Agnes Denes - Transforming waste into

We need to learn to make use of our waste. We need to turn waste into something useable. If we can do this we will be taking the step further than that of any previous life form.

In this piece called 'North Waterfront Park, Berkely CA 1988 - 1991' Agnes Denes has basically made a plan of how she can turn a land fill waste site into an oasis for people and nature. As i have previously tried to highlight with the pieces involving petri dishes, and as the diagram below illustrates, bacteria/life will follow the phases of growth.

Phases of Growth

During the lag phase, there is little or no change in the number of cells, but metabolic activity is high.

• DNA and enzyme synthesis occurs; may last from 1 hour to several days.

During the log phase, the bacteria multiply at the fastest rate possible under the conditions provided.

• Maintained by use of a chemostat – constant supply of fresh media

During the stationary phase, there is an equilibrium between cell division and death.

• Nutrients are exhausted and waste products build up; pH increases.

During the death phase, the number of deaths exceeds the number of new cells formed.

As we are essentially very advanced bacteria we need to evolve and put ourselves into this position where we avoid this tragedy. As a living thing we take resources (which are now running out in our planet or petri dish if you like) and process them, turning them into waste.

This piece by Agnes Denes is therfore important as it presents a solution to our problem. This is what we need to do more than anything else

As artists we have the power to show people these things theoretically and can then let the scientists and engineers make our visions reality. It is our job to influence everyone. We can do this through questioning and protesting what already exists however i think this only leads to an awareness. Presenting solutions like this one is the next step.






North Waterfront Park Masterplan, Berkeley, California,1988-91. Site plan and art concept. A conceptual masterplan was developed for the conversion of a 97-acre muncipal landfill, surrounded by water on three sides in the San Francsico Bay, into an oasis for people and nature. The first landfill to propose bioremediation programs and a 12-acre wetland/wildlife sanctuary in addition to 17 art elements, including a wildflower meadow, a sunflower field, wooded hills, petrogplyhs carved into earth and stone, an amphitheater with stone terraces, tidal pools with sculptural forms and water catchments. Two lighthouses were designed, one to burn off methane produced by the landfill, the other to collect sunlight to be emitted at night. The design restores an obsolete site, an island of garbage, into a rich environment, preserving wildlife and creating a site where nature can be experienced and enjoyed by the community. Developed with R. Haag and J. Roberts landscape architects. The masterplan was adopted by the City of Berkeley in l99l but not realized. The site was designated as a dog run instead.