Artist-driven models for environmental clean-up

Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 108-110).While often seen as utilitarian and technical, environmental remediation efforts have significant cultural, social and physical impacts. Accordingly, they demand responses that utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to the cleanup. The twelve case studies explored in this thesis represent examples of artists taking on leadership roles in environmental remediation projects as part of their artistic practice. The cases represent a unique type of public practice operating at the margins of aesthetics, science and public engagement. An examination of the details of these cases and their categorization along broad themes reveals lessons on where such an approach can be most effective and how, through interdisciplinary efforts, the practice of artists, planners, engineers and designers can be expanded to address the complex layers of environmental remediation. I conclude with seven factors that must be considered if such a model is to gain traction, including, but not limited to: the capacity for leveraging diverse funding sources, the need to acknowledge the professional uniqueness of artists, and the importance of public sector support. These factors point to a set of policy suggestions to help promote areas and approaches for successful interdisciplinary environmental remediation projects in the future. The case studies are organized under four categories. 'Artist-led remediation" cases include Spoils Pile Reclamation Park (Helen and Newton Harrison, 1976-1978), Twin Stupas (Angelo Ciotti, 1987-1996), Wheatfield- A Confrontation (Agnes Denes, 1982), Veden Taika (The Magic of Water) (Jackie Brookner, 2006-2009). "Post-facto artist engagement" cases include Byxbee Park (Peter Richards, Michael Oppenheimer, George Hargreaves, 1988-1992), North Waterfront Park Master Plan (Richard Haag, John Roberts, Agnes Denes, 1989-91), and Wingfield Pines (Allegheny Land Trust, Angelo Ciotti, 2001-2010). Cases where there is an "artist as activator" are New Haven Long Wharf Master Plan (Michael Singer, 1988-1990), Nine Mile Run Watershed Project (STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, 1997-2000), and Fundred/Operation Paydirt (Mel Chin, 2005-present). Lastly, the two "integrated models" explored are Vintondale AMD&ART Park (AMD&ART, 1994-2005) and West Palm Beach Waterfront (Michael Singer Studio, 2005- 2010).by Jessica Fain.M.C.P

Primordial nuclides and low-level counting at Felsenkeller

Within cosmology, there are two entirely independent pillars which can jointly drive this field towards precision: Astronomical observations of primordial element abundances and the detailed surveying of the cosmic microwave background. However, the comparatively large uncertainty stemming from the nuclear physics input is currently still hindering this effort, i.e. stemming from the 2H(p,γ)3He reaction. An accurate understanding of this reaction is required for precision data on primordial nucleosynthesis and an independent determination of the cosmological baryon density. Elsewhere, our Sun is an exceptional object to study stellar physics in general. While we are now able to measure solar neutrinos live on earth, there is a lack of knowledge regarding theoretical predictions of solar neutrino fluxes due to the limited precision (again) stemming from nuclear reactions, i.e. from the 3He(α,γ)7Be reaction. This thesis sheds light on these two nuclear reactions, which both limit our understanding of the universe. While the investigation of the 2H(p,γ)3He reaction will focus on the determination of its crosssection in the vicinity of the Gamow window for the Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the main aim for the 3He(α,γ)7Be reaction will be a measurement of its γ-ray angular distribution at astrophysically relevant energies. In addition, the installation of an ultra-low background counting setup will be reported which further enables the investigation of the physics of rare events. This is essential for modern nuclear astrophysics, but also relevant for double beta decay physics and the search for dark matter. The presented setup is now the most sensitive in Germany and among the most sensitive ones worldwide.Innerhalb der Kosmologie gibt es zwei völlig unabhängige Ansätze, die gemeinsam die Präzision in diesem Gebiet weiter vorantreiben können: Astronomische Beobachtungen der primordialen Elementhäufigkeiten und die detaillierte Vermessung des kosmischen Mikrowellenhintergrunds. Dieses Vorhaben wird derzeit allerdings noch durch die vergleichsweise große Unsicherheit des kernphysikalischen Inputs verhindert, vor allem bedingt durch das limitierte Verständnis der 2H(p,γ)3He-Reaktion. Eine präzise Vermessung dieser Reaktion ist sowohl für die Präzisionsdaten zur primordialen Nukleosynthese erforderlich, als auch für die damit einhergehende unabhängige Bestimmung der kosmologischen Baryonendichte. Des Weiteren ist unsere Sonne ein exzellent geeignetes Objekt, um unser theoretisches Verständnis über die Physik von Sternen mit experimentellen Messungen abgleichen zu können. Während wir heutzutage in der Lage sind, solare Neutrinos in Echtzeit auf der Erde messen können, mangelt es noch an der theoretischen Vorhersagekraft von solaren Neutrinoflüssen. Auch hier ist die Präzision (erneut) begrenzt durch das limitierte Verständnis der beteiligten Kernreaktionen, vor allem bedingt durch mangelnde Kenntnis über die 3He(α,γ)7Be-Reaktion. Die vorliegende Arbeit beleuchtet diese zwei Kernreaktionen, die beide unser Verständnis des Universums auf verschiedene Weise einschränken. Während sich die Untersuchung der 2H(p,γ)3He-Reaktion auf die Bestimmung ihres Wirkungsquerschnitts in der Nähe des Gamow-Fensters für die Urknall-Nukleosynthese konzentriert, ist das Hauptanliegen für die 3He(α,γ)7Be-Reaktion eine Messung der Winkelverteilung der dabei emittierten γ-Strahlung bei astrophysikalisch relevanten Energien. Darüber hinaus wird über die Installation eines Messaufbaus zur Untersuchung niedriger Aktivitäten berichtet, das sich durch seine äußerst geringe Untergrundzählrate auszeichnet. Bedingt durch seine hohe Sensitivität kann dieser Aufbau in Zukunft bedeutende Beiträge für die moderne nukleare Astrophysik leisten und ist darüber hinaus beispielsweise auch relevant für die Untersuchung von Doppel-Betazerfällen oder die Suche nach dunkler Materie. Der präsentierte Aufbau ist nun der Sensitivste seiner Art in Deutschland und gehört zu den Sensitivsten weltweit

