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Dissertation series: The Green Gold
Article by: Gaynor Orvis
Publication date:Contrary to the opinion that dissertations can be boring and tedious, the students in this series use their final study as an opportunity to explore a subject close to their hearts. They prove dissertations can be a chance to delve deep into a topic that ignites your imagination.
Using ingenuity and creativity, these BA (Hons) Architecture students use their work to ask important questions and develop their own unique way of interpreting the world around them.
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 1: Disparities between the product and production.
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 10: From avocado to world impacts.
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 7: Through a political lens, Mexico.
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 9: Locals enjoying the water as no avocado trees grew there.
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 5: What would you do as a Mexican farmer?
Reesha Sudra dissertation series
Figure 4: Landscape transformations.
In this work, Reesha focused on the avocado fruit to highlight unethical farming practices in Mexico and Chille and its effects on the landscape. Using illustrations to depict the struggles faced by the farmers, she is able to convey a visual representation of 'money versus ethics.'
Title:
The Green Gold: An investigation into pre and post-colonial farming ethics and its effects on the landscape, farmers, and communities.
Author:
This thesis investigated unethical farming practises in Mexico and Chile, and its effects on the landscape. In order to understand the effects on the landscape, my thesis compared pre and post-colonial land whilst challenging western ideologies. I question the relationship between consumers and farmers in an attempt to critique ways in which we can move forward to a more sustainable future.
In order to understand the unethical practises, I focused on one fruit – the avocado. By exploring the avocado trade, I highlighted unethical practices in numerous forms of farming, and the effect this had on the environment and landscapes.
Through the use of illustrations, I provide the reader with a visual representation of the main argument: ‘money versus ethics’. These illustrations enable me to discuss the effects of avocado farming through different lenses. Using this method, I amplified the voices of those people concerned to reflect the very real perspectives of the farmers and communities. I use this as an experimental tool to test the arguments and perspectives of every individual or group related to avocado farming.
Writing this thesis was a very rewarding experience where I could write something I was passionate about – this is now the basis of my final major project. It also allowed me to branch out and investigate landscape architecture. I have learnt how to convey arguments not only through writing but also illustrations. I have also learnt how to use and analyse research effectively to strengthen my argument. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience.
