RETHINKING THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE - REVEALING THE CURATIVE POTENTIAL OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS

At the turn of the 21st century, much like the turn of the 20th century there has been a major shift in North America with its industries and their impact on the landscape. With a trend of massive deindustrialization of large-scale production facilities throughout the (Gibbs 2003, 222-236) United States, it has directly impacted the landscape. There are currently changes underway in the American industrial landscape emphasizing a new technology whereby pharmaceuticals are manufactured in recombinant plants. These plant-derived pharmaceuticals are poised to become the next major part of the pharmaceutical industry. By recognizing the potential and studying the possible shapes and connections we can begin to visualize, develop and improve the outcomes of a new economy focused on plant derived compounds. It is the intent of this research to investigate the Clemson University community\u27s perception of these genetically modified plants when put into a curative context. Although genetically modified organisms have been put in a negative light over the past 15 years, when put into a curative context they will have a higher rate of support. Through thoughtful design, the curative potential of these genetically modified plants may be revealed to the public and surrounding community fostering good will between industry and the community as well as offering recreational and educational opportunities to the public along with on site employees. It is also the intent of this research to demonstrate that through building upon an interchange of material and energy flows (Gibbs 2003, 222-236) beginning with pharmaceutical production in plants, a local or regional industrial ecosystem hinging on health can be implemented. The design of such an ecosystem, regardless of size, has the potential to reshape the American industrial landscape. This information may then help guide design decisions in creating an industrial landscape for the future