Transforming the forgotten to promote a pro-environmental awareness

Abstract

Abandoned public properties and lots abound in nature-less environments where only the concrete prevails. Slowly but surely, nature finds a way to take back what was once its home but, in a toxic remain. This leads to insecure spaces that are not safe for the enjoyment of the community and are not healthy for the growth of natural species. In Puerto Rico, the growing number of abandoned architecture and vacant lots are incrementing at a vast pace, causing the reign of brownfield sites that affect public safety, economic development and poor environmental management. This leads to the question: Can abandoned properties become part of the green infrastructure to promote a pro environmental consciousness? A possible solution is to manage the mishandled for it to be integrated in the green infrastructure, interconnecting environmental spaces and incorporate amenities for public use. The intervention methodology will be to repurpose a brownfield site into a Civic Center with recreative spaces in a sustainable way, becoming thus a Smart Growth opportunity to address the non-market values of ecosystems and misused lots, where nature can prevail. For purposes of this investigation, the research of the environmental contamination and the importance of a pro-environmental mentality will be made. As well as the study of brownfields caused by negligence of public nuisances will lead to determine a site that has suffered abandonment and that is being “taken over” by nature. The use of bibliographic sources, such as the United Nations and EPA reports, are going to be analyzed; and interviews will be made to experts in the fields of reforestation, green infrastructure and brownfields such as Dr. Pedro Rivera, Cynthia Burgos and Zolymar Luna.