MArch Year 4 Architecture Portfolio (2022)

2022052501 编号

Ghost of the Forbidden City Design Portfolio 建筑作品集

绝密文件

ARCT 1073 Emily Chan (曾钰梅) Unit 18 1

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目录 Contents

Chapter 0

Chapter 4

0.1 Preface

4.1 State Narrative and Brief

Research Method & Questions

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Growing Dissent in China

Key Readings

At the Annual Parliamentary Session Range of Jurisdiction : Central Beijing

0.2 Prologue Short Story - Wave of Anger

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The State’s Main Objective

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Design Driver : The Forbidden City Project Site : Yuyuantan Lake

Chapter 1

Chapter 5

1.1

5.1 Design Development

Everything is Bigger Here Map of Hydroengineering Structures Monstrous Modern Feats Ancient Hydroengineering Marvel Rivers are a Blessing and a Curse Taming the Dragons (龙) Desperate for Success Technocratic Vision of New China The Success Story of Hydropower Has Man Conquered Nature?

Myopic Rush to Gold A Problem for the New Millenium

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Chapter 6 6.1 The State’s Proposal

7.1

2.1 The Dry Arid North 32

Chapter 3 3.1 Beijing Historical Center of China A Leader of the Modern World Absolute Water Scarcity Lack of Awareness A Negotiation of Water Project Problem & Aim Aligning with Algocracy : Water Surveillance Existing Social Credit System in China

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Chapter 7

Chapter 2 Damaging Disparity in Modern China South North Water Transfer Project Suggested Alternatives Sacrifices of the Southern Farmers A Source of Conflict and Instability

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Epilogue : The Restriction

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前言 Preface Long Live China! (A Disclaimer) “Narrative is present in every age, in every place, in every society; it begins with the very history of mankind and there nowhere is nor has been a people without narrative. Caring nothing for the division between good and bad literature, narrative is international, transhistorical, transcultural: it is simply there, like life itself.”

‘Ghost of the Forbidden City’ is an architectural design project built on existing and historical narratives on the subject of water and hydroengineering in China, evidenced by research from an array of sources, including books, articles and official documents of the Chinese State Government. From them I gather how water is to China the silent medium for nation-building. The influence of the element runs its veins through the heart of Chinese politics, economy, ideas & beliefs, technology, arts, and warfare.

- Roland Barthes, in ‘Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narratives’ (1966)

Thus, ‘Ghost of the Forbidden City’ will employ a fictional narrative to develop and investigate the future of China’s capital city, Beijing, through the impending doom of water scarcity.

Rising from a place of sporadic investigative curiousity for understanding the forms that inhabit this world, the following pages will describe a journey that began as a documentary marathon that spiralled down the subject of impossible structures built by mankind. Notwithstanding the exemplary Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Wall of China, it was the stumbling upon of metaphysical facts and statistics on China’s hydroengineering marvels that sparked the beginnings of the ‘Ghost of the Forbidden City’.

For all intents and purposes, the reader of this design portfolio should note that everything is fictional and only intended as speculation. Whilst relating to facts and evidence, it does not look to supply a narrative that opposes the Chinese State Government. This has been a disclaimer!

Long live China!

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研究方法 Research Method & Questions Water as Medium of Understanding

Research

China’s Phenomenon of Mega-Hydroengineering Structures

inspiration

issue

site

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

History of Hydroengineering in China

Analyse the Disparity of Freshwater Resources in China

The Relevance of Beijing

Role of Hydroengineering in China

China’s Technocratic Vision

Impact of Large-Scale Hydroengineering

Absolute Water Scarcity in Beijing

Analyse the South-North Water Diversion Project

Controversial Sacrifices of the South for the North

Existing Water Management in Beijing

Lack of Awareness in Beijing

Source of Potential Conflict and Instability for China

Need for Increased Water Conservancy in Beijing

“Man Conquer Nature” Economy VS Environment Exacerbated the Issue of Water Scarcity

Question Project’s Key Questions for Speculation 1. How can China reconcile the disparity of its waterfragmented nation?

2. What could the architecture of a re-imagined role of Chinese hydroengineering look like within the political and cultural context of the Chinese Socialist model?

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关键读数 Key Readings Official & Non-Official Sources

This book, published in 2010, is an environmental travelogue written by Jonathan Watts. Watts is an award-winning environmental journalist and author and is also The Guardian’s Asia correspondent.

Selected as a ‘Book of the Year’ by the Times and the Economist, this book written in 2016 dissects and explains in detail the dynamics of China through the role of water.

Official documents such as these released by the Chinese State Government on ‘Water Resources in China’ and, ‘Dam Construction and Management in China’, are studied and contextualized amongst literature that is critical of the government’s handling of water and hydroengineering infrastrucutres.

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An investigative research document detailing Beijing’s Water Crisis prior to the Beijing 2008 Olympics. This was produced by Probe International.

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序幕 Prologue A Slice of Life in the Hydraulic Nation “When I first arrived to Beijing 60 years ago, there were springs everywhere. Some bubbled up half a meter high. There were rice paddies. But now the population’s increased sevenfold, and there are seven ring roads around the city. That abundant supply of water is gone.”

—Liu Changming, a retired hydrologist for the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing Popular unrest is one of the Chinese Government’s greatest fears. As recently as 2000, Civil unrest erupts over use and allocation of water from Baiyang Lake, the largest natural lake in northern China. Several people die in riots by villagers in July 2000 in Shandong after officials cut off water supplies. In August 2000, six die when officials in the southern province of Guangdong blow up a water channel to prevent a neighboring county from diverting water. It is incidents like this that show the fineline crack in the water governance of China. This section highlights a story of a long and dragged war with water (and villagers) to aid in setting up the prominence of the issue of water scarcity in China.

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“To fight for every drop of water or die; that is the challenge facing China.”

Wang Shu Cheng (China’s Ex-Minister of Water Resources, 2005)

Water shortages threatened “the very survival of the Chinese Nation.”

Wen Jiabao (China’s Ex-Premier, 2005)

“The government doesn’t care about us.”

Zhao Keqian (Villager displaced by the South-North Water Diversion Project, 2018) as reported in The Economist Mr Zhao says local officials paid him 450 yuan per square metre for his old house but charged 1,000 yuan per square metre for his new one.

The government also took 40% of what it paid him for his land, claiming this was really the government’s. Those rehoused, Mr Zhao thinks, end up with a new house, no savings, no job and 600 yuan a year of income support—not nearly enough to live on.

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Wave of Anger 11

第1章 Everything is BIGGER Here An Introduction to China and its Waters “I repeat that everything appertaining to this city is on so vast a scale , and the Great Khan’s yearly revenues therefrom are so immense, that it is not easy even to put in writing, and it seems past belief to one who merely hears it told.”

- Marco Polo on China, in ‘A Description of the World (c. 1300) This project begins as a curious look into the scale of China and its phenomenon of mega-hydroengineering structures. Since its war on poverty during the Great Leap Forward of the mid 1900s, a time of massive agricultural and industrial ambitions, China has quickly grown into the global superpower we know today. Just as Marco Polo testified of ancient China in the 1300s, modern China has continued to break expectations and amaze its global audience in its sheer magnitude of everything. Today, China is not only home to over 98,000 dams, it has also built the largest and the longest of hydroengineering structures through which rich history and narratives of the nation’s culture and philosophy can be understood.

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Water level is at 175 m in China’s Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project.

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China’s Hydroengin Visible fro

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neering Structures om Space

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The Three Gorges Dam built on the Yangtze River is the largest hydropower project ever built. At a height of 185m, it spans 2.3km in length, cost 200 billion yuan and took over two decades to be built.

It has three times the capacity of the largest dam built in America, the Grand Coulee Dam. Completed in 2006, NASA has also confirmed it as being one of the man-made structures visible from space.

[Photo/CNN Style]

The Beihetan hydropower station in southwest China on June 28, 2021.

At a height of 289m and a capacity of 20.6 billion m3 of water, it is second only to Three Gorges Dam globally in terms of power generating capacity.

Construction began in 2017.

[Photo/Xinhua]

The ongoing South-North Water Transfer Project is a multi-decade water diversion mega-project that consists of three canal systems that span across the country. It aims to channel 44.8 billion m3 of freshwater annually from the South to the North of China. At the cost of $79 billion and having built only 2 of the 3 canals, the project is already one of the most expensive and ambitious engineering projects in human history.

[Photo/Internet Geography]

Monstrous Modern Feats

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Since 1949, China has engaged in large-scale construction of water conservancy projects and have built a large number of dams/reservoirs. According to China’s Ministry of Water Resources, these hydroengineering structures play a major role in flood prevention, water supply, irrigation, power generation and environmental improvement nationwide. To date, China has witnessed the construction of a collection of record-breaking megastructures that have become a symbol of engineering prowess and the pride of its nation. However, this phenomenon of mega-hydroengineering structures on a national-scale is actually not new.

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The Song painter Zhang Zeduan’s scroll ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival features the Grand Canal (12th century)

The Sui Emperor Yangdi (who saw the completion of the canal in the 6th century) inspects the Grand Canal at Hangzhou, in this silk painting (18th century)

The Kangxi Emperor’s Southern Inspection Tour (of the Grand Canal in 1689), by Wang Hui on a chinese scroll (17th century)

Ancient Hydroengineering Marvel The Grand Canal is a reoccuring backdrop in ancient Chinese paintings. Built in the 6th Century, the Grand Canal, which connects Beijing and Hangzhou, has been named the world’s oldest and longest man-made waterway. At 1,776 km long, the Suez Canal (193 km) and the Panama Canal (82 km) dwarfs in comparison. Whilst China has two great river systems, namely the Yangtze and Yellow River, they both flow from the west to east. Beyond flood prevention and irrigation, the Grand Canal was a conduit for food, goods and troops. It became the veins and arteries of Imperial China from which the population is controlled. It quickly becomes apparent that China cannot be explained without engaging with the role of water for without the Grand Canal unifying the North and the South, a disconnected China may have created many Chinas.

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The River Gives

Rivers were a source of drinking water for China

Rivers were central to the livelihoods and lifestyles of the Chinese civilization

Water bodies allowed for trade to flourish, made transport of food and goods easier and quicker

Rivers and canals helped provide water for agriculture irrigiation which was key in a then agrarian society

Canal system allowed for emperor and troops to travel and maintain the control over the population

Water bodies allowed for trade to flourish, made transport of food and goods easier and quicker

The River Takes

Inscriptions on the walls of Dayu Cave in the Qinling Mountains of central China describe the effects of seven droughts over hundreds of years

Starving children in Shanghai during the Great Famine, also widely regarded as the deadliest in the world (1958)

Famines happened yearly in pre-industrial China. In Mao’s reign, the Great Famine was shrouded in secrecy.

