GROWFLOWFLATS This project is centered around possible future outcomes and explores how Cleveland’s urban environment could respond such changes. In this scenario, a trend of aging infrastructure, water scarcity and pollution require big ideas that will transform this urban area from an aging post-industrial city to a center for locally grown food, historic preservation and a living machine for water conservation.
DESIGN RESEARCH 4.8 BILLION
1/2 + OF THE WORLDS POPULATION WILL EXPERIENCE SEVERE WATER SCARCITY BY 2050 - CLEVELAND WATER ALLIANCE
80-100%
STRESS INDEX RATING FOR WATER ON THE OHIO COAST. - GLEAM PROJECT
21%
OF THE WORLD’S FRESH WATER IS IN Toxic outbreaks such as algal blooms are the primary threats THE GREAT LAKES SYSTEM - CLEVELAND to Cleveland’s water supply. Sewer overflow, agriculture and WATER ALLIANCE
50%
OF LAKE ERIE WAS AFFECTED BY AT THE PEAK OF THE ALGAL BLOOM IN 2008. CIRCLE OF BLUE
SOIL FARMING
urban runoff contribute to an environment where algae flourish. Due to Cleveland’s 90% impervious surface coverage, stormwater runoff can cause the combined sewer systems to overflow during periods of heavy precipitation. Industrialization in the flats area contributed to a large amount of pollutants entering the Cuyaoga
1 person/yr
3,000 GAL
HYDROPONICS
400 SQ FT
AQUAPONICS
4-8 people/yr
800 GAL
N P K Ca Mg
River and Lake Erie. In addition to industrial pollution, the construction of bulkheads along the lower Cuyahoga River bed has damaged the natural riparian system, leaving water untreated before it enters the river and destroying aquatic habitats. Although Lake Erie is one of the world’s largest supplies of fresh water, negative human impact has resulted in a potential shortage of fresh, usable water in the system.
400 SQ FT
A hydroponic system is one alternative to conventional farming and gardening which can greatly decrease water usage and harmful runoff caused by unused nutrients. In this system, a solution of water and nutrients are cycled through grow beds or pipes where plants can grow at an increased density, resulting in a higher crop yield. One drawback to hydroponics is the periodic need for water and nutrients. In a 400 sq ft system, 40-60 gallons of water may need to be replaced daily.
16 people/yr
2,000 GAL
400 SQ FT
Aquaponic systems provide opportunity for a much more efficient water saving food production method. In aquaponics, water is needed for fish to grow and the fish excrement provides the nutrients for the plants to grow on beds. The plants then absorb the nutrients and detoxify the water that is then recycled back through the fish tank and the process repeats. In this closed-loop system, long term water demands can reach up to 90% less than conventional soil farming. In addition, pollution sensitive fish species such as northern pike and white perch can be cultivated for consumption.
1900 Early 1900s With lumber yards lining the riverbank, Cleveland started making a name for itself as an industrial powerhouse in the mid-19th century.
1925
1950
1975
Mid-1900s Along with the lumber yards, the Cuyahoga River brought in more industry allowing nautical transport to flow in and out of The Flats with great ease. With this, the old Standard Oil Company built a successful hub for heavy industry.
2000
2025
2050
2030: 2015: Lake Erie water levels:173 As water levels continue to decline, water meters. Cleveland’s temperatures rise causing impervious surface longer periods of lake coverage is over 90%. effect snow, longer Water pollutants from periods of participation unfiltered runoff causes recent major algae blooms and an increased risk of water pollution. in Lake Erie, preventing Ohio residents from using Impervious surfaces make runoff management clean water. difficult.
2075
2045: Detroit has second automotive renaissance. Electric roadway systems powering GPS driven electric vehicles greatly reduce traffic congestion. Future need for full occupancy of multilane highways are unlikely.
2100
2055: Implementation of new electric road infrastructure increases use of I-90 and RT 2. Traffic on Detroit-Superior and Carnegie Bridges decline rapidly.
