Oral Abstract Details

Author(s):
Philip Shell

Affiliation:
Auburn University Master of Landscape Architecture

Presentation Type:
Oral

Topic Area:
Ecosystem impacts on human communities (e.g., human health, economic well-being, political action)

Abstract Text:
As the city of Mobile, Alabama continues to grow so does the amount of impervious surface. Whether it is parking lots, rooftops, sidewalks, or roads, they all shed an extensive sum of rainfall causing Mobile’s downtown storm water to back flow into city streets. Obviously this poses severe problems for the city such as safety, damage to historical sites throughout the downtown region, or even economic downfall. The purpose of this design is to drastically reduce the amount of surface runoff into the stormwater system in such a way that is beneficial to the surrounding downtown environment as well as allowing the captured water to be reused as grey water in downtown buildings. There is an incredible opportunity to achieve these goals while also heightening the pleasant and intriguing experience of meandering through this prestigious city. The system which is being proposed consists of a number of catchment basins attached to the exterior walls of selected structures, mainly an outdated six story concrete parking garage. Being that the structure is stable and unattractive sets the perfect stage for such a project to be implemented. This wall catchment system consists of 20 multi shape and size catchment basins ranging from 10’(L)x4’(D)x3’(H) to 30’(L)x2’(D)x1’(H). The water which is collected in the highest catchment system receives both rainfall as well as the parking deck rooftop runoff. Each basin is planted with an appropriate selection of native vegetation which can withstand ample amounts of water as well as filter contaminants that enter from the rooftop. Once the higher basins fill, water overflows into lower basins repeating the same process. After moving through the catchment system, water is then directed into the interior office space for use as grey water. The installation of a wall catchment system would appear to a passerby as a simplistic but delightful arrangement of native plant species growing among what once was a solid and unfriendly façade. Whereas in reality, the plants are producing oxygen, decreasing the urban heat island affect, attracting native wildlife, providing an area for a range of ecosystems to occur, reducing storm water runoff, cleansing runoff, presenting an attractive downtown art piece, and adding to the regeneration of the city. Mobile has an opportunity to shift into a position of influence for surrounding cities and states by progressing to a more efficient and resourceful city. By using a system which completes and possesses such a high number of positive attributes, other municipalities could certainly begin to shape their own regions around Mobile.