‘The Yellow River Breaches its Course’ by Ma Yuan (1160–1225 Song dynasty). Ancient China like China today was prone to flooding

Forced relocation of the population during the Great Flood at the Yellow River (1887)

Waters destroy the town. Hankow City (now part of modern day Wuhan City) in flood waters (1931)

Rivers are a Blessing and a Curse “Agriculture is the basis of the whole world. Springs and rivers, irrigation ditches and reservoirs make possible the cultivation of the five grains”, declared Han Emperor Wudi in 111BC. This is true in ancient till pre-industrial China when it was an agrarian society. Everything China had was given by the rivers, yet they were known to be able to take away everything as quickly as well. This pushed and encourage China to manage its water bodies. As Joseph Needham puts it, “Probably no other people in the world have preserved a mass of legendary material into which it is clearly possible to trace back the engineering problems of remote times.” China’s rivers thus dictated their rhythm of life.

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Evolution of 水

The chinese word for water is 水 (shui) alludes to China as a river nation rather than one of vast oceanic proportions.

Historically and even today, most chinese people’s encounter with water bodies are not the sea but the great rivers, in irrigation ditches, in pools of rain and mists and on the mountaintops. The character itself originates from a pictorgraphy of what looks like a central stream confined by channels.

Potrait of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. He adorns clothes with dragon motifs fitting of an emperor. The throne he sits on, as do other emperors before and after him, is ornamented with dragon carvings.

The dragon motif is a popular and powerful symbol in China, Here they appear in a segment of the ‘Nine Dragons’ handscroll painted by Song Dynasty’s Chen Rong (12th c.)

Taming the Dragons (龙) The rivers bring a functional purpose to the population but they also permeate the chinese culture in many other ways. In chinese folklore, it is said that the 4 main rivers of China are 4 dragons, namely the Yellow, Long, Black and Pearl Dragon. As such, dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. During the days of Imperial China, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial strength and power. It is however no easy task for the emperors to tame these powerful dragons. The rivers raised and cared for the Chinese civilization, yet they also ravaged on a mythical scale and wiped out cities and the population along with it. With this, leaders of China from all the way back in ancient China till today, understood that the stability of Chinese society depended on reigning in the dragons: channelling and pacifying it, making it behave. This gives way to the idea of Mandate of Heaven.

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After China was defeated by Britain in the Opium War (1839-1842), there was great concern about the superiority of the West. Thinkers fiercely debated how to respond.

When water conservancy collapsed due to a shift of focus to sustain the country against politics, it gave way to the North China Famine (1876-9) where 10-13 million were lost and a great flood in Zhengzhou (1886-7) that killed between 1 million to 2.5 million people.

Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing Dynasty, the last Imperial Dynasty of China, to form the new Republic of China in 1911. Prior to their takeover, China was put through chaos of rebellions and political fighting. China was grim and devastated. Here Imperial troops drill before the Revolution (1907-11)

Desperate for Success

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Following the Confucian thought, a ruler who failed to manage China’s waters didn’t just risk social decay. He exposed himself to the charge that Heaven itself had lost confidence in his capacity to rule. Heaven displayed its mandate through natural phenomena and floods or drought were a sign of divine displeasure. However, when agrarian China was put through the political turmoil and water induced disasters of the 19th century, the matter went beyond a crisis of authority, China’s national identity was breaking as the crises exposed the nation to be out of step with the modern age: backward, poor and constantly struggling to survive. Driven to bring national pride and prosperity, China’s First President of the Republic of China began looking to hydaulics to create a compelling new narrative for itself.

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“If the water power in the Yangtze and Yellow rivers could be utilized by the newest methods to generate electrical power, about one hundred million horsepower might be obtained... When the time comes, we shall have enough power to supply railways, motor cars, fertilizer factories, and all kinds of manufacturing establishments.”

- Sun Yat Sen, the First President of the Republic of China, in a speech in Guangzhou (1924) 21

“I have just drunk the waters of Changsha And have come to eat the Wuchang fish.

Now I am swimming across the great Yangtze, Looking afar to the open sky of Chu...

Great plans are afoot; A bridge will fly to span the north and south, Turning a deep chasm into a thoroughfare; Walls of stone will stand upstram to the west To hold back Wushan’s clouds and rain Till a smooth lake rises in the narrow gorges.

The mountain goddess, if she is still there Will marvel at a world so changed.”

- ‘Swimming’ by Mao Tze Dong, written to commemorate his swim in the Yangtze (1956)

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Mural of the Paramount Leaders of China on the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower generating capacity in the world : Mao Tze Dong, Deng Xiao Ping and Jiang Ze Min.

President Mao Tze Dong In office : 1943 - 1976

President Deng Xiao Ping In office : 1982 - 1987

President Xi Jin Ping In office : 2012 - current

- Founding Father of the Chinese Communist Party

- Widely regarded as the “Architect of Modern China”

- Received a chemical engineering degree

- “Man Must Conquer Nature”

- A hydraulic engineer and supporter of the hydraulic - Current leader of the People’s Republic of China dream set forth by Mao - Launched pre-industrial China onto a path of economic - Announced approval for the Western Route of the and social change - Reformed and opened up Maoist China South North Water Transfer Project in May 2021 - Led the hydraulic optimism that continues to alter the - Restored China to domestic stability and economic landscape of China today through dam building and growth after the disastrous excesses of the Cultural water manipulation structures Revolution.

- Laid the foundations for China’s economic development - ensured China a rapidly growing economy, rising standards of living, considerably expanded personal and cultural freedoms, and growing ties to the world economy - Pushed forward Mao’s dream for Three Gorges Dam

Technocratic Vision of New China When Mao Tze Dong, the Founding Father of the People’s Republic of China took control in 1949, he was also conscious of the potentials of hydraulics in solving China’s water disasters and harnessing energy for industrialization. Not only will this solve China’s centuries long catastrophic disasters and need to drive economic expansion, Mao would also be able to cement his leadership under the Mandate of Heaven. This signalled a rebirth of China into the modern age. During the ‘Great Leap Forward’, every county was told to build dams and diversion channels. Mao was determined to demonstrate his mastery over nature. He also used the river as a huge potent source for metaphors. In describing the big Yangtze, : It is big, but not frightening. Is imperialist America big? We challenged it; nothing happened.

So there are things in this world that are big but not frightening.” Unsurprisingly, this hydraulic optimism spread like wildfire within China, forming the goals of future leaders as well. Among high-ranking officials born before 1948, who made up the majority of the leadership before this current generation, around one-third had engineering degrees.

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Skyline of a flourishing city in modern day China

The Success Story of Hydropower Economic and social reforms beginning 1949 transformed China in its entirety. Whilst hydroengineering is not the only reason for the rapid industrialization and globalization of China, it has definitely played a huge role in providing renewable energy for economic expansion.

With hydroelectricity, China maintains the energy independence it desires as it has an insufficient reserve of fossil fuels to fund its large population. In 2018, hydropower accounted for roughly 18% of China’s total electricity generation. Along with that, through better supply of water around the country through diversion channels, China was able to expand its agriculture production which has been crucial in giving China a sense of food security and independence.

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Aftermath of large dam projects - A case study on the effects of the Three Gorges Dam

1.4 million people displaced, more than 3 largest dams combined, lost livelihoods

Ancestral homes demolished and its communities broken up

Reservoir submerged 2 cities, 114 towns and 1680 villages near the bank

Loss of centuries old heritage and cultural artefacts, about 1000 archeological sites were submerged

Geological disruptions confirmed to have caused an increase frequency of earthquake and landslides

Cause environmental and ecological destruction, and threaten endangered species like the Yangtze dolphin

Three Gorges Dam’s unfulfilled promise

During heavy flooding in June 2020, the sluice gates of the Three Gorges Dam opened for the first time since 2003. Unable to hold any more water, the water was left to run downstream. In the consequential flood of Jiangxi province, more than 158 people have died or gone missing, 3.67 million residents have been displaced and 54.8 million people have been affected, causing a devastating 144 billion yuan ($20.5 billion) in economic losses.

Has Man Conquered Nature?

To measure China’s success in controlling water is to look at the Three Gorges Dam. As the largest reservoir built to date, it is meant to hold River Yangtze and prevent a ‘once in a century flood’. Overall, it has mostly succeeded in doing so since it was first built. However, many critics have called out the dam’s limited role. During heavy flooding in recent years, the most recent being in July 2020, the dam was not able to hold back the river. Some described it as “a teacup holding an ocean”. Furthermore, because of its large physical and carbon footprint, large megastructures like the Three Gorges Dam have generated a huge cascade of new problems. In this regard, technology and economic development had brought only mixed benefits. in 2011, the CCP had also admitted to the shortcomings of the Three Gorges Dam. With 23,841 large dams in 2019, which accounts for 41% of the world total, this is a cause for concern.

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Aftermath of Rapid Industrailization - A case study of Henan

“Though you may walk thousands of miles, you will never find beauty compared to the Huai River” -Poem written on Hena’s Huai River in the 1950s

“In the fifties, we washed our food in the clear river, In the sixties, we irrigated our fields with its waters, In the seventies, we saw our river turn black and oily, In the eighties, we watched dead fish float to the surface, In the nineties, we too started to fall sick.”

- Poem written on Henan’s Huai River in the 1990s:

In order to quickly begin industrialization, the local government in Henan welcomed heavily polluting companies such as tanneries, paper mills and chemical plants to the Huai River.

A doctor visits his elderly patients from a cancer village in Henan. Villagers have attributed the increasing cancer cases to the toxic and polluted waterways.

Aquifers reached down to deep levels like 500 meters in order to provide clean water to villagers. In comparison, wells were usually only 30 meters deep.

Myopic Rush to Gold However, perhaps unforeseen during the beginning of Mao’s technocratic vision of “Man Must Conquer Nature”, China’s rapid economic expansion alongside the dams and diversion channels have created an entire set of modern problems for China. When Mao’s hyrdaulic plans were introduced to China, cities like Henan did not want to miss out on what made other parts of China rich. This spurred the reckless building of dams nationwide. Alongside worries of structural integrity, this began the rapid introduction of factories and plants to use the hydroelectricity created to gain access to the hydroelectricity generated by the dams. Within a few decades, the rivers of China began to stink and discolour. In 2007, the World Bank issued a preliminary report suggesting 750,000 people die each year from pollution in China. Natural resources were drained and human lives were contaminated. To solve this, China began drilling into safe deep aquifers.

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Since the 1960s, China’s resource of renewable water per capita has drastically declined. As the country continues to develop and population continues to grow, this becomes an issue for the long term outlook of China.

In 2018, a survey released by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has found that 80% of groundwater in in China is unsafe for human contact (Grade IV & V).

More than 80% of China’s water supply comes from surface water, such as rivers and lakes. In 2018, the MEE reported that more than a quarter of China’s river basins (25.8%), were unfit for human consumption at Grades IV and above.

A Problem for the New Millenium For a country with an extensive water resource such as China in 1949, it can be understood why the nation would go on to over-exploit their nation’s water resources in the name of development. As industrialization went on, the extent of the water issue was beginning to show. Water, which was being used wastefully and quickly in the growing agriciultural and industrial sector, was also being heavily polluted and thus, running out. Exacerbated only by the fast-paced economy and multiplying population, China, the world’s most populous country, now has to provide water for 1.4 billion people whilst contending with serious pollution of its water resources. Groundwater from deep aquifiers, which were initially relied on by the Chinese Communist Party to solve its water scarcity, could only be a temporary solution for they are a non-renewable resource.

