-Waste +Substrate: Designing the Informal Waste Landscape

WASTE SUBSTRATE Calvin Tan

2019-2020 / GP2 Design Pamphlet

WASTE SUBSTRATE D ESI G N I N G TH E I N FO RMAL WASTE LAN DSCAPE Calvin Tan

Faculty Advisor / Fionn Byrne GP1 Supervisor / Kees Lokman GP2 Supervisor / Susan Herrington

ABSTRACT

I

This thesis explores the role of landscape architecture in spatializing the dematerialization and contamination of informal waste landscapes that have emerged in Accra due to global consumption. As a design response, it speculates how waste and excess can become a driver in creating an alternative future that fosters new social, ecological, and economic interactions while addressing the complexities and challenges that have arisen due to these landscapes.

Waste and excess give rise to new landscapes. To confront them, we can restructure our preconceptions and negative connotations of these wastelands and its associated actors that have been rendered invisible and excluded. The proposed design critiques the binary of the contaminated landscape and remediated landscape and alternatively seeks to find a co-existence of the two by drawing out the potential reciprocity between them. As a result, a tension is created between the aesthetics of remediation and containment. There is both beauty and ugliness in the process of regeneration and decomposition.

II

CONTENTS

III

I

III

01

Abstract

Table of Contents

Project Essay

03

13

15

Emergence of Informal Waste Landscapes

Spatializing the Informal Waste Landscape

Globalization of Accra

17

39

41

Contamination of Accra

Designing the Informal Waste Landscape

Waste to Substrate

45

63

81

Remediate

Containment

Acknowledgements

IV

PROJECT ESSAY

-Waste +Substrate is a design thesis that explores the role of landscape architecture in spatializing the dematerialization and contamination of informal waste landscapes that have emerged in Accra due to global consumption and geopolitical decisions. It seeks to uncover the informal waste landscape as a refuge for the marginalized contended across multiple sectors. There is ecological and economic uncertainty and disparity that exist within these contested landscapes, and to intervene, we must acknowledge and address the actors that are rendered invisible. This project speculates how waste and excess can become a driver in creating an alternative future that fosters new social, ecological, and economic interactions while addressing the complexities and challenges that have arisen due to these landscapes.

Our perception and attitudes towards waste are deeply rooted in history. The concept of the wasteland is closely associated with the 18th-century anti-picturesque landscape ideals that have drawn and evoked emotions of fear, hatred, contempt, and disgust.1 However, these ideals remain evident today in our contemporary aesthetics, attitudes and opinions toward waste landscapes. They have become a social and cultural tool of discrimination and moral judgement that have condemned the landscape on to repellent animals and the excluded members of society that it supports.2 However, a wasteland is also a place that not only encompasses many opportunities and new energies, but also elicits risk-taking, inventions, and imagination. They are then arenas that free the marginalized from the bounds of tradition and moral prejudice.3 In more recent events, the e-waste crisis in Accra has produced a contested wasteland of many complexities and challenges.

01

The globalization of Accra in the last two decades is largely due to the e-waste boom where there was a significant growth in e-waste trading across the globe. A record of 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste generated globally was observed in 2016, and that number is expected to increase annually by 3-4% and double by 2050.4 The movement of e-waste stretches across oceans and borders, and expands beyond the centers of consumerism, becoming one of the largest worldwide operational landscapes, or what Neil Brenner defines as planetary urbanization.5 The import of e-waste has transformed the landscape both economically and ecologically through urbanization along the floodplains of Accra. E-waste extraction has become a catalyst for the emergence of waste disposal along the floodplain, which in turn contaminated and polluted the landscape. The disproportionate effects of the global e-waste trades are then felt by the people living in informal settlements around the scrapyard whose lives heavily depend on the economy of extraction as they become increasingly exposed to the risk of contamination.

Historically, the Accra floodplain was once a rich tropical wetland that facilitated commercial fisheries and recreation.

Up until the 1960s, the wetland served not only as a sacred hub that facilitated the movement of indigenous communities and traders, but also as a habitat for large populations of aquatic biota and birds.6 The floodplain gradually became more industrialized and urbanized over time and it was not until the 1980s that the City of Accra started seeing rapid informal urbanization along the floodplain, primarily due to the spike in e-waste import. The Agbogbloshie Scrapyard became a refuge for immigrants from Northern Ghana during times of declining economies

and political conflicts.7 Consequently, e-waste extraction became a source of income for these communities, and the city itself experienced a significant economic and ecological transformation. One of the more notable ecological transformations is the downstream pollution of the Korle Lagoon, where high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, PCB leachates, and excess nutrients restrict the lagoon from supporting aquatic life. However, these waste landscapes support a different group of species instead — seagulls, rodents, bacteria and fungi now occupy the land.

They function as scavengers and decomposers that strive in the contaminated and polluted landscape. Although they are repellent and can be seen with disgust, they provide value to the ecologies of the waste landscape. Thus, the scrapyard provides not only refuge for the marginalized, but also habitat for the species that we, as the human species, find condemning.

There are currently plans from national and local governments as well as non-government organizations to restore the lagoon, but these plans always result in a conflict of interest between the restoration of the lagoon and the informal occupancy of the scrapyard. As landscape architects, we are often confronted with the task of transforming the built environment for the better.

But, with this scale and level of contamination along with the many complexities that exist with it, full remediation of the lagoon may seem insoluble. Additionally, these landscapes are geopolitically driven and heavily influenced by external political decisions. With the obstacles in implementing solutions locally, the design project imagines an extreme future where external political decisions ban the transboundary movement of e-waste into Accra. In a post e-waste Accra, there would be an economic decline in the informal e-waste sector, thus revealing an uncertain future for the inhabitants of the scrapyard. Informal waste disposal will continue to occur on-site and contamination to last for several years.

However, this presents the potential for design to go beyond just remediating the waste landscape. Instead, it expands the field of landscape architecture to work with the logistical implementation of the Green New Deal to address both the ecological and economic disparity that lies within the landscape. This project is a call for participation and cleanup as a collective that transforms the labour force to work with the potential of waste and excess as a substrate for land building. It addresses both the values of the scrapyard and the lagoon by drawing the potential reciprocity between them and proposes a co-existence of the two landscape

typologies: the containment of the scrapyard and the remediation of the lagoon. By reconceptualizing waste and excess as a binding agent and material exchange between these two landscapes, an alternative socio-economic system is created to legitimize the occupancy of the floodplain.

The lagoon is deployed with topographic modules that are replicated across the site to purify the water and to control its movement in order to generate suitable habitat and substrate through sedimentation and controlled eutrophication. These modules are to be low-tech to allow for a diverse workforce to be employed in the project.

Flamingos and zooplanktons occupy the lagoon feeding on the excess algae. Workers collect dredge and algae to be used for substrate. The scrapyard moves away from the traditional method of capping. Instead, it is contained by a perimeter berm that defines the scrapyard as a landscape of risk and experimentation. Within the perimeter, workers separate, stockpile and convert waste material into substrate suitable for land building. Linear plantings of columnar trees become a natural windbreak and screen that allows for the deposition and filtration of odour and dust particles.

Scavengers and decomposers remain present and vital in the overall function of the scrapyard.

We are presented with the ability to include and exclude in our design. We make value judgements on the actors that we design for, but what are the thresholds that constitute our decisions? This project critiques the negative perceptions that we have toward wastelands. Waste and excess give rise to new landscapes. To confront our toxic legacy, we can restructure our preconceptions and negative connotations of these wastelands and its associated actors that have been rendered invisible and excluded. A co-existence of a contaminated landscape and remediated landscape is critical to the future of Accra’s floodplain. By drawing out the potential reciprocity between them, it can reveal a new socio-economic and ecological system that will foster new interactions. There is a tension that exists between these two landscapes; perhaps it is the beauty and ugliness of regeneration and decomposition.

1. Di Palma, Vittoria. Wasteland: A History. Yale University Press, New Haven, 2014, 5.

2. Ibid, 10.

3. Engler, Mira, and Center for American Places. Designing America’s Waste Landscapes. J. Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2004, 36-37.

