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Renewal in the Mountains: Revitalization of Neglected Surface Mines and Coal Communities

Duty, Tyler
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592171575996227

Abstract Details

2020, MARCH, University of Cincinnati, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture.
The natural beauty and the environment of the Appalachian mountains have been decimated by contemporary methods of coal extraction known as surface mining or mountaintop removal. In order to preserve the natural environment moving forward, architectural integration must raise awareness surrounding the issue by revealing the surface mining process to the public. In order to accommodate architectural designs that accentuate the natural environment, biophilic design principles must be implemented. Biophilic designs transcend the conventional purpose of the urban built environment by connecting society to the natural world. Embedding environmental characteristics into each design will help mitigate ecological decay by reducing building footprints and limiting energy consumption demands. As the built space becomes synonymous with the natural environment, occupants become more aware of their surroundings. At the heart of the rich coal-filled Appalachian Mountains lies Madison, West Virginia. Madison is nestled at the basin of the Little Coal River valley, where coal was discovered in 1742. Over the years, the picturesque landscape and the rich history has been diminished by the socioeconomic disparity of the coal industry. Madison, like many other coal towns throughout Appalachia, will serve as the primary case study for this analysis. The number of coal mining operations decrease each year as clean fossil fuels and renewable energy alternatives are developed. Today in the United States, only 30% of our energy is derived from coal. As this percentage continues to decrease, abandoned surface mines are becoming more prominent throughout southern West Virginia. Surface mines are the most common form of coal extraction; however, this controversial method has generated social, economic, political, and environmental problems. Due to the devastating environmental and economic impact of an abandoned surface mine, the Department of Environmental Protection provides incentives for future economic development. The beautiful Appalachian landscape surrounding the reclaimed surface mines promote architectural interventions that support eco-tourism, community engagement, coal heritage, and renewable energy production. Each design component will address an issue surrounding the mountaintop removal process, while challenging the public’s perception of renewable energy alternatives.
Michael McInturf, M.Arch. (Committee Chair)
Elizabeth Riorden, M.Arch. (Committee Member)
90 p.
Architecture
Coal; Appalachia; Revitalization; West Virginia; Mountaintop Removal; Surface Mine

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Duty, T. (2020). Renewal in the Mountains: Revitalization of Neglected Surface Mines and Coal Communities [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592171575996227

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Duty, Tyler. Renewal in the Mountains: Revitalization of Neglected Surface Mines and Coal Communities. 2020. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592171575996227.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Duty, Tyler. "Renewal in the Mountains: Revitalization of Neglected Surface Mines and Coal Communities." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1592171575996227

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1592171575996227
99
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.