EcoRise

EcoRise Water Tower Reimagination

Proposal By: Jackson Muno University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chicago Studio | Spring 2025

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT PROJECT INTRODUCTION PRELIMINARY RESEARCH UNDERSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE NARRATIVE COLLAGE CONTEXT MAP

07 09 11 13 15

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS STRUCTURAL PROCESS EXPERIMENTAL LOGISTICS PRECEDENT STUDY CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP WITH SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

19 21 23 25

PROPOSAL ABSTRACT DATA SHEET PROPOSED SITE PLAN TOWER SECTIONS TOWER ELEVATION GONDOLA PLANS MECHANICAL COMPONENTS SITE RENDER

33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT | PROJECT INTRODUCTION

Introduction | Green Era Campus is a community-based environmental justice project on the South Side of Chicago, located in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The campus focuses on sustainability through urban farming, food waste recovery, and renewable energy systems like anaerobic digestion. It’s part of a larger mission to create green jobs, support local food systems, and bring new resources to areas that have been historically disinvested in.

Auburn Gresham and other neighborhoods on the South Side deal with major environmental challenges, especially flooding.

Years of disinvestment, aging infrastructure, and lack of permeable surfaces have made these areas more vulnerable to stormwater overflow and sewer backups. Green Era is directly addressing these issues through stormwater management, soil regeneration, and educational programming tied to climate resilience.

As part of site safety and risk management, a stormwater detention basin is required on the north side of the anaerobic digestor tanks. This basin is designed to hold and control runoff in the event of a system failure or accidental spill, helping to prevent contaminated water from spreading and further supporting the site’s environmental systems.

For this project, we were asked to reimagine a portion of the Green Era site that included an old structure near the water tower. After evaluating the condition of the building, it was clear it wasn’t salvageable. The only thing we were able to save was the original water tank itself. The tank has been part of the site for decades and stands tall enough to offer clear views toward the Chicago skyline.

The client emphasized that they wanted the tank to remain on site as a symbol for the area—something iconic and visible that ties back to the land and its future. The building to the northwest of the site is also being renovated and will eventually serve as an expansion of Green Era Campus and Urban Growers Collective programming.This creates an opportunity to link the water tower with both new and existing systems on site in a way that reflects Green Era’s long-term goals around food, energy, water, and community.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

The Urban Flood Susceptibility Index (UFSI) | developed by CMAP, ranks Cook County neighborhoods by flood risk based on factors like outdated infrastructure, low-lying land, and impervious surfaces. I used the map to focus on high-risk areas, comparing flood claims, land depression, and land cover. The analysis suggests these areas may flood more often due to less green space, more depressed terrain, and poor drainage. This supports a hypothesis that high-risk zones not only experience more flooding but also lack the environmental protections found in lower-risk areas—pointing to the need for more equitable infrastructure planning.

Combined Frequency Ratio Urban

1 (Low) 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 (High)

Auburn Gresham

0

1.5

3

6

Miles

Esri, DeLorme, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributors

07

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT | PRELIMINARY RESEARCH

Claims per Neighborhood NFIP claims

Private Insurance claims

Disaster Relief claims

Ashburn Auburn Gresham Beverly Burnside

Location

Calumet Heights Chatham Alsip Bedford Park Blue Island Bridgeview Burbank Burnham 0

5000

10000

A dataset from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) shows that Auburn Gresham experiences over four times the flood insurance claims of the Cook County average.

From 2010 to 2020, it recorded 1,244 claims per 10,000 residents, compared to 556 in the Calumet Region. The data reveals clear disparities in flood vulnerability and underscores the need for targeted infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods.

15000

Depressed Land vs. Location Ashburn Auburn Gresham

An analysis using the Topographic Wetness Index identifies low-lying areas prone to stormwater buildup due to subtle elevation changes. In flat regions like Auburn Gresham, 14% of the land is at risk of urban flooding, showing how even slight depressions can contribute to runoff and overwhelm drainage systems.

Beverly Burnside

Location

Calumet Heights Chatham Alsip Bedford Park Blue Island Bridgeview Burbank Burnham 0.00%

20.00%

40.00% Depressed Land

Land Cover Distribution Tree Cover

Ashburn

Grass Cover

Auburn Gresham Beverly

Bare Soil

Burnside

Buildings Roads, Railroads

Location

Calumet Heights Chatham

Paved Surfaces

Alsip Bedford Park Blue Island Bridgeview Burbank Burnham 0%

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

25%

50%

75%

100%

Land use plays a major role in flood risk and water quality. In Auburn Gresham, over 50% of the land is covered by impermeable surfaces, leading to increased runoff and higher flood claim rates. Green space helps absorb water, while industrial zones can add pollutants to stormwater, especially near residential areas.

