UPCYCLING THE DECAY
The proposal was inspired by observations at the site of the demolished Bradford gasholder—specifically, the plants and vegetation growing around the unused pipe network. As this network lies abandoned, it deteriorates and contaminates the underlying soil. However, plants continue to grow and persevere, raising the question: Can both human and non-human agents benefit from decay and degradation?
Research into physical decay—the process of rotting or decomposing through bacteria and fungi—and digital decay—the gradual degradation or loss of digital content and data over time—led to the proposal of a bioremediation centre. This centre would treat waste, specifically e-waste (a product of digital decay) and plastic, by breaking it down through bacteria and fungi to extract valuable components, which could then be repurposed.
An investigation into the site's infrastructure, particularly the railway and the Ashton Canal—both of which have experienced obsolescence and decay due to abandonment—led to the proposal of a transportation hub. This hub would enable the reuse of existing infrastructure to collect waste and transport it within the recycling facility and across Manchester.
The idea of interconnected ecosystems and the benefits of collaborating with non-human agents that share our planet was the project's primary driving force. It aimed to respond not only to the site but to a broader issue that impacts both people and the environment: the problem of waste. Human-produced waste causes numerous issues, particularly in developing countries, where it is often handled unsafely, leading to air and soil pollution.
While the recycling method—bioremediation—is still being researched and improved in response to the climate emergency, the aim of this design was to create hope. Hope for a better future. Hope for collaboration not only among humans but also with non-human agents.
