This project is a reconciliation of gold mining and the long history of destruction our need for commodities induces. Through reassignment of land use, reintroduction of site sensitive human activity to an otherwise exploited landscape can occur. A discovery center aims to connect an EPA Superfund site's remote landscape and to those willing to reflect on the environmental costs of our consumerist culture.
The Gold King Mine was an active underground gold mine in the San Juan mountains of Colorado from 1860-1917. In 2015, the EPA opened the mine and released acid mine drainage chock full of heavy metals, creating river dead zones for thousands of miles. The extensive tunnel system that climbs a 1,500 foot elevation gain provides the basis for organization of the site. Through the use of metallic materials and uniquely faceted forms, this project takes advantage of 360 degree exposed views, creating a distorted reflection of the place. Through site travel, vantage points allow visitor’s to see where they have been and where they have yet to go.