Grass

Sports

Park

Nature Preserve

Forest

Brown field sites

Depressed land

N

Green Space vs. Depressed Land | A map comparing green space with topographically depressed land highlights how vegetation and open areas intersect with zones most vulnerable to stormwater accumulation. While green spaces typically help absorb rainfall and reduce runoff, not all are located in areas most prone to flooding. In Auburn Gresham, some low-lying areas overlap with impermeable surfaces or underutilized lots, limiting their ability to manage excess water.

This analysis shows that strategically placing or expanding green infrastructure in depressed zones could significantly reduce urban flooding and improve overall stormwater resilience.

09

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT | UNDERSTANDING INFRASTRUCTURE

Pedesphere Water Tower | A pedesphere water tower is an elevated storage tank with a large spherical container supported by a single central column, typically made of steel or reinforced concrete. Using gravity to maintain water pressure, it provides reliable service for municipal, industrial, and emergency systems, even during power outages. Its height allows efficient flow without constant pumping, lowering energy costs. Designed for durability, these towers include corrosion protection, insulation, and overflow systems. Often doubling as community landmarks, they can feature custom murals or lighting. Their compact, efficient design maximizes storage while minimizing footprint, making them a cost-effective solution for large-scale water supply.

130’-165’ TYP.

To S

upp

ly

Fro

m

SCALE : 3/64” = 1’ - 0” EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Source(s): https://www.caldwelltanks.com/tank_types/pedesphere-elevated-storage-tank-ped

Re

ser

vio

r

Underground Detention Tank | An underground detention tank is a buried storage system that temporarily holds stormwater runoff and releases it slowly to prevent flooding, reduce strain on municipal drainage systems, and control erosion. Typically made of concrete, plastic, fiberglass, or corrugated metal, these tanks collect excess water from impervious surfaces like roads and rooftops, storing it in large vaults, pipes, or modular chambers.

By regulating the discharge rate, they help improve water quality by allowing sediment and pollutants to settle before release. Their underground placement preserves land use while effectively managing urban stormwater.

3 4 1 2

SCALE : 1/8” = 1’ - 0” Source(s): https://www.constructionecoservices.com/products-bmps/permanent-bmps/underground-detention-retention/

1

Drain

Asphalt

2

Plastic Piping

Soil/Backfill

3

Perferated Underdrain

Gravel/Stone

4

Manhole

Nonwoven Geotextile 11

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

NARRATIVE COLLAGE | RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT

Auburn Gresham is shaped by layers of social, cul

tural, ecological, and political influences that directly impact how the neighborhood functions and feels.

On a social level, the neighborhood has a strong sense of

Institutions

and Saint community. like Simeon High School Sabina

our

Church sit close to site and act as anchors for and families—offering programming, space, youth

green

and a sense of stability. These spaces help shape how peo ple come together, look out for each other, and stay involved.

Ecologically, Auburn Gresham deals with real issues tied to

flooding and aging infrastructure. The land is flat, with lots of ­

impervious surfaces, which causes water to pool and overwhelm drainage systems.

Jackson Park—just down

Mahalia

the street—floods regularly. It’s a clear example of how

public spaces here could benefit from thoughtful stormwa

back to the community. ter design that also gives something

Politically, the neighborhood sits at the intersection of environmental justice and economic investment. Zoning, revitalization efforts, and funding for green infrastructure all play a role in shaping what’s possible on this land. Local block clubs also step in where the city sometimes doesn’t— working hard to keep the area safe, clean, and organized.

A mural next to our site really stood out to me. It shows kids planting and growing, surrounded by Adinkra symbols like Nea Onnim and Nyansapo, along with the recycling symbol and hexagon patterns. It speaks to learning, wisdom, cycles, and interconnectedness—all themes that became central to my design approach.

13

RESEARCH + DEVELOPMENT | CONTEXT MAP

Context Map | This map shows the existing conditions around the Green Era Campus and how the surrounding context connects to the site. It helps frame how the project sits within the larger Auburn Gresham neighborhood and why its location matters.

To the west, Simeon High School brings a steady flow of students, staff, and activity throughout the week. It’s a major presence in the area and adds a strong educational and social anchor close to the site. Across the train tracks to the east is

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

a residential neighborhood. This side has a more quiet, local feel and represents the everyday life of the community. It also gives the site more visibility and access from both directions.

Just south of the site is Mahalia Jackson Park. It’s an important piece of public green space but currently underused and prone to flooding. It sits right next to the site, making it a key area to think about when it comes to water management, recreation, and future connections.

