outside ourselves.

Through this experience, we are decentered, restored,

20 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 21

_material consumption study

The study of material consumption is intended to:

1) identify the material types that are essential to everyone’s

life;

2) calculate the quantity of each material’s consumption;

3) map the environmental footprint/ impact from mining

activities that resulted from that consumption;

4) visualize and represent the findings by applying visual Fig 01_01. diagram of “MII Baby” (
Mineral Information Institute, 2013)
elements into the physical world (see chapter_design).

[water]: 201,000,000 gallons will need 1.37 million pounds of stone, sand and gravel in

his or her life (NSSGA, 2008)”. The stone are mainly used

The project’s water consumption calculation is based on as infrastructure construction industry, followed by chemical

“Water Use Statistics ” conducted by American Water Works industry and manufacture industry.

Association in 2008:

“ The average American household uses nearly 70 The vast consumption of stone demanded large scale of

gallons of water per person per day for bathing, cleaning, stone evacuation. According to Indiana Geological Survey,

and other uses at home. Households with more efficient there were 3651 stone or aggregate quarries on record

fixtures and no leaks could drop their use to 45 gallons in Indiana, including both active and abandoned mines

per person per day ”(Center for Sustainable Systems, (Indiana Geological Survey, 2015). In this sense, the stone

2014). consumption and related mining industry have yielded a

massive environment footprint.

[stone]: 1,270,000 lbs.

According to NSSGA, there’s a surprising but solid fact about

the huge demand of stone and aggregates: “Every American

22 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 23

[coal]: 445,903 lbs. [salt]: 124,392 lbs.

In Indiana, 49,297 acres of land are occupied by coal mining According to the Mineral Information Institute, “on average

fields, including surface strip mines and underground mines. we use about 12 pounds per person a year in our food, but

we are using more than 400 pounds per person every year

Without proper storage or processing, the by-products of for other uses, such as on our roads in the winter”(Mineral

coal production, often called tailings, can heavily pollute the Information Institude, 2015 ). In this sense, a large portion of

ground water of the surrounding area if are not contained and salt consumption comes from the wide usage of de-icers on

processed correctly. highways.

[gasoline]: 507,892 lbs.

Indiana is home to over 45,000 gas wells and over 50,000 oil

wells. Similar to the coal production, the leakage from gas and

oil wells could lead to contamination of underground water or

shallow aquifers.

[steel]: 333,824 lbs.

There were 12 major steel production plants in Indiana,

producing over 5000 tons of steel per day. The by-products

and production process of steel could result in severe air,

water, and soil pollution.

24 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 25

 Fig 01_02. diagram of essential material
consumption, environmental footprints
of resources mining.

26 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 27

_Legacy of material extraction and mining industry in the demand for Indiana Limestone.

Indiana

There are currently nine active quarries that produce 76,000

The State of Indiana is geographically rich of mineral resources. cubic meters of Indiana Limestone each year. In 2003,

In this sense, Indiana has a distinguish history and cultural Indiana produced a total of 257,000 metric tons of Dimension

significance in the material evacuation and mining industry. Limestone with a value of $37.8 million. (Indiana limestone

Institute, 2007)

There were a wide range of mineral resources and related

mining industries, including but not limited to stone, coal, oil Indiana limestone is renowned for its durability, consistency,

and gas. According to National Mining Association’s statistics and capacity to accept and retain fine detail. As a type of

in 2012, Indiana was home to 293 mining operations, providing high-profile dimension stone, limestone played a significant

direct employment to 16,200 people and another 29,940 role in the architecture building history in the United States.

people indirectly from mining activities, which occurring both The Empire State Building, The Pentagon, The Chicago

in and outside the state, for a total of 46,140 jobs statewide. Tribune Building, as well as many university structures, state

capitols, post offices, and churches are all constructed with

[ stone ] this exceptional material.

Due to the geographical deposit condition, the stone resources There are a group of people who have dedicated their skills

in Indiana are mainly limestone. Native Americans were the and professionalism to the limestone industry. They include

first people to discover limestone in Indiana. The first quarry sculptors, drill runners, stone polishers, forklift operators and

was started in 1827, and the quarried stone was produced for union leaders. In Limestone Voices, the author recorded a

local use only prior to the building of railways in the 1850’s.” touching story about those stone workers:

By 1900, Indiana limestone represented 1/3 of the total U.S. “When part of the Pentagon was destroyed after 9/11,

dimension limestone industry, and increased to 80% by 1920. an Indiana quarry went to work, mining 46 truckloads

Part of reasons for this boom was the extensive fires in the of limestone to be sent to the Washington site and

cities of Chicago (1871) and Boston (1872) which increased enabling reconstruction to be completed ahead of

the demand for Indiana Limestone. schedule” (Ferrucci, 38).

