art + design + landscape
FUNCTION
FORM
SPIRIT
Tropos, meaning to turn, or to change, is built on the understanding that time and movement are essential parts of the design process and that change is a key part of the way we experience the world.
Hamilton is known as an industrial center and an arts city. It is also an Eco-city.
The studio's research incorporates performance-based methodology, material studies, and analytical site research that was developed by Lesia Mokrycke in the early stages of her art practice. These methods use a variety of 'experiments' designed to test ideas and allow certain programs to play out in physical space.
Tropos+ is the studio's award winning research space. Our work explores human connection to the land through the arts. Landscape architects have long investigated links between people, health, and nature, while artists play a key role in connecting us with issues of humanity. As part of our work, we explore approaches to science-based questions about art, design and issues of landscape.
We work from this understanding to look at developing underutilized landscapes into naturalized urban spaces, and expand how these environments can support people and wider ecosystems.
Tree Technology
Biodiversity
Ecological Infrastructure
Water
Natural Systems
Community
Tree Index
Research & Mapping
Ecological Planning
Building Conservation Networks
Urban Forest Research
Climate Systems
Atmospheric Research
Form and Function
Material Research
Marginalia
Writing Research
Methods for Writing
Performance Research
Public Art Internment Memorial
Social Engagement
Walking
Relational Architecture: the body in space
Spatial Research
Banff Memorial
Site Research
Monument Trees Citywide
Online exhibition
& public resource
Hamilton is known as an industrial center and an arts city. It is also an Eco-city.
Urban Forest Lab
Our research fosters new approaches to creative engagement, ecology, and social practice that enhance terrestrial ecosystems
Current work
BUILDING CONSERVATION NETWORKS is a creative urban design and public art project conceived by Lesia Mokrycke in 2018 that identifies historic, monumental trees as key anchors in the ecological and cultural life of the city. This large-scale art and urban design project presents a strategy for restoration that re-imagines conservation planning to enhance the urban forest.
Landmark, MONUMENT TREES contain information that give us clues about times past and can nurture stronger and more resilient urban forests. Through mapping the location of pre-settlement trees across the city, our research is laying the groundwork to create ecological infrastructure that can withstand changes in the climate. As cultural symbols, we value elder trees as repositories of memory and a foundation for sense of place.