Post-Mining Imaginaries

Building New Futures through Speculative Extraction Landscapes

Matthew Laming

BArch Hons 2021

Supervisors:
Unit Leader: Claudia Morgado
Unit Tutor: Ruby Mungoshi
Unit Assistant: Azraa Gabru

UNIT 13^︎︎︎
Second Nature | Shared Futures

My research is a speculation into post-mining imaginaries that aims to explore the reclamation of these landscapes in order to create a shift between the over-consumption and degradation of resources and the resultant built environment. In this project, different drawing methodologies are used to create opportunities for visual thinking and possible architectural intervention.

The type of mining I choose to focus my gaze upon was an open cast mine deemed the Jukskei Quarry, Afrisam Aggregate in Midrand. The particular interest arose from my fascination with landscapes, drawing and virtual realms.

These scenarios aim to question the landscape of extraction and determine the imaginings possible. The scenarios are set in different time frames, focusing on different speculation and agencies that are influenced by the site as well as my own interests developed through this year. The research presents several drawing techniques in order to explore the mining landscapes’ possible futures.

Keywords:
Mining, Imaginaries, Machine, Landscape, Memory

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