4. Baldé, C. P., et al. The Global E-Waste Monitor: Quantities, Flows, and Resources. United Nations University (UNU), 2017.

5. Brenner, Neil. GSD Urban Theory Lab, www.urbantheorylab.net/vision/.

6. Little, Peter C., and Grace A. Akese. “Centering the Korle Lagoon: Exploring Blue Political Ecologies of E-Waste in Ghana.” Journal of Political Ecology, 2019, 454.

7. Ibid, 451.

02

EMERGENCE OF INFORMAL WASTE LANDSCAPES

03

“This emergent condition of planetary urbanization means, paradoxically, that even spaces that lie well beyond the traditional centers of agglomeration—from worldwide shipping lanes, transportation networks and communications infrastructures to resource extraction sites, alpine and coastal tourist enclaves, offshore financial centers, agro-industrial catchment zones, and erstwhile “natural” spaces such as the world’s oceans, deserts, jungles, mountain ranges, tundra and atmosphere—are becoming integral to a worldwide operational landscape for (capitalist) urbanization processes.”

— Neil Brenner, Planetary Urbanization (Harvard GSD Urban Theory Lab)

04

GLOBAL E-WASTE TRADE

Isolated world map representing the participants of the global e-waste trade

05

06

MATERIAL COMPOSITION

Diagram identifying the typical material composition of e-waste and the bioindicators of e-waste contamination 07

08

Left: Consumers at the Apple Store, right: Workers at the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard (Wikimedia Commons) 09

10

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Infographic comparison between San Francisco and Accra

11

ACCRA, GHANA

12

SPATIALIZING THE INFORMAL WASTE LANDSCAPE

13

“The concept of the wasteland has—with both positive and negative consequences—enabled the formulation of a landscape ideal, influenced our management of natural resources, colored our attitudes toward newly discovered territories, and directed our attitudes toward pollution and waste. The ideas, attitudes, and beliefs associated with the concept of wasteland may have deep historical roots, but they continue to inflect our attitudes and opinions.”

— Vittoria Di Palma, Introduction (Wasteland: A History, 2014)

14

GLOBALIZATION OF ACCRA

15

Timeline of Accra and the establishment of Agbogbloshie

Historically, the Accra floodplain was once a rich tropical wetland that supported a diverse population of aquatic biota and birds. The floodplain gradually became industrialized and urbanized over time. It was not untill the 1980s that the City of Accra observed rapid informal urbanization along the floodplain. Paired with the spike in e-waste import and the declining economies and politcal conflicts, the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard was established as a common for immigrants across Ghana. E-waste extraction became a source of income for these communities.

16

ACCRA / CONTAMINATION “The Korle Lagoon is an urban marine space of intensive land use, toxic waste disposal, social life, and urban ecological restoration.”

— Peter Little & Grace Akese (Centering the Korle Lagoon: Exploring Blue Political Ecologies of E-Waste in Ghana, 2019)

17

Site plan of Accra identifying the sites of contamination and pollution

18

THE PORT

5

1 TRANSPORT

1 TRANSPORT Emissions from freighters contribute to global warming.

2 UNLOADING Discharge 5 RAILWAYof oil and ballast water contaminate the marine environment.

E-waste is transported by rail to Metropolitan Accra and the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard.

ater nment. to

The Meridian Port Services controls the import and export of goods.

3 PORT SERVICE

3 PORT SERVICE

Discharge of oil and ballast water contaminate the marine environment.

The Meridian Port Se the import and export

RAILWAY 25 UNLOADING

3 PORT SERVICE

4 PROCESSING

Discharge oil and ballast water E-waste isof transported by rail to contaminate marine Metropolitanthe Accra andenvironment. the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard.

3 PORT SERVICE

ribute

ontrols s.

2 UNLOADING

Emissions from freighters contribute to global warming.

The Meridian Port Services controls the import and export of goods.

Electronics are proces multiple stackeholders their functionality.

4 PROCESSING

The Meridian Port Services controls the import and export of goods.

Electronics are processed through multiple stackeholders depending on their functionality.

4 PROCESSING Electronics are processed through multiple stackeholders depending on their functionality.

ANNO 4 3

4 PROCESSING Electronics are processed through multiple stackeholders depending on their functionality.

ANNO

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, site plan of the port

19

ANNO Gulf of Guinea

Ea

stg

ate

Rd

Ha

rbo

rR

d

1

Tema Port

2

0

25

50

150 m

N

THE PORT

E-waste begins its journey at the Port of Tema. Here e-waste is imported from multiple countries through large freighters.

Freighters produce large amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. During the process unloading contaminants are released through oil and ballast water discharge. These contaminants diffuse into the sediments of the gulf and the aquatic biota. Once unloaded, e-waste is handled through multiple stakeholders depending on their functionality. In most cases, they are transported to the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard and processed through the informal e-waste sector.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, section perspective of the port

21

2 WORKSHOPS

Accumulation 1 DUMPING and leaching of PCBs and heavy metals from plastics and Accumulation and leaching of PCBs metal scraps. and heavy metals from plastics and metal scraps.

2 WORKSHOPS

3 MARKET

Toxic fumes from the informal INFORMAL SETTLEMENT 25 WORKSHOPS dismantling and burning of electronics Toxic fumes from the informal Inhabitants are constantly exposed to for valuable metals. dismantling and burning of electronics the toxic environment created by the for valuable metals. informal e-waste sector.

3 MARKET

Toxic fumes from the informal INFORMAL SETTLEMENT 25 WORKSHOPS dismantling and burning of electronics Inhabitants constantly exposed to Toxic fumes are from the informal INFORMAL SETTLEMENT 5 valuable for metals. the toxic environment created by the dismantling and burning of electronics Inhabitants are constantly exposed to informal e-waste sector. for valuable metals. the toxic environment created by the informal e-waste sector.

36 MARKET CHURCH

Produce are exposed to the CHURCH 36 MARKET contaminated dust particles and can Health risk the nearby International Produce aretoexposed to the 6 CHURCH cause carcinogenic effects through Central Gospel Church. contaminated dust particles and can Health risk to the nearby International ingestion. cause carcinogenic effects through Central Gospel Church. ingestion.

47 LIVESTOCK RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Livestock freely roam the scrapyard Health risk to the nearby FACILITIES 7 RECREATIONAL and can be carriers of dangerous reacreational facilities.

Health risk to the nearby pathogens. reacreational facilities.

4 LIVESTOCK 7 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Livestock freely roam the scrapyard Health to the nearby and canrisk be carriers of dangerous reacreational facilities. pathogens.

ANNO ANNO

3 MARKET

Produce are exposed to the CHURCH 36 MARKET contaminated dust particles and can Produce areto exposed to theInternational Health risk the nearby cause carcinogenic effects through contaminated dust particles and can Central Gospel Church. ingestion. cause carcinogenic effects through ingestion.

4 LIVESTOCK Livestock freely roam the scrapyard RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 47 LIVESTOCK and can be carriers of dangerous Health risk to the nearby Livestock freely roam the scrapyard FACILITIES 7 RECREATIONAL pathogens. reacreational facilities. and can be carriers of dangerous Health risk to the nearby pathogens. reacreational facilities.

Livestock freely roam RECREATIONAL FAC 47 LIVESTOCK and can be carriers of Livestock freely roam Health risk to the neat pathogens. and can be carriers of reacreational facilitie pathogens.

ANNO

ANNO ANNO

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, site plan of the scrapyard

23

6

4 LIVESTOCK

dW

1 DUMPING

aretoexposed to the osed to Produce Health risk the nearby International 6 CHURCH ctronics contaminated dust particles and can by the Central Gospel Church. osed to Health risk to the nearby International cause carcinogenic effects through by the Central Gospel Church. ingestion.

national nd can ough

2 WORKSHOPS

Toxic fumes from the informal Produce are exposed dismantling and burning of electronics contaminated dust pa for valuable metals. cause carcinogenic ef ingestion.

