Date of Award

8-2023

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

Committee Chair(s)

Jake Powell

Committee

Jake Powell

Committee

Daniella Hirschfeld

Committee

Larissa Yocom

Abstract

The wildland urban interface (WUI) is the fastest growing land type in the conterminous United States. These areas are prone to catastrophic wildfire events. In response to rapid population growth, Heber City, Utah is planning a significant amount of development within the WUI. This thesis project is aimed at proactively addressing wildfire risk in the WUI of Heber through two main strategies: regional geospatial planning and public space design to create wildfire resilient communities. Researching principles of wildfire adaptive practice and planning for defensible space led to the development of a list of criteria. This list was developed in the form of a matrix which outlines critical developmental concerns regarding wildfire risk. An assessment was conducted of wildfire risk in relation to development suitability. This process was completed through the use of ArcGIS Pro and Model Builder by ESRI. This software was used to process data, including wildfire risk to potential structures (RPS), depth elevation models to assess slope and ridgelines, and using various datasets that represent ecological systems within the study area that are to be protected. The resulting analysis produced a raster dataset illustrating wildfire resilient development suitability surrounding Heber City. The criteria and suitability model were used to inform the development of five community space design typologies for wildfire resilience. The criteria, suitability model, and community space designs iterate the critical importance of WUI planning and site interventions to have an effective influence on community wildfire resilience.

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