Integrating and Applying Conservation Development Principles to Commercial Sites: A Business Park in Bristol, TN

Abstract

Throughout history, land has been treated as man's platform for development and expansion into new territories and the basis for our current infrastructure. Understanding existing properties and characteristics of the land has become imperative to successful development and strong networks that connect human beings to one another. As we discover ever changing natural tendencies, we are prone to rethinking the way in which the land is engaged from a developmental and conservational standpoint. Coexisting with natural processes of the earth and the land is of utmost importance to the success of human systems using it as a base for growth.

Land is becoming very scarce as the human race expands its network, which makes the term "Conservation Development" an integral part of the future of infrastructure. Conservation Development is defined as the process of planning, designing, building, and managing communities that preserves landscapes or other community resources that are considered valuable for their aesthetic, environmental, cultural, agricultural, and/or historic values (McMahon, 2010). Critically analyzing potential sites prior to any ground work is vital to successful conservation development. Specifically, Bristol West is a challenging site and as with every site it has specific constraints and opportunities for development. If developed using traditional methods, it has the potential of being built upon without responding to the existing features and natural resources, which could potentially lead to economic and environmental problems. Some problems include wildlife corridor interruptions, flooding problems within the site and contextually, destruction of the character and "sense of place" of Bristol, unsuccessful business applications, and strip development.

The appropriateness of conservation development to a site in Bristol will be examined through analyzing existing topography, natural drainage patterns, wildlife corridors, and relationships to surrounding context. Strip development of the site could hinder the economic and environmental integrity of Bristol, TN if certain issues are not addressed throughout its planning process. Therefore, more responsible development strategies are explored as well as how economically efficient the site can be for its surrounding context and the City of Bristol, Tennessee.