VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

Urbanization and sprawl in the southeastern United States is expected to increase by at least 101 percent by 2060. To accommodate this growth, current energy infrastructures will need to be expanded or new power generation must be constructed. This implementation will inevitably impact both the built and natural environment. Some of the possible consequences in architecture, landscape, and community of these new infrastructures can be anticipated by looking to existing regional infrastructures and their ramifications. This paper will analyze Oconee Nuclear Station as a case study to examine the impact of the power plant on Upstate South Carolina. This nuclear plant was constructed on the Keowee River in the 1970’s. To provide the plant with access to water for cooling the reactors, the river was dammed to create Lake Keowee. Initially, this resulted in the submerging of historic and archeological sites. Eventually, the establishment of the lake led to the development of expensive properties along the manmade coastline. Thus, the creation of a power plant led to later changes and developments in landscapes, housing, and communities. I will examine data about the Oconee Power Plant region’s population and economics, historical records, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the contextual architecture to demonstrate inextricable links between infrastructure, architecture, and community. The story of the power plant’s role as a catalyst can provide insights for the future development of infrastructures and cities not only in the Charlanta metro region of Upstate South Carolina but also in other expanding cities and contexts globally.