3.5 Context of Industry, Infrastructure, and Ecology in Creating a Collective Memory The realities of this site are that it is heavily industrial, infrastructural, and contaminated. The land of Sauget has been commoditized to the point of irreversible environemtal degradation however the population of Sauget has been unchanging. It continues to experience economic success especially in comparison to the shrinking cities of Cahokia and East St. Louis. The heavy infrastrucutre in place to support the heavy industry takes its toll on the site as well but the residents accept it as the reality of the place they live. Since it is their reality it is also their shared memory - so by embracing these realities I approach the site of the Cahokia Power Plant by trying to be true to the principles of Sauget and its authenticity as an industrial company town.
46