Georgia Moll

The Witwatersrand region has been shaped by mining resulting in severe environmental degradation, particularly in its water systems. Acid mine drainage and mine waste disposal have polluted the surrounding waterscape, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. Wetlands, however, offer a promising solution. Wetlands naturally filter pollutants and cycle nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus which are commonly found in AMD, improving water quality.
In areas where natural wetlands have been destroyed, constructed wetlands can be used to treat this contaminated water. My thesis proposes a multifunctional building that integrates various types of constructed wetlands to filter water through its structure. This design aims to provide a scalable solution for water decontamination and ecological restoration with potential for implementation across other contaminated sites. The project seeks to improve water security, restore ecological balance, and demonstrate the role of wetlands in environmental sustainability within the Witwatersrand region.