28 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 29

[ coal ] [ oil and gas ]

Indiana is among the top ten coal producing states in the Indiana’s oil and gas is produced from oil fields that are located

United States. Indiana coal was first discovered along the dominantly in the southwestern and east-central portions of

banks of the Wabash River in 1736. Organized mining and the state.

development of Indiana’s coal resources began in the 1830s

and by 1918, its production exceeded 30 million tons. There was a period beginning in 1876, called “Indiana Gas

Boom” when America’s first giant oil field had been discovered

There are two types of coal mines: underground (deep) mines, in the Trenton Field of Indiana. Since then, active drilling and

and surface (strip) mines. Before the 1940s, underground production of natural gas grew rapidly.Production reached a

mining remained the primary mining method in Indiana. peak in 1956 at over 12 million barrels for the year(Grey, p

After World War II, surface mining began to dominate the 144). However, the wild, unregulated boom ultimately resulted

coal production due to the advent of large-scale excavation in thousands of wells having been drilled. Back then, wasteful
Fig 01_03. A flambeau display in
equipment, which made surface mining more cost efficient. Indiana, with multiple large flames on burning of the gas was not rare. To display and show off the
top of the gas wells

“Surface mining continues to be the primary method of coal abundance of the gas, some producers even lit a flambeau at

removal in Indiana, with nearly 70 percent of the current the top of each well. “Some flambeaus had been burning for

production coming from surface mines” (Indiana Geography nearly two decades. Modern experts estimate that as much as

Survey, 2015). 90% of the natural gas was wasted in flambeau displays”(Gray,

p.189).

Conditions for those who work in the coal mines, especially

in the underground mines, are harsh and dangerous. Miners “As gas and oil production declined in northern Indiana

have to work long hours in the dark and wet environment “with during the early 1900s, new discoveries were being made

a number of problems and hazards to deal with, such as water, in the southwestern part of the state known as the Illinois

ventilation, electric shock or exposure to the harmful gas” (the Basin”(Glass, p.31). The rise and fall of the Indiana’s gasoline

peel web, 2015). production remained a lesson to warn us that even the most

unlikely resources could run out if we keep wasting.

30 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 31

2_Case study ROM-R e d e s i g n R o m a Q u a rr y , Austria
Overview

Case studies are a major part of the research methodology of The ROM Project is a redesign of a Roman Quarry into a

the project. It explores diverse projects from different periods theatrical space for the St. Margarethen Opera Festival. The

and locations with quarry reclamation, adaptive reuse, and site was a former granite stone quarry that had left abandoned

cultural representation programs. Three case studies have in the suburban St. Margarethen, Austria. Building elements

been pubilished: The ROM-Redesign Roma Quarry in Austria, are nestled into the quarry landscape, accentuating the

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, and the Quarry Garden in particular ambiance of the quarry and affording visitors a very

Shanghai, China. The case study applies the same format that immediate and immersive experience of the theatrical spaces.

starts with an overview description and concepts narrative and The main open-air concert hall has an area of 7,000 square

follows with its design relevance to the MaterialScape project. meters, with space for 4,670 people. It is accompanied by other

social facilities, a children’s opera stage, and a restaurant and

Fig 01_04. location map of case studies Fig 01_05. an overview of ROM site outdoor bar.

Eden Project, UK
ROM, Austria

Quarry Garden, China

32 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 33

Concepts and design process Design Relevance

Instead of trying to cover up or hide the existing rough condition The ROM project achieves social significance by sustaining

of the quarry site, the basic idea of the ROM design is to “extend the site’s cultural identity: music and festivals. Concerts and

the ambiance of the magnificent rock-face scenery to all parts operas are deep into every resident’s blood in the small town

of the theatrical arena so as to make it a more palpable and of Austria. Converting a passive space like an abandoned

visually enveloping experience”(Archdaily, 2010). The vertical quarry into something dynamic and festival-like is a bold and

circulation consideration is a crucial component to the design. Fig 01_07. Visitors walking down brilliant move.
the elevated pathway to the
entrance of concert hall.
Elevated pathways connect the parking lots on the upper level The ROM project provides an excellent example of the
Fig 01_06. ROM project’s site plan
of the quarry wall with the concert hall entrance on the bottom and programs
adaptive reuse of the quarry terrain that achieves functional

level. feasible and aesthetic appeal at the same time. It embraces

the unique quality of the quarry to enhance the auditory and

visual experience of the festival. The natural enclosure of the

quarry façade amplifies the auditory effect of the open-air

concert hall. Meanwhile, the monumental rock-face creates

Fig 01_08 rock-face and festival
ambiance working well together on dramatic visual effects that an opera or concert needs.
a concert night at ROM.

34 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 35

 The Eden Project, Cornish coast, UK

Overview

The Eden Project is a popular “ecological theater” park in the

UK, home to the eight dome biomes in the world. It is located

on a reclaimed brownfield site: a 40-acre china clay quarry

on the Cornish coast, to the southwestern part of England.

The design is “derived from the existing quarry, building

Fig 01_09. Minimal shape and
contrastive material application at
upon its curved slopes, and its zigzag routes built for formal
ROM
transportation purposes” (ASLA,2014).

Fig 01_11. site plan of the Eden

Project

Fig 01_10. the raw texutre of quarry

Fig 01_12. the overview of the
wall constrast with the minimal
Eden biomes lied on a clay quarry.
style of the buidling

As for the design language as well as the development of the

forms, the project creates a series of sculptural structures that

have the following characteristics:

-Preciseness: clear and simple language of shapes

-Reduction: reflection on the essential

-Contrast: the contrastive color and texture application of the

materials compared to the natural rock-face quarry walls.