Points of Interest Parks Existing Context Site Boundary Primary Route Secondary Route

N 14

15

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION

Existing 166’-9”

133’-5”

107’-2”

87’-4”

43’-4”

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

V.1

V.2

Structural Evolution | The tower’s design began with inspiration from the original cast iron trusses of the existing water tank, which immediately brought to mind the Eiffel Tower. That early reference helped guide the formal language—something that felt strong, open, and civic-minded. As the design evolved, the structure became more locally rooted through the use of Adinkra symbols. These symbols, chosen in collaboration with students, hold deep cultural meaning and were incorporated

V.3

not just decoratively but as structural elements that reinforce the tower’s identity and purpose.The overall form of the tower flares outward toward the top, creating a widened space for the upper platform and viewing deck.This gesture not only enhances the experience at the top but also gives the tower a proud, uplifting profile that reflects both the legacy of the structure and its renewed community role.

Proposed

19

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | EXPERIMENTAL LOGISTICS

Experiment | This physical experiment was used to test the fundamental mechanics behind a water-powered lift system proposed for the Green Era tower. Using basic materials— fishing line, plastic cups, and straws—a small-scale model was built in which water served as the driving force. A large cup at the top represented a water tank. As water steadily flowed into a counterweight cup, it became heavy enough to lift a platform on the opposite end of the pulley, simulating how water weight could initiate movement within a closed-loop system.

The experiment revealed several key considerations. First, the platform and live load must remain slightly heavier than the empty counterweight tank to ensure the system can reset in a controlled manner. Second, without friction or resistance, the platform ascended too rapidly—highlighting the need for a geared pulley or other braking mechanism to regulate lift speed in the final design.

It also became clear that both the counterweight and platform require protection from lateral forces. Even minimal wind could unbalance the system or cause water to spill, underscoring the need for an enclosed or guided structure to resist horizontal movement.

An unexpected insight emerged from the experiment: the opposing motion of the counterweight and platform may function like a tuned mass damper. This dynamic could help stabilize the tower during wind events, suggesting that the lift system might also contribute to the overall structural performance.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

21

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | PRECEDENT STUDY

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Matthew Lloyd Architects | At the Duke of York Steps in London, Matthew Lloyd designed a water-powered lift that uses a pulley and counterweight system. As water fills a tank, its weight lowers the counterweight and lifts the passenger platform. After the ride, the water is drained to reset the system.

This simple, low-energy design turns gravity and water into a sustainable solution for vertical movement in public space.

S & S Worldwide | Pneumatic drop tower rides use compressed air to rapidly move a gondola up or down a vertical track.Air pressure builds in a chamber, then is suddenly released to push or pull the cart using force and vacuum pressure. The system relies on sealed air flow, mechanical pistons, and precise control to create fast acceleration and deceleration.

These rides follow a simple vertical design: a tall tower with a guided track and a central gondola that moves along it.The cart is often open-air and cylindrical, echoing industrial lift systems.

Though built for speed and thrill, their clear structure—a guided cart traveling up and down a column—shares a visual and mechanical language with slower, gravity-based elevator concepts.

23

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP WITH SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Adinkra Symbols & Meanings | Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs, and aphorisms. They originated from the Gyaman people of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Back then, they featured as prints on cloth which royals wore to important ceremonies. But they have transcended these Ghanaian and Ivorian origins. They now grace logos, clothing, furniture, architecture, and more.These new usages embody a global recognition of their profound cultural significance.

Due to their appealing attributes, Adinkra symbols are often used in logos and emblems to promote ideas and causes. A notable example of this is the use of at least one Adinkra symbol in the coat of arms of many universities in Ghana, demonstrating the prestige that has come to be associated with their use.

To the left is a collection of Adinkra symbols, with those incorporated into my design highlighted. These symbols also appear in murals and public art throughout Auburn Gresham, where they reflect shared community values and cultural heritage. Information sourced from adinkrasymbols.org.

25

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP WITH SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

Our Stories, Our Symbols | As part of the design process for the Green Era water tower project, I partnered with students from Simeon Career Academy in a collaborative workshop that invited them to reflect on their personal and community values through visual storytelling. The goal of the co-design process was to root the design in local identity and allow the students’ perspectives to help shape the expression of the tower through Adinkra symbols.

1. Choose an Adinkra symbol that resonated with them personally and draw it.

2. Write a word or phrase that represented a personal value and create a symbol to reflect that.

3. Identify a value they associated with their community and illustrate it as a new symbol 4. Combine these into a repeating pattern to overlay onto an elevation of the water tower.