Disassembly / Burning Soil Contamination Extents Soil Contamination Concentration

gR

1 DUMPING Accumulation and leaching of PCBs and heavy metals from plastics and metal scraps.

Rin

PCBs s and PCBs and

THE SCRAPYARD

Ab

os

e-

7

Ok

ai

Rd

1

3

Riv

er

f Runof

Od

aw

2 4

5

ds

in W

0

25

50

100 m

N

THE SCRAPYARD

Within the Agbogbloshie Scrapyard, workers ranging from teenagers to adults, re-extract electronic parts for valuable metals. Direct contamination and pollution occur through dismantling, burning and leaching. The scrapyard is not only occupied by the workers — non-human species such as seagulls, rodents, and livestock roam the landscape and can become carriers of dangerous pathogens. However, these species form a new ecology associated with the scavenging and decomposing of waste material.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, section perspective of the scrapyard

25

nd can ough

nd can can nd ough ough

O

THE MARKET

VEGETABLES MARKET MARKET 12 YAM Produce are exposed to the contaminated dust particles and can cause carcinogenic effects through ingestion.

INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS MARKET 23 VEGETABLES Inhabitants constantly Produce are are exposed to the exposed to the toxic environment created bycan the contaminated dust particles and informal e-waste sector. cause carcinogenic effects through ingestion.

INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS MARKET 23 VEGETABLES Inhabitants constantly Produce are are exposed to theexposed to the toxic environment created bycan the contaminated dust particles and informal e-waste sector. cause carcinogenic effects through ingestion.

INDUSTRIALSETTLEMENTS FACTORIES 34 INFORMAL Concentration different land usesto Inhabitants areofconstantly exposed contribute to the contestation the toxic environment created of bythe the landscape. informal e-waste sector.

ANNO ANNO

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, site plan of the market

27

ANNO

FACTORIES 43 INDUSTRIAL INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS Concentration different land usesto Inhabitants areofconstantly exposed contribute to the contestation the toxic environment created of bythe the landscape. informal e-waste sector.

4 INDUSTRIAL FACTORIES Concentration of different land uses contribute to the contestation of the landscape.

4 INDUSTRIAL FACTOR

Concentration of differ contribute to the conte landscape.

THE MARKET

Adjacent to the scrapyard are the diverse markets and informal settlements that contribute to the cultural identity of the landscape. According to recent health reports, a large percentage of the inhabitants reveal high levels of heavy metals and signs of carcinogenic effects. Air quality data from nearby stations reveal high traces of heavy metals found in the dust particles.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, section perspective of the market

29

THE LAGOON

1 TRAP DAM

1 TRAP DAM Sediment supply to the Korle Lagoon is reduced due to the construction of a trap dam.

2 RUNOFF Bypass of contaminated sediments 5 SWIMMING (heavy metals and PCBs) pollute the Diffused contaminated sediments are lagoon. transported along the shores of the beaches and can be directly ingested.

ents te the nts are f the gested.

Solid waste disposal along the banks of the lagoon due to the lack of waste management facilities.

3 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

Solid waste disposal a of the lagoon due to t management facilities

SWIMMING 25 RUNOFF

3 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

4 FISHING

Bypass ofcontaminated contaminatedsediments sedimentsare Diffused (heavy metalsalong and PCBs) pollute the transported the shores of the lagoon. beaches and can be directly ingested.

Solid waste disposal along the banks of the lagoon due to the lack of waste management facilities.

Opportunity for fishing is reduced to the downstream mouth of the lagoon.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, site plan of the lagoon

31

Solid waste disposal along the banks of the lagoon due to the lack of waste management facilities.

4 FISHING Opportunity for fishing is reduced to the downstream mouth of the lagoon.

4 FISHING Opportunity for fishing is reduced to the downstream mouth of the lagoon.

4 FISHING

ANNO

3 SOLID WASTE DISP

Bypass of contaminated sediments (heavy metals and PCBs) pollute the lagoon.

3 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

Lagoon ion of a

banks f waste

2 RUNOFF

Sediment supply to the Korle Lagoon is reduced due to the construction of a trap dam.

ANNO

ANNO

Opportunity for fishing the downstream mouth

1

2

ve sberg A

Korle

Lago

on

Guggi

3

4 5

d

C

dR lelan

ift

Gulf of Guinea

Lo

r

ho

s ng

r eD

0

60

120

240 m

N

THE LAGOON

Downstream, the Korle Lagoon has become a cesspool of contamination and pollution from the by-products of informal waste extraction and disposal. The lack of waste and wastewater management facilities for the urbanization of the floodplain has turned the banks of the lagoon into an open waste disposal site. Trap dams reduce the flow of water through the lagoon. The polluted water and sediments are directly released into the Gulf of Guinea.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, section perspective of the lagoon

33

Clel and Rd nn an

erm Rd

sported iffused

Ba

sported iffused

THE HARBOUR

SWIMMING 12 FISHING

FISH MARKET 23 SWIMMING

Diffused contaminated are Contaminated sedimentsediments is transported transported along the shores of the through longshore drifts and diffused beaches and canbiota. be directly ingested. into the aquatic

2 SWIMMING

3 FISH MARKET

Diffused contaminated sediments are transported along the shores of the beaches and can be directly ingested.

Consumption of fish containing high levels of heavy metals can be dangerous to the health of the local communities.

ANNO Fort James

ANNO

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, site plan of the harbour

35

3 FISH MARKET

Consumption of fish containing Diffused contaminated sedimentshigh are levels of heavy metals can beof the transported along the shores dangerous the be health of the local beaches andtocan directly ingested. communities.

ANNO

Consumption of fish containing high levels of heavy metals can be dangerous to the health of the local 3 communities.

1 Dock

Gulf of Guinea

2 Lon

gsh

ore

Dri

ft

0

10

20

40 m

N

THE HARBOUR

The harbours of Accra are the most active locations for commercial fisheries. Seafood makes up a large portion of the city’s eating habits. Contaminated sediments from the lagoon are directly released into the gulf. It is transported by longshore drifts along the coast and eventually makes its way into the harbours. The scale of contamination and pollution transcends beyond the site of extraction. E-waste moves across Accra, manifesting itself into the ecologies and economies of the landscape.

Ecologies and morphologies of e-waste, section perspective of the harbour

37

DESIGNING THE INFORMAL WASTE LANDSCAPE

39

“Design, as we know it today, is characterized by beliefs in the agency of the designer and in the potential of design to transform the human-built world for the better. William Morris shared these convictions, but he also had strong doubts about them. He expanded the concept of design to include the labor process as part of the design process. [...] his coming to terms with the forces of modern civilization without illusion or evasion—provides a model for designers who today who face political and environmental problems that seem and perhaps are insoluble. [...] Giving design the burden of changing history may be too heavy a load for it to bear. There may be other ways that design can make the world a better place, through rethinking what ‘design’ is and does.”

— Rosalind Williams, Redesigning Geographies 09: Posthuman, 2018)

Design

(New

40

WASTE TO SUBSTRATE

This design project is situated in the post e-waste Accra.

Geopolitical decisions and external policies banned the transboundary movement of e-waste. The Informal e-waste sector experiences an economic decline, thus increasing the uncertainty and disparity that already exists. Informal waste disposal continues to occur on the scrapyard and floodplain.

Contamination and pollution levels remain present and are expected to last for several years.

As landscape architects, we have an obligation to transform the built environment for the better. But, with this scale and level of contamination along with the many complexities that the Accra floodplain poses, full remediation of the lagoon may seem insoluble. However, this presents the potential for design to go beyond just a remediation project.

Instead, it expands the field of landscape architecture to work with the logistical implementation of the Green New Deal to address both the ecological and economic disparity that lies within the landscape. This project is a call for participation and cleanup as a collective that transforms the labour force to work with the potential of waste and excess as a substrate for land building. It addresses both the values of the scrapyard and the lagoon by drawing the potential reciprocity between them. A co-existence of the two landscape typologies: the containment of the scrapyard and the remediation of the lagoon is critical to solving the 41

economic and ecological disparity along the floodplain.

