[RE]PROGRAMMING FOR RESPONSIVE REGENERATION
SITE LOCATION, CONTEXT AND OPPORTUNITIES
DD1 EXPERIMENTATION: SITE CONTEXT_ The site in focus is situated on the Eastern boarder of Portugal, in the Iberian Peninsula. Idanha-a-Nova is conviniently situated between three major cities Lisbon, Madrid and Porto; This could provide ample opportunity for Idanha-a-Nova to become a hub of interest within easy reach of the three major cities.
A
546.9 Square Miles 10,929 Residents 20 People Per Square Mile
B
150 Square Miles 1.3m Residents 14,856 People Per Square Mile
C
370Square Miles 3m+ Residents 16,726 People Per Square Mile
D
233.89 Square Miles (City) 3.3m Residents 14,000 People Per Square Mile
Nor
rth Atlantic Ocean
B D A
C
Mediterranean Sea
[E]VALUATE A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR THE REPROGRAMMING OF EXISTING SYSTEMS
METHODOLOGY_ “Reprogramming landscape elements through data mapping to create an interface in which Anthropocentric and Biocentric systems can interact�
Drying out of the landscape Radical topographic terrain Poor transport connections
Declining population
TPP OUTCOMES Existing Relationships & Condition Data shows that Idanha-a-Nova is a very underpopulated area of rural Portugal (Just 10,929 inhabitants). The main issues are drying up of soils and agricultural land due to forest plantations, coastal migration and a lack of basic amenities. [REGENERATION]
Potential For Change Create an interface in which Anthropocentric and Biocentric systems can integrate, offering potential new relationships across the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova
[RE]programming Define areas which appear to be ‘Voids’ by using an in-depth mapping process. Intervene in these particular areas by manipulating Biocentric landscape elements Water, Geology and Topography for Anthropocentric gain
“Creating an interface for anthropocentric and biocentric elements to interact will provide a stage to target these issues”
METHODOLOGY_ WHY MAPPING_?
L A R
G
E
By using mapping as a tool this will allow me to define the landscape into different layers which can then be overlaid to decipher the areas of ‘void’
SCALE A well formulated approach is needed to serve as a vehicle for exploration in such a vast landscape with so many differing characteristics.
METHODOLOGY_ HOW MAPPING_?
369 27.1/Km2
748 5.8/Km2
272 8.9/Km2
1345 7.4/Km2
224 3.9/Km2
560 13.6/Km2
79 3.8/Km2
608 11/Km2
355 12.9/Km2
202 3.6/Km2
237 6.4/Km2 170 2.1/Km2
2352 10.4/Km2
PARISHES
1028 98/Km2
1290 20.4/Km2
176 2.4/Km2
CONNECTING ROADS MUNICIPALITY BOUNDARY
537 2/Km2
HIGH DENSITY PARISHES
MEDIUM DENSITY PARISHES
Transport Networks
Population Density
LOW DENSITY PARISHES
466 299 527 755
373
Aldeia de Santa Margarida
Penha Garcia
Medelim 758
364
São Miguel de Acha
Monsanto
Proença -aVelha
Idanha-a-Velha
260
Monfortinho
Oledo
459
569
Alcafozes
354
Toulões Salvaterra do Extremo
311
Idanha-a-Nova
246
282
Zebreira
377
CONTOUR LINES
Ladoeiro
Segura
MUNICIPALITY BOUNDARY 245
267
Rosmaninhal
SIGNIFICANT AMENITIES
SOME AMENITIES
Amenity Abundance
Contour Lines
LITTLE/NO AMENITIES
Idanha-a-Nova
Oleiros Castelo Branco Spain
Proenca-a-Nova
V.V. de Rodao
WATER WAYS MUNICIPALITY BOUNDARY
Biocentric layers are adapted and [R initially achievable
Borders group - schists and greywackes Neoproterozic (610-542 Million Years) Armorican quartzite and shists Ordovican (488-444 Million Years) Conglomerates and breccias Arkoses Eocene-Pilocene (50-1.8 Million Years) Pre-Variscan granodiorites (490-480 Million Years)
Local Geology
Tardi-orogenic Variscan Granites (315-300 Million Years) Basic Rocks, Alpites, Pegamitites Quartz
Water Systems
Anthropocentric and Biocentric layers make up the landscape
RE]programmed in forms which may not be
An example of layers in Rosmaninhal parish This new combination of [RE]programmed biocentric layers becomes an intervention within the landscape, creating an interface for anthro/ bio interaction.
METHODOLOGY_ MAPPING PRECEDENTS MAPPING THE INTERNET
• HUGE BODY OF INFORMATION AT VARIOUS LEVELS AND IN DIFFERENT LAYERS • SUCCESSFULLY MAPPED IN THIS CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM • INDICATES HOW DATA MAPPING CAN BE USED TO VISUALISE AND DRAW PARALLELS BETWEEN THINGS WHICH MAY NOT BE OBVIOUS IN FIRST INSTANCE [I.E PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY IN LANDSCAPE]
DETAILED MAPPING
An example of how detailed mapping processes can be. Information can be documented in so many different formats and visualised, making it so much easier to digest.
[DE]CONSTRUCTION EXPLORING THE BIOCENTRIC AND ANTHROPOCENTRIC LAYERS IN LANDSCAPE SYSTEMS
DECONSTRUCTION_ WHAT’S THE CONCEPT_?
PARISH BOUNDARIES POPULATION DENSITY
DISTANCES AMENITY ABUNDANCE
ROAD NETWORKS
WATER SUPPLY
Two catogeries of layers have been created, Anthropocentric and Biocentric. The Anthropocentric layers are used to determine ‘Voids’ and the Biocentric layers are used as a vehicle for regeneration in these voids. The ‘Voids’ will be apparent in areas which lack in anthropocentric qualities/activity. For instance lack of amenities, poor transport connections, poor sanitation etc. [RE]programming the biocentric layers will uncover opportunities for anthropocentric opportunity.
