WATER GARDENS — cheerygreen

Water Gardens

Location: Jewelry District, Downtown Providence, RI
Time: 12. 2023
Class assignment
Designer: Jia Hu
Instructor: Elizabeth Dean Hermann

Introduction: In the heart of Providence’s jewelry district, the surface temperature is approximately 22 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the surrounding areas. The Providence River faces various challenges, including rainwater pollution, urban heat island effects, and a lack of public spaces. Impermeable surfaces worsen rainwater runoff problems, leading to pollutants reaching the river. The high temperatures downtown contribute to discomfort and environmental strain. To address these issues, my solution involves strategically implementing water gardens as a comprehensive approach. These expansive gardens serve as both recreational hubs and natural filtration systems, effectively purifying rainwater before it reaches the Providence River. Moreover, the cooling effect of the water gardens helps alleviate the urban heat island phenomenon, creating a more pleasant and sustainable urban environment. This transformative solution not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the downtown landscape with ample public spaces for community engagement and education.

Problems:
Heat Island Effect:
Issue: Impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete absorb and retain heat, leading to the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon results in elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to their surrounding rural areas. Increased temperatures can have adverse effects on human health, energy consumption, and the overall urban microclimate

Stormwater Runoff:
Impervious surfaces prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the ground, leading to increased stormwater runoff. This runoff carries pollutants from streets and other surfaces into water bodies, affecting water quality.
Consequences: Elevated stormwater runoff can contribute to flooding, erosion, and water pollution, impacting aquatic ecosystems and water resources.

Reduced Green Spaces:
The prevalence of impervious surfaces often results in reduced green spaces and tree cover in urban environments. Insufficient green spaces contribute to a lack of shade, reduced biodiversity, and limited opportunities for outdoor recreation. It also diminishes the ability of urban areas to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

Limited Infiltration:
Impervious surfaces hinder natural water infiltration into the soil, reducing groundwater recharge. Lower groundwater recharge levels can lead to depleted aquifers, affecting the long-term sustainability of water resources in the area.

Urban Microclimate Changes:
Impervious surfaces alter the urban microclimate by absorbing and radiating heat, affecting local weather patterns. Changes in the microclimate can result in localized temperature variations, altered wind patterns, and increased energy consumption for cooling in buildings.