Furthermore, it has been recently reported that 80% of all groundwater is now unusable due to groundwater pollution. Cities were now running out of water above and below the surface.

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第2章 The Dry Arid North South-North Water Transfer Project “The South has plenty of water and the North lacks it, so if possible why not borrow some?”

- Mao Tze Dong (1952) Mao envisioned a bridge that would enable the diversion of billions of cubic meters of water from China’s flood-prone southern rivers to its dry northern region. Through the next fifty years, rapid industrialization and urbanization coupled with heavy pollution of water resources in the country only intensified the climatic water scarcity in Northern China. Thus, half a century after Mao’s observation began the South-North Water Transfer Project that we know of today.

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Modern China has 7% of the world’s freshwater to sustain 20% of the world’s population.

Damaging Disparity in Modern China

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The country’s uneven resource distribution further exacerbates water scarcity. To begin, modern China has only 7% of the world’s freshwater to sustain 20% of the world’s population. However, 80% of freshwater is concentrated in South China despite the North being the core of national development and agricultural farmlands. For instance, President Xi Jingping’s JingJinJi Project initiated in 2014 integrates three heavily industrialised Northern provincesBeijing, Tianjin and Hebei- as a single megalopolis to compete with other world-class economic regions such as the New York Tri-State Area. With increasing rural-urban migration from the poorer west to the richer cities in the east, water scarcity is undeniably a huge threat to the future of China.

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Uneven Population Distribution in China Heihe-Tengchong Line splits China into two roughly equal areas

Uneven Freshwater Distribution in China North vs South

Major city clusters form coastal economic zone

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Uneven Agriculture Distribution in China North vs South (2014)

the

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South North Water Transfer Project The South-to-North Water Transfer Project in China is the largest of its kind ever undertaken. The massive scheme, which has already taken 50 years from conception to commencement and is planned for completion in 2050 (unbuilt western channel), aims to divert 44.8 billion cubic metres of water annually to the population centres of the drier north, especially Beijing. The western channel will transform 17 billion m 3 and according to official reports, the eastern and middle channels divert 14.8 billion m3 and 13 billion m3 of water per year, respectively. In practice, the volume of water appears to be much less, with annual diversions of only around 1 billion m3 in the eastern channel and 6 billion m3 in the central channel. Whilst the rationale behing the ambition of this water diversion project is understood, many scrutinize it for being a temporary band-aid to an impending problem. Consider the article of a CCP minister.

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South-North Water Transfer ‘Not Sustainable,’ Official Says If Beijing Alone Could Save More Water, the Project Would be Unnecessary

By Wang Yue, a reporter in chinadialogue’s Beijing office February 26, 2014

The $62 billion South-North Water Transfer Project would be rendered irrelevant if one-third of buildings in Beijing could collect more rainwater and recycle more wastewater, according to a Chinese ministerial official.

The remarks made by Qiu Baoxing, vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, in the February issue of Water & Wastewater Engineering, represents a rare government opinion against one of China’s greatest engineering feats. Construction of the diversion project, which officially started in 2002, is considered controversial for its high cost, environmental impact and massive displacement of local population.

The vast water diversion scheme consists of three canal systems, with the eastern route already supplying water to Shandong province in December.

“As the scale of the project gets bigger and the distance gets longer, it is more and more difficult to divert water,” Qiu writes. “Recycled water could replace diverted water. Most Chinese cities are capable of finding more water if we develop water desalination technology and collect more rain water,” he adds.

According to Qiu, the diversion project has also resulted in new pollution along its routes. He says diverted water has led to the leaking of residues in local pipelines, a problem that is “very difficult” to solve.

China is already grappling to clean up serious pollution along the central route of the diversion project, which is designed to start operation in 2014. The Danjiangkou Reservoir, at the start of the central route, located in central China’s Hubei province, is badly polluted as the five rivers flowing into it are routinely used as dumping grounds for untreated sewage by local industries, China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection acknowledged in November.

“China tries to solve its water shortage problem by diverting water, but such a way is, to some extent, now mired in difficulties,” Qiu writes.

Qiu also warns that there will be more water crisis in China if it sticks to the South-North Water Diversion Project. He says China is now in a “critical” period to address water pollution issues as the country continues to urbanize.

“If we miss the opportunity to repair water ecology, we will pay dearly,” he writes. “If we try to solve our water crisis by diverting water, then new ecological problems will emerge. This is not sustainable at all.”

https://www.chinafile.com/reporting-opinion/environment/south-north-water-transfer-not-sustainable-official-says

Suggested Alternatives Experts and commentators of the topic suggest that China should look to other solutions to tackle the Northern water scarcity. Other reasonable alternatives given were to increase water prices, privatize the industry, improve water use efficiency through innovative strategies, and tackle water pollution. Many agree that hydraulics have helped China, however, they also believe that there should not be an over-reliance on it to solve China’s water problems.

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Coercive Relocation and Displacement

Destruction of ancestral homes and farmlands

Centuries of heritage and antiquities destroyed

Loss of Livelihoods and Lifestyle

Higher risks of droughts in the South

Loss of Lives

Environmental and Ecological Disaster

Loss of Relationships and Social Circles

Structures increase seismic reactivity

Southern farmers may sometimes lose access to water

Structures increase floodrisk and landslides

Unfairly compensated, some moved to more expensive cities where they cannot sustain financially

Sacrfices of the Southern Farmers To make way for the South North Water Transfer Project, about 330,000 people were uprooted for the construction of the Danjiangkou dam that forms part of the Central route which sends water to Beijing. Insufficient compensation and lack of employment opportunities have created difficult lives for the displaced population, igniting a number of revolts including violence against immigration officials and obstruction of main roads, as reported by China Daily.

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Droughts may become a reoccuring theme in the Southern lands with the introduction of diversion channels

A Source of Conflict and Instability The water supply of the Yangtze Basin in Southern China relies on natural precipitation and glacial melt. As climate change accelerates Himalayan glacial retreat and brings abnormal weather, Southern China may become equally vulnerable to water insecurity; already, south-west China experienced a severe drought in 2011, which impacted the drinking and irrigation water of more than 60 million people. The South North Water Transfer Project takes water from the Yangtze River and reduces its river discharge; a decline in groundwater may result in seawater flowing inland in dry seasons, contaminating the freshwater aquifers of the Yangtze Delta.

In authoritarian and central governments like the People’s Republic of China, there is a tradition to maximise national interests, while sacrificing individual rights. However, mass protests do occur. If there is any public discontentment due to the South North Water Transfer Project, it could not be merely provincial but regional, which could compromise the country’s national governance. If the people down South are suffering because of the diversion of water, what is the situation like in the rich capital city of Beijing that receives its water from the Central canal?

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第3章 Beijing The Golden Child of China “The capital still gets almost all the water it was promised.

But the provinces surrounding it get barely a third. When the project was designed, officials were at pains to argue that all north China would benefit. In practice, the project has been largely a water-delivery system for the capital. Since Beijing is one of the wealthiest parts of China and the area around the reservoir is relatively backward, the project takes from the poor and gives to the rich.”

- The Economist (2018) Characterized by intense water scarcity during the long and dry season as well as heavy flooding during the brief wet season, it is one of the most water-scarce cities in the world. In late 2010, CNN reported that 62 percent of the Beijing’s 51 reservoirs had run dry and the city’s annual water shortage will reach 200 to 300 billion cubic meters. Hence, the completion of the central canal was a welcome relief for Beijing. Since 2014, the canal has helped ease severe water shortages in the city and have played a crucial role in its continuous development.

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Historical Centre of China When Emperor Zhu Di moved the capital city of ancient China from Nanjing to Beijing in 1406, he ordered for the construction on what we now know as the magnicent Forbidden City. The Forbidden City became the imperial centre and from there, Beijing grew annd expanded outside its city walls. It served as the home of Chinese emperors and their households and was the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for over 500 years.

The complex is built on the principles of Confucianism, which believes in the hierachy, tradition, obedience and rituals. These ideas make up the Chinese culture today.

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A Leader of the Modern World Beijing is a global city and one of the world’s leading centres for culture, diplomacy and politics, business and economics, education, language, and science and technology. A megacity, Beijing is the second largest Chinese city by urban population after Shanghai and is the nation’s cultural, educational, and political center. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history dating back over three millennia. Today, the city has grown, with outer ring roads for expansion.

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Absolute Water Scarcity To understand the extent of water scarcity within Beijing, one just has to take a look at its dying rivers. Yong Ding River (in the white box) is one of two main rivers that feed into the city. In recent years and especially during the hot arid months., Yong Ding River goes empty. The bottom right image is of the Marco Polo bridge at Yong Ding River. One of the reasons for this is the climate change induced reduction of precipitation and increased temperatures. Today, freshwater resources in Beijing have also plummeted due to severe and heavy pollution, over-exploitation of its water resources, the highly unsustainable water consumption of the urban city and a large concentrated population. Furthermore, migration from rural areas has meant that Beijing is grrowing by one million every two years. At a population of roughly 21.5 million in 2019, the Beijing government had to introduce a population cap of 23 million in 2020. Experts predict that Beijing will dry up by 2030.

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Lack of Awareness Capital cities are the pride and joy of every nation. They are the stage on which a country parades its development, innovation and successes. Very rarely does a country forsake on this opportunity. Like the narratives of most capital cities around the world, citizens of Beijing have continuously enjoyed the consequential privilege of being prioritised by China in almost every sector possible, if not all. Beijing is indeed a showcase of quintassentially Chinese wealth, health and culture, even more so for a powerful country like China looking to engrave its influence globally. With water sourced from the central canal and over-exploitation of underground aquifers, citizens of Beijing are criticised for being unaware of the issue. It was interesting to note that NGOs have tried organizing river tours to help show Beijing the condition of their rivers today.

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Aligining with Algocracy : Water Surveillance Data and Water Conservation maximum points

In a reality where a social credit system has been implemented to track and measure the trustworthiness of businesses, individuals and government institutions alike, the scheme first speculates a future whereby domestic water consumption is a further addition to this unified record system in order to regulate water behaviour and promote water-saving habits. Overconsumption is punished whilst water conserving individuals are rewarded through the system.

1300

This means that every drop

Rewards

of water used by an individual is being surveilled and recorded through artificial intelligence, big data and tracking of water utility bills.

This sets the stage for the project narrative.

Priority for school admissions and employment Easier access to cash loans and consumer credit Deposit-free bicycle and car hire Free access to gym facilities Cheaper public transport

Wa te r U s a g

e Tra c ke r

Shorter wait times at the hospital Fast-track promotion at work Better chances for public housing

r it a b le wa te u s e th e s o Cho it fo r y o u .. . u s a g e c re d

Able to travel abroad Able to enjoy water intensive activities such as swim and golf

1000

starting points

n ew

!!!