DECONSTRUCTION_ ANTHROPOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING
P A R I S H B O U N D A R I E S Historically the territorialisation of the land was defined by boundaries based on religious beliefs, power and wealth. These formed the basis for the development of the existing civil parish boundaries. The infrastructure of boundaries now exists as an anachronism, creating a disconnection in wealth, distribution of resources and ecological synergies. This project focuses [Re]mapping the condition of the landscape, to discover potential new relationships, which can define a positive realignment of territories as a symbiosis of biocentric and anthropocentric potentials.
Aldeia de Santa Margarida
Penha Garcia
Medelim
São Miguel de Acha
Monsanto
Proença -aVelha
Idanha-a-Velha
Monfortinho
Oledo Alcafoze
Toulões Salvaterra do Extremo
Idanha-a-Nova
Ladoeiro
Zebreir
Rosmaninhal
Segura
DECONSTRUCTION_ ANTHROPOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING
A M E N I T Y A B U N D A N C E Amenities give us an idea of how ‘built up’ an area is. The amenities around Idanha-a-Nova are mapped on the page opposite. The amenities have been grouped in order of suggested importance with Hospitals, Water Supply, Helthcare etc coming first, and Municipal Buildings and Bus Terminals coming last. The amenities are mapped in order of quantitiy and quality, yellow indicates a low level of amenities, blue medium and pink high (well amenitised).
ES - E EM - EC AA - SB ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB - PF
ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB - F
ES - EM - EC - PT AA - SB ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB - PT
ES - EM - EC - PT AA - SB
ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB - PF ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB
ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB
ES - EM - EC AA - SB
ES -EM - EC AA - SB H- CS- E- EM- EC- TR- PI- PT AA - SB - F
ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB - F
ES - E - EM - EC - PI AA - SB - F
ES - EM - EC -PT AA - SB
H - Hospital AA - Water Supply E - Schools CS - Health Centre F - Pharmacy SB - Basic Sanitation ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB - PF
PT - Tourism Office EC - Cultural Centres PI - Industrial Parks
SUFFICIENT LEVEL OF AMENITIES MODERATE LEVEL OF AMENITIES LOW/UNSATISFACTORY LEVEL OF AMENITIES
EM - Municipal Buildings TR - Bus Terminal
DECONSTRUCTION_ ANTHROPOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING 19 km
22 km
37 km
29 km 12 km
20 km
48 km 20 km
9 km 13 km 40 km
46 km
30 km 43 km 12 km
FRACTURED FORM The landscape form in Idanha-a-Nova causes problems with transport and connectivity. It’s sporadic topographic nature means longer distances are travelled around, rather than through/over terrain. The diagram on this page and the topographic map on the opposite page illustrate this issue.
29 km
WELL CONNECTED - LOW TOPOGRAHIC INTERFERENCE FAIRLY WELL CONNECTED - MODERATE TOPOGRAHIC INTERFERENCE POORLY CONNECTED - SPORADIC TOPOGRAHIC TERRAIN
LOW LEVEL TOPOGRAPHY MEDIUM LEVEL TOPOGRAPHY HIGH LEVEL TOPOGRAPHY
DECONSTRUCTION_ BIOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING
TO P O G R A P H I C A L D I F F E R E N C E S The topography of Idanha-a-Nova is very sporadic. The region as a whole is a mountainous area with various peaks and valleys. Spot heights range from 200m - 800m, so there’s definitely potential for topographical interventions when it comes to manipulating the anthropocentric components.
DECONSTRUCTION_ BIOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING
W W
A
A
T
Y
E
R S
Water courses run through every single parish of Idanhaa-Nova, in different levels abundance. Although water runs through every parish, it is a very scarce resource and needs to be manipulated to maximise potential with regards to anthropocentric needs, therefore it is another main component of the biocentric tool kit.
Highlighting the two main dams in Idanha-aNova and Penha Garcia
do
Vale
Ribei
ra
eres
Linh
DECONSTRUCTION_ BIOCENTRIC DATA MAPPING
R G
E
I O
L
C O
G
H Y
The whole area of Idanha-a-Nova has a very rich Geological make up, and especially the areas of Penha Garcia and Monsanto where they have turned geology into a tourist attraction with the branding of Monsanto as ‘the most Portugese village in Portugal’ and Penha Garcia forming a large chunk of the Geopark Naturtejo.
Images from a tourism incentive scheme in nearby Costelo Branco. The scheme ‘Aldeias do Xisto’ markets all the villages which are made up of the material Schist. They sell themselves on this image and tourists become attracted to the area for it’s Geological qualities.
The image on the left is a historic marking by one of the first ever geologists of the area [Penha Garcia]. The note was an attempt to increase peoples awareness for the importance of geology in the area, it reas ‘Look Up’ and points to the trilobites fossils.
Borders group - schists and greywackes Neoproterozic (610-542 Million Years) Armorican quartzite and shists Ordovican (488-444 Million Years) Conglomerates and breccias Arkoses Eocene-Pilocene (50-1.8 Million Years) Pre-Variscan granodiorites (490-480 Million Years) Tardi-orogenic Variscan Granites (315-300 Million Years) Basic Rocks, Alpites, Pegamitites Quartz
[RE]MAP RECONFIGURING EXISTING SYSTEMS TO UNCOVER NEW POTENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS
[RE]MAP_ REMAPPING ELEMENTS TO DISCOVER NEW POTENTIALS Overlaying the anthropocentric components to find relationships which may not be apparent on paper, at first site or in a physical form. By overlaying all the anthropocentric layers, this should indicate the areas which need to be looked at in more detail and especially which areas need a form of responsive regeneration applied to them, wether that be ER or CDR.
“From overlaying ALL the anthropocentric components on one map it becomes apparent that some areas are better connected, more amenitised and closer to the centre than others. This then begins to illustrate two potential voids.”
Salveterra do Extremo
This parish is 46Km from the centre of Idanha-aNova, has a mere 2.1/Km2 population density, moderate road networks and very basic amenities.
