Maribor 2112 Over the next one hundered years, Maribor, Slovenia will be exposed to dramatic fluctuations of the height of its river Drava due to climate change. The aim of this proposal is to not only prevent potential flooding from occurring, but also to capitalise on the dramatic fluctuations of river heights. These ideas will materialise in the form of a new water system for the city. Sited on the existing flood plain, a new region will emerge, incorporating an underground system for the collection, treatment, storage and re-distribution of water through the agricultural areas of the city. This underground process will be reflected above ground as a new landscape and series of structures.
gateway
collection
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distribution
The first of these reflections is the Gateway. Water from the river enters the underground system through an overflow gate if the river level rises. Above ground, the site acts as a gateway into the new region as well as a port for river transport. Residents are also able to sell grey water back to the system, which is transported to the water facility by a new intra-city train network. Seeing the decline of cars by 2112, the intra-city rail becomes the primary mode of transport for residents, and is accompanied by an upgraded inter-city network for international travel. Collected water then travels to the treatment facility. At this point, the water becomes visible above the landscape, and allows for human interaction. The building above is the brain of the new region, controlling all water-related systems within the city. Water is stored in contained chambers, which then moves to the distribution centre when required, where it is controlled and distributed to agricultural areas via a series of canals. Canals provide the network for the transport of produce by boat from agricultural areas to the new region. Farmers and residents can sell their goods at a new market, which weaves through the new region, connecting the agricultural area to the old city. All building developments within the new region will be subject to two new regulations. One: 25% of a buildings total floor area over all levels must be reflected in external water harvesting on the structure. Two: all collected water must be directed into the underground water storage system. These new regulations promote the collection of water as well as providing the framework for new and innovative architectural forms. The proposal establishes a new water system for the city, provides new opportunities for exchange, and provides the framework for new building typologies to emerge.v This new dynamic Aquonomy both protects from and capitalises on future river conditions, and offers a new way of thinking about the future of water in cities.
gateway
collection
treatment
distribution
habitation