Disengaged Territories
Bradford Road Gasworks is the former site of a gasholder built in 1992 that was later demolished, leaving behind its underground foundation along with pipe networks that surround the area. While the site brings forward a lot of opportunities having the Ashton Canal in its proximity as well as the New Viaduct Street, which runs alongside some railway connections, it also brings along challenges. The rich industrial history of the area has caused multiple environmental disruptions due to the high amount of pollution, resulting in a declined biodiversity and various contaminants and heavy metals that can still be found in the soil, water and air, on and around the site. Nowadays, the area was forgotten and in the absence of humans, nature started to take over the place.
As a response to the site and the SKN atelier manifesto which embraces a post-humanist framework, decentering humans and emphasizing relationships that respond to the ongoing climate crisis. The structure facilitates a hybrid programme that integrates bioremediation research and environmental testing, supported by greenhouse facilities, with an educational centre aimed at raising environmental awareness and disseminate strategies for addressing ecological degradation. The circular landscaping project comprises distinct green zones designed to cultivate hyperaccumulator plants in controlled environments, with species-specific separation to prevent interference from invasive flora. These areas also function as public recreational spaces. The synthesis of scientific inquiry and community engagement enables the project to respond to broader socio-economic concerns fostering public understanding and participation in environmental stewardship.