By reconceptualizing waste and excess as a binding agent and material exchange between these two landscapes, an alternative socio-economic system is created to not only legitimize the occupancy of the floodplain but also foster new social, ecological, and economic interactions.

The remediation of the lagoon deploys topographic modules that are replicated across the site to purify the water its movement in order to generate suitable habitat and substrate through sedimentation and controlled eutrophication. These Modules are to be low-tech to allow for a diverse workforce to be employed in the project. Flamingos and zooplanktons occupy the lagoon feeding on the excess algae. Workers collect dredge and algae to be used for substrate. The containment of the scrapyard moves away from the traditional method of capping. Instead, it is contained by a perimeter berm that defines the scrapyard as a landscape of risk and experimentation. Within the perimeter, workers separate, stockpile and convert waste material into substrate suitable for land building. Linear plantings of columnar trees become a natural windbreak and screen that allows for the deposition and filtration of odour and dust particles.

Scavengers and decomposers remain present and vital in the overall function of the scrapyard.

Exploded axonometric identifying the layers of the alternative socio-economic system, material exchange and the actors and species of the operational landscape 42

REMEDIATE VS. CONTAINMENT

Technical sections representing the organization of aesthetics and actions of species, left: remediate, right: containment 43

44

LAGOON / REMEDIATE re·​m e·​d i·​a te, noun 1. to improve something or correct something that is wrong 2. to change or stop damage to the environment

45

Bird’s-eye perspective of the topographic modules replicated across the lagoon and merging of the socio-economic and ecological system 46

MODULE SIMULATIONS

Simulations of the topographic modules to experiment and visualize the consequences of different arrangements in relation to water flow, fill and sedimentation 47

48

OPERATIONS

Section across the lagoon showing the operations and interactions of waste and excess

49

50

88

7 7

6 6 4 2

77

8

5

66 4 4

2 28

7

44

3 3 1 1

5 5

7

1 1

5 5

4 4

2 2

3 3 1 MODULES

2 DREDGED MATERIAL

11 Deployment of low-tech topographic

modules that manipulate water flow to create various conditions.

33 1 MODULES Deployment 1 MODULESof low-tech topographic

1

2 DREDGED MATERIAL

Dredge material and excess fill are GENERAL LABOURERS MATERIAL 25 DREDGED modules that manipulate water flow to stockpiled on site to be usedfill as are genral Employment of aand less experienced Deployment of low-tech topographic Dredge material excess create various conditions.water flow to stockpiled fill forforce the on modules. work to site undergo modules that manipulate to be general used as labour genral thatfor will the larger create various conditions. fill theassist modules. socio-economic system.

2 DREDGED MATERIAL 3 SUBSTRATE GENERAL LABOURERS TRANSPORTERS 5 6 DREDGED MATERIAL 2 3 SUBSTRATE raphic Dredge material and excess fill are Harvested algae are utilized in the rraphic flow to Dredge stockpiled on site to be used as genral contruction ofofgabion units that are Employment of aand lessexcess experienced Employment transport drivers to material fill are Harvested algae are utilized in the LABOURERS 5 GENERAL 6 TRANSPORTERS

r flow to

fill forforce the on modules. work toof undergo general stockpiled site to beexperienced used as labour genral Employment a less that will assist the larger fill for the modules. work force to undergo general labour socio-economic system. that will assist the larger

deployed asofgeneral for the move substrate from fill one site to are contruction units that Employment ofgabion transport drivers to modules. as general fill for the another. deployed move substrate from one site to modules. another.

36 SUBSTRATE TRANSPORTERS algae are utilized in the TRANSPORTERS Harvested algae are utilized in theto 6Harvested Employment of transport drivers

MACHINEOPERATORS OPERATORS 474 MACHINE GABION SHELL Employment of experienced work SHELL Employment ofmade experienced work 7 GABION Weaved shell from scrapped

socio-economic 3 SUBSTRATE system.

ll are l are nced as genral contruction of gabion units that are genral Employment contruction of gabion units that labour move substrate from one site to are ced transport drivers deployed as of general fill for the to deployed as general fill for the another. labour move substrate from one site to modules. modules. another.

ners theto rs to at are to o e

pped ntegrity

3

1

MACHINE OPERATORS GABIONSHELL SHELL 747 GABION

Dredge material and excess fill are stockpiled on site to be used as genral fill for the modules.

3 SUBSTRATE

3 SUBSTRATE

Harvested algae are utiliz contruction of gabion unit deployed as general fill fo modules.

4 MACHINE OPERATORS

Harvested algae are utilized in the TRANSPORTERS 36 SUBSTRATE contruction ofofgabion units that are Employment transport drivers to Harvested algae are utilized in the deployed asofgeneral for the move substrate from fill one sitethat to are contruction gabion units modules. as general fill for the another. deployed modules.

4 MACHINE OPERATORS GABION SHELL OPERATORS 47 MACHINE Employment of experienced work force to operate machineries such as Weaved shell from scrapped Employment ofmade experienced work SHELL 7 GABION

Employment of experience GABION SHELL OPERATORS 47 MACHINE force to operate machineri Weaved shellofmade from s Employment experienced lifts. metaltotooperate retain the structu force machinerie

2

of the compacted algae. lifts.

8 COMPACTED ALGAE Algae is compacted ALGAEand pl 8 COMPACTED

lifts. metaltotooperate retain the structural integrity a gabion shell. The algae w force machineries such as Weaved shell made from scrapped Algae is compacted and pla of the compacted algae. as substrate that will decom lifts. metal to retain the structural integrity a gabion shell. The algae w time and improve soildecom qual of the compacted algae. as substrate that will

8 COMPACTED ALGAE ALGAEand placed inside 8 COMPACTED Algae is compacted

time and improve soil qual

AXO 01 / CONSTRUC

force to operate machineries such as force machineries as metaltotooperate retain the structuralsuch integrity a gabion shell. The algae will beinside used Weaved Algae is compacted and placed lifts. shell made from scrapped lifts. of the to compacted substrate that will decompose over metal retain thealgae. structural integrity aasgabion shell.

The algae will be used time and improve soildecompose quality. over of the compacted algae. as substrate that will time and improve soil quality.

AXO 01 / CONSTRUCT AXO 01 / CONSTRUCT

COMPACTEDALGAE ALGAE 88 COMPACTED

Employment experienced work Weaved shellofmade from scrapped Algae is compacted and placed inside Weaved shell made from scrapped Algae is compacted and placed inside force machineries as metaltotooperate retain the structuralsuch integrity a gabion shell. The algae will be used metal to retain the structural integrity a gabion shell. The algae will be used lifts. of the compacted algae. as substrate that will decompose over of the compacted algae. as substrate that will decompose over time and improve soil quality. time and improve soil quality.

AXO 01 / CONSTRUCT AXO 01 / CONSTRUCT

8 COMPACTED ALGAE

Algae is compacted and placed inside a gabion shell. The algae will be used as substrate that will decompose over 51 time and improve soil quality.

1 MODULES Deployment of low-tech topographic modules that manipulate water flow to create various conditions.

2

Dr sto fill

8

CONSTRUCT

7 6

4

1

5 3

DREDGED MATERIAL

redge material and excess fill are ockpiled on site to be used as genral l for the modules.

3 SUBSTRATE Harvested algae are utilized in the contruction of gabion units that are deployed as general fill for the

4 MACHINE OPERATORS Employment of experienced work force to operate machineries such as lifts.

52

5

1 1

4 4 3

2 2

5 5

1

4 5

2 1

3 3

Phytoremediation Grasses 5

Megathyrsus maximus Pennisetum 3 purpureum Imperata cylindrica Andropogon gayamus

range: native to Ghana use: heavy metal and pollutant removal tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils

3

Phytoremediation Grasses Megathyrsus maximus Phytoremediation Grasses Pennisetum Megathyrsuspurpureum maximus Imperata cylindrica Pennisetum purpureum Andropogon gayamus Imperata cylindrica

Phytoremediation Grasses 1 CASTING

GENERAL LABOURERS Compacted moulds made from waste 5 GARDENERS 14 CASTING are used to cast that waste are help Employment of armatures a less experienced Employment of gardeners to plant and Compacted moulds made from toforce stabilize the modules. tribute to used work to undergo general maintain vegetation across the site. are used to cast armatures that labour are Phytoremediation Grasses nd that will assist the used to stabilize thelarger modules.

