Trash to Treasure: Landfill Landscape, Planning, Design and Development

This project explores the transformation of Bordo Poniente—once one of the world’s largest landfills—into a model for ecological restoration, renewable energy generation, and social equity. Located at the edge of Mexico City, the closed landfill continues to emit methane and leachate, presenting both environmental risks and untapped opportunities. This project focuses on four key objectives: transforming waste into civic infrastructure, advancing sustainable energy strategies, addressing environmental justice in nearby marginalized communities, and producing actionable design and policy recommendations. Combining research, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement, project positioned Bordo Poniente as a living laboratory for urban regeneration with global relevance.