36 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 37
Concepts and design process

“The Eden Project is one of the UK’s top landmark Millennium site in the rainy seasons. The clay pit has copious water derived

Projects created to tell the fascinating story of man’s from rainfall in the pit area as wells as groundwater and natural

relationship with plants” (ASLA, 2014). The prime driver for spring. A water strategy was devised with the civil engineers

the Eden project was to create the environment for growth for a collection and disposal system, plus collection and

using minimal amount of water and energy resources through distribution systems for ‘re-used’ water. “The water extracted

climate and water control. A complex biome system has from groundwater and springs is collected and stored in a

been developed to achieve those goals. Together with that, large underground tank before being pumped into the water

transportation, water, soil, energy, and material recycling distribution system via a filtration and ultraviolet disinfection

systems have been designed to support the biomes. In a plant; water for toilet and urinal flushing is subjected to

bigger picture, ‘Sustainability’ is a crucial theme for the project. secondary disinfection by silver ionization treatment. Excess
Fig 01_13. climate-control biome
concept derives from natrual forms,
and fit into existing topography. groundwater overflows into the site surface water disposal

system”(The Arup Journal, 2001). The only water not provided

from on-site natural sources is the potable water supply for

drinking, cooking and showering.

Fig 01_14. Water strategy diagram

of The Eden Project

Design Relevance

[ On-site Water strategy ]

Water capture and reuse is a big issue at Eden. As a result

of past mining activities, the underground water table is well

above the floor level of the pit, which causes severe problems
38 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 39
[ Material recycles programs and Soil manufacture technology]

The pit site has no topsoil or local mine waste to begin with.

It was like trying to grow a garden on the moon. As a result,

the production of soil has become an industrial process at

the Eden Project. Several specific soil types are developed

to meet the needs of construction and provide planting beds

for plants. “Surplus sand and reject clay from two china-clay

operations served as the basis, to which was added forestry

bark as an organic component for interior soils and composted,

domestic green-waste outside. This manufactured soil is now

being marketed commercially” (The Arup Journal, 2001).

[ Education, demonstration programs ]

The Eden project is not only a single use botanical garden

with a giant biome that are full of exotic plants from all over

the world. Instead, building on its biome structures, there’s a

rich and engaging experience that highlights the “sustainable

Fig 01_15. project program
education and demonstration” programs throughout the analysis of the Eden Project

site. Below is a diagram showing how the site programs are

organized and installed into a quarry site.

40 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 41

 done right in reclaiming a quarry. As it seeps down and stains,
the quarry garden, shanghai, China
it will be even more beautiful”(Quarry garden, ASLA, 2012).

Overview
Fig 01_17. the unique stainless
Located in the center of Shanghai Chen Mountain Botanical steel walkway over the water,
attaching to the quarry wall.
Garden, the quarry garden covers an area of 4.26 hectares

(10.53 acres). The site and natural scenery were severely

damaged in the 1980s due to the quarry activities. One

deep pool in the west quarry was a result of exploration and

excavation into the ground. This project intended to restore

the abandoned quarry ecologically and to recover the five

classic sights of the “ Chen Mountain Eight Sights” culturally,

based on both the site condition and social context.

Fig 01_16. an overview of the Fig 01_18. site plan and programs
quarry garden of the quarry garden

Concepts and design process

The main concept of the project is to transform the west

quarry land into a delicate botanical garden, and embrace the

memories of quarry history on the site. It has won the 2012

ASLA professional award as “a very honest project. It’s not

trying to cover up what it is, and it’s an example of everything

42 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 43

Design Relevance to climb the quarry hill and step deep down to the quarry hole

lakeside. Meanwhile, the natural quarry scenery of raw rocks

Similar to the site condition of the MaterialScape project, and steep hills can be admired by visitors intimately. The

the most difficult challenge was the degraded ecological whole experience will strengthen their understanding of the

environment. The site was covered with almost no vegetation Asian landscape and the past of mining industry.

but barred rock, along with a significant degree of moisture

and soil loss.

The Quarry Garden, as the core spots of Chen Mountain

Botanical Garden, provided excellent opportunities for turning a

piece of severely-damaged land into an environmental friendly

public space. At the same time, the unique topography and

spatial formation of the current quarry provides possibilities

for designers to develop a piece of unusual landscape.

[ Restoring the ecology of quarry ]

The project involves strategies and attempts to build a new

environment of quarry land through reshaping the landform

and increasing land cover. As for exposed hills and rock walls,

the designer manages to respect the trueness of rock-wall

landscapes and exerts limited interventions to leave the rock

wall evolving by itself under rain, sunshine and other natural

conditions.

Fig 01_19. diagam of project

[ Natural and cultural experience for garden visitors ] program analysis of the quarry
garden

Applying the traditional Chinese garden method of “scenery

borrowing”, the garden creates a dramatic route for visitors

44 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 45

3_Observation
cutter machine. The physical model was frequently used in

The site observation includes activities of recording the the initial analysis and design conceptualization phase as an

site conditions and other information regarding the site, for effective visual tool to communicate and present ideas with

example, site visiting, site sketching, photography and video, my project’s committee. The digital model was heavily relied
Fig 01_20. site physical model
and behavior observation. with layered cardboard, the initial on in the detail design phase for its accuracy and flexibility in
concepts are played and explored
onto the model throughout the
design process. producing detailing plans and visionary perspectives.

The objects of observations included but were not limited to

the visual quality, sound, and smell; land cover and vegetation, machine. The physical model was frequently used in the initial

topography, soil and drainage condition; entrance and analysis and design conceptualization phase, as an effective

transportation and the number of visitor’s. The observations visual tool to communicate and present ideas with my project’s

took place in both sunny and rainy weathers in order to collect committee. The digital model was heavily relied on in the detail

information and compare condition under different drainage design phase for its accuracy and flexibility in producing detail

situations. The length of each time of observation was 30 plans and visionary perspectives.

minutes.