Megathyrsus maximus socio-economic system.

Pennisetum purpureum 4 Imperata cylindrica 3 PLANTING 2 ARMATURES waste Andropogon gayamus t are on the modules will help 3 PLANTING The ARMATURESserves as a landscape Plantings 2 armatures stabilize the and also contribute range: native to Ghana device for erosion control and Plantings onsoil the modules will help to The armatures serves as a landscape the purification of the water and use: heavy metal and pollutant sediment accumulation. stabilize the soil and also contribute to device for erosion control and 2removal remediation of the soil. the purification of the water and sediment accumulation. tolerance: dryland savannas, remediation of the soil.

LABOURERS 3 PLANTING 4 GENERAL flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils of a less experienced Plantings on the modules will help Employment dscape stabilize the soil and also contribute to work force to undergo general labour the purification of the water and that will assist the larger remediation of the soil. socio-economic system.

02 / STABILIZE

4 GENERAL LABOURERS

help Employment of a less experienced ribute to work force to undergo general labour nd that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

5 GARDENERS

range: native to Ghana use: heavy metal and pollutant 1 removal tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and 4 GENERAL LABOURERS acidic soils Employment a less experienced LABOURERS 4 GENERALof work force to undergo general labour Employment of a less experienced that will assist the larger work force to undergo general labour socio-economic system. that will assist the larger

acidic soils

5 GARDENERS

Employment of gardeners t 5 GARDENERS maintain vegetation acrosst Employment of gardeners

5 across maintain vegetation

socio-economic system.

5 GARDENERS

Employment of gardeners to plant and maintain vegetation across the site.

3

AXO 02 / STABILIZE AXO 02 / STABILIZE

Employment of gardeners to plant and maintain vegetation across the site.

AXO 02 / STABILIZE 53

Megathyrsus maximus Pennisetum purpureum Imperata cylindrica Andropogon gayamus

Andropogon range: nativegayamus to Ghana use: heavy metal and pollu range: native to Ghana removal use: heavy metal and pollu tolerance: removal dryland savanna flooding, areas, degr tolerance:saline dryland savanna acidic soils 2 degr flooding, saline areas,

1 CASTING Compacted moulds made from waste are used to cast armatures that are used to stabilize the modules.

STABILIZE

1 4 5

3

Phytoremediation Grasses Megathyrsus maximus Pennisetum purpureum Imperata cylindrica Andropogon gayamus

range: native to Ghana use: heavy metal and pollutant removal tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils 54

EARTHWORK

Perspective representing the construction and maintenance of the topographic modules as part of the design process 55

56

Phoeniconaias minor

4 6

64 4 2

5

2 2

5

5 5

etlands, ter d small

2

3 1

3 3 1 1

3 1

3 1

ide on

raphic rte,flow to

r orkers hus tion .

6 6

HABITAT

aharan

rasses.

food: algae, zooplanktons, and small invertebrates

range: native to Ghana, sub-saharan Africa status: near threatened habitat: coastal and inland wetlands, shallow akaline and saline water food: algae, zooplanktons, and small invertebrates

1 HABITAT

2 MODULES

Shallow and calm waters provide habitat for species that thrive on

1 HABITAT

2 MODULES

Shallow and calm waters provide 1 HABITAT habitat for that thrive on Shallow andspecies calm waters provide habitat for species that thrive on

PHYTOREMEDIATION 25 MODULES Removal of heavy metals, waste, 5 PHYTOREMEDIATION Deployment of low-tech topographic

3 ALGAE SUPPLY

3 ALGAE SUPPLY

63 MAINTAINENCE ALGAE SUPPLY WORKERS WORKERS Employment maintenance workers 6 MAINTAINENCE Excess algaeof provides food for

4 SEDIMENT SUPPLY

4 SEDIMENT SUPPLY Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the lagoon.

Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the lagoon.

Excess algae provides food flamingos and zooplankton helping control the rate of eutrophication.

4 SEDIMENT SUPPLY

SUPPLYallow Areas of slow water 4 SEDIMENT sedimentation to occur thuf Areas of slow water allow change in the morphology sedimentation to occur thu lagoon.in the morphology change lagoon.

4

4 SEDIMENT SUPPLY Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the lagoon.

AXO 03 / HABITAT

AXO 03 / HABITAT AXO 03 / HABITAT

AXO 03 / HABITAT 57

Deployment of low-tech topographic modules that manipulate water flow to create various conditions.

PHYTOREMEDIATION WORKERS ALGAE SUPPLY Deployment of low-tech topographic Excess algae provides food for 63 MAINTAINENCE 25 MODULES modules that manipulate water flow to flamingos and zooplanktons thus Removal of heavy metals, waste, Employment maintenance workers Deployment of low-tech topographic Excess algae of provides food for create various conditions. helping thethe rate of thus leachates, pollutants andwater flow to that will control carry on conservation modules that manipulate flamingos and zooplanktons eutrophication. contaminants native grasses. and preservation of rate the lagoon. create various through conditions. helping control the of eutrophication.

leachates, andwater that will carry the conservation modules that manipulate flamingos and zooplanktons thus Removal ofpollutants heavy metals, waste,flow to Employment of on maintenance workers contaminants through native grasses. that and preservation of the lagoon. create various conditions. helping control of leachates, pollutants and will carry onthe therate conservation eutrophication. contaminants through native grasses. and preservation of the lagoon.

Excess algae provides food for WORKERS 6 MAINTAINENCE flamingos and zooplanktons Employment of maintenance thus workers helping thethe rate of that willcontrol carry on conservation eutrophication. and preservation of the lagoon.

3 ALGAE SUPPLY

1 HABITAT Shallow and calm waters provide habitat for species that thrive on

D m c

Lesser Flamingo

Phoeniconaias minor range: native to Ghana, sub-saharan Africa status: near threatened habitat: coastal and inland wetlands, shallow akaline and saline water food: algae, zooplanktons, and small invertebrates

6 2

5

3 1

2 MODULES

Deployment of low-tech topographic modules that manipulate water flow to create various conditions.

3 ALGAE SUPPLY Excess algae provides food for flamingos and zooplanktons thus helping control the rate of

4 SEDIMENT SUPPLY Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the

58

20 l = 0.02 m3

3

mentation

mation: shallow banks and slow ving water : dredged to be used as fill

1 3 3

5 5

6 4

1 1

5

3

6

Sedimentation

4 4 1

formation: shallow banks and slow moving water Green Algae Chlorophyta use: dredged to be20used as fill Green l = 0.02 m3 Algae trebouxia

5 2 2

3

2

4 5

1 SEDIMENT SUPPLY

20 l = 0.02 m3

2

1 SEDIMENT SUPPLY SUPPLYallow for Areas of slow water 1 SEDIMENT

Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the lagoon.

Green Algae 2 ALGAE HARVEST Chlorophyta trebouxia MACHINE OPERATORS ALGAE HARVEST Excess algae is harvested and 5 2 form: bed

sedimentation to occur thus transported scrapyard where it globally distributed Employment experienced work Areas of slow water allow forcreating a range: Excess algaetoof isthe harvested and change in the morphology the is converted aslow, substrate forwhere land it prefers shallow,and force to operate machineries. sedimentation to occur thusofcreating a growth: transported totothe scrapyard lagoon.in the morphology of the building. warm water to a substrate for land change is converted use: composting, compacting, and building. lagoon.

Green Algae fuel.

Chlorophyta trebouxia MACHINE OPERATORS 63 AVAILABLE HARVEST MODULES TOOLS 25 ALGAE

Green Algae 2 ALGAE HARVEST Chlorophyta trebouxia

Excessbed algae is harvested and form: transported to the scrapyard where it range: globally distributed is converted to a substrate for land growth: prefers slow, shallow,and building. warm water use: composting, compacting, and 3 MODULES fuel.

