Reflections: Conclusions

The discussions over locating wind turbines in cities are fascinating ones. I do not claim that we can avoid conflicts between energy production and landscape preservation. However, we can perhaps understand these debates better and in turn adjust our policies and approaches. Our deep feelings over the scenic, cultural, ecological, and economic value of our lands – whether urban or rural – are well illustrated in these cases.

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and the examples on this site attempt to illustrate a number of complex factors that help shape our opinions about the proper relationship between humans and nature, between cities and nature, and between machines and nature. Like the cartoon engraving “Niagara Seen with Different Eyes” (below), we each see the world and our interventions in it differently based on a variety of factors. In the cases presented here these factors include 1) our value of the specific site in question; 2) our sense of control over the development process; 3) our personal ownership (or sense of ownership) over the landscape intervention; and 4) the relationship of our cities to their natural surroundings (itself culturally and historically determined).

Image source: Arthur Lumley, "Niagara Seen with Different Eyes," 1873. (Harper's Weekly, August 9, 1873, courtesy of the Iconographic Collection, Neg. WHi(x3)49508 State Historical Society of Wisconsin)

I am currently working on a Master in City Planning thesis on wind power in urban areas, which will expand upon the themes of this website. Feedback is warmly welcomed.