Poniente - An Alternative Model In The Hyperproductive Greenhouse Landscape of Almería

 With its 32,800 hectares of greenhouses, the Andalusian peninsula of Campo de Dalías, is the hotspot and namesake of the Sea of plastic: a place of concentrated and intensive greenhouse production of food, mainly for the European market. This has led to serious environmental problems as well as labour exploitation and precarious living conditions for the harvest workers, many of whom are migrants seeking a better life in Europe. The present system is founded upon the excessive consumption of groundwater, a practice which has resulted in the overuse of the region‘s dwindling water resources. 

This thesis explores an alternative production model in the Almeriense greenhouse landscape, moving away from the complex system of food towards a local economy of soap. It integrates systems for water generation into architectural structures, aiming to transform intensive agriculture in a more ecological and socially sustainable direction, while also providing dignified living conditions for seasonal workers. Traditional cultivation techniques and low-tech solutions are rediscovered and implemented in the process of soap production. The project is based on the utilisation of the sites unique features, especially the coastal winds for the purpose of harvesting water. An irrigation system seizing topographical features for the irrigation of agricultural fields is also employed, which is facilitated by a network of rainwater channels. The soap is to be sold to surrounding hotels with the objective of financing a housing programme, addressing the pressing need for workers‘ accommodation in the region. 

The project was developed as part of the WATER EVER regular master thesis led by Prof. Diébédo Francis Kéré at the Chair of Architectural Design and Participation during the winter semester 2024/25. The regular thesis focused on developing site-specific architectural responses to the challenges of water scarcity and excess. The aim was to explore new approaches to water in the built environment through experimental typologies and context-driven strategies.