Rosmaninhal
This parish is perhaps the most remote of all 17 parishes across Idanha-a-Nova. The parish has a tiny population density of just 2/Km2, very basic amenities, poor connectivity and it’s 29Km away from the centre.
ES - E -
369- EC EM 27.1/Km2 AA - SB ES - E - EM - EC - PT 272 AA - SB - PF
748 5.8/Km2
19 km
22 km
ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB
8.9/Km2
1345
297.4/Km2 km
ES - E - EM - EC - PT AA - SB - F
ES - EM - EC - PT 224 AA - SB
3.9/Km2
560 ES - E - EM - EC 13.6/Km2
12 km
AA - SB - PT
20 km
37 km
79 3.8/Km2
ES - EM - EC - PT AA - SB
48 km 608 ES - E - EM - EC - PT 11/Km2 AA - SB - PF
20 km ES - E -355 EM - EC 12.9/Km2 AA - SB
9 km
202 3.6/Km2
237 6.4/Km2
ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB
ES - EM - EC AA - SB
13 km
40 km
2352 10.4/Km2
ES 170 -EM - EC AA - SB2 2.1/Km
H- CS- E- EM- EC- TR- PI- PT AA - SB - F
46 km
1290 20.4/Km2
ES - E - EM - EC - PI AA - SB - F
1028 98/Km2
ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB - F
30 km
176 43 km 2.4/Km2
ES - EM - EC -PT AA - SB
12 km
537 2/Km2
ES - E - EM - EC AA - SB - PF
29 km
[RE]MAP_ THE ‘VOIDS’ “After collecting and overlaying specific data, two parishes have been defined as potential voids. These are Rosmaninhal and Salvaterra do Extremo.” Void_‘A completely empty space’ The term void indicates an open, empty space. After the remapping of anthropocentric systems and the exposure of potential ‘voids’, this opens up opportunity for intervention. The ‘Voids’ determined become laboritories for exploration and investigation.
[RE]MAP_ ROSMANINHAL [WATER] “ROSMANINHAL IS BOARDERED BY THE LONGEST RUNNING RIVER ON THE IBERIAN PENINSULA - RIO TAGUS”
RIO ERJAS [ERGAS] This river boarders Rosmaninhal and Salvaterra do Extremo. It’s a small river that traverses the Spanish/ Portugese boarder for most of it’s route. Also, it is a tributary of the right bank of the River Tagus [largest river on the Iberian Peninsula]. This river is also one of the main areas of ‘Geopark Natrutejo’ a protected natural area of mainland Portugal.
RIO TAGUS [TAJO] This river boarders Rosmaninhal and at 1,038Km long it’s the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. The river runs through spain and 47Km along the boarder of Spain/ Portugal and finaly 275Km through Portugal where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon. The Tagus is highly utilized for most of its course. Several dams and diversions supply drinking water to most of central Spain, including Madrid, and Portugal, while dozens of hydroelectric stations create power. Between dams it follows a very constricted course, but after Almourol it enters a vast alluvial valley prone to flooding. At its mouth is a large estuary on which the port city of Lisbon is situated.
[RE]CONSIDER ASSESSING CURRENT USE AND POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE
[RE]CONSIDER_ UNDERSTANDING AND MANIPULATING CURRENT CONDITIONS
CEDILIO DAM
WAT
DOWNSTREAM DAMS Downstream there’s a significantly smaller dam, the CEDILIO dam. This dam wouldn’t really affect the 50km stretch as it’s downstream. However, it does prove that the Tagus is already highly utilised for hydropower with 2 large dams in what is roughly a 100km stretch.
JOSE MARIA DE ORIOL DAM
TER FLO
W
UPSTREAM DAMS The river Tagus rises in the higher regions of Spain (Sacedon) and flows South West through Portugal emptiying out into the Atlantic Oceon in Lisbon. The river is dammed upstream by the JOSE MARIA DE ORIOL dam which will affect it the amount of water there is to utilise along the 50km stretch of the Tagus which boarders Rosmaninhal.
[RE]CONSIDER_ WHAT DO WE WASTE?
87%
46% 28%
8% 5% VOLUME OF WATER
26% COST OF WATER
Unfortunately in Portugal, not all the water demanded is actuall
41% of the total water demand! This represents a cost to th is around 728 Million Euros
58%
42%
71%
29%
58% WATER USED
42% WATER WASTED
ly utilised. In fact the total water lost accounts to a massive
he industry of around
0.64% of GDP in Portugal, which
R A I N W A T E R HARVESTING UTILISING WATER AS A SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE It is clear from previous findings that water is being wasted in the area, and capitaised up on for financial gain, not taking any factors of sustainability into account. There needs to be an accesible surplus of usable water in Rosmaninhal. Water that is FREE, CLEAN and doesn’t cause any negative impact after using it. The way to achieve this is by harvesting wasted rain water in various ways through different systems. At the moment the rain pours down in such a short period of time (two months) it’s just washed away into the Tagus and downstream where it empties into the atlantic ocean. IF THERE WERE A NUMBER OF WAYS IN WHICH THIS WASTE WATER COULD BE HARVESTED, STORED AND UTILISED; THIS COULD PROVIDE THE STAGING FOR A NEW HYDROLOGICAL URBANISM TO DEVELOP THE PROCESS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the aquifer. Uses include water for garden, water for livestock, water for irrigation, and indoor heating for houses etc.. In many places the water collected is just redirected to a deep pit with percolation. The harvested water can be used as drinking water as well as for storage and other purpose like irrigation.
[RE]CONSIDER_ ROSMANINHAL [HYDROPOWER POSSIBILITIES] HYDROPOWER: “The resource of the Tagus river has already been well capitalised with many dams along it’s course and dozens of hydro-electric power stations”
10,929 Inhabitants in Idanha-a-Nova
CURRENT AVERAGE TAGUS RIVER DAMS
2,732 Homes on average in Idanha-a-Nova
13,113,600 Watts per year used on average in Idanha-a-Nova
CURRENT USES The majority of water in demand from the Tagus is used up for agricultural purposes (80%). The other 20% is utilised by Lisbon and Madrid as a source for drinking water.
