Albany Bulb: ecosystem of the future.

These readings relate directly to the current situation of the Albany Bulb. The ongoing debate about its future is fueled by two sharp perspectives: 1) City officials invoke historical picturesque idealism when addressing the site, in an effort to 'wipe it clean' from its social deviance and democratic nature. Their attention to 'environmental preservation' in a romanticized picturesque sense is a convenient excuse to deny the social, ecological diversity and freedom that has literally grown from a former trash dump. The second perspective has to do with shedding social constructions of aesthetics and social hierarchy, and more with celebration of current passive processes and their tendency to find robust balance without design intervention.

Michael Hough, in 'Design with City Nature' would most likely place Albany Bulb in the category of 'fortuitous urban landscape'—where landscape elements freely develop an independent, diverse and robust ecology---'where the maintenance man dare not go'. The concept that these ecosystems may be the prevailing ecosystems of the future is quite astounding and interesting to consider. (Think: Fresh Kills).

I think that this makes a lot of sense, where social progress, human development, and environmental preservation are no longer dialectic. I think that human ecology and its relations with its surroundings are inevitably interdependent, and we must further our understanding of this opportunistic relationship, not just its differences. I think that that the conversation about humans and the environment is one of inclusion and acceptance of 'natural' ecological processes(social, cultural, environmental), where what we DO do is just as important as what we DONT do. In a really broad sense, I think that we can find better ways to integrate win-win situations for humans and our planet. Like landfills that increase coastal habitat, provide a picturesque escape for trail-walking humans and dogs, and even provide a little affordable housing for the urban poor. Wait, that's Albany Bulb, as it is right now.