Transformation of Landfill into Centre for Environmental Revival and Social Impact

Author: Rakshi Perween
Site Location: Delhi
Institute: Faculty of Planning & Architecture
Poornima University
Advisor: Ar. Preethi Agarwal

Description

Transformation of Okhla Landfill – Centre for Environmental Revival and Social Impact is an architectural thesis that reimagines the Okhla landfill in Delhi as a public welfare landscape for environmental revival, learning, skill development, and community engagement. The project responds to the landfill’s environmental and social impacts by proposing a transition from a polluted urban void into a regenerative public destination. Its core concept, “Nexus,” represents the interconnected relationship between the Museum, Haat Bazaar, and Vocational Training Institute (VTI), bringing knowledge, culture, skills, and community interaction into one cohesive spatial network. The Museum guides visitors through a journey from Earth formation and geological processes to landfill formation, waste impact, segregation, and ultimately land regeneration. The VTI provides hands-on learning and upcycling opportunities, while the Haat Bazaar acts as a social and economic interface where crafted and recycled products can be exhibited and sold. The landscape integrates regenerated land, plantation, kitchen gardens, composting, biogas, water-sensitive systems, and open public spaces. Together, these elements transform waste into knowledge, skills, livelihood, and ecological value.