Learning from the landfill

Abstract

We are a culture of material consumption. We have created a cycle of extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal that perpetuates our consumptive behavior. Our culture, way of life and economy is also hinged upon this process. We have created and enacted myths that provide reasoning, support and even a need for the continuation of this lifestyle. The byproduct, as well as the foundation for this culture, is the landfill. This thesis will explore the space created by the centralized concentration of garbage and the associated myths. This thesis will also show the necessity for a new myth and outline a new vision for the landfill encompassing the man-made landscape of this culture's discarded belongings. This project will shed light upon both the beautiful potential and decay that constitutes our landfill.