Primordial nuclides and low-level counting at Felsenkeller

Within cosmology, there are two entirely independent pillars which can jointly drive this field towards precision: Astronomical observations of primordial element abundances and the detailed surveying of the cosmic microwave background. However, the comparatively large uncertainty stemming from the nuclear physics input is currently still hindering this effort, i.e. stemming from the 2H(p,γ)3He reaction. An accurate understanding of this reaction is required for precision data on primordial nucleosynthesis and an independent determination of the cosmological baryon density. Elsewhere, our Sun is an exceptional object to study stellar physics in general. While we are now able to measure solar neutrinos live on earth, there is a lack of knowledge regarding theoretical predictions of solar neutrino fluxes due to the limited precision (again) stemming from nuclear reactions, i.e. from the 3He(α,γ)7Be reaction. This thesis sheds light on these two nuclear reactions, which both limit our understanding of the universe. While the investigation of the 2H(p,γ)3He reaction will focus on the determination of its cross- section in the vicinity of the Gamow window for the Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the main aim for the 3He(α,γ)7Be reaction will be a measurement of its γ-ray angular distribution at astrophysically relevant energies. In addition, the installation of an ultra-low background counting setup will be reported which further enables the investigation of the physics of rare events. This is essential for modern nuclear astrophysics, but also relevant for double beta decay physics and the search for dark matter. The presented setup is now the most sensitive in Germany and among the most sensitive ones worldwide

The transformation of planning agreements as regulatory instruments in land-use planning in the twentieth century

This thesis assesses critically the role and function of planning agreements as regulatory instruments in the context of land-use control from a historical perspective. By adopting Hancher and Moran's heuristic of regulatory space, the origins of the practice and its development over time are considered against the backdrop of the evolving planning system in England and Wales. The objectives are to identify the various actors present and mechanisms used to regulate agreements and from this to understand more generally the implications of a use of contractual practices for regulatory purposes. Emphasis will be placed on the techniques used by Government in regulating the practice. Whilst established by statutory provision, agreements will be shown to be defined by many actors within a broad policy space and regulated also by those actors in a number of ways. Regulation will be seen to encompass far more than state-sponsored activity and extend a use of many strategies only one of which is law