Fig. 0.2. Map of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, showing the four first city rings and the location of Normandia. [Google Earth, 2018]
far away from the city centre. Because of the explosive expansion of the city that started at mid 20th century the urban settlement has reached the surroundings of the dump.
Fig. 0.1. Map of South America today. [Free Vector Maps, 2018]
INTRODUCTION Urban growth in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is very high. The population grew since 2000 from 900.000 to 1.800.000 today, with a current growth rate of 40.000 persons per year. The surface of the city has almost doubled, making it a very big urban area. The urban structure consists of nine rings, of which four are complete. The historical city centre lies within the first ring. This growth and modernization put a vast pressure on the local urban and rural fabric. In this rapid urban development local identity is often overseen. At the same time professionals realize that existing urban and architectural typology of inherited buildings (often of modest nature) are responsible for a large part of the social construct. A correct understanding of these aspects is essential to maintain and develop a social sustainability, resilience and social cohesion. This research will mainly focus on the neighbourhood Normandia in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Here lies the biggest landfill of Bolivia, which was at the start in 1996 located 68
ESQUICIO Investigaciรณn - Nยบ 1
The concrete plans to close the dump in the near future will affect the neighbourhood in both positive and negative way. Since the start of the landfill, illegal residential settlements appeared, having people live in a short radius of the waste processing, including toxic gasses and liquids. The landfill did not only attract residents, but also a number of informal economic activities. By the closing of the landfill, thousands of people will be affected. A previous (smaller) landfill, which was located even closer to the city, was closed down before and consists today of Gallito, a consolidating neighbourhood. Also, after the closing of the landfill in Normandia, a new one will be opened even further away from the city centre. It is clear that there is an urgent need for plans and/ or design strategies for the future of the closed landfill to prevent more end-of-the-pipe-solutions and illegal ground occupation.
PART 1. LANDFILLS INTRODUCTION ON WASTE MANAGEMENT In general, the globally rising quality of life and high rates of resource consumption patterns have a negative impact on the urban and natural environment. The generation of waste far goes beyond the handling capacities of urban governments and agencies. Cities are now grappling with the problems of high volumes of waste, the costs involved,