The history of Bridgeport’s East End and adjacent ecological region emphasizes the burden of industrial pollutants on low-income, minority neighborhoods. Our response to these systemic issues centers on the ecological cul-de-sac of Johnsons Creek, an area prone to uncertain flooding and consequent redistribution of pollutants. Here, we propose an ‘acupunctural remediation’ approach—just as acupuncture targets specific points in the body to heal, our project uses a network of remedial ‘columns’ to treat localized pollution effectively. These columns are designed to perform functions tailored to specific needs: rainwater is filtered through hydroponic systems, which support plant growth and manage stormwater; electrokinetic columns remediate the soil by using electrical currents to mobilize and capture contaminants; and underwater oxygenating columns help purify the water and encourage healthy aquatic ecosystems. The project is phased to gradually build upon each success, starting with the development of a ‘second ground.’ As the site’s contamination decreases, the remediated ground will evolve to include laboratories, food distribution, and childcare facilities, responding directly to the community’s needs. The overarching structure is a timber waffle system, which offers flexibility in creating varied spaces for play, planting, and pathways, forming a pixelated landscape that promotes interaction between residents and their environment.
