LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
DISASTER ?
Landscape Planning and design for Natural Disaster Mitigation and Response from a design simulation of the Bluestone Dam failure
DESIGN WITH WATER - RETHINKING RIVER DESIGN WVU Master of Landscape Architecture Ayaka Matthews
1
CONTENTS Project Statement ------ 03 Upstream Project ------ 04 Downstream Project ----08 2
Conclusions ------------- 37
Landscape Planning and design for Natural Disaster Mitigation and Response from a design simulation of the Bluestone Dam failure DESIGN WITH WATER - RETHINKING RIVER DESIGN Issue Climate Change More severe storms
Bluestone Dam Risk of failure
Damage would be catastrophic
Flood risk to the captail of WV Charleston
If the dam failed?
$
Ne w
in Charleston 24-48 hours
709,230,000 670 acres
Riv er Bluestone Dam
4,980
Project Statement
The purpose of this project is to apply landscape architectural techniques into disaster management and propose planning and designs that focus on disaster management for communities. It will especially focus on mitigation and response to flood hazard to address the climate change issue for future generations. This project also will examine not only disaster management, but also the goal to enhance sustainability, economy, and environment for the communities.
Conventional Solutions Dam Reinforcement
Levee Construction
Planning for Response
$250 million
$
Goal of the Project
The goal of this project is to propose landscape planning and design focused on flood management based on a simulation of the Bluestone Dam failure. The Blueston Dam is located in located on the New River near Hinton, West Virginia, which is classified as one of the hazard potential dams in the United States . The project is composed of two parts. One is at the upper stream community to mitigate the risk of the dam failure, and the other one is at the downstream community of the Bluestone Dam to respond to the flood emergencies in case of dam failure.
Landscape Architectural Solutions
Downstream: Greenroofs
Raingarden/Bioretention
Bioswales
Ka n
aw h
Flexible Design with the Natural River Dynamics
Resistant Design against Bluestone Dam failure
Riverfront Development for People and River Ecosystem
Charleston
aR
ive
r
r ive
wR Ne
Bluestone Dam Blacksburg
Upper stream OBJECTIVE:
Mitigate the risk of dam failure by stormwater management planning in a community upstream of the Bluestone Dam --- Blacksburg,VA
OBJECTIVE: Propose planning & design to respond to the dam failure in a community downstream of the Bluestone Dam --- Charleston,WV
3
BLACKSBURG
UPSTREAM PROJECT
OBJECTIVE: Mitigate the risk of dam failure by stormwater management planning in a community upstream of the Bluestone Dam --- Blacksburg,VA
Commercial/Mixed Use /Professional Office
Low Density Residential
290 acre
2,648 acre
+141%
+14% Charleston
+ CURRENT LAND USE
3,028 acre
699 acre
Blueston Dam Blacksburgh
Medium Density Residential
Research/Light Industrial
Blacksburg,VA
Blacksburg is the largest town in Virginia by population(42,620, 201 census), and the 15th largest municipality overall. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Virginia, and the stormwater impact will increase through future development, which will increase the risk of the Bluestone Dam failure.
+85%
+124 + FUTURE LAND USE (in 2046)
1,319 acre
746 acre
High Density Residential
Land Use Change in the Future The area of the land use change from the current land use to the future in 2046 was identified from GIS maps. Using the Q/i from modified rational method formula(Q = CiA) as a parameter of stormwater amount, the amount of increasing stormwater in the future was calculated.
712 acre
333 acre
Heavy Industrial
547 acre
213 acre
+68%
+136%
LAND USE Very Low Density Residential / Agricultural,Undeveloped Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential Commercial/Mixed Use/Professional Office Research/Light Industrial Heavy Industrial University Civic Parks and Cemeteries
Stormwater Impact Change
357 acre
743 acre
MODEL
Stormwater Increase by the future development
10%
Current Total Q/i
4
+ 10%
Stormwater Reduction by LID
?%
Future Total Q/i
Senario x Total Q/i
GOAL : Propose a stormwater management guideline for new developments to achieve a goal of “No net gain, or Less� impact of stormwater with the LID(Low-Impact Development) strategy.
BLACKSBURG
Scenario Making Process
1
Scenario Making Process
2
Scenario Making Process
3
UPSTREAM PROJECT LID Practices Each major LID practices were evaluated by the rate of stormwater reduction, install cost, maintenance cost, life span, aesthetics, and also if it would enhance community engagement, and wildlife habitats.
