"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Water Square Specialist Urban Designers
02/09/24
“Who are water square specialist urban designers?”
Water squares are an innovative way to help cities adapt to climate change and build social connection centers. As demand for these interventions grows, so will specialists in the field. Water Square Specialist Urban Designers will be an important part of designing the flood-proof cities of the future.
Why Skateboarding Rinks Can Be Built in Water Squares
02/06/24
“Why can skateboarding rinks be built in water squares?”
Skateboarding rinks provide great value for the community. People can come, gather, and involve themselves in an athletic activity. Their curved, static design also lend themselves well to being implementable in water squares. By combining them these urban areas can serve as public spaces during dry times and safety valves during downpours. This is Why Skateboarding Rinks Can Be Built in Water Squares.
Why Trains Supplying Wi-Fi Makes Long-Distance Commuting Easier
02/04/24
“Why do trains supplying wi-fi make long-distance commuting easier?”
People sometimes consider using trains for long-distance commuting. However, if it takes up too much time from the work day they’ll usually be less willing to use trains. But if these trains provide wi-fi, then people can work on their computers while going long-distance. This is Why Trains Supplying Wi-Fi Makes Long-Distance Commuting Easier.
Rooftop Rainwater Gutters
02/03/24
“How can we remove rainwater from rooftops?”
Rainwater can pile up on rooftops. If this isn’t mitigated, this can lead to physical damage. So how can we solve this? Well, what if we were to use metal slides that can take water and channel it somewhere else? This is the idea behind Rooftop Rainwater Gutters and is critically important for house maintenance.
Underground Rainwater Collection Systems
01/21/23
“How can we collect and store rainwater underground?”
Collecting rainwater for later use can be a great way to build a more water-efficient system. However, finding a place to store it can be difficult. If you store it above ground, it can be exposed to contaminants and take up space that could be used for other applications. But what if we were to store it underground? This way we can save both water and space. Cities and municipalities should look into analyzing if Underground Rainwater Collection Systems are right for them.
Image credit https://www.graf.info/
Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire
01/20/23
“Why can grey stormwater management practices backfire?”
Grey (technology-based) stormwater practices are the most common approach in the world. However, being too reliant on them can backfire. For example, levees can be breached and lead to rapid filling of nearby areas. Dykes can lead to more intense water flow further downstream. These are just some of the ways that show Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire.
Polders
01/19/24
“What are polders and how are they related to land reclamation?”
Draining areas below sea-level is a common method of land reclamation. This usually involves building a water pump and drainage system to transfer water somewhere else and a wall called a dyke to shield the new site from inundation. The areas opened up, called a polder can be used for multiple uses, whether it be farmland, urban space, or industry. Polders are very common in the Netherlands.
Blue Green Infrastructure
01/17/24
“How can we use environmental systems to work on flood mitigation?”
Stormwater management is usually accomplished by using grey infrastructure, or technological systems to channel water into places safer for humans. However, sometimes this can lead to more issues, such as water overflows when a levee is breached. But what if we were to use more nature-based solutions such as bioswales or green roofs to accomplish stormwater management? These interventions are categorized as Blue Green Infrastructure and represent a more calming way to approach flood controls.
How Water Squares are Designed
01/16/24
“How are water squares designed?”
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.
Image credit stormwater.wef.org
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