As much of the US is put through a record heatwave and the drought in California staggers on, jurors for Archinect's Dry Futures competition have been sweating through the entries to find which proposals will prevail. After reviewing the many submissions, and discussing them at length, the winners have been selected!
In the PRAGMATIC category, the winners are...
Water conservation and recapture in the San Fernando Valley can be maximized by creating multiple drains all over the Valley, replenishing the aquifer locally and creating new urban spaces around the drains for public use. Liquifying Aquifers seeks to make water infrastructure more accessible for urban consumption and on-the-ground use, as part of a more sustainable future Valley.
From the judges:
"A wonderful enhanced recharge project." – Jay Famiglietti, senior water scientist at JPL NASA
"Architecture as product or technology inserted strategically into urban crust." – Peter and Hadley Arnold, co-founders of the Arid Lands Institute
"it makes a celebrated urban expression of a very pragmatic idea." – Charles Anderson, founder of WERK
To see the full entry, click here.
The Liquid Bank platform gamifies the process of water conservation and awareness for individuals, creating a virtual, social space for Californians to learn better water practices, and ultimately, connect with those worldwide and anyone affected by the global water crisis. Participants earn a digital currency, known as Aquos, by adopting more sustainable water habits, which can then be used to fund water projects in developing countries.
From the judges:
"Seeing the California drought as a much bigger water/climate issue … Information, reward and exchange might just be the best way to get more people involved" – Charles Anderson, founder of WERK
"Extremely well done and well thought through." – Jay Famiglietti, senior water scientist at JPL NASA
To see the full entry, click here.
When it comes to water management and policy, California is one hot mess. Its water infrastructural system is fractured and inefficient, with massive potentials for increased yield through better coordination and management alone. Recharge City details California's current water infrastructure critically, and identifies spaces for improvement as well as specific issues.
From the judges:
"This identifies and pragmatically acts upon a very real blindspot in the Southland's water systems. … a sober and interesting approach." – Geoff Manaugh, writer and creator of BLDGBLOG
"Stormwater capture and infiltration potential is complex and challenging and overlooked as basis for urban design in drylands; appreciate valuing it." – Peter and Hadley Arnold, co-founders of the Arid Lands Institute
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 "Speculative Category," click here.
Former Managing Editor and Podcast Co-Producer for Archinect. I write, go to the movies, walk around and listen to the radio. My interests revolve around cognitive urban theory, psycholinguistics and food.Currently freelancing. Be in touch through longhyphen@gmail.com
2 Comments
Good on ya tree killer!
the first one is beautiful. reminds me of those ancient indian reservoirs that become magnificent architecture as they empty out. nice job!
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