Punishments

w!

!!

Denial of licenses, permits and access to some social services

ne

Restricted from flying or using the high speed trains Restricted access to public services Less access to credit and loans Ineligibility for government jobs No access to private schools Public shaming : Exposure of names and photos to the public, ID numbers blacklisted Limited access to the internet Restricted from enjoying water intensive activities such as swimming and golf

600

Mandatory Participation in Water Volunteer Service

lowest points 48

Existing Social Credit System in China

maximum points

1300

Illegally protesting against the authorities

Taking care of elderly family members

1000

Participating in charity work

Traffic offenses, such as : drunk driving

Positively influencing one’s neighbourhood

Posting anti-government messages on social media

Donating blood

Insincere apologies for crimes committed

starting points

Helping the poor Not taking care of elderly family member

Praising the government on social media

Participating in anything categorised as ‘cult’

Maintaining a good financial credit history

Spreading rumours on the internet

Committing a heroic act

Cheating in online games

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第4章 State Narrative and Brief Facing a Water-Fragmented Nation “The South has plenty of water and the North lacks it, so if possible why not borrow some?”

- Mao Tze Dong (1952) This project speculates on the steps that the Beijing government might take to reel in the citizens into the issue when the issue of national water scarcity becomes more dire. The project challenges and designs a new cultural monument influenced by the adjacent ancient Forbidden City that has been the centre of Chinese and Beijing cultural identity. The structure, which rises high above the skyline of Beijing, triggers and engages the citizens of Beijing to recognize the current water problem with multi-perspective approaches. The future of the capital city is in the hands of the people. The project aims to not solve water shortage directly but indirectly through exploiting the culture, myths and collective consciousness to raise awareness and cause implications that will then cement the building into the daily lives of the citizens of Beijing.

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Rising Protests in Southern China A Water Fragmented Nation 52

Growing Dissent in China

It’s time we tackle the dissatisfaction down South.

President Xi Jin Ping begins his address to his ministers at the parliament. He ponders on the recent uptick of political dissent in the regions of Southern China.

Increased tensions and growing water stress are risking the disruption of a centuries-old balance and management of freshwater resources in this hydraulic nation. Whilst citizens in the wet Southern regions of China have long been generous with their water resources which are regularly diverted to the dry and richer cities of the North, the age of climate change and China’s rapidly depleting supply of clean water are fueling frustrations and raising concerns of potential social instability.

The project speculates on this hypothetical premise to ask ‘how can China reconcile the disparity of its water-fragmented nation?’ and ‘what the architecture of a re-imagined role of Chinese hydroengineering could look like within the political and cultural context of the Chinese Socialist model’.

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At the Annual Parliamentary Session Location : Great Hall of the People in West Tiananmen Square Date : 15th March 2022

Minister 1 : We only need to peruse recent Soviet history to recognize how environmental movements are proven to be able to feed into larger reform movements when lived experiences are found wanting.

Minister 2 : We cannot risk domestic civil unrest. It will be detrimental to China!

Minister 3 : How do you reckon we solve this disparity in our water fragmented nation? Whilst many in the South have sacrificed for our nation’s greater cause, the North has been borrowing water from the South for years but it has always been out of necessity.

Minister 1 : Yes, our South-North Water Transfer Project may be necessary, but it is undoubtedly a band-aid to the issue of water scarcity at hand. Moreover, it has further caused many of our Southern citizens to be disadvantaged.

People are getting fed up of Beijing getting all its water while their own rivers run dry.

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Minister 2 : Beijing has always received the water it needed. Furthermore, I humbly surmise from Beijing’s historical water usage data alongside several experts’ advice that this may have unwittingly nurtured a mistaken sense of water abundance in our capital city.

Minister 3 : We therefore have two problems. A growing population of disenchanted citizens in the South, and a need for increased water conservation in our country.

XJP :

Our great nation has always been one to push for innovation and is unafraid to put big ideas to the test. Could we look to resolve these two issues together?

Minister 1 : President Xi, might I suggest a proposal?

XJP :

Go ahead. Let’s hear it.

Fast forward to 2025...

The Chinese State Government’s pilot water conservation infrastructure scheme begins.

The Ghost of the Forbidden City looks to become Beijing’s new cultural monument.

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N Range of Jurisdiction : Central Beijing Map of Beijing Key : 0

Boundary of Beijing Main Roads Water Bodies (Dams/Lakes) Water from Central route of South-North Water Transfer Project

Wa

f ro ter

mC

e

l n t ra

Ro

ute

Beijing is the capital city of China and is one of the main recipients of “borrowed” water from the South. It is the stage from which China showcases its nation’s best to both the international and domestic audience. Thus, by locating the new scheme in the capital, the messages imbued by the Chinese State Government within the architecture of the scheme will be heard far and wide, especially so by its citizens.

The scheme is a construction of a new national narrative which aims to redirect the technocratic nation’s habitual dependancy on mega-hydroengineering interventions - from managing its water problems through resource redistribution, to a more sustainable solution of demand management. This is reflected in the functionality of the new cultural monument.

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5

10

20

30km

By 2025, all domestic water usage can be calculated to the drop. As instructed by the State Government, a pilot water management system will be installed in Central Beijing. All water pipes within Central Beijing is ultimately connected and controlled from a new control center. Every drop of water used by its citizens is surveilled and calculated.

Neighbourhood

Water Mains Homes

New Pilot Center for Water Management

Neighbourhood

Homes

Neighbourhood Water Mains Homes

Neighbourhood

Homes

Map

n t ra of C e

l

Key :

g Beijin

Water Water Usage Data

Forbidden City

Boundary of Central Beijing Also : Range of Jurisdiction

Main Axis of Beijing

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The State’s Main Objective

The scheme looks to transform the dire issue of water scarcity into an opportunity to showcase President Xi’s fair and futureoriented leadership through its two-fold functions : its role as the control center for the pilot city-wide water management system that aims to engage Beijing citizens in the issue of water conservation and, to recognize the historical sacrifices of the disenfranchised South through the erection of a cultural monument.

Design Driver : The Forbidden City (紫禁城) Why Forbidden City?

In order to gain cultural relevance and monumentality to become a cultural monument in Beijing, the scheme looks to physically juxtapose itself with the Forbidden City.

What is the Forbidden City?

Ghost of the Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City is a palace complex that sits in the center of the Imperial City of Beijing. It served as the home of Chinese emperors and their households and continued on to become the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for over 500 years. Today, the city has grown past its ancient city walls with additional outer ring roads for expansion. For many, the Forbidden City is a time capsule for China’s past and a vessel of Chinese culture and history. Its architecture is imbued with the culture, traditions and history of China and is representative of the country.

The scheme serves to become a place of historical and cultural significance as it shines the spotlight on China’s ancient war with water, thus, bringing water to the forefront of China and Beijing’s cultural identity, By reflecting the Forbidden City onto the scheme, the design of the scheme essentially aims to be a reinterpretation of Chinese culture.

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Through highlighting China’s deep history with water within its program and design, It declares that water is also a part of the Chinese identity and should not be ignored. Hence, the “Ghost of The Forbidden City.”

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Project Site : Yuyuantan Lake (玉渊潭) Once a sunken land with self-flowing spring water and scattered areas of swamp, the man-made lake now functions as a reservoir and flood dirversion lake. Water from the Central route of the South-North Water Transfer Project enters the city through the lake. It is the pumping heart of Beijing. If the day comes when the lake dries up, would it not be the signal to the downfall of the capital city of China? Thus, the Ghost of the Forbidden City wishes to incorporate itself into the lake to become visual barometer of Beijing’s water usage.

Aerial view of Yuyuantan Park and the Yuyuantan Lake

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The scheme’s chosen site, Yuyuantan Park (玉渊潭公园), is one that divulges Beijing’s long conquest for water in its history. Notably, it is located directly west of and on the same main road as the Forbidden City. It is one of 11 major urban parks in the city of Beijing and covers a territory of about 137 hectares,

61 of which is the Yuyuantan Lake. It is a man-made lake that was created during the Qing Dynasty under the orders of Emperor Qianlong. In the later half of the Qing Dynasty, however, the palace was gradually abandoned, and the man-made lake almost dried up. In 1960, Beijing government revived the lake by

introducing water from Yongding River.

Since then, Yuyuantan has become a beloved part of Beijing’s landscape where citizens can enjoy the waters and is one of the most important source of water supply in Central Beijing.

Symbolic thread to the ancient representative of Chinese culture

N

Map from DR document Yuyuantan Park

The Forbidden City

Chang’an Avenue 6.5KM

Initial Massing : Extrapolating the form of the Forbidden City onto the site

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Ce nt ra l Ax is

Terrain Map of Central Beijing - Forbidden City is marked in red and the project site is marked in white

Site Context

4

N

3 2 1 5 9

7

6

8 10

Key:

Key Buildings: Water Bodies

Government Institution/Area

1

Central Radio and TV Tower

7

China Millenium Monument (aka Beijing World Art Museum)

Yuyuantan Park

Hospital

2

Yuyuantan Park Administration Office

8

China Media Center

Park or Garden

Education

3

Navy General Hospital

9

Underground Subway Line

Public Building

Commercial/Residential/ Other Buildings

4

Baiduizi Station (Line 9)

10

State-related Organisations

Main Roads

5

Diaoyutai Area

Subway Stations

Bridge/Hydroengineering Structure

6

Current Office of the Ministry of Water Resources

Axis on which main entrance of the Forbidden City sits on

A Celebration of the 2000s

The Beijing World Art Gallery sits immediately in front of the main entrance of Yuyuantan Park. On top of it is a sundial-like monument called the China Millenium Monument and was erected to commemorate China’s entrance into the new millenium. The grand vista in front of it is a public space that is commonly used for television shows and the country’s national events and thus, have national significance.

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Site Circulation and Entrances

N

North Entrance

West Entrance 2

Zhongdi Bridge

Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

West Entrance 1

Main Entrance

East Entrance

Beijing World Art Gallery

Key: Yuyuantan and Bayi Lake

State Guesthouse Area

Main Path & Circulation

Yuyuantan Park

E

Entrance to Yuyuantan Park

Subway Line

Main roads

T

Subway Station

Road Access

Existing Buildings

P

Parking

Yuyuantan Park Boundary

Sun & Shadow Analysis

Summer Solstice - sunrise

Summer Solstice - noon

Summer Solstice - sunset

Winter Solstice - sunrise

Winter Solstice - noon

Winter Solstice - sunset

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第5章 Design Development The Proposal A symbol of Beijing’s past, present and future Based on the research and site analysis of the lack of awareness for water scarcity in Beijing, the scheme creates a narrative whereby architecture is used as a tool to inform and control domestic water usage. The project exploits an expansive cultural monument as a functional element visualizing water usage and engaging people’s conciousness naturally. To do this this, the architecture utilizes performance through timed events callibrated with water usage. The architecture changes appearance according to the total amount of water consumed.

The architecture becomes the translator between the citizens of Beijing and its drying city. But how does this work?

