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CALI HYDROSCAPE

CALI HYDROSCAPE

location: Cali, Colombia
surface: 4350 m2
program: urban intervention + landscape
Year: 2022


STRATEGIC CLIMATE RESILIENCE PLAN FOR THE SAN VICENTE NEIGHBORHOOD

The primary goal of this project is to mitigate flooding problems in the neighborhood by transforming affected areas into spaces that not only effectively manage water but also improve the residents' quality of life.

Lines of action

The project proposes a system of urban, social, and ecological connectivity based on intervention criteria that allow continuous and permeable integration through the rehabilitation and creation of multifunctional spaces.

1. HUB AND PEDESTRIAN URBAN CONNECTIONS

The building, in turn, changed its facade to adapt to a new system for retaining and regulating rainwater runoff. Its interior became an urban grove, providing a solid public space that combines indoor and outdoor agricultural experiences. The awareness gained in designing with water opened the opportunity for a new market idea for urban living with locally sourced food, offering the chance to plant, harvest, and market food within the neighborhood and becoming a reference point for the city in terms of the circular economy.

These initiatives aim to provide new jobs and educate the community and new generations of children about the care of water sources, water treatment, and the origins of their food, thus addressing the dichotomy between urban and rural life.

2. Chain of biotopes and natural environment recuperation

Renaturalization of the city to increase biodiversity and protect the subsoil through urban habitats that attract native fauna and allow for aquifer recharge. Additionally, native trees are planted, green corridors are created, and natural ecosystems are rehabilitated to improve air quality and environmental health in the neighborhood.

Cali is naturally a territory with extensive wetlands due to its geographical condition. Therefore, the project proposes to recover this amphibious memory and incorporate an environmental restructuring strategy through a series of wetlands and rain gardens (floodable green areas) that will serve as rainwater containment, restore ecosystems, and provide a comprehensive proposal linked to the recovery of the endemic fauna and flora of the Valle del Cauca through various scenarios in each of the wetland areas.

3. Retention, transport, and discharge of rainwater

55 L/m² = 44,107,668 liters in 84 hectares of rainwater falling in the basin during a 55 mm storm event over a period of 2 hours

Cali HYDROSCAPE implements green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to manage runoff and reduce flooding. This includes the creation of urban wetlands, rain gardens, and permeable pavements that absorb and filter rainwater.

Green Streets

Strategies for on-site rainwater capture to slow down and retain stormwater, helping to prevent downstream flooding.

Surface Ecological Channels

Filter and collect urban runoff, reduce sediments, and provide a habitat for urban wildlife.

Wetlands and Floodable Gardens

Further retain, reduce, and filter sediments while providing a habitat for urban wildlife and spaces for social gatherings and activities.

Floodable park

The project focuses on transforming intervention areas into new resilient recreational spaces for the community. Parks, playgrounds, and rest areas are designed to be not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and accessible to all citizens.

Dry Season

January - February / June - August

rainy season

March - May / September - December

4. ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND EDUCATIONAL REVITALIZATION ACTIVITIES

Beyond their ecological function, wetlands also serve scientific, educational, and social purposes, and act as catalysts for social and commercial activity.

In addition to improving infrastructure, economic and educational development in the area is promoted. This can include the creation of local markets, community centers, and educational spaces where residents can learn about water management and sustainability.

With this, the project aims to expose and provide the neighborhood community with a new form of public ecological landscape through a narrative with a central theme: WATER AS AN INTERACTIVE NATURAL ELEMENT.

Cali HYDROSCAPE is designed to be a model of urban resilience, capable of adapting to and recovering from climatic, social, and economic crises. The flexible and multifunctional infrastructure enables an effective response to extreme events, while the community-focused approach strengthens social cohesion and economic resilience. It not only comprehensively addresses flooding issues through innovative and sustainable solutions but also revitalizes public spaces and contributes to the overall well-being of the community, positioning itself as an example of resilient and multifunctional urban development.