Abstract
The use of fossil energy sources including coal have had significant negative impacts on ecosystems and public health worldwide and been a major cause for the current climate crisis. Acting as a universal call to action to protect our planet, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been adopted by all member states in 2015. Goal Number 7 demands a move away from non-renewable to renewable energy sources that are affordable and clean and aims to significantly increase renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. As a result, in many parts of the world, coal mines are closing and cities which were built around them are facing economic restructuring. Once at the heart of a large industry, many surface mines have now been abandoned and sometimes reclaimed. 63% of them currently remain unused grassland. My Thesis explores the relationship between the city and new forms of sustainable development that include energy and food production by proposing the transformation of a large surface coal mine located in Fushun, a city located in China’s Rust Belt region. My project proposes a new housing typology for low-rise residential blocks to transform and adapt organically within a range of slope gradient on the reclaimed site. By integrating blue-green infrastructure throughout the built form, each typical neighbourhood of 2 hectares creates a self-sustaining community of up to 300 residents with mixed-use space for living, working and gathering. Dedicated parcels are developed for the purpose of food and energy production to support the neighbouring cities. A central green space with water body is located at the bottom, not only serving as recreational spaces, but also channeling flows of energy, water, and food within the resilient and sustainable community for 10,000 residents.