The Ardeer Peninsula is a sand dune system that was abandoned due to industry contamination. The site situates at the estuary of the Irvine River on the western coast of Scotland, it is surrounded by towns including Stevenston, Irvine, and Kilwinning. Nowadays, the site is beset by issues of sand extraction, pollution, and flooding, resulting in nature degradation and abandonment.
The Ardeer Peninsula was once an island but, after many years, it eventually transformed into a connected peninsula with the mainland due to the accumulation of sand caused by extreme phenomena such as shifting dunes and storms. In the 19th century, the region witnessed the development of industries such as explosives, ironworks, and transportation. This brought prosperity to the area, providing employment opportunities for thousands of people and creating a rich historical heritage, albeit accompanied by a certain degree of pollution.
By the mid-20th century, industrial activities gradually declined, and human presence began to diminish. Nature started reclaiming the land, purifying the polluted areas, and fostering a variety of ecological habitats and species diversity. However, now, with the appearance of sand extraction industries, nature once again faces degradation and threats.
“ On the Ardeer Peninsula, the sand dunes are not just a barren and sandy environment. They represent a gentle and ever-changing edge, brimming with vitality. They also serve as monuments of history, carrying vast memories. Moreover, they act as conduits of collective energy, providing a sense of belonging and identity to those who inhabit this place.”
The Ardeer Peninsula is a dynamic sand dune system that integrates natural environments, social and cultural aspects, and historical memories. Considering this, the design will primarily explore the relationship between sand dune habitats, historical relics, and human activities, aiming to construct an ecologically sustainable sand dune landscape with historical significance and vibrancy.
The design consists of three main themes: establishing site attachment, creating a healthy dynamic sand dune landscape, and restoring the memory of industrial history.
In order to restore the sand extraction pits and enhance the connection between people and the site, the design will integrate the process of sand pit restoration with human activities. Encouraging people's participation in the restoration of the pits will be achieved through a series of time-based activities such as awareness campaigns, educational programs, resource recycling, and planting initiatives. These activities aim to increase the amount of time spent by individuals engaging with the site, fostering a sense of attachment and belonging to the area.
In order to establish a healthy sand dune system. The plan adopts a low-intervention approach to guide the reconstruction of the sand dunes, aiming to prevent their degradation. The design will leverage the forces of nature, such as wind and topography, along with minimal human intervention measures, to guide the restoration of the sand dune system and enhance its resilience and stability against disasters.
The site preserves a historically significant building - a power plant. Taking into account the characteristics of the site, the existing building, and the crucial role of biodiversity, the design aims to repurpose the abandoned structure into a green house as part of a bee garden. It considers the necessary conditions for bee habitat and integrates them with human activities in the bee garden.