Stormwater Reduction Cost(/Sq. ft) Maintenance Life Span Aesthetics Community Engagement Wildlife Habitats
Cost Analysis
Raingardens 40% $3-4 $0.09-0.24 25 yrs
Raingardens
This table shows the cost performance of each major LID practices. They were calculated by the comparison of the cost of construction and maintenance of each LID practice, and the cost comparison for the conventional stormwater management practices by using LID practices. The result of this evaluation showed that raingardens, bioswales, and permeable pavers have better cost performance than the other LID practices. This means that as these three LID practices are used, the city can save more money over using the conventional stormwater management practices.
Average size/ acre
Annual cost for LID / acre(construction&maintenance) Annual saving cost / acre replaced by LID Asphalt Pavement
Bioretentions 40% $10-40 $0.5-2.8 25 yrs
Bioswales Greenroof(Extensive) Permeable Pavers 40% 45% 45% $0.25 $10 $10-18 $0.01-0.02 $0.75–1.50 $0.005 25 yrs 50yrs 25 yrs
Bioretentions
Bioswales
Greenroof(Extensive)
43560 sqft. ( x a% of A)
200 sqft.
3050 sqft.
208’ x 5’ sqft.
$83
$9,608
$177
$0
$680
$232
Drainage System
43560 sqft. ( x a% of A)
$13,591
$9,932
$9,714
$138
Infiltration Trenches
208’ x 5’ sqft.
$1,430
$232 $138
Roof Replacement Landscaping
Permeable Pavers
Infiltration Trenches 50% $5-10 $0.25-1 10 yrs
$16,379 $51
$778
$265
$11,107
$265
COST PERFORMANCE
Suitability for each Land Use From the above evaluations, the suitability of LID practices for each land use were examined, Low Density Residential and three scenarios are made Medium Density Residential to mitigate the stormwater High Density Residential increase. SCENARIO 1
1
SCENARIO 2
1
2
SCENARIO 3
1
2
Raingardens
1 2 2 Commercial/Mixed Use/Professional Office Research/Light Industrial Heavy Industrial
3
Bioretentions
Bioswales
Greenroof(Extensive) Permeable Pavers
Infiltration Trenches
2 1 1 1 3 3
2 2
3 3 2 1 1
3
5
BLACKSBURG
UPSTREAM PROJECT
Scenario Analysis
4
Scenario Analysis
5
6
Evaluation of the Scenarios Q/i value and the total cost per acre of each scenario was calculated. Scenario 3 can reduce the stormwater impact the most, 7% less than the current land use, which means a total of 17% less than the prospective future land use. However, this scenario cost more than scenario 2. Scenario 2 will reduce the stormwater impact 3% from the current land use, and also save $1,213 per acre for the future development. Scenario 4 was created from scenario 2 & 3 to aim to be in the middle of these two scenarios with better cost performance.
Results The reason that scenario 3 cost more than scenario 2 is because of bioretentions. Although bioretentions are good in regards to aesthetics, community engagement, and wildlife habitats, the cost for the construction and maintenance is much more expensive than the other LID practices. Scenario 4 has the same LID practices as scenario 3 without bioretentions, and the result showed that Scenario 4 is the most feasible scenario among the four scenarios regarding to the suitability to each land use and cost performance.
Q/i
Current Land Use
Future Land Use
SCENARIO 1 1
SCENARIO 2 1 2
SCENARIO 3 1 2 3
6,275
6,904
6,407
6,058
5,836
+ 10% + 2% - 3% - 7%
Cost for LID/acre Saving by LID/acre Total Cost/acre
Low Density Residential
Raingardens
Medium Density Residential
Raingardens
Bioswales
High Density Residential
Raingardens
Bioswales
Commercial/Mixed Use /Professional Office
Permeable Pavers
Research/Light Industrial
Bioswales
Heavy Industrial
Bioswales
$ 3,149
$ 8,372
$ 316
$ 4,362
$ 7,447
$ 1,679
$ - 1,213
$ 925
RESULT
Permeable Pavers
Bioswales
$ 1,995
Greenroof(Extensive)
Greenroof(Extensive)
Greenroof(Extensive)
Greenroof(Extensive)
Greenroof(Extensive)
Q/i
Current Land Use
Future Land Use
6,275
6,904
Cost for LID/acre Saving by LID/acre Total Cost/acre
SCENARIO 4
5.982
+ 10% - 5%
$ 5,014 $ 6,173 $ -1,159
Scenario 4 will reduce the stormwater impact 5% from the current land use, which means 15% from the prospective future land use. It will also save $1,159 per acre for annual future development, which means $2,490,701 in savings every year for the whole city. These savings could be spent on creating more bioretentions or the improvement of public services.