We began by introducing the students to the history and symbolism behind the Adinkra system—a visual language from the Akan culture of West Africa. These symbols express complex ideas about justice, resilience, healing, and

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

27

EXPERIMENTATION + PROCESS | CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP WITH SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY

Nea Onnim | He who does not know; from the proverb, “When he who does not know learns, he gets to know.” It is a symbol of knowledge, life-long education, and continued quest for knowledge.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Epa | Handcuffs. A symbol of law and justice.

Fihankra | An enclosed or secured compound house. A symbol of brotherhood, safety, security, completeness, and solidarity.

Krapa (Musuyidee) | Krapa means “good soul” while Musuyidea means “a thing for removing filth or evil.” It is a symbol of spiritual balance, good fortune, good luck, sanctity, spiritual strength, and the uprightness of spirit.

Owo Foro Adobe | A snake climbs a raffia palm. A symbol of ingenuity, excellence, feat performance, and performing the unusual or impossible.

Mmere Dane | Time changes (times change). A symbol of the temporariness of good times.

29

PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL | ABSTRACT

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Green Era Campus is a growing model of environmental alchemy, where waste is transformed into regenerative resources and green infrastructure supports the surrounding community. Rooted in the principles of closed-loop sustainability, the campus brings together neighborhood green spaces, urban farms, and renewable energy systems powered by anaerobic digestion. These elements work together to convert organic material into resources that nourish both the land and the people. A big part of activating these spaces comes through education, local engagement, and creating opportunities that directly benefit the neighborhood.

The proposed intervention reimagines the salvaged tank as the core of a new, water-powered elevator system. Inspired by pneumatic drop tower rides, the design replaces compressed air with water pressure, using a closed-loop system that lifts a gondola carrying up to 42 people. An alternative version of the system uses a second tank as a counterweight that moves in opposition to the gondola. Once elevated, the water is released into a detention basin below the tower and slowly pumped back into the tank using solar energy. This system not only demonstrates sustainable energy and hydrodynamic physics—it also becomes an educational and experiential piece of infrastructure.

As part of the site’s ongoing development, our team was tasked with removing a deteriorating structure on the east side of the property. The building itself was beyond repair, but the existing water tank was able to be salvaged and became the focus of the project. The client emphasized the importance of keeping the tank as a visual symbol for the area—one that offers views of the Chicago skyline and represents a future-forward mindset rooted in the community.

The exterior design draws from co-design workshops with local high school students. Using Adinkra symbols and values they identified as personally and communally important, students created patterns that will be applied as cladding to the elevator structure. The result is a project that functions on multiple levels: a public demonstration of closed-loop design, an icon rooted in cultural expression, and a literal lift that provides new perspectives on the site and the city beyond.

33

PROPOSAL | DATA SHEET

FUNCTION: Sustainable, water-powered public infrastructure ADDRESS: Green Era Campus 650 W 83rd St, Chicago, IL 60620 SCALE: Water tower and adjacent lot, including lift access zone, educational plaza, and integration with surrounding landscape systems EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS: • Exposed elevator mechanisms: pulleys, pneumatic counterweight system, cables • Diagrams, wayfinding, and signage explaining physics, water systems, and sustainability, and digestor information COMPONENTS: • Salvaged historic water tank • New steel structure (columns, bracing, cables, curtain panels) • Pneumatic counterweight tank system • Solar-powered pump to return water to the top tank • Underground detention tank integrated into the tower foundation • Pipes run internally through steel column trusses back to the top tank • Water-powered gondola (hexagonal, ~765 sq ft, 76 standing / 38 seated or ADA-accessible)

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

SYSTEMS: • Closed-loop water cycle (top tank > counterweight > detention tank > solar pump > top tank) • Gravity- and water-powered lift with no external electricity • Passive educational engagement through visible, kinetic infrastructure • Stormwater capture and reuse • Renewable energy input via 60-cell panel solar array OVERALL DIMENSIONS (APPROX.): • Tower Height: 150–170 ft • Gondola Size: Hexagonal, 21.9 ft sides (~765 sq ft) • Capacity: 76 standing / 38 seated or ADA-accessible • Top Platform: Outer hexagon 25’8” sides, inner cutout 22’3.25” sides (~423 sq ft walkable) • Structural Base Radius: 20–25 ft INSTALLATION TIME FRAME: • Design Finalization: 2–3 months • Construction & Installation: 6–9 months • Integration with Abbott Building Renovation: Phased over 12–18 months CYCLE TIMELINE (OPERATION): • Lift Cycle: ~5 minutes per full ascent/descent • Water Recharge (via solar pump): With 70 panels generating ~105 kWh/day, recharge for 50,000 gallons estimated at 10–12 hours, depending on pump efficiency and solar conditions

35

PROPOSAL | PROPOSED SITE PLAN

Site Plan | The proposed site plan positions the EcoLift tower along a north–south axis, creating a new, pedestrian-friendly entry point at the north end of Green Era Campus. This move separates foot traffic from the existing truck access zone, which previously conflicted with pedestrian circulation. The reoriented axis allows the tower to function as both a physical and symbolic landmark—anchoring a new network of walkable paths that connect key areas of the campus.

