For the past year I worked on an independent study project in which I used architecture to provide a solution to anthropogenic disasters.  I chose to address nuclear waste-specifically how to dispose of it- and deforestation.  I eventually settled on a design premise that revolved around these two disasters informing one another.  I used the concept of inserting Disease B into an organism with Disease A, because the organism can live with Disease B but will die from Disease A, as a means to providing a creative (or as some would say, radical) approach to solving these disasters.  Radiation therapy is one example of this methodology, hence the name of my project.

I decided to put a nuclear waste facility in a deforested area to solve the nuclear waste dilemma as well as prevent further deforestation.  Not only does an area that has nuclear waste need to be regulated, but the danger associated with nuclear waste is enough to provide safety to the forest.  I rely upon the system of subduction to influence my structure.  I also use the process of forest succession to aid in determining what happens to the structure over time.  This proposal does not move beyond the theoretical realm because it requires a radical shift in the way we live and the way we view nature.  Every time someone asks "how is this possible?" they just further prove my point that we need to change the way we view the world around us.  This could be an actual solution, or it could be used to prove a point that something needs to be done regarding these issues.  Only a proposal this "radical" has the potential to make us reconsider the way we live.

As I began my research, I found that a proposed method of disposal is subduction below earth's mantle.  I was intrigued  by this system, and it became the integral means by which my structure developed.  Because this was my first attempt at architecture, and having no formal architecture schooling, I immediately knocked out some forms to give me a sense of how subduction could inform my structure.  Given my art background, this was more of a sculptural approach than anything.