Guideline + Low Density Residential
Permeable Pavement Raigarden �E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
Miles 3.2
2.4
+ Medium Density Residential Greenroof Raigarden
Bioswale �E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
Miles 3.2
2.4
+ High Density Residential Greenroof Raigarden
Bioswale �E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
Miles 3.2
2.4
+Commercial/Mixed Use/Professional Office
Bioswale
Greenroof
�E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
2.4
Commercial
Miles 3.2
+ Research/Light Industrial Bioswale
Greenroof
High Density Residential
�E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
2.4
Light Industrial
Miles 3.2
+ Heavy Industrial
Heavy Industrial
Greenroof Bioswale �E
0
0.4
0.8
1.6
2.4
Miles 3.2
7
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
OBJECTIVE: Propose planning & design to respond to the dam failure in a community downstream of the Bluestone Dam --- Charleston,WV
Charleston Blueston Dam Blacksburgh
0
Charleston, WV
Flood Area Analysis
For the downstream community project, Charleston, the state capital of West Virginia,which is located 60 miles downstream of the Bluestone Dam, was selected because it is one of the most important cities in West Virginia(The population is 304,214 including its metropolitan area, 2010 Census), and the damage would be catastrophic if the Bluestone Dam failed.
The 10-100 year floodplains and the possible flood areas by Bluestone Dam failure were identified by GIS analysis. The areas covered with the 100 years flood plain and higher than the 10 feet flood area by Bluestone Dam failure were recognized as the serious flood risk area. The possible damage from the floods were also estimated.
0.5
1
+Floodplains by HAZUS
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
20 feet Flood Area
25 year Floodplain
15 feet Flood Area
50 year Floodplain
10 feet Flood Area
100 year Floodplain
5 feet Flood Are 5-0 feet Flood Area
100 year Floodplain
Serious Flood Risk Area
Miles 4
+Bluestone Dam failure simulation
10 year Floodplain
More than 10 feet Flood Area
High Flood Risk Area
CHARLESTON
+Overlaid Flood Area ESTIMATED DAMAGE $
709,230,000 670 acres 4,980
8
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
High Damage Risk Area Analysis
The map of the serious flood risk areas were overlaid with the following GIS maps to identify the high damage risk areas. The risk of economic and cultural loss, loss of life, and vulnerability of the land by the flood risk areas were taken into account for this process. Total Assets per Sq.mi.
Total Assets by Census Blocks
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
Population Density
Land use
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
Poverty Rate
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
+ 0.5
1
2
0.5
1
2
3
0
0.5
1
2
3
0
0.5
1
2
3
+ 0
0
0
3
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
Miles 4
9 Miles
CHARLESTON
The high damage risk areas were identified from the overlaid maps. Visions for the solutions were set for the each area; One is the flexible waterfront design, which will attempt to create some flexible areas with temporary flooding to mitigate the damage from the floods as well as restore floodplain ecosystems. The second vision, the flood resistant design, will be assigned in the area that has buildings close to the river. The third vision, the planning for response, will focus on the safe areas outside of flood areas. These areas can provide safe shelters, temporary housings, and also emergency supplies such as energy, water, and food.
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
II. HIGH DAMAGE RISK AREA OVERLAID
I. HIGH DAMAGE RISK AREA
III. VISIONS FOR THE SOLUTIONS 1. Flexible Waterfront Design
+ 0
+
0.5
0
0.5
1
2
1
Miles 4
3
2
Miles 4
3
10 0
0.5
1
2
3
Miles 4
2. Flood Resistant Design
3. Planning for Response
IV.STRATEGIES Current
Improvement Park Temporary Cafe
Usually
Usually
Trails Flexible Design
100 yr-Flood
100 yr-Flood
Watersports Ecosystem Restoration (Floodplain Species)
Protection
Blueston Dam Failure
For the flexible waterfront design areas, the riverbank will be expanded with different levels by using stairs or terraces. It will allow people to be close to the water, as well as create attractive spaces for different uses along the river.
Blueston Dam Failure
? Current
Something else?
Improvement Art Wall Outdoor Movie Theater
Usually
Usually
Linear Park(cf. Highline) and Trails Protection
Blueston Dam Failure
Flood Tolerant Buildings (Offices, retails, appartments..)