2125 2100: Lake Erie water levels have declined 4 meters in 100 years. Cleveland begins plan to restore the Cuyahoga River. Detroit-Superior and Carnegie bridges close to vehicular traffic in attempt to solve the water stress problem.
G
A
F
E H
C D
J
I
K
L
A Aquaponic Bridge System B Public Square C Flats Cafe D Innovation Corridor E Flats Marina F Flats Museum G Tower City Connection H Industrial Sculpture Gallery I Hydroponic Field J Floating Farm K West side Market Expansion L West side Market
Productive Reuse The Detroit-Superior Bridge (A) serves as a multi-functional solution to water preservation and food production. The water is treated by native plant species before reaching the aquaponic system. Once the water arrives at the system, the fish use the water on the lower deck for plant harvesting occuring on the upper level, now enclosed for a greenhouse function.
MAJOR HIGHWAYS NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTORS ACCESS ROUTES BRIDGE
The bridge network crossing over the site has been a necessity for vehicular traffic to transition between Cleveland’s West side and Downtown. The diminished need for full occupancy of mulitlane roadways, secondary bridges are converted into water treatment and food production infrastructure. This infrastructure becomes an integral component in the preservation of the river and market.
INFRASTRUCTURE
MAIN TRAFFIC ARTERIES
Setting an Example Green infrasturcture such as bioswales, green roofs, and street channels will transform Public Square into a model for water conservation and protection. This location will be at the forefront of the proposed network developing in the nearby Flats area. Water from Public Square will travel along street channels towards the aquaponic bridge, serving as a functioning wayfinding device to the site.
Vehicular Systems Converted Infrastr.
Water
The bridge canal works to treat runoff before it either enters the aquaponic system or returns to the river. Wetland vegetation is present along this corridor to filter toxic pollutants.
Vegetation The center of the bridge deck provides space for pedestrian circulation and plant harvesting. This outdoor componenet provides opportunity for seasonal growth of crops and plantlife.
Fish
The lower level of the bridge deck serves as a corridor for fish to travel back and forth along the controlled aquaponic system. Vertical circulation pods transition pedestrians and fish from the bridge to the river.
Floating platforms along the oxbow lake portion of the river work as large scale aquaponic systems. The favorable fish habitat in the lake provide nutrients for harvesting to occur above, contribuing to the food production effort while working to further treat the water before it returns back into the river.
With the extreme decline of industrial and vehicular traffic, the site becomes a destination for pedestrian traffic. Visitors will be able to move through key points of interests within five minutes walking time. Between any two of the farthest destinations from eachother, a walk can be made in less than 20 minutes.
10 min 5 min (1/2 mi) (1/4 mi)
5 min walking radius 10 min walking radius
Water The top deck is occupied with vertical aquaponic harvesting pipes to maximize the crop yield per area. A tram system is used to transport pedestrians and product to the market.
Vegetation Fish provide the nutrients for the system. Once the excrement is filtered by the crops, the water is then recycled back into the tank until the fish are released or consumed, then the process repeats.
Fish Cisterns are placed at the base of the bridge to hold excess water from the system. In case of a drought, the water will be pumped from the cisterns into the fish tank or to other systems on site.
RIVER CONDITIONS
Floating Farms (E)
WALKABILITY
Water Sensitive Planning New development consists of water sensitive architecture and streetscape. Green roofs help filter stormater and directs it to a man-made riparian system below the pedestrian realm before it enters the river. Nutrients from the roof can also be directed into integral facade detail, harvesting them for algae growth, which can be converted into biofule to help provide energy for the buildings.
By removing bulkheads along the Cuyahoga River, the flow will naturally merge at the closest point between bends, creating an oxbow lake where the Irish Bend portion of the river is situated. By controlling the gap between the lake and the river, water will be able to enter the lake incrementally, providing a strategic environment for animal habitats, water quality testing and food harvesting. River Oxbow Lake
Pervious Planting Bed Street Channel
Typical Street Section Bioswale
2,295 ppl/yr
8 million gal.
2,295 acres
Traditional Soil Farming
2 million gal.
Productive Site Components
Proposed System Estimates
30,000 ppl/yr
2,295 acres