AVAILABLEofTOOLS Deployment low-tech topographic 36 MODULES modules that manipulate water flow to The use of low-tech and topographic available Deployment of low-tech createtovarious tools assist inconditions. the collection modules that manipulate waterand flow to transportation of material. create various conditions.

Chlorophyta form: bed trebouxia range:bed globally distributed form: growth: prefers distributed slow, shal range: globally warm water growth: prefers slow, shall use: composting, compact warm water fuel. composting, compacti use:

3 MODULES

fuel.

Deployment of low-tech to modules that manipulate w create various conditions.

4 MAINTAINENCE WORKER

WORKER Employment of maintenanc 4 MAINTAINENCE that will carry on the conse Employment of maintenanc and will preservation lag that carry on of thethe conse

and preservation of the lag

4 MAINTAINENCE3WORKERS

form: bed OPERATORS Employment experienced work The use of low-tech and available 5 MACHINE 6 AVAILABLE Excess algae of is harvested and Deployment ofTOOLS low-tech topographic Employment of maintenance workers range: distributed force toglobally operate machineries. tools to assist in theand collection eating a Employment transported toofthe scrapyardwork where it The modules manipulate waterand flow to that will carry on the conservation experienced use ofthat low-tech available growth: prefers slow, shallow,and transportation ofthe material. he is converted to amachineries. substrate for land createtovarious and preservation of the lagoon. force to operate tools assist inconditions. collection and warm water building. transportation of material. use: composting, compacting, and 3 MODULES 4 MAINTAINENCE WORKERS fuel.

1 Deployment of TOOLS low-tech topographic Employment of maintenance workers 6 AVAILABLE here it modules that manipulate water flow to that will carry on the conservation ork The use of low-tech and available land create conditions. and preservation of the lagoon. tools tovarious assist in the collection and

AXO 04 / COLLECT

transportation of material.

4 MAINTAINENCE WORKERS

raphic Employment of maintenance workers ble r flow to that will carry on the conservation and and preservation of the lagoon.

4

AXO 04 / COLLECT AXO 04 / COLLECT 2

AXO 04 / COLLECT 59

1 SEDIMENT SUPPLY Areas of slow water allow for sedimentation to occur thus creating a change in the morphology of the

2

E tr is

COLLECT

Sedimentation formation: shallow banks and slow moving water Sedimentation use: dredged to be used as fill formation: shallow banks and slow moving water use: dredged to be used as fill

5 3

1

4 Green Algae

Chlorophyta trebouxia form: bed Green Algae range: globally distributed Chlorophyta trebouxia growth: prefers slow, shallow,and form: bed warm water range: globally distributed use: composting, compacting, and fuel. growth: prefers slow, shallow,and warm water use: composting, compacting, and fuel.

2

2 ALGAE HARVEST

Excess algae is harvested and ransported to the scrapyard where it s converted to a substrate for land

3 MODULES

4 MAINTAINENCE WORKERS

Deployment of low-tech topographic Employment of maintenance workers modules that manipulate water flow to that will carry on the conservation create various conditions. and preservation of the lagoon.

60

HABITAT

Perspective showing the occupancy of the lagoon and the dynamic processes of eutrophication and sedimentation 61

62

SCRAPYARD / CONTAINMENT con·​t ain·​m ent, verb 1. the act, process, or means of keeping something within limits

63

Bird’s-eye perspective showing the diverse operations within the scrapyard’s perimeter

64

WINDBREAK SIMULATIONS

Simulation of different vertical elements to experiment and visualize the consequences of different arrangements in relation to wind flow and turbulence 65

66

OPERATIONS

Section showing the operations of the scrapyard and the natural processes at play

67

68

3

SEPARATE

3

2

4

5 6 2

3

4 5

2

6

2

4 5

1

2 Tree Gum Arabic

4

Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiformis’

5

2 SEPARATING AND COMPACTING

Accra in the

Waste and excess are separated base on their material qualities. They are then compacted or decomposed as substrate for land building.

NG

4 5

1

form: column 1 avg height: 10-15m range: native to Ghana use: fodder, shade, windbreak tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils

1

2 4 Gum Arabic Tree 5 Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiformis’ form: column 1 avg height: 10-15m range: native to Ghana use: fodder, shade, windbreak tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils 1

Gum Arabic Tree

Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiformis’

form: column avg6 height: 10-15m TRANSPORTERS range: native to Ghana Employment of a less experienced Employment of transport drivers to Employment of gardeners to plant and Waste Waste and excess from across Accra and excess are separated base use: Arabic fodder,Tree shade, windbreak work force to undergo general move substrate from one site to maintain vegetation acrosswithin the site. are transported and piled the on their material qualities.

Theylabour are Gum tolerance: dryland savannas, Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiformis’ that will assist the another.. rd. This scrapyard. then compacted or larger decomposed as flooding, saline areas, degraded and socio-economic f dust substrate for landsystem. building. form: 1 WASTE + EXCESS 2 SEPARATING AND COMPACTING acidiccolumn soils avg height: 10-15m Waste and excess from across Accra Waste and excess are separated base range: native to Ghana AND COMPACTING GENERAL LABOURERS 25 SEPARATING 6 TRANSPORTERS piled withinbase the on material qualities.drivers They are Accraand are Waste and excess separated GENERAL LABOURERS Employment of and a are less experienced Employment of transport to use:5 fodder, WINDBREAK GARDENERS plant 3 transported 4 their shade, windbreak scrapyard. then compacted or decomposed in the on their material qualities.

They are work force to undergo general labour move substrate from one site to as and tolerance: e site. dryland Employment of asavannas, less experienced Linear planting of Acacias to serve as substrate Employment of gardeners to plant for land building. compacted orwill decomposed that will assist larger another.. vegetation saline degraded work force to areas, undergo generaland labour athen windbreak thatthe generate as maintain across the site. flooding, substrate for land building. socio-economic system. acidic soils that will assist the larger turbulence across the scrapyard. This socio-economic system. will allow for theAND of dust COMPACTING 23 SEPARATING 5 GENERAL LABOURERS WINDBREAK deposition 4 GARDENERS and odor particles.

Accra Waste and excessofare separated baseas Employment of a less experienced Linear planting Acacias to serve gardeners to plant and Employment 5 GENERALofLABOURERS 6 TRANSPORTERS 4 GARDENERS in the on their material qualities.

They are work force to undergo general labour a windbreak that will generate maintain vegetation across the site.

Employment of a less experienced Employment of transport drivers to serve as then Employment of gardeners to plant and compacted orthe decomposed asThis that will assist the larger turbulence across scrapyard. work force to undergo general labour move substrate from one site to maintain vegetation across the site. substrate for land building. socio-economic system. that will assist the larger another.. rd. This will allow for the deposition of dust and odor particles. socio-economic system. f dust

ed base ey areas serve eed as

GARDENERS + EXCESS 14 WASTE

GENERAL LABOURERS AND COMPACTING 25 SEPARATING

AXO 01 / SEPARATE

GARDENERS 01 / 4SEPARATE

erve as

rd. This dust

Employment of gardeners to plant and maintain vegetation across the site.

5 GENERAL LABOURERS

Gum Arabic Tree

Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiform

form: column avg height: 10-15m 6 to Ghana range: native Gum Arabic Tree use: fodder, shade, windbrea Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiform tolerance: dryland savannas form: column flooding, saline areas, degra avg height: acidic soils 10-15m range: native to Ghana use: fodder, shade, windbrea tolerance: dryland savannas flooding, saline areas, degra acidic soils

6 TRANSPORTERS

Employment of transport d move substrate from one si another..

6 TRANSPORTERS

Employment of transport d move substrate from one si another..

6 TRANSPORTERS

AXO 01 / SEPARATE

Employment of a less experienced work force to undergo general labour that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

Employment of transport drivers to move substrate from one site to another..