Blueston Dam Failure
Safe Shelter Area
Possible Temporary housing Area
For the flood resistant design, floodwalls or some structure will be installed to protect the community from the flooding, and also design the structure not only as protective structures from flooding, but also as design elements to create attractive spaces to improve the city.
Sustainable Energy, Water, Food System
For the planning for response area, important facilities such as hospitals, possible shelters and temporary housing area will be identified in the safe area outside of flooding areas, in case the floodwalls also failed. Shelter?
11
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT V.CITY PLANNING
The possible flood area, important elements for response such as shelters, hospitals, and parks for temporary housings, and also circulations, were overlaid, and a schematic master plan was made with the three strategies for each vision.
Possible Flood Area 10 year Floodplain 25 year Floodplain 50 year Floodplain 100 year Floodplain 20 feet Flood Area by Bluestone Dam failure 15 feet Flood Area by Bluestone Dam failure 10 feet Flood Area by Bluestone Dam failure 5 feet Flood Are by Bluestone Dam failure 0-5 feet Flood Area by Bluestone Dam failure
Important Elements for Response Hospitals Schools Parks
Circulation Interstate Highways US Highways Railroad Major Roads Trails
Schematic Master Plan Floodwall structure Floodplain ecosystem restoration area Safe area Hospitals Possible Shelters
12
Possible Temporary housing area
1. Flexible Waterfront Design Floodplain Ecosystem Restoration Area
2. Flood Resistant Design Floodwall structure
3. Planning for Response Safe area from flooding( sustainable energy, water, food system) Hospitals Possible Shelters Possible Temporary housing area
13
CHARLESTON
The flood analysis recognized the downtown area of Charleston as one of the most high damage risk area from flooding. The downtown area is political, economical, and cultural centers of Charleston. It is important to protect this area from flooding as well as create a new riverfront which will become one of the landmarks of the city, and create a harmonious relationship between the city and the river.
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
14
Capital Market
Downtown Area
Riverside Haddard Riverfront Park
Town Center Mall
Civic Center
River Bank and Trail
Elk River
Vacant Space
Estuary of Elk River
Magic Island Park
Residential Area
Kanawha Boulevard
Downtown Area Context
Interstate highway
Two way road
Circulation
One way road
ML king Jr community center and recreation center Magic island park
Greenspace
Haddard riverfront park
Industrial Residential Civic Commercial Church/temples Restaurants Parking Accomodations Business Residential area Civic center Capital market Town center mall Downtown area Clay center for the arts and Sciences of West Virginia
Land use
Key opportunities
Figure ground 10 year
25 year 50 year 10’
5’
10 year Floodplain 25 year Floodplain
100 year
50 year Floodplain 100 year Floodplain
Floodplain
20’ 15’ 20 feet Flood Area 15 feet Flood Area 10 feet Flood Area
Flood area of Bluestone dam failure
5 feet Flood Are Possible Floodplain Ecosystem Restoration Area
5-0 feet Flood Area
Possible Floodwall Structure Line Possible Floodwall Structure Line Possible Floodplain Ecosystem Restoration Area
Flood wall structure Restoration Area
Circulation, green spaces, land use , and key opportunities in the downtown area were mapped. The streets in this area are mostly wider than two lanes, and the Kanawha Boulevard, the road going through from the east to the west along the Kanawha River, has four - five lanes. While they have these wide streets, the traffic is not so busy on the road. There are two parks along the Kanawha River, but both parks have few attractive facilities. Haddard Riverfront Park has nothing but a big amphitheater, and the Magic Island park has a few amenities such as beach volley ball courts. One of the most remarkable facilities in this area is Charleston Town Center Mall. It is an enclosed shopping mall with more than 130 tenants on two levels, as well as a food court on a partial third level. Also, Capital Street preserves the historic and beautiful buildings. Figure ground, floodplains, and the possible flood area by Bluestone Dam failure simulation were identified and overlaid on GIS maps. From these maps, high potential areas for floodplain ecosystem restoration and the areas that need floodwalls or some structures to protect the downtown area were identified.
15
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
Concept Charleston, which has a high damage risk from the possible Bluestone Dam failure, will be redesigned in harmony with the river dynamics(Chaos and Fractal) to be flexible and resistant against the flood risks. The city will become a bridge to the better future as well as a gateway to introduce a green economy and sustainable development into the region which has relied on natural resources industries.
Flexible Resistant
River Dynamics
Forms bridge
chaos
fractal
flexible gateway
River Dynamics
16
resistant
CHARACTERISTICS & MATERIALS
Design Issues & Solutions
Bridge = Connection to the river
Wall = Disconnecting the river & People?
