Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab terrace garden

This paragraph appears in search results and previews for this page. In three to five sentences, summarize the whole project from background to result: what you designed, for whom, where and when, why it matters, and how it turned out. Write this last. It should make sense to someone who has never heard of your project, your client, or Humboldt County.

The 2026 Fall semester Engineering 205 class, at Cal Poly Humboldt, has been tasked with designing and revamping the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab's garden space. The Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab is located on the South East corner of campus and their garden is directly behind the lab adjacent to the CCAT area. Our team in particular was tasked with transforming a sloped section of the area into a multi-layered terrace garden.

The objective of this project is to design, build, and test a multi-layered terrace garden for the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab. The terrace garden needs to incorporate appropriate materials and designs that reflect the needs of the Rou Dalagurr Food Soverneigty Lab.

These are the constraints, considerations and criteria used to prompt the terrace garden

These are the constraints given by the Rou Dalagurr Food Soverneigty Lab or decided by the team

• Budget (won’t know until Jaime gets mock up approved)
• Permitting Weather (weather that creates an unsafe environment)
• Plot Size ( 6’ x 8’ (rough estimate))

Considerations are what the design must keep in mind. Introduce the list, e.g., the considerations for this project include:

• How many plants
• How many people in the garden
• Type of plants
• Soil degradation or quality
• UV Rays
• Local Weather
• Volunteer Upkeep

The criteria set to grade the initial and final design for the terrace garden.

Table 1: Critera for the Terrace Garden

Criterion	Weight (0–10, 10 highest)
Aesthetics	7
Accessibility	6
Sustainability	7
Durability	9

The design will be used as its name sake which is a garden. The design will be used almost daily due to the tending of plants and for as long as the lab dictates the need for it to be used. Only one will be made and other may replicate, iterate or change as needed.

The Rou Dalagurr Food Soverignty Lab is dedicated to supporting the preservation and learning of the local indigenous tribe being the weat. This includes surviving history and the local cooperation with Wiyot people.

The garden space is important to the FSL because they would like to continue to grow improve the space eventually for allowing communal use for either more events or leisurely use. This includes the terrace garden which will allow for more use of the given land allowing for better aesthetics and more growing space for indigenous plants.

Describe the client and what matters to them for this project. Sources here are often the client's website, documents, and interviews.

Client interview^[1]

Summary: Who you interviewed, their role, and the key points they shared.

Relevance: Which criteria, constraints, or considerations came from this interview.

Interview

Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab^[2]

Summary: The Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab focuses on upholding indigenous sovereignty through traditional foods and practices. The Food Sovereignty Lab is entirely self funded and therefore relies on community donations and government grants. Food sovereignty is taught at the lab as a way of reconnecting with indigenous heritage and building sustainable food sources through hands-on learning.

Relevance: It is important for us as a team to understand where our client is coming from and what their goals are for our final project. By understanding the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab’s teaching goals we can tailor our project to better match their needs.

Retaining walls are added onto terrace gardens to maintain structure allowing for building and planting in slopped positions.

Wall designs and concepts^[3]

Summary: This website was used to help with research on the structural analysis of retaining walls. It describes the type of retaining walls there are and each purpose of the wall.

Relevance: The purpose of accessing this website is to ascertain information needed to help build the terrace garden. The garden will most likely use some variation of retaining wall so it will be necessary to have information at hand.

Website

This matters to the project at hand because of the physical work and landscaping that is needed.

OSHA^[4]

Summary: The website describes many occupational hazards that can be had with landscaping and the use of tools. It also lists many solutions to the hazards as well as codes that should be followed.

Relevance: This supports the design by allowing for a guideline to follow during work operations as well as safety guidelines for a completed project.

Peer-reviewed journal

Landscape Data Manual^[5]

Summary: This book provides references to many codes and helpful tips to plan a landscaping project.

Relevance: This is helpful to guide the landscaping portion of the project as well as a guide to some regulations and rules.