4_3D modeling

To have a better understanding of the complex terrain existing

on the quarry site, it is a critical step to make 3D models in

both physical and digital forms for the following analysis and

design phase. The terrain data (DEM) were available from

the online library of Indiana Geology Survey. A digital model

was developed by importing data into ArcGIS and Rhinoceros

5. From the 3D model, a contour map was generated so as

to create the physical model with cut boards and the laser
46 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 47
 02_project site
V_ site selection
VI_ site description
VII_ site analysis
VIII_ site history
and formation
IX_ site opportunities

48 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 49

 V_ site selection INDIANAPOLIS

_ Site Selection

The final site of this project was selected out of seven

potential quarry sites throughout Indiana, by comparing their

advantages and disadvantages according to the following SITE 6

criteria:

• The site should have an urban context, to maximize the

project’s social and culture value.

• The site should be an abandoned limestone quarry

that has topographic uniqueness as a result of past mining

activities.

• The size of the site should be manageable for a student Fig 02_01. diagram of the site
selection comparison
creative project, which is around 30 acres.

• The site’s information is accessible for further research. BLOOMINGTON

Basic information includes GIS data, topographic map,

drainage map, and soil map, etc.

Fig 02_02. location map of the
potential sites

SITE 7

50 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 51

 INDIANAPOLIS
VI_site description
_ Location

The site, Blue Lake Quarry, is centrally located on the near

West side of Indianapolis. It’s about 8-minute drive (3.5 mi)

from Indianapolis downtown.

SITE 6

I-70

Fig 02_03. site aerial map

I-70
BLOOMINGTON

W Morris St

Ea
gle
Cr
SITE 7 ee
k

Fig 02_04. site aerial map

W Minnesota St
52 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 53
[ site area ] 75 acres
VII_site analysis
[ site context ] _ open space system

The Blue Lake Quarry is a large void in a landscape that sits The open space analysis is based on the site’s regional (west
between the residential neighborhood of the West Indianapolis Indianapolis neighborhood) scale. It started with identifying
to its northwest and southwest. The site is inaccessible to the diverse urban open spaces (public park, community park,
outsiders with a surrounding fence barrier, and its entrance greenway, etc.) with their service areas (under 0.25 mile/10
Fig 02_05. signage of outside the site,
is marked as “restricted” for public safety reasons. From the prohibiting outsiders from entering minutes walking radius). Further, layering on top a map of the
the site.
outside, people are unaware of the existence of the quarry lake. residential population, it turned out that, in West Indianapolis
To its north, W Morris St connects the site with Highway I-70 Neighborhood, there is “an open space void” or an area of
and the east part of the West Indianapolis neighborhood, acting estimated 8000+ populations living without the proximity to
as the main entrance to the site. Multiple industrial parcels and open spaces and its relevant services.
other mixed-use development occupy its south side, where

W. Minnesota St. connects the site directly to the urban core

of Indianapolis, IN. The site’s surrounding neighborhoods are

mostly low-income and rundown communities, which have a

medium income below the state’s average. I-70 highway

The Eagle Creek defines the east site’s boundary with the

Eagle Creek Greenway running on its levee. The quarry lake

has a water outlet pointing to the Eagle Creek. In this sense,

I-70 highway
the quarry site has an ecological importance as it runs into

the the Eagle Creek and later combines with the White River,

which has an impact on the water quality of the downstream

neighborhoods of southern Indianapolis.

Fig 02_06. diagram of regional open
space system and site analysis

54 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 55

_ circulation and entrances _waterbody and contamination

The site’s boundary is defined by the surrounding fences The site is currently owned by Blue Lake Development, LLC

and dense bushes (in pink dash-line). In this sense, the site in Indianapolis, which is a landfill company. According to the

is highly inaccessible to outsiders. However, there are three local zoning record and environmental report, the property

potential entrances to the site, one to the north onto W Morris was a former Chrysler landfill facility.

St, one to the west onto S Tibbs Ave, and one to the south onto

W Minnesota St. Based on the circulation data, the W Morris The facility contains “hazardous waste” from “wastewater

St provides better accessibility to downtown Indianapolis. As treatment plant sludge, containing cadmium, lead, and

a result, the project proposes an entrance on W Morris St arsenic” (EPA, 2009). The known locations and remaining

that creates better circulation convenience as well as attracts concentration of lead in the sludge are depicted and highlighted

more visitors to the site. Fig 02_07. diagram of existing

Fig 02_08. diagram of area of in the diagram below(yellow). The on-site monitors indicate
contamination in relation to the water
circulation system and proposed
bodies.
entrance

56 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 57

the groundwater doesn’t have any lead concentration while _Topography and Hydrology

such concentration only exists in the soil.

As a result of the past mining activities, the quarry site now

As a result of the environmental restriction protocol, the features a dramatic landscape: an average 35-feet elevation

future land-use type of the site is restricted from residential change between the higher level of the quarry wall and gently

and commercial uses. Also, land removal and remediation sloping land on the lower level of quarry lake. The slope of

processes are required to remove the remaining contaminations the quarry wall ranges from 50 degree to 90 degree. Such

from the soil of the site, before the land is ready for any further man-made landscape terrain is rare in Indiana since most of

development. northern and central Indiana is flat and open. The quarry walls

also act as a natural barrier preventing people from going to

Fig 02_09. diagram of major quarry
walls of the topography the lower level from the site.

58 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 59

A series of section cuts throughout the site indicates the system, resulting in severe erosion conditions of quarry walls

particular relationship between the surrounding communities from seasonal stormwater runoffs.

and the Quarry Lake. Also, there is an underground connection

between The Eagle Creek and the Quarry Lake, redirecting

the overflow water from the creek to the lake.