One of the biggest issues for designing is that floodwalls or some kind of structures will be needed to protect the city from the 15-20’flood by Bluestone Dam failure, and there is a concern that the structures would create disconnection rather than creating connection between the city and the river. To break through this design issue, the three ideas below are proposed.
Temporary floodwall
Deck = Open space along the river
Not Wall = Bridge
Temporary floodwall
Idea 1
Gate = Access to the river
Not Wall = Deck = Open Space along the River
Temporary floodwall
Idea 2
Not Wall = Gate to the River
Idea 3
17
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
Conceptual Diagram
Greenways & Design Area
The greenways and the design area were identified based on the conceptual diagram. The greenways will connect each important elements in the downtown area with the riverside as the center. It will enhance the connection between the city and the river. DESIGN SPACES
Clay Center
M RESTORAT STE ION SY
GREENWAYS
Clay center
Capital market Hospital
Downtown area
Hospital
ML king Jr community center
Residential area
Town center mall
Hospital Civic center
Residential area
Greenways
Hospital
EC O
Downtown Area
Kanawha county court house
RIVER
GR
PACE NS EE
Civic
RECREATION
TI-USE MUL
Total 21.7 acres
Magic island park
Capitol Market
Parks
Design Area
8.0 acres
Residential area
FLOOD RESISTANT STRUCTURE
Residential Area
13.7 acres
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM Passive Use
Active Use River View Floodplain Ecosystem Restoration Area Floodwall Structure
Greenways
18
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
FROM GENERAL INVENTORY&ANALYSYS OF THE CITY
ISSUE High damage risk from Bluestone Dam failure
• Economic growth by industries such as salt, coal, oil, natural gas, timber, chemical, glass, steel industy, and also as a transportation hub and the capital of West Virginia • Depopulation by declination of coal industry • Downtown redevelopment project
GOAL Propose a planning & designs of Charleston to respond to the dam failure as well as enhance the environment, economy, and sustainabiltiy of the city
CONCEPT Charleston, which has a high damage risk from the possible Blueston dam failure, will be redesigned in harmony with the river dynamics to be flexible and resistant against the flood risks. The city will become a bridge to the better future as well as a gateway to introduce a green economy and sustainable development into the region, which has been relied on natural resources industries.
• • • • •
The state capital and the county seat of Kanawha county Linear shaped city along the Kanawha River Transportation hub Historic architectures from 1900-1950’s Dynamic landscapes from mountain to city, and city to the river
• • • • • • •
Prospect of future economic growth Transportation hub Existance of 5 universites Diverse economy Preserved historic architecture Events and Festivals High walkability in downtown area
• • • • •
Disconnection to the river and water visually, physically, and mentally Degradation of the river and wetland ecosystem and biodiversity Depopulation and Urban decay Dependence on natural resources industries Less bikable
Community Enhancement
PROGRAMS
Social&Economic Vitalization
River Ecosystem Restoration Cultural Enhancement
FLEXIBLE
RESISTANT
River
19
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
Sketches for Designs
chaos River Dynamics
fractal flexible bridge
Not Wall = Bridge
Flood Resistant Bridge Image
resistant Wall
20
Idea 1
Temporary Cafe
Bridge
Food Vendors
Temporary Floodwall
Free Market , Performance
Not Wall = Deck = Open Space along the River Flexible
River Dynamics
Resistant
Greenwall
Promenade
Museum
Not Wall = Gate to the River Art
Buildings
Idea 2
Community Library
Idea 3
21
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
MASTER PLAN with Flexible Waterfront Designs
KA
NA
Idea 3
Idea 1
Idea 3
ELK RIVER
W
HA
RI
VE
res i
de
R
Idea 2
n eni
St.
d len
C
nC
r Cou
Idea 3
ent
er
al a
rea
Ma
ll
.
t St
tal api
St.
C
Idea 2
Idea 1
Tow
nti
Not Wall = Bridge Idea 1
Idea 2
Idea 3 22
Not Wall = Deck = Open Space along the River Not Wall = Gate to the River
500’
1000’
1500’
AR EA
nC ent
rt Cou
er
1 de
ita Cap
nti community gathering space
n nde
Tow res i
community garden
t. inS natureplayground
Cle
ELK RIVER
greenway
watergarden
new energy
venture buissiness and local retail complex
R
ampatheater
VE
linear museum
RI
community library & Wifi Spot
HA
2
riverlook cafe
EA
floating garden boardwalks
AR
floating garden
W
beach volley/recreation
NA
floodplain ecosystem restoration
KA
riverside walk
MASTER PLAN with Programs
al a rea
Ma ll
St.
l St .
