The Experiential Bridge: remedial landscape for Hanford's nuclear future

The groundbreaking discovery of nuclear fission opened up new possibilities for generating power and resources for people. Nuclear energy was much preferred over fossil fuel because of its efficiency in production, availability of resources, and cost. However, the reoccurring nuclear disasters around the world provoke us to reconsider the future of nuclear energy. This thesis acknowledges the contemporary issues particularly surrounding nuclear waste contamination and the risks that associated toxins present to human health and the existing ecosystem. The risk of exposure to radioactive materials and groundwater contamination can be reduced with proven technological methods but the public perception of nuclear waste treatment remains a daunting deterrent, preventing people from confronting the waste management issues effectively. The thesis investigates ways to create new typology of remedial infrastructure where nuclear waste management technologies can co-exist with cultural programs; the new typology becomes an instrument that helps people to rethink the future of nuclear energy. The Experiential Bridge enables greater adoption of environmentally friendly nuclear waste treatment by exposing the process to the public and creating an educational experience for people. The Experiential Bridge not only treats toxins, but also serves as a pathway for recreational activity, and a source of education for the treatment of contaminated water and soil.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Kim, Yuna

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Andrew Scott.

• Architecture.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/79136

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/79136