MAP OF THE TAGUS RIVE
E OUTPUT OF S = 5,000 GWH
ER BASIN
RIO PONSUL AS PRECEDENT A right bank tributary of the river Tagus. The river Ponsul has been utilised well in Penha Garcia. The river flows through steep valleys in the area and is dammed to create a small reservior in which people can swim, play and relax. This forms part of the Etnological park which focuses on displaying the importance of millions of years old fossils.
[RE]CONSIDER_ ROSMANINHAL [WEATHER STATISTICS/POSSIBILITIES] “Are there any opportunities to capitalise on the resource of the Tagus, WITHOUT hindering the current ecosystems or using major infrastructural interventions?” AVERAGE PERCIPITATION OVER THE 16 YEAR PERIOD IS 717.2mm THIS IS ONLY 137.6mm BELOW THE AVERAGE OF THE UK WHICH PUTS IT INTO PERSPECTIVE THE AMOUNT OF POTENTIAL RAINFALL WHICH CAN BE HARVESTED. WHAT CAN WE TELL FROM THESE FIGURES? From studying the weather figures in Castelo Branco, it becomes apparent that there’s a gradual decline in the amount of rain in days, amount of rain overall in mm and the amount of fog. This, coupled with a harsh rise in wind makes it almost impossible to capture and harvest fog, and makes the area overall less humid.
1000
80
800
Annual average wind speed kmph
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007 Lack of data
2006
2005 Lack of data
4 2
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
0
2000
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
6
1999
Year of rainfall
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
0
8
1998
5
10
1997
30
10
2004
12
35
15
2003
Annual average wind speed (days) [Castelo Brano, Portugal]
40
20
2002 Lack of data
Year of rainfall
Amount of fog (days) [Castelo Brano, Portugal]
25
2001 Lack of data
2000 Lack of data
1999
Year of rainfall
1998
0
1997
2011
2010
2009
2008
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
0
200
2007
20
600 400
2006
40
2005 Lack of data
60
585mm
100
2012
1200
Rain in mm
120
Amount of fog in days
Amount of rain in days
Amount of rain (mm) [Castelo Brano, Portugal]
Amount of rain (days) [Castelo Brano, Portugal]
Year of wind speed
“This decline in humidity and wet weather seems to have caused an imbalanced relationship between Anthropocentric and Biocentric activities. Anthropocentric demands are begining to put a strain on the Biocentric resources.�
[RE]VITALISE INVESTIGATING METHODS OF WATER HARVESTING AND CONSERVATION
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [EXISTING HARVESTING TECHNOLOGIES] RAIN SAUCERS
Rain Saucers are used to harvest small amounts of localised rainfall. They can be used in a number of application from sustainable agriculture (capturing and utilising water EXACTLY where it’s needed) to clean drinking water by allowing rain water to fall directly onto a food safe surface.
WEIRS
Weirs can be a low impact strategic method of harvesting rain water, especially along the dried up tributaries of the Tagus. Instead of the rain water and bank run-off flowing down the tributary valleys and into the tagus, terraced weirs would collect water in each ‘compartment’ resulting in a number of pools which would need to be retained and protected from evaporation.
GEOLOGICAL DAMS
Smaller scale dams can be created utilising the rich geological make up of Rosmaninhal. The abundance of impermeable rocks could form small dams at the confluences of tributaries and the Tagus. This would retain the water run off, allowing it to be harvested and stored for later use.
SWALES/BIO-SWALES
Swales as used in permaculture are designed to slow and capture runoff by spreading it horizontally across the landscape (along an elevation contour line), facilitating runoff infiltration into the soil. This type of swale is created by digging a ditch on contour and piling the dirt on the downhill side of the ditch to create a berm. In arid climates, vegetation (existing or planted) along the swale can benefit from the concentration of runoff. Trees and shrubs along the swale can provide shade which decreases water evaporation.
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [SWALES - A CASE STUDY] 1. Rum Farm - Jordan Desert: Land starts off by being dug and turned over to create small swale ditches.
2. Swales are irrigated initially by rainfall. This image illustrates the early stages of irrigation. Very hardy, succulent ground cover (i.e: iceplants, sweet autumn climatis, daylilly, moonflower) reduces water evaporation whilst having very little water demand themselves.
3. Over time or depending on how intense the rainfall is, the swale is flooded. This irrigates the surrounding area and increases rate of growth in vegetation.
4. Larger hardy legume trees are introduced to create a layer for shading the water from evaporation and balancing out neutrients for other species to thrive (Nitrogen fixing trees).
5. Polytunnels are fully established and shield the water from potential evaporation.
6. Polytunnels are no longer needed and swale is completely vegetated.
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [VALLEY CHARACTERISTICS: GRADIENTS] In order to give an indication of rain water harvesting potential, the valley characteristics and structure must be assesed in more detail. There are generally three different valley types Steep Gradient, Medium Gradient and Low Gradient. The gradients of each valley type are mapped on the illustration below:
1:3 1:2
1:2
2
1:4 1:2
1:4
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [FORUMULA FOR WATER CATCHMENT] Calculating the length of each valley:
1440m 1000m 633m 483m
Length is measured by measuring the distance of each contour line from the rivers edge.
Calculating the width of each valley:
59
.5m
24
6m
Width is measured by taking the largest measurement of the desired contour, and the smallest measurement. These are then divided by 2 to give an average width of that contour
Calculating the height of each valley:
230m 220m 210m 200m 190m 180m 170m 160m 150m 140m 130m 120m
The height of each valley is measured by the topographical map. Each contour rises by 10m.