Book

A critical requirement of the terrace garden is its capacity to support native plants, as requested by the client.

Beginner’s list of native plants to grow in Humboldt County^[6]

Summary: This website is an educational guide that highlights beginner-friendly native plants of Northern California. Specific growing conditions and structural landscaping benefits are provided along with traditional ethnobotanical uses for the listed species.

Relevance: It is important for our group to know which plants are native to Humboldt County. From an ecological standpoint, growing non-native plants could introduce invasive species to the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab garden. This could lead to further habitat disruption, so it is crucial that we are educated on the plants we source.

Website

Native Plants and Climate Change: Indigenous Perspectives Part I^[7]

Summary: This academic journal discusses traditional ecological knowledge and ancestral practices in regards to climate adaptation and ecological restoration in California. The journal discusses how native species support soil health, water retention, and biodiversity.

Relevance: Knowing traditional Indigenous practices regarding native species is important for our group's education. Since the terrace garden is for the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab garden, we should be informed about Traditional Ecological Knowledge while also being able to implement it to demonstrate how native species support their environment.

Peer-reviewed journal

Native and Naturalized Plants for the Home Garden in Northern California^[8]

Summary: This publication by University of California discusses the ecological benefits of incorporating native and naturalized plants into Northern California home gardens. This includes how native species support pollinators, reduce water usage, and resist pests. The publication also guides gardeners in how to evaluate site conditions, choosing species that fit your sun exposure and soil type, and how to source native plants.

Relevance: While we know which native plants to choose, it is essential to determine which plants will thrive within our project lot. Understanding our site's specific conditions is a crucial first step before planting anything. Additionally, recognizing the benefits of native plants, such as attracting pollinators and reducing water usage, helps us see how this terrace garden will improve the health of the entire ecosystem.

Peer-reviewed journal

Botanical decolonization: Rethinking native plants^[9]

Summary: This research paper discusses how European settler colonialism led to the influx of non-native vegetation that disrupts California and the United States ecology. The paper discusses how European settler colonialism led to the Anthropocene, which is the era in which humans are the main driver in climate change. The paper emphasizes acknowledging indigenous environmental management and focusing on local ecological stewardship.

Relevance: It is essential to understand how settler colonialism has affect the region's natural habitat. Acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonization while integrating Indigenous environmental management practices is a crucial consideration for this entire project.

Peer-reviewed research paper

Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping^[10]

Summary: This booklet from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discusses how implementing native plants can improve water quality, curb soil erosion, and create low-input habitats. The guide lists specific plants across the Chesapeake Bay watershed which is not useful for Northern California. However, the references for planning and implementing conservation landscaping is applicable to multiple different climates and geographic locations.

Relevance: Before beginning construction, we must prioritize planning a terrace garden centered around conservation. The garden should support native plants to create a self-sustaining habitat that requires minimal human interference while actively supporting local wildlife.

Book

Proper drainage and drip irrigation systems are critical to maintaining optimal soil moisture, preventing waterlogging, and promoting healthy plant growth and root development within a garden.

Essential Drainage Methods to Prevent Retaining Wall Failure^[11]

Summary: This video covers the essential construction process of installing a proper drainage system behind a retaining wall. Without adequate drainage, water can accumulate behind the wall, increasing hydrostatic pressure and placing additional lateral loads on the structure, which may eventually lead to structural failure. The video provides clear, step-by-step instructions for installing an effective drainage system to reduce water buildup and improve the long-term stability of the retaining wall.

Relevance: Drainage directly affects the structural stability and lifespan of a retaining wall. Water trapped behind the wall increases hydrostatic pressure, creating an additional lateral force that the wall must resist. A properly designed drainage system allows this water to escape, reducing pressure and helping prevent cracking, shifting, overturning, or failure.