AXO 01 / SEPARATE AXO 01 / SEPARATE 1 WASTE + EXCESS 69

Waste and excess from across Accra are transported and piled within the scrapyard.

Gum Arabic Tree

Acacia nilotica ‘cupressiformis’ form: column avg height: 10-15m range: native to Ghana use: fodder, shade, windbreak tolerance: dryland savannas, flooding, saline areas, degraded and acidic soils

3

2 5 4 1

2 SEPARATING AND COMPACTING Waste and excess are separated base on their material qualities. They are then compacted or decomposed as

70

habitat:least subtropical status: concern forests/shrublands, habitat: subtropicalwet/dry savannas, landfills and urban wet/dry environments forests/shrublands, savannas, food: waste small invertebrates landfills andand urban environments

4

Grey-hooded 4Gull

Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus range: native to Ghana, sub-saharan Africa status: least concern 3 habitat: coastal and inland waters, 3 landfills, and urban environments 1 food: waste, small invertebrates and fish

food: waste and small invertebrates

, ,

3

1

n n teland. teland.

to be ced labour nced l labour

nd helter sted to pyard. ture

74

Grey-hooded Gull

2 3 2 3 Common African Rat Mastomys natalensis 1 1 range: Commonly found multiple

Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus

4range: native to Ghana, sub-saharan Africa6 status: least concern habitat: coastal and inland waters, landfills, and urban environments food: waste, small invertebrates and fish 3

Common African Rat

Mastomys natalensis

1 1

range: Commonly found multiple African countries 2 status: least concern habitat: subtropical forests/shrublands, wet/dry savannas, landfills and urban environments food: waste and small invertebrates

1 STOCKPILED MOULDS 5

non-human species of the wasteland.

2 STOCKPILED FILL FILL 25 STOCKPILED GENERAL LABOURERS Excess substrate are stockpiled to be used as general fill forstockpiled future to be Excess substrate LABOURERS Employment of aare less experienced 5 GENERAL

earthwork ortomaintenance. used general forexperienced future labour workas force general Employment ofundergo afill less earthwork or maintenance. that will assist the larger work force to undergo general labour socio-economic system. that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

36 COMPOSTING BURROW

1

Algae, decomposable waste, and 6 BURROW Mould can become potential shelter contaminated soils are composted to for rats that scavenge the scrapyard.

Mould can become potential shelter be planting soilthe forscrapyard. future forused rats as that scavenge earthwork or maintenance.

4 WINDBREAK 7 NESTING

Linear planting of Acacias to serve as Moulds can become potential nesting a windbreak that will generate habitat for birds that scavenge the turbulence across the scrapyard. This scrapyard. will allow for the deposition of dust and odor particles.

71

5 5

African countries 4 5 status: least concern 5 habitat: subtropical forests/shrublands, wet/dry savannas, Grey-hooded Gull landfills and urban environments Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus waste and small invertebrates range: native to Ghana, food: sub-saharan

Africa MOULDS 1 STOCKPILED 5 least concern status: Moulds stockpiled as a waters, habitat:are coastal and inland topographical element that can landfills, and urban environments become potential habitat for food: waste, small invertebrates and non-human species of the wasteland. fish

Common African Rat stockpiled to be GENERAL LABOURERS FILL Excess substrate are 25 STOCKPILED Mastomys natalensis used assubstrate general for future to be Employment of afill less experienced Excess are stockpiled range: Commonly found multiple earthwork or work tomaintenance. undergo general labour used asforce general fill for future African countries that will assist the larger earthwork or maintenance. status: least concern socio-economic system.

3 COMPOSTING habitat: subtropical forests/shrublands, wet/dry COMPOSTING Algae, decomposable waste,savannas, and 63 BURROW landfills and urban environments contaminated soils are composted Algae, decomposable waste, shelter and to Mould can become potential 6 BURROW food: waste and small invertebrates be used as planting soil for future contaminated soils are composted for ratscan thatbecome scavenge the scrapyard.

Mould potential shelterto 2 earthwork or maintenance. be used as planting soil for future for rats that scavenge the scrapyard. earthwork or maintenance.

NESTING 47 WINDBREAK 7 NESTING Linear planting of Acacias to serve as Moulds can become potential nesting ahabitat windbreak that will generate for that potential scavengenesting the Moulds canbirds become turbulence the scrapyard.

This scrapyard. habitat foracross birds that scavenge the will allow for the deposition of dust scrapyard. and odor particles.

2 STOCKPILED FILL Excess substrate are stockpiled to be used as general fill for future earthwork or maintenance.

3 COMPOSTING BURROW Algae, decomposable waste, and 36 COMPOSTING contaminated soils are composted to Mould3 decomposable can become potential shelter Algae, waste, and be used as planting soil forscrapyard. future to for rats that scavenge the contaminated soils are composted earthwork or maintenance. be used as planting soil for future earthwork or maintenance.

4 WINDBREAK

NESTING 47 WINDBREAK Linear planting of Acacias to serve as aLinear windbreak generate planting ofwill Acacias to serve as Moulds can that become potential nesting 7 NESTING turbulence across the scrapyard.

This aMoulds windbreak that will generatenesting habitat for thatpotential scavenge the canbirds become will allow for the deposition turbulence across thescavenge scrapyard. scrapyard. habitat for birds that theThis 5of dust and odor particles. will allow for the deposition of dust scrapyard. and odor particles.

3 COMPOSTING

Algae, decomposable was contaminated soils are com be used as planting soil fo earthwork or maintenance

4 WINDBREAK

NESTING Linear planting of Acacias 47 WINDBREAK a windbreak thatofwill gene Moulds can become poten Linear planting Acacias the gener scrap habitat for across birds that scav aturbulence windbreak that will will allow for the depositio scrapyard. turbulence across the scrap and allow odor particles. will for the depositio and odor particles.

AXO 02 / STOCKPILE

AXO 02 / STOCKPILE AXO 02 / STOCKPILE

AXO 02 / STOCKPILE AXO 02 / STOCKPILE

nesting e the

6

2 2

2 STOCKPILED FILL

MOULDSas a Moulds are stockpiled 1 STOCKPILED topographical element that Moulds are stockpiled as a can become potential habitat forcan topographical element that non-human species of thefor wasteland. become potential habitat

2

1 STOCKPILED MOULDS Moulds are stockpiled as a topographical element that can become potential habitat for

2 STOCKPILED FILL

Excess substrate are used as general fill earthwork or mainte

7

STOCKPILE

4

3

2

5

1

L

e stockpiled to be for future enance.

3 COMPOSTING Algae, decomposable waste, and contaminated soils are composted to be used as planting soil for future

4 WINDBREAK Linear planting of Acacias to serve as a windbreak that will generate turbulence across the scrapyard. This

72

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Perspective showing the interaction of waste within the scrapyard

73

74

5 5

CONTAIN

6

3 1 1

4

5 6 6

3 3

4 4

1

5 3

6

2 2

2

1 4

2 4 1 PERIMETER BERM The perimeter berm is a defined edge that protects and acknowledges the scrapyard as a landscape of risk and experimentation.

2

ed edge es the isk and

1 PERIMETER BERM BERMis a defined edge The perimeter berm 1 PERIMETER that protects and acknowledges The perimeter berm is a defined the edge scrapyard asand a landscape of riskthe and that protects acknowledges experimentation. scrapyard as a landscape of risk and experimentation.

4 GENERAL LABOURERS Employment of a less experienced work force to undergo general labour that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

4 GENERAL LABOURERS Employment of a less experienced work force to undergo general labour that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

Dredge material and exce lagoon fill are used as gen the construction of the ber

4 GENERAL LABOURERS

LABOURERS Employment a less expe 4 GENERAL of work force to undergo gene Employment of a less 6 exper that will assist the larger work force to undergo gene socio-economic system. that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

4 GENERAL LABOURERS Employment of a less experienced work force to undergo general labour that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

AXO 03 / CONTAIN

AXO 03 / CONTAIN AXO 03 / CONTAIN

AXO 03 / CONTAIN 75

Deployment of gabion units in the core of the berm reduces the amount of fill required to construct the profile.