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Conceptual Framework Visual Barometer for Water Usage

It is 2035, water is under the complete surveillance of the CCP. Every drop of water used in Beijing is monitored by the city. When water is consumed over the set guidelines set by the State Government, the building reacts.

The city is tracked.

It feeds back. restricts. educates.

A new identifying cultural monument that acts as a barometer of the past, present and future.

Establishing the System

Experience 1

Experience 2

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Experience 3

Yuyuantan Lake

Replicated Form of the Forbidden City

China Millenium Monument

Conceptual Drawing

Due to the bureaucratic nature of China, the country is afflicted with information opacity that many experts have called out for its contribution to the lack of water saving awareness in the country, as well as in Beijing.

Inspired by the systemic algocracry that occurs in China through its Social Credit System, the Ghost of the Forbidden City combines water surveillance with the notion of collective responsibility to argue for

a necessary transition towards better accessibility to water usage data in the form of a city-wide visual barometer for water usage.

The infrastructure, which rises high above the skyline of Beijing, triggers and engages the citizens of Beijing to recognize the current water problem with multi-perspective approaches.

Conceptually, the scheme is designed to be a ghostly apparition forewarning

the doomed city of Beijing should the people not change its ways with water.

This will be reflected in its program and component design which will be developed in the following pages.

Ultimately, it seeks to disrupt and impose itself onto the city as Beijing’s new cultural momument, and acts as a daily reminder for water conservation as well as appreciation for the water sacrifices of the South.

Establishing the System of Water Surveillance Beijing Ministry of Water Resources, under the instruction of the State Government, has decided that it needs to reel in its comfortable citizens onto the goal for water conservancy. Beijing is split into 4 quadrants with Forbidden City at the intersection.

Every citizens’ water usage is measured and tracked, its data then fed into Beijing’s new infrastructure - a pilot water management system is in place.

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Experience 1

知足常乐

Contentment Brings Happiness As water consumption increases, the monument reacts.

The “waterfall” atop the building is slowly falling.

The steam balloons are growing, it’s already at the 300,000m3 mark!

But, the capital city still lives, the water still flows.

Ghost of the Forbidden City The City Lives

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Experience 2

泼水难收

Water Once Spilt Cannot Be Retrieved Beijing has consumed more water than it can afford this year.

The steam balloons have now reached maximum capacity.

The “waterfall” has covered the building and the people beneath it. and...... there it goes!!

Ghost of the Forbidden City The Explosion

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Experience 3

自食其果

To Eat One’s Own Bitter Fruit Post-explosion. The city begins its water restrictions.

The steam from the explosion condenses into fog.

From the Forbidden City, you see the looming figure peeking from the blurriness Might it become the Ghost of the Forbidden City?

Ghost of the Forbidden City Water Restrictions Begin

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Key Driver : Made of Water Transparent, Light and Cloud-Like

As a cultural monument for water, the scheme takes massing inspiration from the cloud, which is made of water, albeit in its gaseous form. Like a cloud, the architecture will sit on the site lightly. It plays with translucency and transparency of a cloud, becoming a ghostly apparition.

Depending on the water usage of the city, the cloud will appear when water usage is high and disappear when it is not needed during low water usage.

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Cloud

Bubbles

Steam

Pond

Waves

Water Pipe

Funnel

Tears

Bowl of Soup

Flower Vase

Calligraphy Ink

Gutter

Well

Sponge

Fog / Mist

Forms of Water : Gaseous, Liquid & Solid States Other forms of water include : rain, drizzle, spray, steam balloon, bath tub, pool, glass, translucent fibreglass, fibreoptics, translucent polycarbonate, plastic, glass tiles, etfe, glass brick,acrylic, mirrors, ice, chromed metal 75

Main Objectives Self-Sustaining Water Barometer

The architecture’s callibrated events as a visual water barometer will also be made of water. As demonstrated in the conceptual framework, one occassion includes the observance of the explosion of callibrated steam balloons.

As the architecture must reconcile with its own water usage, the scheme turns to the idea of a self-sustaining water infrastructure by means of a rainwater harvesting system. The success of the architecture therefore dwells in its ability to harvest, store and use water as a visual water barometer.

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Rain

Rainwater

Average Monthly Rainfall in Beijing (mm)

300

250 High 200 Average 150

100

Water Harvesting

Low 50

Design Influence : Maximise the scheme’s large footprint to collect rainfall

0 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months

Rain

Average Monthly Rainfall in Beijing (mm)

300

250

Water Barometer

Maximization of Water Harvesting and Storage

200

Water Storage

150

100

Use Water Storage Supply

Use Water Storage Supply

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Design Influence : Must ensure water used here is not used excessively or can be recollected for reuse

Design Influence :Study of Water Tanks

0 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Months

Excess Water to City’s Water Supply

Beijing’s Average Monthly Rainfall

Circular Economy and Water Routes

Charting the average monthly rainfall in Beijing demonstrates the seasonal availability of rainwater. Thus, the architecture must maximize water harvesting during the rainy season and store excess water sufficient enough to last the dry season.

Due to the nature of the scheme, the architecture is designed for the inhabitation of water. It is the sole focus when ensuring circulation. Whilst human inhabitation and experience is the ultimate aim of this project, its success lies in the function of water transportation throughout the scheme.

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Initial Massing Characters of the Narrative

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1

2

3

Plan View

Perspective View

Plan View

Perspective View

The Cloud of Water as General Massing

The Floating City as Horizontal Water Tank

Water Pipes as Building Structure

Water Harvesting Forest of Flowers

Could a structure be made entirely out of water...

Appears and dissapears Made of water

Raised high above the sky is a second Forbidden City. This ghostly apparition will mimic the exact measurements of the original, which is 970m x 750m for a total area of 720,000 m2. Its border of walls is a 1 : 1 scale of the original ancient red walls.

Forbidden City is no longer the only symbol of Chinese culture, water is too. The entire exterior of the structure would be made out of pipes, thus made out of water. In order for the new monument of pipes to convey the fragility of the water scarcity in Beijing and also embody the ephemeralness of the element, the structure takes inspiration from traditional Chinese lattice designs for the form and lightness of the structure. Could a structure be made entirely out of water... that is the pipe dream.

The water harvesting roof of the scheme takes a floral design inspired by the lotus flower and its leaves. Ever since the ancient times, the lotus has been a huge part of chinese culture. It is recognizable in ancient paintings and is widely associated with Buddhism. Because of its beauty, lotus flowers were usually cultivated in the ponds of emperors’ or officials’ home in the Forbidden City. The ancient Chinese revered the sacred lotus as a symbol of purity and elegance as it could grow unstained by dirt and mud. Here the lotus represents hope for a clearer future for Beijing.

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Plan View

A Facade of Imagined Abundance

The Celestial Pillars

* Barometer Function * The Steam Balloons as Water Barometer

Beijing’s issue of water scarcity is one that has multiplied in serverity as it strives for development and wealth. Today, the lifestyles of the citizens of modern Beijing can fairly be categorized as one of water over-consumption. Industries and agriculture feed into these consumption habits, using up water resources. The giant facade in the size of the Forbidden City, is stripped and enlarged from the interior (the museum), is an allegorical representation of water consumed vs water available to its citizens to use.

In Imperial China, the Emperor is seen as a being second only to the Heavens. Thus, the powerful mythical creatures of China’s ancient folklore such as those found in the Forbidden city - dragon, tortoise, qilin and phoenix - are seen to be subserviant to the emperor. Similarly, in the Forbidden City, the emperor’s palace is the heighest within the ancient grounds that is covered in motifs of the mythical beings.

This reflects Confucian idealogies of hierachy and filial piety, but most importantly, it demonstrates the age old Chinese notion of ‘man over nature’.

Just like the way economists say “the financial bubble”, Beijing have in their hands instead a Water Bubble. Extreme water scarcity compounded with a low level awareness has transformed the city of Beijing into a ticking time bomb. The Water Bubbles at the four corner of the Evil Twin shall act as a real-time barometer of Beijing’s water consumption. The Water Bubble expands with steam as water is consumed in Beijing. When it reaches the capped water usage level, the balloon shall explode. Can the citizens of Beijing stop them from popping?

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* Barometer Function * The Waterfall as Building Fabric The architecture seeks to be cloud-like in the way that clouds appear and dissapear depending on the amount of water available. In this scheme, the Ghost of the Forbidden City’s spacious interior and translucent building fabric helps the architecture blend in with the sky. However, when water usage is high and excessive, the water pipes in the building fabric will begin to release mists from its nozzles. This clouds the interior and render the architecture opaque, thus appearing on site. In order to contain the mist and to allow for water recollection, the waterfall’s fog condensing fabric wraps around the architecture like a curtain. The flowing fabric adds to the ghostly and ephemeral qualities that the monument endeavours to be.

Programmatic Framework Program and Project Scope

Central Beijing Water Control Center (Infrastructure) This is the new base and head office of key governmental water authorities and is the core of the pilot water management system. They will monitor and regulate the city’s water supply. Its main function as a visual barometer for water usage is introduced to engage and feedback real-time water usage data to the Beijing citizens.

Engage / Present

National Water Technology Research Lab (Infrastructure & Internal) A new water technology research lab to be used by the government’s new research group with esteemed water technology researchers and scientists. The research lab is unique as it is equipped with nature (Yuyuantan Lake) as its R&D lab.

Innovate / Future

National Museum for the Conquest of Water (Internal) A museum that aims to raise awareness for water scarcity through educating the public on China’s long and ancient history with water. The museum will also highlight and memorialize the sacrifices made by countless of its citizens in the country’s pursuit for control over the element.

Educate / Past

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Project Scope and Main Focus

The scheme is designed to be a cohesive collection of spaces and components that addresses the past, present and future of China’s history with water. As outlined here in this diagram, the scheme brings together 3 core programs that aims to achieve these respective goals of the Chinese State Government :

Pilot Water Management System

1. Enrich and educate Beijing on water and the sacrifices of the South 2. Empower water technology of Beijing 3. Encourage a more environmental friendly society through building water conservation habits in the citizens of Beijing

Archive

Perimeter Walkway

Steam Balloons

Waterfall Curtain

Water Control Centers

Water Credit Center

Central Beijing Water Control Center (Infrastructure)

Horizontal Water Tank

Visual Barometer for City’s Water Usage Structural Water Pipes

Offices

Monitoring Hall

Office for Government Water Authority (Pillars)

Solar Roof

National Water Technology Research Lab (Celestial Pillars & Outdoors)

Pump Station & Filter

Central Beijing Water Control Center

Water Harvesting Forest

(Infrastructure) Beijing’s Present

Project Scope and Main Focus Study Area Offices

National Water Technology Research Lab

National Museum for the Conquest of Water

Celestial Pillars & Outdoors

(Internal)

Beijing’s Future

Beijing’s Past

Staff Office Exhibition Halls

Water Research Laboratories

Cafe

Equipment Room

Classrooms

Research Labs

Auditorium Hall

Library Archive

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National Museum for the Conquest of Water (Internal)

Forbidden City Made of Pipes Massing Development

1

2

Perspective View

Plan View

The Floating Forbidden City

Water Pipes

Function : Horizontal Water Tank

Function : Building Structure & Water Transport System

Raised high above the sky is a second Forbidden City. This ghostly apparition will mimic the exact measurements of the original, which is 970m x 750m for a total area of 720,000 m2. Its border of walls is a 1 : 1 scale of the original ancient red walls.

