Water, Nature, and Culture by Veronica Strang & Blue Architecture Water, Design, and Environmental Futures by Brook Muller LIT REVIEW What is the design urban experience of water?

What is the design urban experience of water? 

    In short, Water Nature and Culture by Veronica Strang alludes to the idea of history and cultures being what draws relationships between water and humans through modes like agriculture, transportation, and spiritual practices. There is a strong need for water features within urban fabric, because it is what meets the needs and desires of people living in large concrete jungles. Without them, people become disconnected from nature and their cultural roots. It also leaves less opportunity for people to engage with one another in some urban spaces depending on the circumstances.

    Blue Architecture by Brook Muller discusses urban heat islands, sustainability in architecture/landscape design, and is concerned with creating a culturally rich urban environment. To Muller, water in urban spaces has the ability to craft a much more meaningful and fulfilling urban experience. 

What are some ways water features an be incorporated into urban spaces?

Water Nature and Culture by Veronica Strang

1. Provide Access to Water, like in Rome where many of the public fountains provide drinkable water to an urban space.

2. Incorporate local water traditions, such as symbols or images that create a sense of place.

3. Utilize Sustainable Water Practices, with landscaping and rainwater harvesting.

4. Create water-based habitats, ponds that can promote biodiversity.

5. Use Water for Aesthetic and/or Functional Purposes, water can cool large areas and create visual focal points.

Blue Architecture by Brook Muller

Water can be:

1. A design feature, creating focal points and dazzling public spaces.

2. Source of energy with hydroelectricity.

3. Means of transportation with canals and waterways as a means of alternative transportation.

4. Tool for climate control (due to the urban heat island effect). 

5. Stormwater Management with green roofs, bioswales, and rain gardens.

6. Cultural Expression motifs, symbols, and images can be incorporated into urban water design with reflecting pools, fountains, and other water features.

A couple of points:

Water Nature and Culture by Veronica Strang

1. The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a great example of cultural expression with the statue of Neptune being its place maker/designated cultural symbol.

2. Designed water elements can offer recreational opportunities through interactive elements.

3. Stormwater management of flooding and pollution can also be achieved through permeable pavement.

Blue Architecture by Brook Muller

1. With the introductions of urban heat islands as another way to describe dense urban fabric that is enveloped in massive amounts of concrete and glass... Muller gives a solution in the form of designed water elements and stormwater management!

2. Urban heat islands are areas where higher than average temperautres occur due to an excess of absorbtion and retention of heat by the built environment, which is mostly concrete.

3. Water in public spaces can help to orientate individuals and help to create deeper connections with one another.