Artful urban rainwater harvesting

Abstract

Until recently, stormwater management has been so integrated into the urban environment that the importance of proper stormwater management has not translated to the minds of the very people who take advantage of this amenity. The purpose of this thesis is to show that multiple small rainwater harvesting installations can dramatically reduce non-point-source runoff managed by city stormwater systems, and that this is best achieved in urban situations by articulating the process for inhabitants to see. By articulating stormwater management processes in an artful way, stakeholders can better understand and enjoy this natural resource. In this thesis, existing concepts for stormwater management are reviewed; artful concepts applicable to rainwater harvesting are considered; and two contemporary sculptors whose medium is water are reviewed. In addition, a densely built-up Five Points area of Athens, Georgia is assessed. A permeability model for Five Points finds only thirteen percent of our site is permeable today; the rest is either pavement or roof top. After applying rainwater harvesting techniques, rainfall data manipulation and artful articulation of water as a medium, a second permeability model is created to compare with the existing model. The proposed model shows improvement of permeability and thus better stormwater management, all while educating urban dwellers about artful urban rainwater harvesting in a potentially enticing and delightful manner.