Past mining activities disturbed the natural drainage system,

resulting in severe erosion conditions of quarry walls from Fig 02_10. diagram of elevation series
of the quarry site

60 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 61

 VIII_site history and formation
To rediscover the hidden history of an abandoned quarry that As time went by, the size of the quarry lake kept increasing.

is now on the bottom of 60 feet deep lake is an interesting During the period, a levy was built up to prevent the Eagle

and challenging journey. From the published records of local Creek from flooding. Around 1998, the abandoned land was

survey maps to the memories of residents, a timeline as well used as a landfill ground of Chrysler company, resulting in a

as a story of the site has been recovered. certain degree of contamination of the soil of the site.

The Blue Lake Quarry was opened in the 1930s, producing an In 2011, a landfill company owned the blue lake property and

average 10 tons of limestone gravel and sand per day, at its began to infill the lake. As a result, the size of lake reduced

high period. During the quarrying operation, there was no lake dramatically to the current condition.

on the site when the operation constantly pumping the water

out of the quarry. As an estimation, the quarry once reached

as deep as 60 feet deep.

The operation of the quarry lasted about 20 years before it ran

out and finally closed around 1949. That was when the quarry

lake began to form.

Fig 02_11. diagram of the size change
of the quarry lake.

62 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 63

The formation of the site’s unique topography is a [ absorption ]

collective work of mining activities(evacuation) and natural

process(absorption). After the quarry operation ceased and pumping stopped, the

quarry lake began to form. The sources of the incoming water

[ Evacuation ] include direct precipitation, surface runoffs, and underground

Operations of limestone mining and processing mainly include water infiltration. Also, the landfill contributed to the rise of the

five stages: 1_blasting, 2_mining, 3_refining, 4_storage, lake water table.

5_transportation. Steep quarry walls as high as 60 feet are

formed as a result of the mining activities.

Fig 02_12. diagram of site formation

process

64 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 65

 development on the site will be designed to minimize the
IX_site opportunities
alternation of the existing topography as well as maximizing

the visual and spatial experience of the site’s visitors.

[ Re-connect ] accessibility

[ Re-vitalize ] social impacts

The current site is physically inaccessible both from the

outside and within the site’s boundary. In this sense, the project The site has rich cultural background regarding its deep

will create a new entrance on the north of the site for both connection with the mining industry. It further tells the stories

vehicles and pedestrians. Vertical structures will be installed to of the limestone mining, coal mining, steel refinery, and oil and

accommodate the elevation changes and provide accessibility gas milling history in Indiana. In creating a series of material-

among the complex quarry topography. Meanwhile, there are themed public landscapes of unique visual and spatial

opportunities to rebuild the emotional connection between the experiences, the project has the potential to to raise people’s

site’s cultural value and residents’ memories and pride. awareness and increase reflection on the high price we paid

for the material consumption to sustain our lifestyle.

[ Re-claim ] eco-system services

The current site is a dysfunctional ecosystem, and has harmful

effects on the surrounding environment. The introduction of

bio-remediation measures will improve the soil and water

qualities and recover vegetation communities of the barren

land. In this sense, the once abandoned land could provide

eco-system services to the surrounding communities.

[ Re-adapt ] low-impact development

The dramatic topography of the site is not a design obstacle to

be solved but a design opportunity to be enhanced. All future

66 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 67

 03_design
X_ design conceptualization
XI_ client and site programs
XII_ site design
XIII_ landscape nodes

68 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 69

 X_ design concept material *calculation based on ONE American family(national average) of 4, each life expectation of 75 yrs
consumption
consumption units represantation dimension units
water 201 million (gallon) lake the Blue Lake
swimming pool (33 ft
The design concept was derived from the material consumption 9,000.00
Round,48 ft deep)
olympic pool (per
305.00
study. The study identified and quantified the top six materials 660,000 gal)
stone 1.37 million (pound) building 548,000.00 (cubic feet)
(water, stone, coal, steel, gasoline, and salt) that were 200' x 200' x23' x
2 stories
natural gas 5.93 millon (square feet) biome structure 180' x 180' x 180'
consumed most in everyone’s life. The study also revealed the
coal 2.57 million (pound) cave structure 45,864.00 (cubic feet)
massive environmental footprints and impacts from the past
salt 124,392.00 (pound) pond 921.00 (cubic feet)
and current mining industries which responsed to the ever- 30'x30'

growing consumption needs of sustaining everyone’s lifestyle. steel/aluminum 333,824.00 (pound) outdoor theater

gasoline/oil 330,536.00 (gallon) storage structure 44,186.00 (cubic feet)

One of the ambitions of the project is to deliver this message

about the material consumption to the public. The design will Fig 03_01. the diagram of material 2_material acquisition: the process of how the material is
consumption calculations and
representation
propose a sequence of landscape nodes, which each reflects produced or mined.
and represents one material.

3_material characters: the color, texture or other uniqueness

The representation and interpretation of the materials will of the material.
cover the following aspects:

4_cultural significance: the unique history or applications of

1_consumption volume: the volume of a landscape structure will the material.
reflect the consumption volume of the material. For example,

the volume of the existing lake on the site is roughly equal to The overall design proposal will create an attractive and
the water consumption of a family throughout their lifetime. In immersive experience throughout the six landscape nodes,
this sense, the quarry lake is the natural representation of the taking advantages of the site’s unique topography and
water consumption. atmosphere.