Forbidden City is no longer the only symbol of Chinese culture, water is too. The entire exterior of the structure would be made out of pipes, thus made out of water. In order for the new monument of pipes to convey the fragility of the water scarcity in Beijing and also embody the ephemeralness of the element, the structure takes inspiration from traditional Chinese lattice designs for the form and lightness of the structure. Could a structure be made entirely out of water... that is the pipe dream.

Dimensions of the walls of the Forbidden City is replicated onto the horizontal water tank

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Precedent - Latticed Pipes The two timber lattice pattern images above are from the architecture of the Forbidden City. The structure hopes to bring these forms and motifs through the medium of water (pipes).

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Water Harvesting Forest of Flowers Massing Development Function : Rainwater Harvesting Roof

3

The rainwater harvesting roof of the scheme takes a floral design inspired by the lotus flower and its leaves. The form of the lotus leaves is mimicked by etfe leaves which allows transparency and lightness whilst also allowing for water to collect on it. The form of the flower bud is used for the water harvest pods with its stems of water pipes beneath it transporting water that slides of the etfe leaves and into it. As it can grow unstained by dirt and mud, the lotus represents hope for a clearer future for Beijing.

Perspective View

Leaves and Buds

Water Harvesting Leaves and Buds

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Precedent - Resilient Lotus Flowers Ever since the ancient times, the lotus has been a huge part of chinese culture. It is recognizable in ancient paintings and is widely associated with its symbol of purity and elegance. Because of its beauty, lotus flowerswere usually cultivated in the ponds of emperors’ or officials’ home in the Forbidden City. The intricacy of the ceiling details in rooms in the Forbidden City inspires the same details in the water harvesting roof of the Ghost of the Forbidden City.

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Celestial Pillars Massing Development

4

Function : Structural Pillars / Water Storage Tank/ New HQ for Ministry of Water Resources In Imperial China, the Emperor is seen as a being second only to the Heavens. Thus, the powerful mythical creatures of China’s ancient folklore such as those found in the Forbidden city - dragon, tortoise, qilin and phoenix - are seen to be subserviant to the emperor. Similarly, in the Forbidden City, the emperor’s palace is the heighest within the ancient grounds that is covered in motifs of the mythical beings. This reflects and demonstrates the age old Chinese notion of ‘man over nature’, symbolic of the hydraulic revolution.

Pillars at each corner of the structure located under the steam balloons (water barometer) 86

Shell of Beijing

Power and Rivers

Fertility of the People

Consumerist Wealthy Beijing

In chinese culture, the dragon-tortoise symbolizes longevity and immortality. The map of Beijing and its outer rings strikes visually to be similar to the shell of the tortoise. If Beijing does not alter its ways, the bustling city will be impounded with water scarcity of an extreme scale in the future, leaving Beijing to be only the shell of what it is today.

The dragon is all powerful. It is a traditional symbol of Imperial China. It is a constant character in China’s cultural narrative, and has been used to represent the rivers of China.

China has historically worked towards taming its dragons, namely the Yellow Dragon of the Yellow River and the Long Dragon of the Yangtze River.

The Qilin, often referred to as the Chinese unicorn, represented fertility, luck and protection. As Beijing goes on with its over-reliance on water sent from the South, more and more people are subjected to the consequences of forced displacement.

The Qilin, therefore, can become an ode to the sacrifices of the citizens in the South.

The phoenix represents peace and prosperity.

Beijing has successfully grown into the modern and wealthy city it is today, however, to maintain it, Beijing needs to change its ways, just as the phoenix changes its feathers.

Scales as design motif inspired by celestial beings

Design Motifs Whilst representing the idea of ‘Man over Nature’, these celestial beings will also be used as design motifs to the structure. One example of this is the use of scales in the design of the scheme.

87

Steam Balloons Massing Development

5

Function : Visual Water Barometer Just like the way economists say “the financial bubble has popped”, Beijing have in their hands instead growing steam balloons. Extreme water scarcity compounded with a low level awareness has transformed the city of Beijing into a ticking time bomb. The Steam Balloons at the four corners of the Ghost of the Forbidden City shall act as a real-time barometer of Beijing’s water consumption. The Steam Balloon expands with steam as water is consumed in Beijing. When it reaches the capped water usage level, the balloon shall explode. Can the citizens of Beijing stop them from popping?

Precedent - Bubbles Christo’s Big Air Package - The design of the monumental ballon comprised 4,500 meters of rope and 20,350 square meters of fabric. When inflated, the sculpture was enormous, as it rose to 90 meters and covered 50 centimeters in diameter. Used semitransparent polyester fabric and polypropylene rope.

88 * Visual Water Barometer *

300,000 m3

explodes at peak of water happiness

200,000 m3

150,000 m3

100,000 m3

50,000 m3

0 m3

How it Works Growth of Steam Balloons is callibrated with water usage of the city. Each level of the grid represents an amount of water, thus able to be read like a measurement. When it exceeds the yearly allowed water usage, the steam balloon reaches capacity and explodes, signalling the beginning of water restriction activities run by the state.

89 * Visual Water Barometer *

The Waterfall Massing Development 6

Function : Visual Water Barometer / Building Fabric The architecture seeks to be cloud-like in the way that clouds appear and dissapear depending on the amount of water available. In this scheme, the Ghost of the Forbidden City’s spacious interior and translucent building fabric helps the architecture blend in with the sky. However, when water usage is high and excessive, the water pipes in the building fabric will begin to release mists from its nozzles. This clouds the interior and render the architecture opaque, thus appearing on site. In order to contain the mist and to allow for water recollection, the waterfall’s fog condensing fabric wraps around the architecture like a curtain. The flowing fabric adds to the ghostly and ephemeral qualities that the monument endeavours to be.

How it Works

Alternative Cloud Proposal A

Selected Cloud Proposal B

Entire volume fitted with misting nozzles and the mist is NOT contained within the architecture.

Selected area fitted with misting nozzles and the mist is contained within the architecture.

Pros

Pros

Can change “interior’ as the entire volume is mist-able

Opacity of structure needs only perimeter nozzle fittings

Cons Expensive to fit entire expansive volume Impossible Maintenance

Coherent with water conservation program Able to reuse water after condensing mist Less energy used for misting

More energy used for misting

Cheaper Maintenance

Precedent - Fog Condensing Fabric

More water used for misting

Cons

Not water savvy

Form of ‘interior’ is more restricted and not as changeable

Fabric is used to create the Waterfall. The ephemeral qualities of a metal curtain into water is caught here. Noemie Goudal’s Art Installation, Cascade (2009) can be seen on the right to demonstrate how fabric can be used to do sol.

Below are possible ideas for function and materiality. During the rainy seasons, the waterfall can catch condensed water like a spiderweb, using existing technologies for fog collection such as the Raschel mesh.

90 * Visual Water Barometer *

The Blur Building as key precedent study

AOE’s building inspired by traditional chinese culture.

91 * Visual Water Barometer *

AOE’s building inspired by traditional chinese culture.

1

H ig h Wat er Re so urce Lo w Wat er Re so urce

Exce ss ive Wat er Us ag e

Hi gh Wat er Us ag e

Water Resources in Beijing

Lo w Wat er Us ag e

The Three Signifying Events City-Wide Visual Water Barometer

2

3

The Cloud

The Steam Explosion

The Skeleton of Beijing

Monthly Measurement

Yearly Measurement

Lifetime Measurement

The architecture is callibrated with water usage data in Central Beijing to release mists into its translucent structure when water usage is high for the month. When water usage is low, the building stands light and transparent on site. On the other hand, ss water usage increases, the architecture begins to appear on site.

Cupping the steam balloons are steel grid structures.

As water usage increases, steam is released into the balloon. When the yearly water limit is exceeded, the steam balloons are callibrated to explode, signifying the beginning of city-wide water restriction.

Many lakes and rivers have dried up in China. Because of the importance of Yuyuantan Lake’s as the pumping heart of Beijing, the drying up of this lake represents a sinister future for Beijing. Thus, the water infrastructure of the scheme becomes a lifetime measure of Beijing’s grasp on its issue of water scarcity. Should it deteriorate, the architecture that once represents hope leaves behind a skeleton of Beijing.

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第6章 The State’s Proposal Ghost of the Forbidden City A symbol of Beijing’s past, present and future The new identifying cultural monument of Beijing resembles the Forbidden City in its colossal size and yet, it is floating above the city. Everyday, the people of Beijing go about their day. In the background of all the hustle and bustle of the capital city, the Ghost of the Forbidden City exists peacefully. When water consumption is controlled, the Ghost disappears into the background of the city. It behaves... for now.

The disruptive scale of the architecture allows it to bring the issue of water scarcity to the forefront of the daily lives of citizens in Beijing whilst running the pilot water management system.

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95

Original Site Plan

750 meters

960 meters

A

B

C

D E

F

Key :

A Yuyuantan Park

D Basin

B Yuyuantan Lake

E Main Entrance to Park

C Underground Subway F Current Office of the Project Boundaries

Ministry of Water Resources

96

Roof Plan A @ 1 : 2000

1

2

3

4

Section

Key:

97

1 Celestial Pillar

2 Horizontal Water Tank

3 Water Harvesting Buds

4 Water Harvesting Leafs

Above : Original Section Below : New Section

B

A

Key : A Yuyuantan Lake

4 Water Harvesting Leafs

B Yuyuantan Lake

5 Waterfall Curtain

C Dredged Yuyuantan Lake

6 Structural Columns

1

7 Transparent Solar Panels

Celestial Pillar

2 Horizontal Water Tank 3 Water Harvesting Buds

7 Plan A 1

6

4

3

2

Plan B

5

C

98

Roof Plan B @ 1:2000

1

2

3

4

Section

Key:

99

1 Celestial Pillar

2 Horizontal Water Tank

3 Water Harvesting Buds

4 Water Harvesting Leafs

Material Design Intent Infrastructure Aesthetic The design ambition of the scheme is to create a monument that acts as a barometer to Beijing’s water usage. As water usage increases in the city, the infrastructure seeks to react and bring attention to itself. Taking direct influence from the qualities of a cloud, which is a gaseous form of water, the infrastructure looks to sit lightly on the site and translate a cloud’s ephemerality into its appearance through materiality. The colossal footprint of the infrastructure, which sits in contrast to its minimal amount of material volume needed, is supported by load bearing steel truss beams and columns and is built largely out of water pipes.

Light and Transparent

Transportation of Water

Misting System

The filament-like quality of water pipes (and steel rods) allow for overall transparency of the infrastructure that is representative of the clear quality of water. This not only allows the infrastructure to minimize its contact with the physical fabric of the site, it also reduces embodied carbon to push towards net-zero.

