For the past century, Murckowski Forest, the most extensive green area of Katowice (Poland), has become a fragile piece of terrain, bordered and heavily affected by the mining industry. Historically, the forest was home to numerous non-human species inherent in the pristine ecosystem. A heterogeneous landscape rich in streams and marshes reinforced the biodiversity of riparian areas.
Humans interfered with the land, crossing the surface and delving deep into the ground. Excavated dirt was piled into spoil heaps, underground brackish water was discharged into the streams, and large areas of forest were leveled and replaced with mining infrastructure. These actions have created an unsightly and less habitable environment, disrupting vital woodland tissue. The outcome of traversing the ground threshold has harmed both human and non-human ecologies.
The shutdown of the mining industry presents an opportunity for reconciliation. In this project, we gained insights into the intricate landscape across various topics. The design primarily centers around three critical areas: human settlements, water, and soil. The proposed intervention is gradual, systemic, and adaptable, facilitating the active involvement of stakeholders throughout the process