BioRec Water
Harvesting Playground
Model an outdoor play area that uses biomimicry in its form and functionality to achieve water harvesting within an urban environment.
The Issue
Many cities around the world are grappling with flooding and drought in urban areas. The expansion of infrastructure using non-permeable materials like asphalt and concrete, coupled with the decline of green spaces, has diminished the ability of rainwater to be effectively absorbed into the soil.
Flooding can result in long-term issues, such as damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and homes. It can also spread contamination and disease through chemicals and runoff, polluting drinking water supplies.
Many cities around the world are grappling with flooding and drought in urban areas. The expansion of infrastructure using non-permeable materials like asphalt and concrete, coupled with the decline of green spaces, has diminished the ability of rainwater to be effectively absorbed into the soil.
Flooding can result in long-term issues, such as damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and homes. It can also spread contamination and disease through chemicals and runoff, polluting drinking water supplies.
Extreme Flooding in Beijing, China (Photo via Reuters)
Porous gravel pavement (Photo by JJ Harrison)
Rubberway® paving (Photo via Rubberway®)
Material Research
In tackling this challenge, I explored alternative materials that could be integrated into the design. Rubberway® is a new surface material made from 100% recycled post-consumer tires. The large, recycled crumb rubber granulate creates a highly porous, open-grid surface that facilitates stormwater management, allowing for rapid drainage and quick drying. For pavement, polyurethane binders can be combined with gravel to create a surface similar to concrete, but with tiny cavities that allow water to pass through. This material can absorb up to 4,000 liters of water per square meter each hour.
Water Management
Storage ponds are basins designed to capture and hold water during heavy rainfall, allowing it to gradually evaporate. Small canals integrated into the architecture and landscape can help collect and direct water to the basins during flooding events. The bubble diagram above outlines the various areas and components of this structure that needed to be incorporated into the design.
Ideation
The main inspiration behind the form comes from spirals commonly found in nature. These spirals, known as the Fibonacci sequence, appear in various plants, animals, and natural phenomena such as the movement of air and water. While several spiral configurations were explored, the combination of four spirals best met the design’s needs.
Functionality
During rainfall, the walking paths function like canals, channeling water toward a central basin. In dry conditions, this basin forms a shallow pool. The overall structure resembles a whirlpool, reflecting natural water flow patterns. Overhead, hydrophilic polypropylene canopies replicate the way spiderwebs collect moisture from the air. Their leaf-inspired design helps funnel water directly to the ground.
Design Details
This Water Harvesting Playground concept addresses current water management challenges through biomimicry. Located within an urban park, the structure serves as a meeting space, play area, and walking path. The surfaces are designed to absorb and collect water during heavy rainfall, and when dry weather returns, the water stored in the soil evaporates, helping to cool the surrounding city.