Reconquer Reconquista & the space of opportunities

Abstract: This study explores the narratives of the Reconquista’s river basin in the greater Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, in particular the Morón River - the main polluter. The aim is to explore how to design counteractive narratives in regards to the current development. The method is partly derived from the Travelling Transect, a method developed by Lisa Diedrich, Gini Lee and Ellen Braae since 2013. The method is adjusted to fit the specific conditions concerning the river Reconquista. The complex challenges operate at a global scale which also affect the Reconquista and therefore needs to be addressed. This is done by exploring space, or the simultaneity of ongoing stories-so-far. Trajectories on site are identified and studied as challenges and opportunities. The operating narratives lead to an unsustainable development which generates informal settlements and pollution. The New Urban Agenda offers a solution in the form of a value codex that points out the direction for the new narratives. Emscher park as a reference case provides tools on how to conceive a transformation. The key findings are juxtaposed into new narratives that challenge the existing reality. The thesis contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the river’s future development by constructing new narratives. The result is the designed narratives, enabling a new future.