Potential Valley Volume Formula: L x W x H = Potential volume in each given contour Total sum of contour volumes = Total potential volume of valley [Approx] Estimated Valley Volume [Relating to precipitation amount] Formula: Based on an average of 1m2 rainfall per year: 1m2 = 0.717m3 rainfall per year Therefore: Valley Catchment Area (m2) x 0.717m3 Example: Estimated valley catchment area = 1,266,849m2 1,266,849 x 0.717 = 908,337.733 (m3) Total estimated rainfall in valley per year = 908,337.733 (m3)
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [VALLEY TYPOLOGY ONE] This valley type is the steepest sided valley @ roughly 1:3 Valley type one would be best suited to utilising the steep sides to collect fast water run off by clearing the banks, diversion ditches to transport water to water deficient areas and stabilising the banks and temporarily damming the confluence to the Tagus.
+210m +200m +190m +180m +170m +160m +140m +130m +125m +120m
10,386,366.25m3
[Totals are accumulated]
6,900,966.25m3
Estimated water level after the first year of water harvesting (IF ALL WATER FELL INTO VALLEY BOTTOM):
4,221,766.25m3 2,583,586.25m3 1,260,946.25m3 373,946.25m3 143,692.5m3
Total valley catchment area = 1,266,849m2 x Amount of precipitation 0.717m3
908,331m3 Per Year Average
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [VALLEY TYPOLOGY TWO] This valley type is a medium gradient valley @ roughly 1:5 Valley type two would be best suited to utilising contour swales to harvest the rain water and revegitate the landscape, diversion trenches to transport water to water deficient areas and temporarily storing some of the water in shaded areas to allow for later use.
+210m +200m +190m
7
+180m
4
+170m
3
+160m +140m +130m +125m +120m
[Totals are accumulated]
7,410,565m3
4,800,565m3
3,072,370m3 1,599,785m3 766,975m3 340,375m3 132,800m3
Estimated water level after the first year of water harvesting (IF ALL WATER FELL INTO VALLEY BOTTOM): Total valley catchment area = 2,316,117m2 x Amount of precipitation 0.717m3
1,660,655.89m3 Per
Year Average
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [VALLEY TYPOLOGY THREE] This valley type is a low gradient valley @ roughly 1:7 Valley type three would be best suited to utilising the lower/even ground for agricultural purposes, contour swales, microcatchments to irrigate vegitation,
+210m +200m
4
+190m
2
+180m
1
+170m
9
+160m +140m +130m +125m +120m
4,374,185m3
2,598,710m3
1,726,230m3
920,355m3 497,205m3 250,445m3 154,906m3 58,890m3
[Totals are accumulated] Estimated water level after the first year of water harvesting (IF ALL WATER FELL INTO VALLEY BOTTOM): Total valley catchment area = 2,316,117m2 x Amount of precipitation 0.717m3
3,387,594.98m3 Per
Year Average
[RE]VITALISE ROSMANINHAL [HARVESTING MECHANICS] As previously shown in the illustrations, it looks as if the lower lying valleys will capture more water. This may be the case, but in actual fact it will be over a greater area, meaning it will not just accumulate as a deep body of water above the valley floor.
Valley types with a wider catchment area will in theory be capable of harvesting more water. HOWEVER Due to the nature of techniques which are available for lower lying valleys, this may not be the case.
The steep sided valley would be best suited to holding water and preserving it, by clearing the banks and maximising run off. Where as the lower lying valleys would be more suited to smaller interventions which repopulate and irrigate the landscape gradually, such as contour swales, soft swales, microcatchments etc.
DIFFERING VALLEY TYPES
[RE]URBANIZE UTILISING BLUE/GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AS A BASIS FOR URBANISM
[RE]URBANIZE A FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK After extensive research into the parish of Rosmaninhal, it is clear that water needs to be harvested and utilised in order to urbanize the area. The process of water harvesting and reuse will create a staging for new Anthro-Bio relationships. Development of the area will be achieved by implementing an adaptable framework of 3D Grids. The grid will act as a Mediator and function in intimate dialogue with physical resources.
The Flexible Grid will manifest itself within the landscape in three stages. Stage 1: Focuses on the conservation and harvesting of water. Stage 2: Focuses on increasing vegetation, utilising it as a cheap material to provide a staging for Anthropocentric activity. Stage 3: Focuses on sustaining Anthropocentric activity within the grid and the landscape.
Blue Infrastructure
Green Infrastructure
Grey Infrastructure
[RE]URBANIZE A FLEXIBLE FRAMEWORK: THE GRID
THEORETICAL PRECEDENTS
To initiate anthropocentric activity and collonisation of Rosmaninhal, a flexible ‘Grid’ system will be used. The grid allows for expantion in three stages. The first stage works to enhance/harvest existing blue infrastructure, regarding water as the key element in any urban system. The second stage focuses on attracting inhabitants, generating produce to be consumed as food, and eventually sold on or traded in a ‘marketplace’. The third and final stage is constantly evolving. The third stage enhances the landscape in a continuous way, adding elements as and when they are needed. Possible elements to be added within the third phase could include, animals, education, recreation and sustainable energy systems. NEW BABYLON New Babylon is a Utopian anti-capitalist city designed in 1959-74 by artist-architect Constant Nieuwenhuys. The idea supports the grid system and features some very similar attributes. Constant’s New Babylon was to be a series of linked transformable structures, perched above ground, Constant’s megastructures would literally leave the bourgeois metropolis below and would be populated by homo ludens--man at play. In the New Babylon, the bourgeois shackles of work, family life, and civic responsibility would be discarded. The post-revolutionary individual would wander from one leisure environment to another in search of new sensations. Beholden to no one, he would sleep, eat, recreate, and procreate where and when he wanted. PLUG-IN-CITY This provocative project (by Peter Cook of Archigram) suggests a hypothetical fantasy city, containing modular residential units that “plug in” to a central infrastructural mega machine. The Plug-in City is in fact not a city, but a constantly evolving megastructure that incorporates residences, transportation and other essential services– all movable by giant cranes. “The Plug-In City, along with other projects such as The Walking City or The Instant City, suggested a nomadic way of life and, more importantly, a liberation from the modernist answer of suburbia.” [ArchDaily].