70 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 71

 Fig 03_02. diagram of design concept

72 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 73

 XI_ Client and site program QUARRY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM
quarry
lake
quarry
wall
land phrase I phrase II phrase III
REVEGETATION
bioremediation for lead soil
x x x
pollution
_designated client group native planting/ prairie landscape x x
WATER MANAGEMENT
rain water harvesting x x
This site is designed to accommodate four user groups: functional site-community water-cycle x x
water storage/recharge x x
landscape
CIRCULATION
residents of surrounding neighborhoods, residents of the
drop-off/parking (50+2 space) x x
vertical pedestrain circulation x x x
Indianapolis metropolitan area, student groups of west trail+route (1.5mile+) x x x x x
STRUCTURE
Indianapolis neighborhoods and seasonal tourists. Each
visitor center/information center x x x
group is incorporated through multiple amenity programs and restaurant /coffee shop x x
FOOD PRODUCTION (20 family) x
site features that overall allow for harmonious cohabitation fish/crab farming x x
community garden x x
within user groups. farmers market x x x
productive vertical farm x x
landscape ENERGY PRODUCTION
solar energy x x x
_site program wind x x
MATERICAL REUSE
mining operation sculpture x x x
existing building reuse x x
The site’s program is a collective work of fundamental programs EDUCATION / DEMOSTRATION
material footprint demostration
x x
from the case study and innovative programs from the material dunes/sculptures
_water footprint=201millon gal. x x
consumption study and site analysis. It’s developed into four functional
_stone footprint=1.37 million lbs. x
categories or layers: the functional landscape, the productive
_coal footprint= 574,000 lbs. x
landscape, the educational+ cultural landscape, and the _Aluminum footprint= 6535 lbs. x
productive
dynamic landscape. signage/imformation system x x x
dynamic mining operation sculpture x x
landscape quarry wall geography demo x x x
educational RECREATION x
The functional landscape provides the fundamental open space x x x
swimming/diving x x x
camping x
infrastructures of being a public park, which includes a main out-door threater x x
dynamic paddling x x
parking lot, drop-off, entry plaza, a visitor center and so on. cliff climb / jump x x x
zip-line x x x x
Also, to address the problem of storm water runoff on a quarry CULTURE/ART
pavilion/quarry heritage x x x
site, a wetland containing a sequence of storm water treatment sculpture/lighting/rock art x x

features on the lake level is created to protect water quality Fig 03_03. proposed site program

74 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 75

quality in the lake from uncontrolled runoff. A typical Indiana _development phases

prairie landscape is developed on the upper lever of the quarry

site in order to further stabilize the soil and rock structure from The site development will be divided into three phases.

running off the quarry wall.

In phase I, all the functional landscape programs and most of

The productive landscape introduces food production and the dynamic landscape programs will be implemented. The

renewable energy production facilities. For example, solar remediation process of the land will take about 10 to 15 years

panels on the quarry wall and windmills on the cliff top maximize to complete. During the process, the productive landscape

land use efficiency by taking advantage of the existing terrain. programs will produce a certain portion of the energy needs

from the site’s development. The site will be partially open to

A key layer of site program is the cultural and educational the public.

landscape, where five material-themed landscape structures/

landscape nodes are created. The aim is to visualize and In phase II, after the completion of land remediation, the food

educate visitors about essential material consumption during production programs will be safe to implement. The site will be

everyone’s lifespan: the consumption of stone, coal, steel, entirely open to the public.

salt and gasoline. The visualization and representation of

those material-themed landscapes are achieved by showing In phase III, the site will be able to provide environmental

the volumes of particular material consumption in landscape services to the surrounding communities such as providing

architecture’s design languages. stormwater storage and surcharge.

The dynamic landscape is where diverse activities happen,

and people gather and interact on a daily basis. It provides

recreational and gathering spaces like outdoor theaters,

dining places, water entertainment, trails, etc.

76 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 77

 XII_ site design
The site design of the MaterialScape includes an overall

masterplan and a bird’s eye view; a set of detail diagrams and

plans of the focus nodes:[stone], [coal], [steel] and [salt]; and

several perspectives of each of the focus nodes.

_master plan
The masterplan of the project is the collective design solution

that integrates the site programs seamlessly with the existing

topography and site conditions. The current terrain largely

defines the overall layout of the plan.

As for the locations of the material-themed focus nodes, the

decisions were made by matching the existing “spatial rooms” Fig 03_04. hand-drawing draft of
masterplan, indicating the views
of the terrain with particular material’s volume and characters. and spatial connections within the
_landform + bird’s eye view
focus points.
For example, the location of the [coal] is a natural enclosure

space that matches the volume of coal consumption. Other The current landform of the quarry largely determines the
conditions from the site analysis may also contribute to the spatial experience of the new civic park. Rock walls stand 30
decision making of the locations, for example, the proximity to to 60 feet above the lake level, surrounding the central wetland
the entrance or the location’s elevation and views. and deep quarry lake. Five material-themed landscape nodes

blend into existing terrain and were connected by a network

Visual connections between the different focus nodes served of trails, ramps, and stairs.
as guides and attractions to the site’s visitors. Vertically, stairs

and ramps connect the upper level (on the quarry walls) to Fig 03_05. masterplan and site
programs of MaterialScape
the bottom level (on the quarry lake).
Fig 03_06. bird-eye view of the
overall landform and site elements.

78 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 79

 E
A
G
E

L
G
R
E

E
K
80 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 81
82 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 83
 XIII_ landscape nodes

_[ stone ]
[stone] is the centerpiece structure of the park. Characterized

by iconic “crystal-shaped” stone sculpture and stone gabion

facades, the visitor center is located on the north edge of

quarry wall, providing an excellent view of quarry lake.

