Designs that improve ecological function can also carry cultural meaning by responding to district character

Because design strategies targeted unique districts within Seattle ( SODO, Pioneer Square, and I.D./Chinatown) it was felt they should reflect the forms and materials of these areas. Every district has a unique history of peoples and cultures that speaks through the physical environment in the forms, finishes and materials from which the district is constructed. Changes to a district that are not sensitive to this history are less likely to be embraced by local residents and landowners.

By using the district "language" to guide design, the resulting interventions can act as vehicles for cultural meaning as well as improved biophysical performance