RECLAIMING FROM SEMAKAU LANDFILL : BETWEEN NATURAL AND UNNATURAL

Abstract

The thesis is a comment on the current situation of Semakau Landfill and it has attempted to explore alternative way in utilizing the landfill without being constrained by the 30 years safeguard period, which usually applies to conventional landfill, before it can be developed.

The existing Semakau Island, is abundant with biodiversity of flora and fauna. Although it is designated as Eco-park since 2005, public access and activities are limited. Semakau Landfill’s unique dichotomy between natural land with rich biodiversity and unnatural land of wastes provide opportunity for regeneration and remediation resolutions. The intervention, situated on a reclaimed land at the boundary between the natural and unnatural land, facilitates the landfill’s remediation needs through the ‘software’ while the ‘hardware’ supports the regeneration of nature on the reclaimed land through provision of biodiversity habitat.

It is an attempt to strike balance between the needs of human and the environment. Meanwhile, the intervention facilitates a more comprehensive and organized activities with significant element of environmental educational program in Semakau.