Water pipes are used for the transportation and storage of harvested water from the site as well as running the pilot water management system. This allows for reduction in overall water consumption and is also key in supporting the buildability and feasability of the infrastrucuture as it seeks to adopt and maximize self-sustainability through a circular economy for water.

Water pipes along the exterior are fitted with misting systems. The misting system works to reflect the translucency and ephemerality of a cloud, a gaseous form of water. When water usage is low in Beijing, the infrastructure is clear and transparent, whereas when water usage increases, the misting system functions to increase opacity along the edges of the infrastructure through mists, increasing visibility of the infrastrucutre on site, just like the formation of a cloud.

Made of Water In essence, the infrastructure is built out of water as the pipes that make up the infrastructure carry water in them and moreover, create mists that fill and make the “interior” of the infrastructure.

100

Structural Breakdown

TERTIARY STRUCTURE The Waterfall and Steam Balloons (Components of the Visual Water Barometer)

SECONDARY STRUCTURE Main Pipes

PRIMARY STRUCTURE Celestial Pillars & Horizontal Steel Frames (Water Pipes)

PRIMARY STRUCTURE Vertical Steel Frames (Water Pipes)

PRIMARY STRUCTURE Colums & Girders (Water Pipes) on Piling Foundation

101

Catalogue A Lexicon of Water Infrastructure Components

102

103

The Forest of Flowers Water Harvesting Roof

Key : A Key Junction: ETFE to Gutter B Key Junction : Bud to Main Pipes C Water Harvesting Bud

The Forest of Flowers are filled with buds and leaves. The buds are water collection pods raised high in the air with their stainless steel CHS stems.

Near the top of the bud are the ETFE leaves which mimics not only the lightness and translucency of clouds, but also the ability of leaves to collect and retain water. The chromed stainless steel water pipes and components allow for the structure to blend in with the sky and provide the architecture the lightness and transparency it seeks whilst sitting on a large footprint on the site.

D ETFE Air Supply Tube E 200mm Steel CHS, Chromed F 200mm Gutter G Keder rail, extruded aluminium frame H Two-layer patterned and inflated ETFE cushion I

Steel rod for ETFE support

J

100mm Stainless Steel Pipe, Chromed

K 250mm Stainless Steel CHS, Chromed L

Horizontal Water Tank

M

Steel Cleat Bolted on

N 100mm Steel CHS, Chromed O Steel CHS Welded Connection P 500mm Steel CHS Column, Chromed,

Inflation system and electrical services routed internally through structural frame

KEY JUNCTION A

E

F

G

H

A

C K

L

D KEY JUNCTION B

J

Wwater Tank Elevation

I

B

N

M

Structural Steel Truss Girder (Pratt Truss)

O

P

Water Harvesting Roof Flowers Section (1 to 100 on A3)

104

Key Junction A

Key Junction B

H J

G F

D I

E

I C K

B

A Bud to Main Pipes 1 to 20

ETFE to Gutter 1 to 10

Key Junction B A

water movement

Q

Sunlight Penetration

R

Q

P

O

top layer of water pipes (100mm stainless steel CHS) is slanted at an angle to allow natural movement of water due to gravity.

The structure sits as a “cloud” on top of a park and maintains the open-space and outdoor nature of the environment. Therefore, whilst the roof needs to maximise its surface area for rainwater collection, the scheme intends to maintain transparency of the space.

This is reflected in the materiality below.

Arranging Water and Electrical Due to the presence of water within the roof structures, the M&E Engineer from ARUP had advised for separation of water and electrical services. This is tackled in key junction A and B.

Decrease Total Load I

L

N

As a result of maintaining transparency, the structure must look to strategies to decrease total load on its roof. This is so that the steel structure can be as thin as possible whilst maintaining structural integrity. Thus, this is reflected in the structure’s design to allow natural and efficient dewatering (moving water from roof to its perimeter horizontal water tanks). This is tackled in Key junction B through materiality and design of structure.

N

Key : A 50mm thk Stainless Steel Vessel B 200mm Steel CHS, Chromed

M

C Steel Support Plate D Waterproof Membrane

Bud to Main Pipes Section 1 to 20

E 200mm x 300mm Aluminium Gutter with

bracket support F Keder rail, extruded aluminium frame G Stainless Steel Bird Wire at 800mm intervals H Two-layer patterned and inflated ETFE cushion I ETFE Air Supply Tube J ETFE Air Inlet K Steel rod for ETFE support L 500mm Steel CHS Column, Chromed

Inflation system and electrical services routed internally through structural frame

M

Access to services

N Welded Structural Steel Frame O 250mm Stainless Steel CHS, Chromed P

Water Pipes - Top Layer Arrangement of Pipes to allow natural flow of water

P

100mm Stainless Steel CHS Chromed

Q Welding Neck Flange R Water in transport

105

Lightweight and Transparent This overall detailed section demonstrates the layering of structure according to functionality of water and solar harvesting. The structure is also designed to be light and transparent.

NOTE: Structure functions on a grid. Thus, this detailed section is repeated throughout the structure with alterations at key junctions.

E

D

A

F

B

Overall Detail Section - Roof 1: 250 on A3 Key : A Roof - Water Harvesting Buds B Roof - Main Water Pipes C Stainless Steel Truss Columns and Girders D Roof - Patterened ETFE Leaves

I

C

C

G Transparent Solar Panels H Steel Tension-Only Rods I Steel Framing and Bracing

G H

Celestial Pillars (not drawn for clarity) Water is eventually transported from the horizontal water tank and directed into the large water tank in the Celestial Pillars that works to store and distribute water to the city.

106

Bolted Splice Steel Connection

E Roof - Gutter F Perimeter Horizontal Water Tank

Movement of Water This overall detailed plan highlights the structures that enable the collection and transportation of water from the water harvesting roof to the horizontal water tanks at the perimeter.

NOTE: Plan functions on a grid. Thus, this detailed plan is repeated throughout the structure with alterations at key junctions.

E

A

F

B

C

C

Key : A Roof - Water Harvesting Buds B Roof - Main Water Pipes C Structural Column D Roof - Patterned ETFE Leaves E Roof - Gutter F Perimeter Horizontal Water Tank

D

107

Overall Detail ed Section

Overall Detail Plan - Roof 1: 250 on A3

108

Latticed Water Pipes Connecting and Transporting Water Connected throughout the architecture are stainless steel water pipes that transport water from the water harvesting roof to the perimeter’s horizontal water tank. The main water pipes are used to provide a designed form within the other layering grids of pipes. This takes the form of a latticed design that is inspired by existing structures and motifs found in the Forbidden City. They are designed to be thin and filamentlike, allowing for transparency and lightness of the expansive and tall water architecture.

109

Movement of Water to the surrounding Horizontal Water Tank through the Water Harvesting Roof

Section

Roof Plan (without ETFE for clearer view of structure)

Collection and Movement of Water

1 Rainwater falls onto the ETFE leaves on the roof. ETFE’s form directs water into gutter.

2 Gutter leads water into the Water Harvesting Buds. This is where water is temporarily located before draining off into the pipes.

3

4

First layer of pipes are tilted to allow natural and energy efficient dewatering of the structure. Second layer of pipes are the main pipes that pushes water into the perimeter.

Both layers of pipes leads to the perimeter where the horizontal water tanks are. Water is stored here.

Light, Transparent and Expansive

111

5A From the water tank, some water are directed down into the pipes in the columns at the perimeter. These are used for misting purposes.

5B Most of the water will remain in water tank or directed into the large water storage tanks in each Celestial Pillars.

These pillars are connected to the city’s water supply. Rainwater can also collect in lake.

A Reflection of Beijing The ETFE leaves reflect the skies of Beijing. Looking up at the roof, visitors of the Ghost of the Forbidden City might liken it to the underbelly of a dragon, or maybe, see how the waves of rainwater slide down the leaves. It is an everchanging sky.

112

113

114

115

The Floating Forbidden City Horizontal Water Tank and Columns Floating above the city is a shining rectangular wall - the walls of the Forbidden City. The Horizontal Water Tank extrapolates the size and form of the red fort walls of the Forbidden City that stands at 8.62 m x 7.9 m high. This is the location of the heaviest live load in the architecture as all water harvested are directed and transported here. The skin of the horizontal water tanks and the columns carrying it are chromed-finished, allowing it to reflect its exterior and blend in with the sky.

116

Sat parallel and higher than the real Forbidden City, the architecture seeks to take charge of the narrative of Chinese culture. Its haunting presence overlooking the ancient and shorter walls of the imperial palace.

Altered Pratt Truss System

Floating Forbidden City

120 meters high

Water and Electrical Services Pod and Connection

Water Pipes with Misting System only on exterior columns

Thin Filament-like Columns

Water Pipes with Misting System only on exterior columns

117

The Cloud Waterfall Curtain and Misting System Contained by the Waterfall fabric, mists released within the architecture forms an ever-changing ethereal “interior” space for visitors to experience.

It changes the opacity of the infrastructure depending on the amount of mists released. This is callibrated with the amount of water consumed by the city every month, allowing it to become a visual signifier for the citizens of Beijing to remind them to conserve water.

Waterfall Curtain which surrounds the perimeter of the scheme is made up of polythene mesh that allows wind to permeate in and out of the infrastructure. It allows for mists released by the infrastructure, due to its function as a visual water barometer, to condense onto the fabric and be recollected for reuse in the architecture.

118

No Misting

Made from Polythene Mesh

Affixed to the top of the architecture

Perimeter Misting as Visual Water Barometer

High Volume Misting

Perimeter Misting as Visual Water Barometer

Colours of the Mist in Different Coloured Skies 119

Bolted VS Welded A steel structure such as the scheme is able to be constructed through bolted connections or welding on-site. Both has its pros and cons.

However, with water running through the structure, an argument can be made that welded connections are stronger and seal the joints whilst bolted connections may leave room for corrosion to occur as well as weaken the structure due to accuracy of joints, unfinished bolt and effect of vibration. However, bolted joints would allow the scheme to reduce time consumed during construction as it takes less time to weld, and is a non-permanent joint that can allow it to be used for easy recycling. The scheme thus uses welded and bolted joints strategically throughout the scheme. In the case for the water tank, the bolted joints are reinforced with water membrane lining to maintain waterproofing, uses nitrile gaskets in between connections to seal and provide support for buckling and seismic situations. On the other hand, the columns that make up the primary structure of the scheme and directly supports the water tank is welded on site. The use of both allows for better cost control as well.

Similar ETFE system as discussed in Detail A leads water directily into the water tank

KEY JUNCTION C

Accessible Top Lid allows for checks and for repair and maintenance to occur Air Vent allows air in tank to ventilate

A Welding neck flange connects the water pipes. The connection was chosen for its butt weld that allows for a seamless aesthetic as well as strength.

N O

Bolted Joints

Welded Joints

- Simple design, less manpower needed - Less time required - High strength joint - Low cost - Low Noise - Less skilled labour required - Easy Availability - Non Permanent Joint - Easy dimantling for efficient recycling and reuse.