CONCEPTUAL/DESIGN BASED PRECEDENTS
Interesting grid system at work
Stradling system
A vision of the ‘Plug-in-City by Peter Cook
Climbers growing over vegetation in Camden Market
Visual of a similar grid system in full flourish
Visualisation: How the ‘GRID’ could potentially manifest itself within the landscape
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 1: HARVESTING AND CONSERVING WATER
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 1: ENHANCING BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE The first stage in attempting to urbanising Rosmaninhal focuses on conserving and utilising what resources are readily available. It is essential the system does not over-produce, waste any resources or use any financially draining materials.
ILLUSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER AND THE 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES WE FACE Climate Change 2025
2050
4 Billion
2050 2 Billion m3
< 100 Liters
4 Billion people may be facing water scarcity or flooding that is: Half of the global population
993 Million city inhabitants may be living with less than 100 litres of water to satisfy their basic needs
2 Billion m3 of water a year: this would be the fresh water deficit to meet the actual irrigation, industry and domestic needs
Water Use By Sector IRRIGATION
70%
INDUSTRY
22%
DOMESTIC USE
8%
Conserving Water Resources
2%
Of fresh water will be produced by desalination by 2015
WATER HARVESTING COMPONENTS AND METHODS:
Contour Swales: Allow water to collect in ditches along contour. This creates a water table below surface, hydrating soils and allowing for pools to form above surface when water hits impermiable rock.
Weirs: Collect water in small pockets for storage in heavy downpours. Any excess water runs over each retaining wall into the next pool, eventually back into the Tagus and downstream.
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 1: ENHANCING BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Silt Traps: Store water in a similar way to Weirs, although silt falls to the bottom of the pools. Eventually when the water is at a high enough level, clean water then flows into the next pool. The traps can be dredged every few years to provide a great fertiliser for local crops.
Rain Saucers: A small scale system which provides a great emergency soloution for collection of rain water. Rain water falls into the saucers before hitting any contaminated surfaces, allowing for instant drinking water. Water is stored underground keeping it safe and cool, ready to be cyphered out whenever needed.
Sediment Pond: Working as a system to slowly filter sediment from water
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 1: ENHANCING BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE Increasing Water Run-Off:
Too much vegetation means too much water retention and not enough run-off
Thinning vegetation can increase the amount of water harvestable due to higher runoff rates
In some cases, especially on steeper banks it may be more efficient to cut vegetation right down to around 10-20%
Thinning Vegetation
2.5%
Increase in the amount of harvestable water for every 1% cut in vegetation
LOCALLY SOURCED CLAY MEMBRANE
Clay which can be locally sourced from the geologically rich surroundings, forms a impermeable membrane (on top of COMPACTED earth) which reduces infiltration
Soil Compaction
40%
Yield in harvestable water by soil compaction alone. 65% with one layer of Bitumen, 89% with two layers of Bitumen
By just flattening the surface and sealing fissures with cement or bitumen this can increase the overall yield
An uneven slope loses water through surface depression storage, fisures and cracks and evaporation
Rock Types and Yields
25% 80-90%
Yield from Limestones. This is due to them usually being weathered and fissured Yield from a steep solid Granite. Granite is usually a nonporous, hard wearing rock which will give high run-off yield
How grid manifests itself.. stradling river to conserve water
How the ‘GRID’ would be implemented to help enhance existing blue infrastructure
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Incorporating Green Infrastructure within the ‘Grid’ Vegetated canopy protects water from evaporation, any water that does evaporate into the blanket of climbers is utilised to cool the interior of the structure via Passive Cooling techniques
Harvested water floods the prepared flat terraces, allowing for cultivation of crops. Hollow framework can be added to with climbers, vents, vegetated partitions etc to increase productivity
Water floods terraces
Terraces have access to irrigation
Some water will evapotranspirate up into the layer of vegetation above, this just increases the humidity of the cube, and enhances cultivation conditions
Harvested water in the valleys irrigates ‘growing patches’ within cubes. Water is held in soiless growing mediums such as Vermiculite, therefore not as much water needed to irrigate crops A typical working unit: A typical 3mx3m working unit which can house a number of plants using either hydroponic or earth growth methods [depending on the stage the system is at]. The roof is covered by a structure whcih allows climbers to flourish and produce a vegetative wall, passively cooling the unit.
Sta
cka
ble
Un
its Planting allows air through the structure and creates a moist, cool microclimate
The majority of ‘units’ within the structure at this stage will be mainly for agricultural/water conservation use. These units will be maintained by employees which can choose to either commute and work, or stay in accommodation units
Outside residents of Idanha-aNova are offered work within Rosmaninhal, cultivating crops and harvesting water in return for small plots of arable land
POD5: Cultivation
POD5: Accommodation
POD4: cultivation
POD3: crops
POD2: crops
POD1: mechanical
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Tansient Urbanism: Water and Agriculture management
Accommodation units - These units are provided to workers only. Workers will be self-sufficient enough to be able to live on basic diets until the system expands
£
Urban Agriculture - A Case Study in the US
18% 1%
Of people were employed in farming across the US in 1910.
Of people were employed in farming across the US in 2012. This proves that mechanization of farming has decreased the amount of manual labour required
Average age of farmers in the US =
58
7
For every farmer under 35 in the US... There are over 65 Younger farmers are increasing and becoming more popular
Urban Agriculture combined with Local Farmers’ Markets cut out the ‘Middleman’ allowing greater profits to be directed to the producers
Social media and online payment methods have made a huge contribution to farming boom in the US
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Tansient Urbanism: Introducing inhabitants
Higher the parish = Higher the population
Population can be distributed from densley populated areas: Thus freeing up space in dense areas and creating transient urbanism in Rosmaninhal
Water harvesting and conservation will need to be managed by a small team in order to sustain. A small farming population will be needed to Agricultural Water cultivate initial Maintanance Maintanance crops
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Cultivating Crops Once enough water has been harvested and stored, the process of urbanization can begin; firstly with food. The first crops to be introduced into the system must be hardy, drought tollerant crops such as Pearl Millet and Sorghum Bicolor. These hardy dryland staples will work to provide Food, Animal Feed, Bio-Fuel and Building Materials which will be reintroduced into the system as it begins to develop and become increasingly self-sustaining.
