ARCHITECTURE
AFTER MINING

Year 4 Studio Project
Fall, 2020
Site: Pittston, PA

The coal mining industry has an inextricable set of consequences, covering social, political, economic, and ecological systems. Designing in response to mining thus involves a complex understanding of both geomorphic and anthropogenic processes. This project addresses how architectural thinking can address the aftermath of the coal mining industry.

Anthracite coal mining became prominent during the 19th century. Pittston, PA, located roughly halfway between Scranton and Wilkes Barre, grew as a prosperous manufacturing city due to the profitable mining industry. In 1959, a tragic mining disaster occurred in Pittston, undeniably influencing the future of the coal mining industry across Pennsylvania. The Knox Coal Disaster occurred when miners were ordered to dig illegally under the Susquehanna River, creating a hole in the riverbed. The River Slope Mine flooded, causing water to enter the interconnected mine collieries of the Wyoming Valley. Twelve men were killed. Following mitigation efforts to stop the flooding, Wintermoot Island tripled in size. This island remains a byproduct of the coal industry.

This proposal presents a new environmental paradigm, switching from the economic systems that have dominated Pittston since its emergence. Acknowledging the complicated history of labor struggles, mining disasters, and ecological catastrophes, this design project offers a low intensity solution to memorializing the Knox Coal Disaster while positively impacting the island and river’s ecology. 

Section of Knox Coal mines across Susquehanna River (Adapted from the Mine Safety & Health Administration)

Knox Coal Disaster January 22, 1959

Wintermoot Island Masterplan Proposal

  1. River Slope Mine Shaft Location. An existing stone commemorates the twelve miners who died in 1959. This memorial indicates the entrance to the pedestrian bridge, along the Luzerne County Rail Trail

  2. Pedestrian Footbridge (.9 mile loop). Dependent on the seasonal flux, this bridge is only crossable when the water level recedes, making this available from June to November. Once on the island, the bridge elevates so that you walk among the tree canopy.

  3. Acid Mine Drainage Basins — Constructed Wetland. The river water is diverted through a series of limestone basins. The treated water empties back into the river.

  4. Pedestrian Path. When the river recedes in the summer access to the island is revealed.

  5. Earth Amphitheatre and Festival Space.

  6. Native Aquatic-Terrestrial Interface. Introduced natural wetlands and native species.

Annual River Level Conditions

Acid Mine Drainage 

“We have a loss of recreational opportunity. We have a loss of fishing and swimming. For the last 68-plus years we’ve been dealing with this acid mine drainage problem that has not been addressed.” 

- Robert Hughes, director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation