The results of my spatial and historical approaches suggest that the relationship between form and function may not be so uni-directional in the case of city amenities as Sullivan’s adage suggests. The uses of urban trees throughout Portland’s history, leading up to the present day, suggest multiple relationships between the functions of the urban forest and the form of the city, but also a variety of relationships between the actors and functional elements of the city and the constructed values and form of urban trees. I conclude by suggesting that it is perhaps more appropriate to consider the relationship of form and function as a web of actors and processes which are not just function and are not just form, but have aspects of each. The full paper is available here.
For a concise presentation of the process, also see my research poster, which I have used as an aid in presentation of my research.
For a better understanding of the process behind creating this project, the below map is an outline of my thesis as it was initially proposed—you may also view it in a larger format on the MindMeister Site.