Sorghum Bicolor
Characteristics: Sorghum grows in a wide range of temperature, high altitudes, toxic soils and can recover growth after some drought. It has four features that make it one of the most drought-resistant crops: - It has a very large root-to-leaf surface area. - In times of drought, it will roll its leaves to lessen water loss by transpiration. - If drought continues, it will go into dormancy rather than dying. - Its leaves are protected by a waxy cuticle.
ETHANOL:
JUICE FROM STALKS IS FERMENTED TO CREATE ETHANOL BIOFUEL
FEED:
SORGHUM IS USED AS A PREFERED FOOD FOR PIGS TO MAIZE A ‘vegetarian settlement’
To begin with, food for consumption within stage 2 will be purely vegetarian. This allows for cheap, quick turn-around produce which can keep inhabitants going until the next stage of transitory urbanism is reached.
Pearl Millet
Characteristics: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely grown type of millet. It has been grown in Africa and the Indian subcontinent since prehistoric times. Pearl millet is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low soil fertility, and high temperature. It performs well in soils with high salinity or low pH. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize or wheat, would not survive. Today pearl millet is grown on over 260,000 km2 worldwide. It accounts for approximately 50% of the total world production of millets.
ALTERNATIVE:
PERAL MILLET IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO MAIZE CROPS, IT WILL EVEN GROWN IN PLACES MAIZE CANT
“Potato and Sweet Potato crops provide the most amount of carbohydrate for the least amount of space�
Multipurpose Grain Legumes
Characteristics: These crops are vital sources of low-cost protein in drylands, and the sale of excess grain generates significant farm income. Grain legumes also help restore soil fertility, since their roots fix nitrogen from the air in forms that can be used by subsequent crops. In addition, the stems and stalks of these crops are valued as livestock feed. Cowpea is the most widely grown grain legume in the dry areas of Africa, while chickpea and pigeonpea predominate in much of the Asian drylands.
Sirdamize 1 1 3
Sirdamize 113 is a genetically modified Maize crop which is drought tolerant, researched and developed, tolerant to Maize Streak Virus, Grey Leaf Spot, Maize Leaf Rust and Phaeosphania Leaf Spot. It takes just 136 days to maturity, yields of up to 13 t/ha under normal rainfall conditions has a significant yield advantage under drought conditions and is suitable for marginal rainfall areas.
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Indoor Produce - Hydroponic Agriculture Hydroponics is a branch of agriculture where plants are grown without the use of soil. The nutrients that the plants normally derive from the soil are simply dissolved into water instead, and depending on the type of hydroponic system used, the plant’s roots are suspended in, flooded with or misted with the nutrient solution so that the plant can derive the elements it needs for growth.
Why Hydroponics?
10% 20% 25%
Just 10% of water is needed in Hydroponic systems, compared to traditional soil based agriculture. This is due to hydroponic systems allowing recycling and reuse of water - NO water gets wasted Of land needed for Hydroponic growth systems, compared to that of traditional soil based growing systems Of nutrients and fertilisers in traditional soil based systems needed in Hydroponic systems = Potentialy huge saving of money and a lot less chemicals released into the air Food miles are dramatically cut by using hydroponic systems. Produce can be grown ‘on site’ and sold at local farmers markets. 400
Miles and under is classed as local in food miles Harvesting times dramatically cut down and plants are healthier, due to not needing to source their own minerals
Hydroponics can overcome problems faced with Arid Climates and Low Water Resources
A
Hydroponics also deals with the issues of...
Remote locales, spatial limitations and difficult terrain
B
Hydroponic System working within the ‘GRID’ structure
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE A Continuously Productive Structure
“Comparing yields of dwarf French beans and climbing beans makes me wonder why anyone bothers with the lowgrowing types. The climbing plants are more vigorous, the produce often less accessible to pests and the higher leaves are able to harvest more sunshine as they forge their way skyward.”
Climbers will be utilising harvested water below to create a more humid atmosphere
X Tend Wire Mesh frame
After some time, climbers will begin to establish themselves around the cables of the structure, shielding the water from evaporation
A lightweight Cable Stay structure will be deployed accross the river and steep tributary banks Fruits will fall and be caught in the harvesting net to allow for easy picking
Fruits Fall Into Harvesting Net
Climbers will eventually begin to form edible fruits (mainly berry types)
A humid atmosphere will be created between the vegative canopy and the water
Climbing Species: Lathyrus latifolius Rubus fruticosus x idaeus Passiflora edulis Actinidia Arguta Jasminum Vitis vinifera (or similar native grape) GREEN = Native (will flourish) BLACK = May not perform as well, but would be a valuable contributor if successful
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Enhancing and Diversifying Outdoor Vegetation Rainfall
Mulch
Water slows and is absorbed into soil
Swales: A swale is a water harvesting ditch on contour, with a soft contour mound on the lower side. It interrupts the water flow as it flows accross the landscape and stops it level on contour. The soft mound on the lower side soaks the water through the landscape, acting as a sponge to plume the water through the landscape slowly.
Creating Pools: When the water has soaked through the soil and a number of swales have been implemented, the water is bound to come in contact with an impermeable surface such as a hard granite. When this happens, the water will rise to the surface creating man made ‘spring-like’ pools within the landscape. These make great places for introducing different types of vegetation as the microclimate becomes much more moist.
Diversifying Vegetation: When water has hit an impermeable surface it will rise to the surface creating man made ‘spring-like’ pools within the landscape. These make great places for introducing different types of vegetation as the microclimate becomes much more moist.
“Swales create perfect conditions for the introduction of different vegetation types. Soils are moist and fertile, and space is vast”
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 2: INTRODUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE Succession of an Iberian woodland Garrigue Garrigue is the first vegetative type to occupy the landscape. It is a soft-leaved ecoregion found in the mediterranean forests, woodland and scrub biome. It is particularly prominant in the areas where summer drought conditions obtain. It consists of low lying, wide spread and extensive open space. Garrigue is associated with calcareous plateaus (limestone and base rich) and calcium associated plants.
