A landscape restoration of a rubbish dump has won the Energy, Waste and Recycling category at the 2008 World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, Spain.
"La Vall d'en Joan" (The Valley of Joan) project, designed by Spanish architects Batlle and Roig, has transformed a 150 hectare site in the Garraf Natural Park, south-west of Barcelona into a green terraced agricultural landscape.
In awarding the prize, judges Luis Mansilla -- Mansilla + Tunon architects -- and Martin Keiding -- editor-in-chief of Arkitektur DK -- described the scheme as: "a perfect example of bringing dead nature back to life by converting rubbish into a beautiful piece of landscape architecture...using few and humble means".
But this isn't just a cosmetic makeover. There is an underground drainage system on site which filters contaminated waste fluids. Part of this recycled water is then used to irrigate the park. "The whole project is very sustainable," Roig said.
Furthermore, the dump is also utilizing the bio gas that is emitted to provide electricity.
Full Story: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/24/waf2008.energy.waste.recycling/index.html
More Photos: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/24/waf2008.energy.waste.recycling/index.html#cnnSTCPhoto
Landfill Wins Energy Award
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