W.I.C.K.E.D

• Name: Aashubodha Gurusinghe
• Year: 2019
• Studio: Level V
• University: University of Moratuwa

Defining the – Ill Defined

Wicked problems are complex, inflexible, open ended and unpredictable group of problems which are mostly proliferating such as, global warming, drug abuse, child protection and natural disasters that directly affect for the human and other living beings. The ill-definition and intractability of these problems highlight the need of identification and simplification to enhance the ability of dealing with them for better future. Complexity of the problem may change according to the dimension which the problem controls; problem itself and the stakeholder involvement in the relevant problem. Waste crisis is place specific complex problem in Sri Lankan context due to its various dimensions that controls the complexity. Main aim of this project is to tackle such identified ill structured problem in an architectural intervention to overcome such identified issue related to an incident that happened because of waste crisis in Sri Lanka. Design will restore the community requirements and upgrading them, sustain and restoring the environment that has been destroyed by the time for better liveable environment for the future.

The project “W.I.C.K.E.D, defining the ill-defined” can be super-imposed to the properties of Rittel as below.

Property 1– the wicked problem of Meethotamulla garbage dump has no definitive formation and reason for its occurrence. Reasons vary starting from the peoples’ attitude of waste up to the lack of policies in the country relevant to the subject. The project has considered and has worked its best to respond to factors at the base and that are most conspicuous.

Property 2- Considering the WP of the garbage dump, the disposal of waste from individual units does not stop, and neither any issue control dimensions were imposed, socially, physically or politically. Responding to the fact, the project aims to gradually change the attitude of people on the waste (as treating for the base of the issue), through the 3 phases of the project program.

Property 3– The current proposal for the Meethotamulla garbage dump can/is not considered to be right or wrong. But that does not justify it to be the best solution at the moment. The project aims to provide a better and timely solution for the problem, responding to its wickedness and stakeholders involved identified through a deep analysis.

Property 4 and 5– As it isn’t possible to test run any solution to choose the best and the consequences can only be identified after the application, the project is programmed in to 3 phases which aims to gradually reach the main objectives.

Property 6– As in other WPs, the waste crisis related to Meethotamulla also does not have an end solution/specific perfect solution. Many solutions can be given focusing the many sides of the WP. Responding to that, the best solutions/possibilities have been integrated to form the 3 phased programs.

Property 7- The given solution/project is expected to perform best at the specific location (Meethotamulla), throughout the designed time period and under its unique conditions. But, it might not be the best solution for a waste crisis on another location with different conditions, as every WP is essentially unique from each other. The weight of different properties of one WP is different from another.

Property 9- As in every WP, the waste crisis of Meethotamulla can be explained in many different ways by the different parties/individuals according to their specialization and solutions in mind. As a designer, the project W.I.C.K.E.D has been assembled with the consultation of the main stakeholders of the WP of Meethotamulla to integrate the many possibilities in to a best outcome.

Property 10- Even though the designer is liable for the consequences of the actions taken in the project, and can be criticized for the project, he/she/designer or the product/project cannot be considered right or wrong, only worse or better.

Text description provided by the project author.