These pathways take inspiration from the feel of a college quad, where daily activity is visible and movement is naturally guided. Paved through high-traffic desire lines, the routes link the EcoLift to the renovated Abbott building, the existing anaerobic digestion warehouse, and the urban farm expansion. On the west side, the detention basin is extended along the train wall, serving a dual function: managing runoff while also acting as a sound buffer from passing trains. Even from this green edge, the tower will remain visible—its top emerging above the trees as a recognizable figure in the landscape.

New parking zones are added near the Abbott building and electrical infrastructure lot to support the expanded programming and increased activity on site, ensuring both accessibility and long-term flexibility as Green Era Campus continues to grow.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

Metr a Lin

e

SITE LINE

ComEd Electrical Facility

Metr

SITE LINE

a Lin

e

New GEC Lab

New Detention Basin 100’ Old Tower

SITE LINE

Metr

a Lin

e

Digestors

0’

Maintenence Facilities

Existing Compost Facility

Urban Farm

Existing Detention Basin

N

SITE LINE 37

PROPOSAL | TOWER SECTIONS

East/West Section | This section shows how the initial lift off takes place. The piston and gondola are attached to a steel cable that forms a closed-loop around the track. Water from the top tank is released into the shot tank, pushing the piston down and thus pulling the gondola up.

Once it reaches maximum height, An inverse process would return the gondola back to the ground.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

North/South Section | This section shows the water return process to the top tank. Pressurized water is pushed out of the top of the shot tank into the accumulator and down to the bottom, leveling the piston and gondola in the middle. Once at equalibrilium, it is then pressurized the opposite way, pushing the piston further up the shot tank and returning the gondola to the ground.

39

PROPOSAL | TOWER ELEVATION

2

3

6 1

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

4 5

1. Owo Foro Adobe | Column “snake climbing, ingenuity”

4. Krapa | Entrance Gate “cleansing”

2. Epa | Parapet “security, justice”

5. Fihankra | Railing “safety”

3. Mmere Dane | I-Beam Bracing “time changes”

6. Nea Onnim | Interior Screen “Education”

41

PROPOSAL | GONDOLA PLAN

Gondola Plan and Section | The gondola features a hexagonal platform with side lengths of 21.9 feet, providing approximately 765 square feet of usable area. This allows for a standing capacity of up to 76 people, or around 38 seated/ADA-accessible users with comfortable circulation. The gondola floor rises to approximately 105 feet above ground, offering wide views of the Green Era Campus and the Chicago skyline.

The system operates through a pneumatic tank-based counterweight, where water pressure and gravity control the gondola’s vertical movement within a closed-loop cycle.

The upper platform that the gondola arrives at is also hexagonal, with an outer dimension of 25 feet 8 inches per side and an inner cutout measuring 22 feet 3.25 inches per side.

This creates a surrounding walkable area of about 423 square feet, allowing for an observation deck experience as visitors disembark. The section diagram highlights the relationship between the gondola, lift tracks, pneumatic tank, and upper deck structure.

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

3/32” = 1’-0”

3/32” = 1’-0”

43

PROPOSAL | MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

3

7

2 6

8

5 4 1

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Gondola Accumulator Shot Tanks Sheaves Steel Cables Wheels Track Pistons

4

8

5

2

7 6

3

1

4

1/8” = 1’-0”

45

PROPOSAL | SITE RENDER

EcoRise

PERSPECTIVES

Drone Shot

EcoRise | Jackson Muno

49

Author & Designer Jackson Muno | Graduate Student

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Akima Brackeen | Assistant Professor

Urban Growers Collective & Green ERA Partners Erika Allen | Founder & CEO | President of Education Raven Brown | Mechanical Engineer & Community Coordinator Craig Stevenson | Project Manager & Cultural Production

Simeon Career Academy Jerome Thymes | Instructor Katie Plocic Damion Black Christian Wright Michael Steward Billie Dowery Rihanna Delaney Mia Cazares Jimenez

47