Even with an epic El Niño expected to appear on the horizon, California remains locked in its severe and historic drought. But while water may be scarce in the country's largest economy, provocative and thoughtful submissions to Archinect's Dry Futures competition weren't.
After weeks of deliberation, the jurors have decided on the winning entries, each of which takes a unique perspective on the on-going drought crisis. Without further ado, the winners in the SPECULATIVE category are...
"Grassroots Cactivism" centers around the nopales cactus, a drought-tolerant, indigenous plant in California. Eaten for food and used as livestock feed, the nopales also has the remarkable capacity to effectively clean polluted water. The project imagines a hybrid cactus farm, eco-resort, wastewater purifying plant, and research center – humorously playing off Californian "eco-" and "foodie" cultures and displaying a savvy appreciation for the power of marketing (and good design!).
From the judges:
"I really love this concept. Renderings are gorgeous." - Allison Arieff, editorial director of SPUR
"We love how the slick developer-esque renderings work with the narrative of the eco-resort." - GRNASFCK, experimental landscape studio
"I love the use of biological processes, which could also lead to biomimicry tech innovations."
- Jay Famiglietti, senior water scientist at JPL NASA
To see the full entry, click here.
The "Urban Swales" project envisions an archipelago of a subterranean reservoirs around Los Angeles that could serve multiple functions, including reclaiming and purifying grey water, as well as carving out “urban caverns,” that could become public spaces for humans and non-humans alike. Set below street level, this imagined hydrologic infrastructure envisions novel modes of relationship between the public and shared commons.
From the judges:
"This is a compelling and technically proficient effort… I am impressed by the range of issues addressed and the degree of design resolution" - Peter Zellner
"They literally dug deep here which I appreciate." - Allison Arieff, editorial director of SPUR
"Super pragmatic, and in my opinion, we should be doing this all over the country. Too bad we have to 'go backwards' in LA but, this is where we're at." - Jay Famiglietti
To see the full entry, click here.
A project sited for San Francisco Bay, "Analogue Sustainability" considers the paradoxical position of the region: in the midst of a historic drought, and simultaneously at risk of flooding from seasonal heavy rainfall and global warming-induced sea level rise. Rendered in stunning, hand-drawn pencil illustrations, the project imagines a massive building that could serve as a "sanctuary where climate refugees can mourn the loss of their home while also reassessing their values and the realities of climate change."
From the judges:
"Solving sea level rise and water shortage problems simultaneously with a 'Game of Thrones' twist." - Jay Famiglietti, senior water scientist at JPL NASA
"Beautifully predestined to expire. The lovely drawings speak to a unique talent, brings Douglas Darden as well as Brodsky and Utkin to mind." - Peter Zellner of Zellner Naecker Architects
To see the full entry, click here.
Congratulations to all the winners! And a massive thank-you to all who contributed their pragmatic and speculative design proposals to address California's drought.
Check back soon for the announcement of the Honorable Mentions. For the winners of the "Pragmatic Category," click here.
Writer and fake architect, among other feints. Principal at Adjustments Agency. Co-founder of Encyclopedia Inc. Get in touch: nicholas@archinect.com
3 Comments
A timely and relevant competition with thoughtful responses. Well done, all around!
Can we see the Honorable mentions also please?
saswati.das - you can view the honorable mentions here
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