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Fractal Structure Enhanced With Geotextiles for Efficient Urban Water Management

Author:
Hyunkyung Yoo
Fractal Structure Enhanced With Geotextiles for Efficient Urban Water Management

Project in-detail

Utilizing a fractal design and geotextiles, the facility maximizes rainwater harvesting while serving as a community hub dedicated to sustainability and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fractal design enhances rainwater collection efficiency through its natural form.
02
Geotextiles are integrated into the structure for advanced filtration and drainage.
03
Community spaces include a botanical garden designed to promote native biodiversity.
04
The facility's verticality allows for a minimal footprint while maximizing functionality.
05
Educational areas focus on urban hydrology and sustainability practices.

The City Rainwater Platform is an innovative architectural project designed to address urban flooding and enhance rainwater management in metropolitan areas. This facility combines functionality, sustainability, and community engagement, serving as both a rainwater harvesting and purification system and a public resource. It aims to offer a practical solution to increasing weather-related challenges faced by cities, particularly in response to climate change.

The design refers to biomimicry, drawing inspiration from natural forms, particularly tree structures, which facilitate water absorption. This architectural approach not only maximizes rainwater capture but also creates a visual connection to nature, emphasizing the relationship between urban habitats and environmental sustainability.

Unique Features of the Architectural Design

The City Rainwater Platform’s design is characterized by its vertical structure, mirroring a tree trunk, with branching elements that extend outward. This innovative form is integral to its functionality, allowing for efficient rainwater collection. The primary materials utilized in the construction include concrete, steel, glass, aluminum, sustainable composites, and geotextiles, each chosen for their durability, performance, and ecological benefits. These materials support the project's commitment to sustainability while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The facility features multiple functional zones. Notable areas include rest spaces for community interaction, a botanical garden promoting biodiversity, an exhibition room for educational outreach, lecture spaces focused on sustainability, and research facilities for studying urban hydrology. The strategic organization of these spaces not only enhances the user experience but encourages community engagement in environmental issues.

Innovative Water Management Techniques

A key aspect of the City Rainwater Platform is its sophisticated water purification system. The facility employs a multistage process that includes coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, ensuring collected rainwater meets safety standards. This advanced system integrates seamlessly with the architectural design, demonstrating how architectural solutions can effectively address ecological concerns.

The project stands out due to its community-centric approach, which values public involvement and education alongside operational efficiency. The integration of greenery both internally and externally contributes to air purification and temperature regulation, subtly reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable architecture.

By examining the City Rainwater Platform's architectural plans and sections, further insights can be gained into the innovative design ideas and practical applications implemented within the project. This exploration illuminates the importance of architecture in shaping resilient urban environments. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the detailed architectural designs to fully appreciate the project's vision and execution.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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