An investigation into architectural capabilities for Riparian Recovery in the Rhondda Valley

The impact humans have on the ecosystem is clear in Treorchy and the wider Rhondda Cynon Taff. Consideration should be given to the impacts that interventions along the Rhondda River, taxed as a major biodiversity artery, could have on the complex and fragile environ. The shifting paradigm of development needs to strive towards enhancing biodiversity whilst still nurturing social and economic growth.

How can architectural interventions produce positive impacts on the biosphere whilst still encouraging progression and growth? Can architectural interventions alter perceptions of a community scarred by the effects of flooding exonerating the river of its perceived sins?

Recovery from the toxicity and the oxygen ‘dead zones’ is not enough to support the diverse ecoscape that relies on this artery, the 21st century river should aspire for renewal encouraging a new way of interacting with the populous of Treorchy, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. With an integrated spatial understanding, planning and design of rivers and the urban fabric surrounding them, towns could become more resilient not just to flood-related disturbances, but to economic deterioration as well.

The central piece of the amphibious artery will act as a lynch pin between the junction of two rivers located in the riverbed that runs through Treorchy. The organism as a whole will aim to provide means of social, economic and ecological growth in a progressive manner whilst holding the river as a principle client. Focusing on reducing flooding the system will become a piece of civic engineering that will look at supporting the eco-hydromorphic relations between river, animals and humans by taking on flood water and slowing the river down.

Through the interaction with the Well-Being for Future Generations Act the proposal aims to encourage an air of prosperity and resiliency throughout the strategy. Providing a Mircofarm facility that uses the natural riverine assets to provide irrigation and heating servicing creating physical benefits for the community of Treorchy, this alongside a research and educational facility aim to encourage a better relationship with the river. The use of Ferrock, an eco-friendly substitute for concrete, was used as a water-resistant material that doesn't impact the surrounding environmenCommunity outreach spines stretch into the river providing opportunities for direct social engagement with the river where individuals are able to grow.

Detailing the way the central organism permeated it’s ethos along the entire riparian system became integral to the success of the project. Providing a series of interventions along the river seemed an invaluable way of connecting to existing context whilst building new means of sustaining the water way and regulating natural phenomena. The central organism in Treorchy acts as the conductor of the infrastructural matrix communicating with each new spine along with existing community ties.