3 DREDGED MATERIAL

core of thevegetation berm reduces the amount lagoon are as general fill in maintain across site.and Employment force to fill operate machineries.

Employment of gardeners tothe plant of used experienced work of fill required to construct the profile. the construction of the berm. maintain vegetation across the site. force to operate machineries.

3 DREDGED MATERIAL

3 DREDGED MATERIAL

GARDENERS MACHINE OPERATORS CORE MATERIAL Deployment of gabion units in the Dredge material and excess from the 25 GABION 36 DREDGED core of the berm reduces the amount lagoon fill are used general fillthe in Employmentofofgabion gardeners Employment of experienced work Deployment unitstoinplant the and Dredge material andasexcess from of fillofrequired construct profile. the construction of the berm. fill in maintain across the site. force tofill operate machineries. core thevegetation bermtoreduces thethe amount lagoon are used as general of fill required to construct the profile. the construction of the berm.

GABION CORE DREDGEDOPERATORS MATERIAL 52 GARDENERS 63 MACHINE Deployment of units the and Employment Dredge material and excess work from the OPERATORS Employment of gabion gardeners to in plant of experienced 5 GARDENERS 6 MACHINE

OPERATORS the Dredge material and excess from the 6 MACHINE mount lagoon fill are used as general fill in lant and Employment of experienced work the construction the berm. eprofile. site. force to operate of machineries.

om the ork l fill in

2 GABION CORE

2 GABION CORE

1 PERIMETER BERM The perimeter berm is a defined edge that protects and acknowledges the

D c

5

1

3

2 4

2 GABION CORE

Deployment of gabion units in the core of the berm reduces the amount

3 DREDGED MATERIAL Dredge material and excess from the lagoon fill are used as general fill in

4 GENERAL LABOURERS Employment of a less experienced work force to undergo general labour

76

4

5

2 2

1 1

2

1 1

7

3 3 5 5

3 3

4

6 5

6

1 FLOODWALL DEPLOYMENT Temporary gabion units are arranged in the form of a floodwall to protect the settlements from inundation.

1 FLOODWALL DEPLOYMENT DEPLOYMENT Temporary gabion units are arranged 1 FLOODWALL in the form of a floodwall to arranged protect Temporary gabion units are thethe settlements inundation. in form of a from floodwall to protect the settlements from inundation.

2 SETTLEMENT

2 SETTLEMENT

3 ERODED BANK

3 ERODED BANK

Weaved shell made scrapped Compacted waste is wrapped in a WASTE Existing riverSHELL banksfrom around the Employment of COMPACTED experienced work 6 GABION 7 WRAPPED metal to retain the structural integrity protective layer to reduce the amount scrapyard and settlements on force to operate machineries such Weaved shell made from scrapped Compacted waste is wrapped in aas of the compacted of leachinglayer from to various experiencing ongoing erosionintegrity due to lifts. metal to retain thewaste. structural protective reducematerials. the amount urbanization and vegetation loss. of the compacted waste. of leaching from various materials.

he ped ntegrity due to oss.

Employment of experienced work Compacted waste is wrapped in a force to operate machineries such as protective layer to reduce the amount lifts. of leaching from various materials.

Existing river banks around the ERODED BANK SHELL 63 GABION scrapyard and settlements onthe Existing river banks around SHELL Weaved shell made from scrapped 6 GABION experiencing ongoing erosion due to scrapyard and settlements onintegrity metal toshell retainmade the structural Weaved from scrapped urbanization and vegetation loss. experiencing ongoing erosion due to of the compacted waste. metal to retain the structural integrity urbanization and vegetation loss. of the compacted waste.

WRAPPEDOPERATORS COMPACTED WASTE 47 MACHINE

in a amount rials.

77

Existing river banks aroun scrapyard and settlements experiencing ongoing eros urbanization and vegetatio

4 MACHINE OPERATORS

WRAPPEDof COMPACTED OPERATORS Employment experience 47 MACHINE force to operate machineri Compacted waste is wrapp Employment of experienced lifts. protective layermachinerie to reduce force to operate

of leaching from various m lifts.

3

Employment experienced work 47 MACHINE WRAPPEDofOPERATORS COMPACTED WASTE force to operate machineries such Employment ofCOMPACTED experienced work WASTE Compacted is wrapped in a as 7 WRAPPEDwaste lifts. force to operate machineries such protective layer the in amount Compacted wastetoisreduce wrapped a as lifts. of leaching from various materials. protective layer to reduce the amount of leaching from various materials.

5

AXO 04 / PROTECT

AXO 04 / PROTECT AXO 04 / PROTECT

AXO 04 / PROTECT AXO 04 / PROTECT

TE

3 ERODED BANK

4 MACHINE OPERATORS

ced he banks labour y facing nced llitical labour

4 MACHINE OPERATORS 7 WRAPPED COMPACTED WASTE

Informal urbanization along the banks of the Odaw River are currently facing negative impacts from both political and ecological forces.

GENERAL LABOURERS GABION SHELL BANK Informal urbanization along the banks Existing river banks around the 25 SETTLEMENT 36 ERODED of the Odaw River are currently facing scrapyard and settlements onthe Employment of a less experienced shell from scrapped Informal urbanization along the banks Existing river made banks around 1Weaved negative impacts from both political experiencing erosion due to work toRiver undergo general labour metal to retain the structural of the force Odaw are currently facing scrapyard andongoing settlements on 4 integrity and forces. urbanization and waste. vegetation that ecological will impacts assist the larger of the compacted negative from both political experiencing ongoing erosionloss. due to socio-economic system. and ecological forces. urbanization and vegetation loss.

Informal urbanization along the banks SETTLEMENT LABOURERS 52 GENERAL of the Odaw River are currently Informal urbanization along thefacing banks LABOURERS Employment of a less experienced 5 GENERAL negative impacts from both political of the Odaw River are currently facing work force toofundergo general labour Employment a less experienced and ecological forces. negative impacts from both political that will assist the larger work force to undergo general labour and ecological forces. socio-economic system. that will assist the larger socio-economic system.

GABION SHELL BANK 36 ERODED

2

2 SETTLEMENT

rranged rotect rranged n. rotect

n.

3 5 5

4 4

7

4 4

1 FLOODWALL DEPLOYMENT

Temporary gabion units are arrange in the form of a floodwall to protect the settlements from inundation.

ed

PROTECT

2

1

4

5 3

2 SETTLEMENT Informal urbanization along the banks of the Odaw River are currently facing negative impacts from both political and ecological forces.

3 ERODED BANK Existing river banks around the scrapyard and settlements on experiencing ongoing erosion due to urbanization and vegetation loss.

4 MACHINE OPERATORS Employment of experienced work force to operate machineries such as lifts.

78

PERIMETER

Perspective showing the perimeter berm and the containment of waste within the scrapyard

79

80

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

81

Thank you to Fionn Byrne for his enthusiasm, guidance and support in the pursuit and development of this design thesis.

I would also like to thank all my peers and colleagues for their support in creating a welcoming learning environment.

Last but not least, I am grateful for the love and support of my family as I journeyed through 6 years of design school.

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-Waste +Substrate explores the role of landscape architecture in spatializing the dematerialization and contamination of informal waste landscapes that have emerged in Accra due to global consumption. As a design response, it speculates how waste and excess can become a driver in creating an alternative future that fosters new social, ecological, and economic interactions while addressing the complexities and challenges that have arisen due to these landscapes.

Waste and excess give rise to new landscapes. To confront them, we can restructure our preconceptions and negative connotations of these wastelands and its associated actors that have been rendered invisible and excluded. The proposed design critiques the binary of the contaminated landscape and remediated landscape and alternatively seeks to find a co-existence of the two by drawing out the potential reciprocity between them. As a result, a tension is created between the aesthetics of remediation and containment. There is both beauty and ugliness in the process of regeneration and decomposition.

Calvin Tan holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the Unviersity of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture. The submission of this document was in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.