Olive Trading Center: (re) Constructing the obsolete
Instructor: Ziad Jamaleddine GSAPP Fall 2022 - Fall Exhibition 22’
Olive Trees have constituted and shaped the landscape of Tunisia for over 3000 thousand years since the Phoenicia civilization, and they are considered a reflection of its culture. Since industrialization in the 19th century, nearly 2 million hectares and over 82 million olive trees have become part of the country's landscape, leading its economic activity as the world's 2nd largest producer and the 4th largest exporter with over 350,000 metric tons per year. Its value is nearly 900 million dollars and constitutes 6.28 % of the exports for the country's economy. Exports depend on the EU standards, formed primarily by European forces, which is the organization that standardizes olive oil by quality. As a result, 20% of the Tunisian production is Lampante olive oil (LOO) which is considered ineligible for human consumption. Along the production line, the refinery and commercial stages deficit have a potential of 180 million dollars, furthering the benefits in social and environmental structures by looking at LOO as an asset.
The proposal seeks to intervene in the production line of Olive oil by addressing two stages. The first one is the implementation of new technologies as low-cost and eco-friendly alternatives, such as membrane tech and microfiltration for the refinery stage. The challenge is the lack of human resources to operate this process which requires high-level expertise and scientific knowledge in the specific production of olive oil. The second is the re-evaluation of local markets and the quality standards for the commercialization stage. The challenge is the re-valorization of local products to compete in the global market by adding aggregate value to the local production of olive oil through its different forms of trade. The project seeks to follow the architectural typology on site, which allows the support of institutions through the benefits of economic activities. The aim is to provide the space for the increasing community of experts and scientists through a local research and learning center, supported by the re-conception of the local market through traditional activities.
Project Type
Urban
Date
2022
Location
Broklyn, USA
Photos
Paolo Caicedo Guijarro