Reputable web reference

Summary: This peer-reviewed article from Appropedia presents an equation for estimating the amount of water plants extract from the soil each day. It also provides detailed installation diagrams, estimated costs for implementing a drip irrigation system, and additional information for determining whether drip irrigation is necessary for a particular garden. The implementation of this system will ultimately depend on the client’s needs, preferences, and available resources.

Relevance: Provides both technical and practical information needed to evaluate a drip irrigation system for the terrace garden. The water-use equation can help estimate irrigation requirements, while the installation diagrams and cost estimates support decisions about system design, feasibility, and budgeting.

Peer-Reviewed Research Paper

Drip irrigation for every landscape and all climates, 2nd edition^[13]

Summary: Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates provides comprehensive guidance on the design, installation, and maintenance of efficient drip irrigation systems. It covers essential components such as tubing, emitters, pressure regulation, irrigation scheduling, and system automation. This resource is particularly relevant to terrace garden design because it addresses container irrigation, varying plant water requirements, water conservation strategies, and alternative water sources such as rainwater collection systems.

Relevance: Provides the technical knowledge needed to design an efficient irrigation system specifically suited to a terrace garden. Understanding water requirements, emitter selection, pressure regulation, and irrigation scheduling can help ensure plants receive adequate water while minimizing waste.

Book

Understanding the history of the tribes that run the food sovereignty lab and simply understanding food sovereignty is important as it helps our team to better design and complete our project in a way that aligns with traditional practices.

History of Indigenous People in Humboldt County^[14]

Summary: In Humboldt county there have been seven tribes of indigenous people that call this place home; the Wiyot, Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Tsnungwe, Whilkut, and Mawenok. These tribes have lived on this land for thousands of years and utilized the natural resources of Humboldt to build their homes and livelihood. In the 1850’s white settlers arrived and uprooted the lives of these tribes forever changing the course of these peoples lives and culture.

Relevance: It is important for our team to understand the history of our client and what the tribes of the food sovereignty lab have faced.

Food Sovereignty^[15]

Summary: Food sovereignty first emerged in the 1990’s as a social movement that was directly related to many of the world problems at the time such as climate change and biodiversity threats. Food sovereignty promotes healthy and sustainable food sources that mirror what our ancestors would have consumed in the past. Food sovereignty is a way for people to reconnect with their culture and define their rights to healthy food choices.

Relevance: Food sovereignty is important for people to connect with their culture and provide healthy food options. It is important to understand what the food sovereignty lab is achieving and what food sovereignty means.

In three to six bullets, synthesize what the literature means for your design. Cite the entries above, e.g., <ref name="Author2020" />.

• Takeaway that shaped a criterion or constraint.
• Takeaway that shaped an alternative or the final decision.
• Understanding safety when constructing our terrace garden is crucial for our team and for the clients to enjoy the space we create for them.
• Respecting and implementing Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge is essential for providing a quality product for the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab.
• Incorporating native plants that benefit the environment is vital to projecting the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab's message.

Introduce this section in one to two sentences specific to your project.

Describe four to eight alternatives, each under its own 'step template' as shown below and each with a catchy, descriptive name.

Continue this for the four to eight alternatives you have.

Introduce this section in one to two sentences specific to your project.

Define each criterion from Table 1 as it is used to judge the alternatives. These are definitions, not constraints. For example, the constraint on cost is the budget, but cost might be defined as the cost of materials only, or as materials plus operation and maintenance. If your criteria changed, update Table 1 so the two match.

Cost

Definition...

Taste

Definition...

Explain the decision process your team used (e.g., decision matrix, Pugh chart). First person is appropriate here. Refer to the table, e.g., Table 2 summarizes the decision matrix.

Table 2: Decision matrix. Scores are 0-10; weighted totals are the sum of weight × score.

Criterion	Weight	Alternative A	Alternative B	Alternative C
Cost	10	7	5	9
Taste	7	8	9	4
Weighted total		126	113	118

Name the chosen solution and justify it with reference to the criteria and Table 2.