Maquis Shrublan
Maquis is also a shurbland biome foun region. Maquis typically consists of den shrubs such as holm oak, kermes oak, tree, sage, juniper, buckthorn, spurg
Maquis appears so often in Idanha-a-No of forest cover, mainly by frequent burn trees from maturing. It tends otherwise areas where only drought-resistant plan
nd
nd in the Mediterranean nsely growing evergreen , tree heath, strawberry ge olive and myrtle.
ova due to the destruction ning that prevents young e to grow in arid, rocky nts are likely to prosper.
Iberian Woodland An Iberean Woodland is the final stage of development. A fully fledged ecosystem which is rich in biodiversity and contains plants which can be used productively by anthropocentric groups as well as biocentric. As well as containing all the elements of Garrigue and Maquis type biomes, an Iberian Woodland contains matured trees such as, corks holmoaks, sweet chestnuts and strawberry trees.
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 3: CREATING A SELF-SUSTAINING FORM OF URBANISM
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 3: SELF-SUSTAINING URBANISM
With grids now occupying the land, accommodating permenant population and providing food and building materials, the whole system can take another step towards a more sustainable form of urbanism. Grids can be expanded to accommodate a larger permenant population, crops can produce feed for animals meaning meat for human consumption and units can be added to grids for educational and recreational purposes such as marine research units, freshwater spring units, ecological enhancement units etc.
1. Single grid network: Grid established for emergency purposes. Purely for Biocentric purposes, crop cultivation, water catchment/ harvesting etc...
Expansion: Centers of activity
2. Single grid network: Expanded single grid, adapted to house transitory employees. Small units added to aid water conservation and food produce (cable stay vegetated structures).
3. Expanding grid network: Single grid multiplied to create more harvesting points, living space, agricultural space etc...
4. Multiple grid networks: At this stage, grids begin to interlock and interact. Each grid depends on each other to sustain. Each one giving another a specific quality. I.e, Grey water cleaning, Water reuse for hydroponic agriculture, compact accommodation, passive cooling structures etc...
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 3: SELF-SUSTAINING URBANISM Precedent MVRDV - EXPO 2000 “Holland creates Space�: the theme for the Netherlands Pavilion at the 2000 World Expo in Hanover was to showcase a country making the most out of limited space. Six stacked Dutch landscapes form an independent eco-system communicating cultural sustainability: progressive thinking and contemporary culture are combined with traditional values. The architecture suggests Dutch open-mindedness, while confirming the positive stereotypes of tulips, windmills and dykes.
MVRDV -PIG CITY In 2000, pork was the most consumed form of meat globally, at 80 billion kg per year. Recent crises such as Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth disease are raising serious questions about pork production and consumption. As a result, two opposing reactions can be imagined. Either we change our consumption pattern and become instant vegetarians or we change the production methods and demand organic farming. But is there space?
[RE]URBANIZE STAGE 3: SUSTAINING INDUSTRIES Introducing MEAT into the urban system
BIOMASS
[RE]URBANIZE ROSMANINHAL [STAGES OF URBANISM] After extensive research into the parish of Rosmaninhal, it is clear that water needs to be harvested and utilised in order to urbanize the area. This process would be carried out in stages of 25 year periods. Each stage bringing in a more permenant form of urbanism. ER = Emergency Regeneration Method CDR = Continuous Dynamic Regeneration Method Depending on the severity of the condition and the nature of the intervention it can either be an emergency process or a continuous process, linking back to the two main types of regeneration discovered in TPP
2015
ER
CDR
Biodegradable (5+Years) Coir matts add bank stability and protect banks from soil errosion, allowing to clear banks for maximum water run off.
Soft swales constructed to bleed rain water through soil and create pocket ponds.
ER
ER
Inflatable dams can be a quick and cost effective way to capture the majority of the rain water, especially in steep sided valleys.
SPIN farms can be irregated by independant water resources. ‘Rainsaucers’ capture and store rain water in tanks which can be stored on site.
2040
ER
CDR
High performing inflatable dams replaced with concrete dams which also obtain energy from water flow.
SPIN farming introduced to lower sided valleys which can accommodate farming plots.
ER ‘Mechano’ style buildings which can be constructed across difficult terrain and uneven levels. Temporal in nature, until further infrastructure is put in place.
2065
CDR
ER
Framework provides space for prefab style pods which act as residential housing units and can be flexibly adapted, added to or stacked
Overhead transportation system similar to the Medelin Cable Car will provide efficient transport accross a difficult terrain, connecting the urbanized areas.
CDR Mechano structures utlised as vertical farms growing all sorts of crops for consumption and export
CDR Artificial Reefs created from any left over building materials, such as concrete blocks. These can be placed in the dammed reservoirs and be used as marine education centres.
2090
CDR
CDR
Forms of heavier industry move in to the area, such as sustainable geomining. ‘RopeCon’ here is a sustainable conveyor system used to haul Bauxite from a mine to train line.
Amenities become permenant and readily availible. Such as schools, hospitals, sanitation etc
CDR
CDR
Geological and Marine Research Hubs begin to take shape, allowing researchers to stay in ‘pods’ and capitalise on the harvested rain water and artificial reefs put in place
Rosmaninhal fully intergrated with Tagus via Tributaries. Creating a more balanced Anthro-Bio relationship
[RE]URBANIZE ROSMANINHAL [PLAN OF URBANISM - 2015]
1:2
1:3
The initial steps taken to urbanise Rosmaninhal will involve implying a series of TRANSITORY urban systems such as Contour Swales, Temporary Dams, Modular Unit Frameworks, SPIN Farming and Bank Stabilisation.
Bank Stabilisation
Bank Stabilisation
Contour Swales
Inflatable Dams
Microcatchments
Clearing River Banks
1:4 Contour Swales
SPIN Farming
Modular Building Framework
Adaptable/Flexible Building Modules