In February 2012, the Shrinking Cities Studio conducted research on 20 aspects of the East St. Louis region, including historical, geographical, and infrastructural phenomena. The flood plain conditions of the American Bottom formed the basis for thinking about the susceptibility of the site to pollution and flooding. Another dominating landscape feature of this region is its loss of physical infrastructure and population. The report also notes the importance of the industrial legacy of the site, including an incredible rail network and a density of industrial polluters. Challenging social realities characterize the region, including stark racial segregation and political disinvestment.