[ volume ]: 5.48 million lbs of stone

[ Development ]: stone formation

Fig 03_07. the conceptual hand-

The shape of the building as well as the stone sculpture derive drawing detail plan of [ stone ]

from the formation of granite, limestone, and ore, under a [ detail features ]

100x microscope. A semi-enclosed building compound of two

stories forms the central courtyard. The entry plaza connects the drop-off station with the entrance

of the visitor center.

[ Functionality ]: visitor center, education facility

The iconic stone sculpture stands throughout the building

The building functions as a visitor center of the public park as floors. It’s made of irregular limestone veneer walls with glass

well as an education facility. It tells stories about the Indiana openings, allowing natural sunlight through.

limestone heritage, material consumption in everyone’s

life, and more importantly, about what to do to reduce the The outdoor terrace overhangs from the top of quarry wall

consumption and its impact on earth. over the lake, creating a fantastic view of the lake and the

84 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 85

Fig 03_08. detail diagram and
perspective drawing of [stone]

86 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 87

park. There are outdoor seating and dining areas further [ Indiana limestone legacy ]

enriching the site’s program.

Indiana limestone played a significant role in the architecture

The courtyard exhibits different types of limestone products: building history in the US. The Empire State Building, The

dimension stone, limestone gravel, and sand. The visitors are Pentagon, the Chicago Tribune Building as well as many

able to physically touch and feel the subtle texture of the rocks. university structures, state capitols, post offices, and churches

are all constructed of this fine material. Indiana limestone is

The “quarry walk” is a network of elevated walkways attaching renowned for its durability, consistency, and capacity to accept

to the quarry wall. It enables visitors to experience the dramatic and retain fine detail.

terrain, from the top of quarry wall to the lake’s water surface.

There are “solar walls” installed to the northeast side of

the quarry wall, producing a certain portion of the energy to

sustain the site’s maintenance consumption.

88 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 89

Fig 03_09. perspective of [ stone ],
looking west from top of the quarry
wall.

90 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 91

_[ coal ]

Embodied as a part of the quarry’s enclosure topography,

[ coal ] creates poetic art exhibition spaces and provides

accessibility between quarry terrain’s upper level and lake

level.

[ volume ]: 2.57 million lbs of stone

[ Development ]: underground / surface coal mines

Underground mines and strip surface mines are the two typical

coal mines. The working environment of those two kinds of

coal mines showcases and represents a dramatic contrast Fig 03_10. the conceptual hand-
drawing detail plan of [ coal ]

between the darkness of underground and the brightness

above the surface. In this sense, the [coal] proposes a “cap”

The dark room on the ground floor is ideal for showing light
structure onto a piece of semi-enclosed terrain, creating a dark
installations. The several coal-themed sculptures installed on
room on the ground floor and a bright terrace on the second
the terrace floor tells the story of the dark coal mine history
floor.
and harsh working conditions in the old “mine holes.” It is

a metaphor that reminds us of the idea that we are living

The oval shape of the structure derives from the original
a lifestyle that is constantly requiring sacrifices from the
terrain. A 25-feet sculpture of coal acts as the centerpiece of
environment and others.
the round-shape courtyard.

[ Functionality ]: art gallery, coal-theme exhibition

92 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 93

 Fig 03_11. detail diagram and
perspective drawing of [coal]

94 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 95

[ detail features ]

The coal sculpture is made of carbon-black coating surface

with a hollow inside. The surface of the sculpture mimics the

coal’s texture and color. Looking from a distance, the sculpture

has a shape like an exotic but beautiful flower, sprouting out of

dark coal mines.

The roof terrace provides open-air seating and dining areas.

It’s also a spot for reflecting and observing from the rooftop to

the courtyard.

The ramp stairs provides accessibility from the upper level of

the quarry wall down to the level of the quarry lake, elegantly

connecting the bright opening with the dark downstairs.

Fig 03_12. perspective of [ coal ],

looking upwards from the entrance
of the groundfloor “dark room“.

96 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 97

98 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 99
_[ steel ]

[steel] is the primary gathering place for the park. The

[ Functionality ]: quarry wall stabilizer and planting beds
design installs corten steel elements on the stie and reuses

salvaged steel materials to demonstrate the quantity of steel

To the east side of the [steel], a part of the quarry slope is
consumption.
not stable enough to withstand a severe flooding. The design

solution is to install a sequence of corten steel plates: “planting

beds” with vegetation growing on top of its soil and gravel

[ volume ]: 333,824 lbs of steel
filling. The root system of the plants will further stabilize those

loose quarry wall.

[ Development ]: terrain, sun orientation

[ detail features ]
The existing terrain largely defines the form of the [steel].

The design orientation of the theater’s seating faces north,

The water feature of [steel] not only helps to adjust and to
to shelter the crowd from the direct afternoon sunlight. Tree
improve the micro-climate but also channel and store the
canopies and water features are introduced to improve micro-
storm runoff away from the quarry wall.
climate and ensure a comfortable experience for the visitors.

[ Steel ] reuses old rail tracks as parts of the paving patterns.

[ Functionality ]: outdoor theater
Innovatively, the planting boxes have wheels that make them

movable along the rail tracks.

The theater’s stage has a canopy structure that spreads into

the quarry wall. A green roof enables the structure to merge

into the surrounding environment. Opposite the stage, there is

Fig 03_13. detail diagram and
the sloping lawn with seating made of corten steel and wood. perspective drawing of [steel]

The sloping lawn is a flexible amenity where people can stroll,

Fig 03_14. perspective of [ steel ],
looking towards north
sit, or simply lay down and rest.