500’ 1000’ 1500’
23
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
clendenin st. GREENWAY
GREENWAY
Elevator
Stairs
B
A
Elevator
Stairs
Stairs
capital st.
1
2
Elevator
Kanawha Boulevard
Magic Island park
Haddard Riverfront Park
A’
Stairs
GREENWAY
ELK RIVER
3
4
5
court st. GREENWAY
Area 1
Area 1 is the closest area to the center of the city, and it also has the Haddad Riverfront Park where concerts and events are being held annually. This area will be designed as the most active and attractive areas to bring people from the city as well as the outside of the city to the riverside. It will not only protect the city at a flooding emergency, but also enhance the city culturally and economically.
B’
amphitheater
seating space
river view bar&cafe
urban beach
green chimneys
linear museum
playground / swing mini arts & crafts scenter
community library & Wifi spot temporary spaces for muti-use
community garden green waterfall wind turbine river gate cafe
rental spaces for retail or offices
venture business & local retail complex
floating garden
KANAWHA RIVER
FLOOD RESISTANT STRUCTURE
3% 605’ 590’ 564’
24
0.48 Miles
500 feet
Existing Section A-A’
600’
12’
12’
12’ 4’ 8’
21’
4’
33’
sidewalk
road
road
road
road
river bank
trail
river bank
vege baffer sidewalk
12’
600’
590’
590’
580’
580’
564’ 8’
Flood line
cess
kan
ccess
River A
awh
Bluestone Dam Failure Simulation
aB
oul
564’
eva
605’
605’ 600’
Flood line
Bluestone dam flood line
590’
4’ 15’
10’
trail
elevated path
deck
baffer
road
vege baffer bike lane
road
sidewalk bike lane
15’
floodwall structure
564’ 15’
15’
600’
Flood
590’
Bluestone Dam Failure Simulation
564’
ccess
8’
River A
ccess
ccess
River A
615’
615’
590’
580’
580’
15’
4’
sidewalk
deck
trail
Bluestone Dam Failure Simulation
564’
Flood
elevated playground
5’
flood wall structure
road
vege baffer bike lane sidewalk
road
sidewalk bike lane
20’
600’
590’
564’
spiral staircase & elevator
Flood line
Bluestone dam flood line
15’ clearance
Bluestone Dam Failure Simulation
605’
605’ 600’
11’ 5’ 5’ 5’
Proposed Design River A
Proposed Section B-B’
5’ 5’ 11’
ccess
River A
580’
580’
11’ 5’ 5’ 2’
rd
Bluestone Dam Failure Simulation
Proposed Section A-A’
5’ 5’ 11’
Existing Condition
c River A
While the traffic is not so heavy on Kanawha Boulevard, it has 4 to 5 lanes now, and it is one of the big elements creating disconnection between the downtown area and the river. Reducing Kanawha Boulevard into two lanes will mitigate this disconnection as well as create more space for the open space along the river.
If the Bluestone Dam failed, the downtown area would be flooded with 15’ of water, and it would cause catastrophic damage to the city. To protect the downtown area from the flood, floodwalls or some kind of structures will be needed along the river. These structures could be opened to the river like gates under normal conditions, and closed and work as floodwalls at a flood emergency.
The floodwall structures will be opened and flexible as much as possible, and create visual and physical connection to the river from the downtown area. The elevated path will create more open space along the river with dynamic views. The floodwall structure will be closed and turn into the temporary floodwalls when the Bluestone Dam fails.
25
Elements
1
26 Urban Beach
Green chimneys will catch people’s eye from far away, and also become one of the symbols for Charleston’s riverfront. The design was inspired by the factories along the Kanawha River, which is one of the characteristics of Charleston. It represents that Charleston will become a gateway to introduce a green economy and sustainable development into the region, which relies on natural resources industries. Also this big stairs opened up to the river and the arch shaped structure will bring people’s eyes to the river. A shallow pool, and urban beach will attract people and kids, and let them enjoy spending time close to the river.
2
The outdoor museum, which could be also covered with a temporary roof, has a winding path surrounding the existing pin oaks. It brings people’s eye’s to four different directions, and create different feelings and spaces with the sunshine and shades, trees, and views surrounding users. Also, there are windows open to the river that look like paintings, and the surrounding landscape will be a piece of art. It will get people’s attention to the river. This museum attracts people from the Haddard Riverfront Park into the whole riverside park, as well as provide a good cultural connection from music to art.
