Water squares are marvelous pieces of urbanism. Their dual-use purpose allows them to function as flood mitigation and public space. But how are they designed? Well, first a low-lying area is set up to act as a bed. During dry seasons this usually has recreational functions such as a swimming pool or a basketball court. This bed is surrounded by slanted walls that keep water in during heavy rain storms. Connected to these walls will be an inlet to a drainage system to clear the water when the time is ready. This is How Water Squares are Designed.
“How can we have squares that can both hold floodwater and act as a community space?”
When we think of flood control systems, we often imagine interventions that do not allow for anything beyond their own uses. But this can take away valuable space for events that may only happen for 2% of the time. But what if we were to create interventions that allowed for public use during dryer times? Well, the Dutch have come up with systems known as Water Squares. A water square, or Waterplein in Dutch, is a pool that hold water during flood times and act as public spaces during others. These designs hold the potential to radically transform how people live in the new climate paradigm.
Why Increasing the Number of Wars in the World Leads to Increased Carbon Emissions
01/13/24
“Why does increasing the number of wars in the world lead to increased climate emissions?”
War operates on moving machinery. This machinery emits CO2 during operation. This can be from airplanes flying, weapon manufacturing, or shipping arms across ocean vessels. Increasing the number of wars will increase these operations. This is Why Increasing the Number of Wars in the World Leads to Increased Carbon Emissions.
Using Geospatial Data to Pinpoint Flood Hazards for New Developments
01/09/24
“How can we use geospatial data to pinpoint flood hazards for new developments?”
New developments have to look out for a multitude of variables. Flood hazards are one of them. Whether it be contoured slopes or climate-induced rainfalls, urban planners, communities, and developers must consider this. One way to ensure safety is to computationally analyze how floods can impact the site through geospatial data. This is how Using Geospatial Data to Pinpoint Flood Hazards for New Developments can lead to great benefits.
Why Rest Is Necessary to Be Great at Landscape Architecture
01/07/24
“Why is rest necessary to be great at landscape architecture?”
Landscape architecture is full of professional and creative rewards. However, if a landscape architect is tired, they will produce inferior quality output. Resting allows for the architect to recharge and approach everything as new. This is Why Rest Is Necessary to Be Great at Landscape Architecture.
Why Installing Better Air Filters in Buildings Helps People With Lung Conditions
01/06/24
“Why does installing better air filters in buildings help people with lung conditions?”
People with lung conditions can have adverse reactions to air-borne pollutants such as particulate matter. Installing better air filters in buildings can reduce the internal pollution of a space. This is Why Installing Better Air Filters in Buildings Helps People With Lung Conditions.
“Why can mandating plastic components in trash bags help the environment?”
Plastic trash bags are ubiquitous in many parts of the world. However, their difficult degradability makes them very pollutive. One way to solve this is to mandate trash bags be composed of a certain percentage of recycled trash bags. For example, California mandates trash bags be made up of 10% recycled plastics. This is how Plastic Trash Bag Recycled Components Mandates can reduce pollution.
Why Absorbing Stormwater Runoff Can Prevent River Pollution
12/31/23
“Why can absorbing stormwater runoff prevent river pollution?”
Stormwater runoff can transport pollutants to nearby bodies of water, such as rivers, leading to said bodies of water becoming tainted. Implementing stormwater-absorbing solutions can prevent the movement of this waste, thereby keeping rivers clean. This is Why Absorbing Stormwater Runoff Can Prevent River Pollution
Capturing Water in Porous Concrete to Nourish Street Foliage
12/30/23
“Why should we think about capturing water in porous concrete to nourish street foliage?”
Street foliage is unable to utilize water that’s fallen on nearby impervious surfaces. But if these surfaces can become porous, then they can collect the water and feed the nearby trees. This can reduce stormwater runoff and provide extra water for plants at once. Urban planners and city officials should seriously think about Capturing Water in Porous Concrete to Nourish Street Foliage.
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