Show your most impactful prototypes from earliest to final. Include at least one prototype for function (does it work? e.g., testing a mechanism, material, or dimension) and at least one prototype for desire (will people want to use it? e.g., a mockup shown to the client or users for feedback). Each caption should say what the prototype is, whether it tested function or desire, and what you learned from it. Early sketches, failed attempts, and photos of materials and hands at work all help tell the story.

• 
  Prototype for desire: cardboard mockup of ... shown to the client. We learned that ...
• 
  Prototype for function: test of ... We learned that ...

Describe the final design, starting with the big picture and then going into detail. Use labeled images and refer to them in the text. This is usually a big section.

• 
  CAD drawing of ... by Yourname1.
• 
  Drawing of ... by Yourname2.

Give a complete description of how the final design is built, with lots of images, so someone else could replicate it. Use one {{Step}} per step. This is much easier to write as descriptive (what you did) instead of prescriptive (what another person should do), but you can take either approach.

Introduce the timeline in one to two sentences, then show it as a table with columns for date, description, and status. Post a proposed timeline early in the semester and update it at the end to show the actual timeline. Say how well your team met it and why dates changed.

Table 3: Project timeline.

Date	Description	Status
Month Day, 2026	Background and problem statement posted	Complete
Month Day, 2026	Literature review posted	Complete
Month Day, 2026	First prototype built	In progress
Month Day, 2026	Final design installed and tested	Not started

Introduce the three kinds of cost below in one to two sentences.

Show the total human hours your team spent outside of class, grouped into categories (e.g., research, brainstorming, prototyping, construction, documentation). Three teammates working for one hour is three human hours. Include a pie chart image and refer to it, e.g., Figure # shows...

Introduce the costs to build the design, including donations and reused materials. Note whether costs are actual or proposed. If replication would cost a different amount, say so.

Item	Amount	Cost per unit	Total
Thing - from the thing store — Purchased	3	USD 5.75	USD 17.25
Another thing - 3' x 2', yellow — Donated by ...	1	USD 0.00	USD 0.00
PrintGrand total			USD 17.25EUR 14.84 <br />GBP 12.59 <br />CAD 21.39 <br />MXN 359.66 <br />INR 1,291.16 <br />

Introduce the ongoing costs in time and money, usually per year.

Table 4: Yearly maintenance cost.

Task	Frequency	Time per year (hours)	Cost per year (USD)
Example task	Monthly	2	0.00
Total		2	0.00

Introduce how to use the design, then give step-by-step instructions with labeled images. Use {{Step}} if the process has more than a few steps. A short video is a great addition:

Introduce this maintenance section. Answer these questions:

• Are there any needed actions for maintenance?
• How often?
• Who should perform maintenance?

This is when to maintain what. Please keep the format the same as it can be used to auto-populate maintenance tables.

Daily

• A daily task
• A daily task

Weekly

• a weekly task
• a weekly task

Monthly

• a monthly task
• a monthly task

Yearly

• a yearly task
• a yearly task

Every __ years

• task
• task

Give step-by-step maintenance instructions, using {{Step}} if helpful.

Describe how you tested the final design and what the results were. Compare the results to your criteria, e.g., in a table like Table 5.

Table 5: Final design performance against criteria.

Criterion	Constraint	Result	Met?
Cost	Less than or equal to $3 per ounce	$2.50 per ounce	Yes

Discuss what the testing results mean.

Discuss what your team learned and what you would do differently next time.

Discuss next steps for the project as it goes on into the future.

Cover basic operating problems only. For complex issues, the suggestion might be to contact ________.

Problem	Suggestion
Example issue	Example solution or suggestion
Does not turn on	Make sure it is plugged in.
Another issue	Etc.

Include an inspirational video for sharing.

Introduce the team and semester, e.g., This project was completed in SEMESTER YEAR by Team TEAMNAME:

• Lonny Grafman
• Emilio Velis
• One bullet for each team member, in the format [[User:Username|Full Name]].