5ʼ 5ʼ
5ʼ
10ʼ
27 Public Linear Museum
3
This area has more community uses such as an art craft center, playground, and an outdoor community library and Wifi spot area. Users can enjoy the river views through some playground equipment such as swings and slides. It will create visual and mental connection to the river. On the ground level, there are river view terraces with table and chairs along the riverside walk. These terraces could be closed at the flood emergency.
Elements
28
Playground and Riverside Walk
29
Spiral Staircase
4
Elements
River Gate Cafe
30
The elements of the river gate cafe area are outdoor eating spaces, counter seating spaces with the dynamic river view, and cafe shops made of steel, which is one of the characteristics of this area. Also wind turbines and trees will provide shade for people. The generated electricity made through the wind turbines will bring water from the river to the top containers. The water will drip like a waterfall from there to the river through the containers with wetland plants, and the water will be filtrated through the system. There is also a small water feature with glass windows next to the cafe, and it will allow people to feel water and the river closer on the top of the floodwall structure.
Water Feature
Kanawha Boulevard
Greenway to the River
Kanawha Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes, and it will have sidewalks and bike lanes on each side. Bioswales will be also installed to collect the water from the downtown area and remove the pollution from the stormwater before it reaches to the river. These streetscape enhancement will create a better connection from the downtown area to the river. The floodwall structure along the street are open to the river with arches shapes, which represent a bridge or gate to the river. These arch will be temporarily closed at the flood emergency situation temporarily.
Greenways will create visual, physical and also environmental connections from the downtown area to the river. The greenway will have bioswales along the street as well as vegetation strips with native species, which will manage stormwater and enhance the environment in the city. 31
Floating Garden
32
After the river gate cafe area, there is a business and commercial use area, and a floating garden area. These areas will be the core for revitalizing the economy, culture, and ecosystem of the city. The boardwalks are going through the floating gardens, which are small manmade wetland structures. these can provide habitat to wildlife as well as become good design features for the wetland boardwalks. Each floating unit comes in different sizes, which will create different micro climates on each unit and allow them to have different kind of plant species on them. It also has nets under the top soil part, and there would be aquatic plants which will provide habitat for fish or other wildlife. Also, it will contribute to cleaning the water of the river as well as preventing the temperature of the water from getting high by providing shade on the surface of the water.
Elements
5
Wetland Terrace
586’: 50yrs floodplain 582’: 25yrs floodplain 580’: 10yrs floodplain 575’ 570’
Centella asiatica
upland buffer
upland buffer
forested wetland
scrub/shrub wetland
emergent vegetation
564 ’
floating vegetation
The wetland terrace has strong straight lines which will bring people’s eyes direct to the river, and also emphasize the diversity of the wetland ecosystem. These terraces are elevated by every 4 or 5’ and also by the elevation of natural floodplain levels such as 10 years, 25 years, and 50 years floodplain levels. These different levels will have different plant communities by natural flooding events.
Polygonum pensylvanicum L.
Nymphaea odorata Ait.
Pontederia cordata L.
Vaccinium corymbosum
Cephalanthus occidentalis L.
Acer rubrum
33
Pinus strobus
CHARLESTON
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
Area 2
Highway Interstae
vania S GREENW AY
Pennsy l
Delawa
ey St.
Downtown, Haddard Riverfront Park
vard oule
aB
awh
Kan
Tennessee Ave. GREENW AY
Ohaio A ve. GREEN WAY
Berkel
ELK RIVER
re Ave.
Area 2, Magic Island Park, was redesigned as a major destination for recreational activities and ecosystem restoration in Charleston. The park itself will work as a filtration plant for stormwater from the city and water from the Kanawha River. The bioswale and large floodplain restoration areas across the park will absorb and filter water and remove pollutants. The park will provide some recreational activities such as hike and bike trails, beach volleyball courts, a dog park, a playground, an outdoor movie theater, and a gym and a cafe.
34
floating garden
parking
gym & cafe
volleyball courts grand staircase
marina
beach beach
outdoor movie theater great lawn
floating garden
floating garden
oxbow-shaped wetland
temporary floodwall decks
KANAWHA RIVER
FLOOD RESISTANT STRUCTURE TEMPORARY FLOODWALL DECKS
The park is sloped gradually from the Kanawha Boulevard towards the Kanawha River, and the half of the park is occasionally flooded as the water level increases naturally. The natural flood will help the floodplain ecosystem recover. However, the floodwall decks will come up and become a temporary floodwall in the event of the Bluestone dam failure.