100 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 101

102 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 103
104 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 105
_[ salt ]

[Salt] creates a series of colorful and attractive saltwater ponds

by controlling the sanity of the water. The color differences of

the ponds result from both the variations in salinity and the

algae content.

[ volume ]: 124392 lbs of salt

[ Development ]: water salinity

The different colors of the salt water ponds are defined by

Fig 03_15.the salt production
the dominant microorganisms that thrive in different ranges pond

of salinity. The various micro-organisms communities further

develop into different habitats. For example, the pink flamingo

obtains their pink color by feeding on pink micro-organisms in

the higher sanity water.

[ Functionality ]: water feature; education; natural habitat

The colorful water ponds attract the visitors’ attention and

invite them to wonder about how those ponds are formed. It

creates an opportunity to introduce a different perspective of

understanding the habitat and environment: it is delicate and Fig 03_16. an aerial view of the
colorful salt lakes

surprisingly beautiful, for one little factor (a small alternation of

Fig 03_17. detail diagrams and
salinity) could lead to an entirely different outcome. perspective of [ salt ]

106 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 107

108 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 109
epilogue references
“ASLA: Ecological Theater: The Eden Project.” Robert
Holden, ASLA: Ecological Theater: The Eden Project. N.p.,
MaterialScape reimagines the destiny of an abandoned n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. <https://www.asla.org/nonmembers/
lam/lamarticles02/january02/edenproj.html>
limestone quarry, revives the site from oblivion, and reconnects

it with people’s memories. The new public park invites people

Axelsson, Robert et al. “Social and Cultural Sustainability:
to experience the uniqueness and splendor of the quarry Criteria, Indicators, Verifier Variables for Measurement and
terrain, tells the stories of material consumption and histories Maps for Visualization to Support Planning.” Ambio 42.2
(2013): 215–228. PMC. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
of resources mining, and reminds us to reflect on our lifestyle

and its consequences. Through experiencing the elegant and

Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. 2014.
poetic landscape, we learn about the essence of sustainability. “U.S. Environmental Footprint Factsheet.” Pub. No. CSS08-
08.

“Creating the Eden Environment.” THE ARUP JOURNAL

(2002): 3-12. Print.

“Coal in Indiana.” Indiana Geological Survey. Web. 31 July

2015.

Corner, James. The Landscape Imagination. The Collected

Essays of James Corner, 1990-2010. New York: Princeton
Architectural, 2014. Print.

“Eden Project.” Common Cause. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar.

2014. <http://valuesandframes.org/casestudy/eden-project/>.

Ferrucci, Kate. Limestone lives: voices from the Indiana stone

belt. Bloomington, IN: Quarry Books, 2004. Print.

Glass, James A. & Kohrman, David (2005). The Gas Boom of

110 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 111

East Central Indiana. Arcadia Publishing. Meyer, Elizabeth K. “Sustaining beauty: the performance of
appearance.”Landscape Architecture 98.10 (2008): 92-131.
“Glossary.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web.
28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.epa.gov/aml/gloss.htm>. “Mineral Usage Statistics.” Minerals Education Coalition. Web.
31 Oct. 2015.< ”Mineral Usage Statistics.” Minerals Education
Gray, Ralph D (1995). Indiana History: A Book of Readings. Coalition. Web. 31 Oct. 2015.>
Indiana: Indiana University Press.
“Redesign of the Roman Quarry disposed Opera Festivals /
Henderson, Ron. “On Obsolescent Landscapes: The Quarry AllesWirdGut Architektur” 06 Jan 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed
Garden, Shanghai, China.” Interventions/Adaptive Reuse: 13 Jun 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=45692>
Int/AR 2.(2011): 98-103. Art Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 26
Nov. 2013. R. Hill, John. “Indiana Limestone.” Indiana Geological Survey.
Web. 22 Mar. 2015.< http://igs.indiana.edu/MineralResources/
“Indiana Department of Natural Resources.” DNR: Indiana Limestone.cfm>
Coal by the Numbers. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. <http://www.in.gov/
dnr/reclamation/3464.htm> “Quarry Garden in Shanghai Botanical GardenSongjiang
District, Shanghai, China.” ASLA 2012 Professional
“Indiana Geological Survey.” Indiana Geological Survey. Web. Awards. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. http://www.asla.
30 Oct. 2015.< http://igs.indiana.edu/coal/> org/2012awards/139.html

“Indiana Limestone.” Indiana Limestone. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 “Quarry Sites Fact Sheet.” EPA. Environmental Protection
Mar. 2014. <http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/ Agency, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. <http://www.epa.gov/
powell/613webpage/NYCbuilding/IndianaLimestone/ reg3hwmd/bf-lr/regional/industry/quarry.htm>.
IndianaLimestone.htm>.
“Toronto Environmental Alliance.” 3. The Environmental Impacts
“Indiana Limestone Institute of America, ILIA.” History of of Aggregate Extraction. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. <http://
Indiana Limestone Institue of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. www.torontoenvironment.org/gravel/impacts#Castrilli>.
2014. <http://www.iliai.com/pages/History>.
“The Peel Web.” Conditions in the Mines. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.
“Open Air Festival Arena - AllesWirdGut.” AllesWirdGut. Web.
31 Oct. 2015.< http://www.alleswirdgut.cc/en/project/rom-e/>

112 MaterialScape Xiao Yang 113