- Easier replacement - Failure at one point (bolt) does not affect whole connection - Effect of Vibration may affect bolts - Less Axial Tensile strength - Lubrication needed -Corrosion may occur, protection required - More space required

- More complex, skilled manpower needed - More time consuming -Higher strength joint - Higher cost - Loud Noise during construction - Permanent Joint for structural integrity - Can be recycled and reused but not as easy as bolted joints - Process can be automated - Welding can be performed anywhere - Smooth and seamless appearance - Easy addition and modification of structure - Decreased chances for corrosion - Decreased chances for water leakage

The expansive infrastructure towers over the site which is located in a seismic zone.

To ensure better protection against seismic movements and lateral wind loads, attached to the bottom of the water tank at intervals are massed tuned dampers as well as the use of nitrile rubber gaskets at structural connections. This is demonstrated in the following details and key junctions C and D.

Water VS Services The exterior CHS of the perimeter truss frames are used to move water down to the misting systems on ground whilst the interior CHS of the perimeter truss frames contain the electrical and trace heating systems.

B

K

Section of Welded Neck Flange at Key Junction D

C

Key :

KEY JUNCTION D

A 50mm thk Stainless Steel Shell Plate Chromed on exterior B 12mm thk Chromed Stainless Steel Sheet

D

E

F

G

H

KEY JUNCTION E

C 150mm x 120mm Stainless steel T beam bolted to 300mm RHS D Steel Plate Bolted on with Nitrile Rubber Gasket E Steel Support Brackets F 500mm Stainless steel CHS, Chromed G Tuned Mass Damper H Two-layer patterned and inflated ETFE cushion I 600mm Stainless Steel CHS Column, Chromed Water Supply system for misting routed internally through structural frame J 600mm Stainless Steel CHS Column, Chromed Trace heating system and electrical services routed internally through structural frame K Welding Neck Flange ( Key Junction D)

I

L Water Condensing Polyethene Mesh Fabric N 150mm x 150mm Stainless Steel I Beam O Stainless Steel Stiffeners Welded to I Beam P 300mm x 300mm Stainless Steel RHS section welded to I beam above and steel bracket below

J

L

120

Structural Steel Column

Protection from Movement

P

The scheme attempts to solve the issue of cold bridging at key junctions suchs as those highlighted in Key Junctions C and E. Whilst welding may be better in terms of sealing of joints, bolted connections are chosen as they will help reduce time taken to construct the scheme. In order to solve this, a waterproofing membrane is laid above the outer stainless steel layer, and nitrile thermal rubber insulation is laid just before the final inner layer of stainless steel. The nitrile thermal rubber insulation provides thermal resistance but is also commonly used in water infrastructure as it is able to prevent condensation, has high resistance against frosting. Moreover, the connection between the structural column and the tank contains nitrile rubber gaskets which provides both seismic resistance and better seal of connection.

Key Junction C

Interior of Horizontal Water Tank Railing

A

Railings are designed with a height of 1200mm from the floor. This is designed in accordance to the guidelines stated in Approved Document K (Protection from Falling). This will help protect the health and safety of the government workers working at the Ghost of the Forbidden City.

D

E

F

G

H

N

O

Walkway above Horizontal Water Tank

I

J

K

U T

L S

P

Q

R

Exterior

A

Section of Junction between Water Tank and Structural Column Not to Scale

C

Key :

D

A 50mm thk Stainless Steel Shell Plate, Chromed on exterior B 12mm thk Chromed Stainless Steel Sheet

E F G

Health & Safety

C

B

Multi-Layered Insulation Although the Horizontal Water Tank could be designed to rely only on self-regulated heat tracing cables, this would mean heating can only be done actively during the cold winter months and will cause the scheme to increase its operational carbon. In order to prevent this from happening, the water tank is insulated with several layers of insulation that play a role in ensuring the fireresistance, thermal resistance and water proofing of the component. The PUF insulation used allows for any cracks to be sealed and insulated.

Rockwool panels are chosen instead of fiberglass panels for main insulation layer as fiberglass loses its thermal protection when in contact with water.

Nitirle Thermal Rubber Insulation provides high water vapor diffusion resistance and low thermal conductivity. It is also able to prevent condensation, reduce energy loss and commonly used in water infrastructure as it protects against frost on pipes, air ducts, and vessels. The final layer before the stainless steel sheet inside the water tank is a UV Cured Surface Tolerant Seal Coating as it is easy to apply in mass production and is a versatile adhesive that provides thermal resistance of up to 260 degrees Celsius. The combination of these layers will help provide passive thermal regulation within the water tank throughout its lifespan.

Key Junction E

1200 mm

Cold Bridging

Interior of Horizontal Water Tank

C Waterproofing Membrane D 60mm thk Polyurethane Foam (PUF) Insulation

H

E 150mm thk Rockwool Panel Fire Resistance Insulation F 50mm thk Nitrile Thermal Rubber Insulation

Section of Junction between Walkway and Water Tank Not to Scale

G UV Cured Temperature Resistant Surface Tolerant Seal Coating

Enclosed Water Tank Initial design choice of having an open water tank was decided against as this would not protect the quality of the harvested rainwater as well as it leaves to water to evaporate in hot sunny weathers. It would also mean increased heating during the winter months, thus higher operational carbon.

121

K Metal Deck Profile L 19mm x 95mm Shear Stud N 300mm x 300mm Stainless Steel RHS Section bolted to base bracket Self-regulated Heat Tracing Cable located inside O Harvested Rainwater P Tuned Mass Damper Q 300mm diameter Stainless Steel CHS Section R 500mm diameter Stainless Steel CHS Section

H 12mm thk Stainless Steel

S Stainless Steel Support Brackets

I 150mm x 150mm Stainless Steel I Beam welded to cladding J 250mm thk Reinforced Concrete Slab (constructed at angle to allow water to flow down to center drainage)

T Bolted Steel Plate U Nitrile Rubber Gasket

122

123

Celestial Pillar & Steam Balloon The Tears Collector The Celestial Pillars recognize the sacrifices of the South through its design of the Tears Collector. Whilst the component functions mainly as the Headquarters for the Office of the Ministry of Water Resources, it is also a functioning city water distribution tank and a source of water for the steam balloons. A variation of the design is the Dragon’s Breath which functions similarly. It is influenced by the celestial beings studied in the Forbidden City.

A

1

2 Water Storage Tank for City Distribution

1

Water moves from Horizontal Water Tank

2

Water moves into Water Storage Tank

Two Pathways for Water

A

Water heated into steam to blow up steam balloon

B

Water sent into the city

--- The Dragon’s Breath ---

B

124

max limit explodes at peak of water happiness

Liquid droplets fall into a bowl to quench the thirst of Central Beijing. It is fulfilled only through the blood, sweat and tears of the South. Finally, the State has monumentalized their sacrifices.

Water Control Center Monitoring Hall

Private / Government Officers Only

300,000 m 2

200,000 m 2

100,000 m 2

City Surveillance for Peacekeeping Water Storage Tank In order to transport water harvested from the roof to the city , water enters into this storage area which allows for water to move down the water shaft through gravity and pressure.

50,000 m 2

0 m2 Tears Office Pods for the Office of the State’s Ministry of Water Resources

Steam Balloon Steam Shaft Bowl Auditorium Connected to Horizontal Water Tank where water is transferred from and also where the pillars aid to structurally support the architecture.

Viewing Platforms

Public

Vertical Shaft for Circulation and Water Pipe to transport water to city from water storage tank

Water PIpes

Water Credit Center Public Archive for Water Cafes

Main Entrances

--- The Tears Collector --125

Exploring the Form of Explosion 126

127

Recreation VS Restriction Experiencing the Ghost - State Vision

This is the State’s vision for the people.

A new cultural monument in Beijing now sits in Central Beijing. It represents China’s history with water, and more importantly, the urgent need for water conservation in our beloved capital city.

The new cultural monument will mark the beginning of a city-wide pilot water management system. With our historical reliance on water from the South combined with continuous depletion of water resources in China, it is our hope that with collective and strict effort, we are able to reign in our excessive water consumption that is drying up our city.

Thank you.

128

The cloud reflects the sky of the city, waiting to absorb every drop of rainwater that falls on its skin.

129

130

The Forest of Flowers greet its visitors at the main entrance of Yuyuantan Park.

131

132

Framed by the blooming cherry blossom trees, the towering steel flowers reflects a similar hope for Beijiing to bloom from its impending water scarcity.

133

134

The building breaths out mists into itself. Some visitors relish in the cooling breeze.

Others are on a scenic boat ride on the lake as they take in the ethereal experience of witnessing the surrounding shroud of mists grow.

135

136

An official at the Ministry of Water Resources takes in the view of the lake from his Tears Office Pod. His eyes gaze far into the sunset horizon. He makes a silent wish for rain.

137

138

Heavy rain falls onto the city! The government officer at the top of the Celestial Pillar sits in the monitoring hall as watches rain bounce on top of the ETFE leaves. He proceeds to run his numbers on the amount of water being collected.

139

第7章 Epilogue : The Restriction From the eyes of the citizen When warnings are not heeded, the Ghost intervenes.

Quietly, the building grows and its fabric moves. As months go by, the people realize what is to come. Realization kicks into the citizens of Beijing and they begin to prepare for the explosion.

Water restriction is about to commence.

The question put forth is, will the citizens work with the Ghost of the Forbidden City to improve water conservancy in Beijing, or will the monument become a ruin of future Beijing under the stress of a water-fragmented nation?

140

141

The State Government announces a new pilot water management system.

They have said that it will help increase water conservation in the city.

142

143

Turns out, they were not joking when they said that this was a strict exercise of water conservation for Beijing. It’s been 3 years since the pilot water management system was put in place. Every year, the steam balloons never fail to explode. And when it does, the state brings in the new water police regiment to police water usage. We must not exceed our provided water credit or else, we shall face the consequences.

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Serious water offenders have been publicly shamed and punished for their excessive water usage. Recently, a man was deducted 50 points off his social credit score and it appeared as news on the local news station.

Apparently he accidentally left his sink running after rushing out of his home to go on a month’s long business trip overseas. Now he can’t buy plane tickets until he increases his social credit score again.

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Every drop of water we consume is surveilled by the State. Eyes are everywhere.

Every drop of water is precious. Many have begun to install their own water harvesting systems at home to collect extra water to use at home. The rainwater harvesting industry and the water filtration business is flourishing from this new pilot water management system. Several of my friends have begun to look to venturing into this industry,

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In the background. the Ghost of the Forbidden City looms ever larger than before. The shadows of the steam balloons cast over the city. People in my neighbourhood begin to notice this. Several of them starts preparing for the restriction once more. A few have taken advantage of this water management system and begun to sell extra water from their own credit for profit and today, many are queueing up to buy from them. Word on the street is that water is appearing as a commodity in the black market.

The Ghost of the Forbidden City may or may not help with Beijing’s water conservation, but it certainly has reined in the city for it.

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Ghost of the Forbidden City Fin .

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绝密文件

编号

2022052501

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