Section C-C’ : Normal water level C Bluestone dam failure flood level 600’
590’ 580’
10’
40’
10-15’
30’
10’
70’
5’
35’
hike & bike trail
turf
bio stream
beach
hike & bike trail
floodplain
riverside walk
floodplain
kanawha river
30’ grand staircases
road
road vege baffer bike lane
sidewalk bike lane
20’ temporary floodwall decks
564’ 5’ 5’ 11’ 11’ 5’ 5’
C’
Section C-C’ : Frequent flood level C Bluestone dam failure flood level 600’
590’ 580’
10’
40’
10-15’
30’
10’
70’
5’
35’
hike & bike trail
turf
bio stream
beach(sand)
hike & bike trail
floodplain
riverside walk
floodplain
kanawha river
30’ grand staircases
road vege baffer bike lane
road
sidewalk bike lane
20’ temporary floodwall decks
564’ 5’ 5’ 11’ 11’ 5’ 5’
C’
Section C-C’ : Bluestone Dam failure flood level C Bluestone dam failure flood lelvel 600’
590’ 580’
10’
40’
10-15’
30’
10’
70’
5’
35’
hike & bike trail
turf
bio stream
beach(sand)
hike & bike trail
floodplain
riverside walk
floodplain
kanawha river
30’ grand staircases
road vege baffer bike lane
road
sidewalk bike lane
20’ temporary floodwall decks
564’ 5’ 5’ 11’ 11’ 5’ 5’
C’
35
ECOTONE
rt w e e d
ma
h)
(Buttonb u is tal
alder) oth
edbud)
nR er
st
ea
g e) ed
s is ( E a
e family(S on
er
kerelwee
en ad
ic (P
reed) ur-
m spp.(B niu
ta ( rula Smo er
martwee (S
spp.( S um
s occid en thu an
ia cordata
um spp.
yle
w o rt)
Polygon
Sparga
.(Bulrus
)
Scirpus
s
Polyg
ny
) sh
Ceph al
Alnus
d
spp.(Pe n
36
Hydrocot
Frequent flood level
d)
Cypera c
Ponte
580’
d)
Cercis ca n
590’
p sp
600’ Bluestone dam failure flood level
564’ KANAWHA RIVER
floodplain ecosystem restoration area riverside walk
floodplain ecosystem restoration area
hike &
le) ap .(Burr spp
er
relweed)
s p p. ( A ria
nR
a) ican )
d)
ee
o re m
entalis (syca cid
data (Pic or
w w h ea d llo
(Ulmus am
ke
elm
en ad
er
(suger m um
lawn
American
a
bioswale
P la t a n u s o c
Sagitt
beach
arganium Sp
tederia c )
hike & bike trail
r saccha r ce
P on
s is ( E a
st
& bike trail
Cercis ca n
edbud)
A
grand staircases
temporary floodwall decks bike lane
Kanawha Boulevard
37
CONCLUSIONS
38
MITIGATE THE RISKS OF THE HAZARD Upper stream Community: Blacksburg, VA
The part of the project in Blacksburg, upstream of the Bluestone Dam, could propose a practical stormwater management plan to mitigate the risk of the Dam failure. The guideline for stormwater management in Blacksburg will be able to reduce the impact of the future development to the environment and the risk of the Bluestone dam failure. This guideline also enables the city to save the cost for the development of new infrastructure, as well as enhance aesthetics, community engagement, and wildlife habitat, which will improve the sustainability of the city. This project also proved that LID strategy is a practical tool for flood management for the downstream community, and it is recommended to be applied to city planning more in the future.
RESPONSE TO THE HAZARD
Downstream Community: Charleston The part of the project in Charleston, downstream of the Bluestone Dam, could propose a planning and design to be able to respond to a Bluestone dam failure. It suggested that the flood resistant riverfront design from landscape architectural view will bring various benefits to the community. It would not only protect the community from flooding, but also enhance the environment, culture, economic, and quality of life as a river friendly city. However, the cost for the development, especially for the floodwall structure, will be one of the issues in this project. The cost would be less expensive than the total cost from the possible dam failure, and the benefits brought by the development will enhance the sustainability of the city. This project suggested the potential of landscape architecture that could play a great role to enhance the planning and designs in the field of disaster management, and it is recommended landscape architects to take part in the process of the disaster management more in the future.
39
40