Urban Cloud
A multidimensional exploration of water in the City of Johannesburg
Water is the reason for our birth, it is the healer, the destroyer and the final consumer.’ – Neeraj Singhvi
The global supply of fresh water is finite. As suggested by Singhvi, published author and poet, i1 is a fundamental requirement for the sustenance of all life on this planet – naturally, culturally and spiritually.
This project focuses on water as a material of survival, a material of memory, a material of power, and water’s multifaceted significance in the context of Johannesburg’s urban heat island crisis. Johannesburg, a city lacking proximity to large bodies of freshwater, faces unique challenges due to its semi-arid climate and irregular rainfall patterns. The impact of climate change and variability places the city’s infrastructure under constant strain, prompting communities to develop survival systems independently. The research proposal, centred around the Randjeslaagte Triangle, unfolds in four chapters. The first delves into the city’s water and ecological crisis, focusing on the low-lying City Block X. revealing the harsh effects of the Urban Heat Island Effect on vulnerable locals.
The second chapter explores the intrinsic connection between humans and water, highlighting the concept of a “blue mind” and the positive effects of water on well-being. The third chapter employs critical tabulation, combining archival research from Chapter One and fictional narrative in Chapter Two to propose alternative readings and outcomes, incorporating biomimicry for design inspiration. The final chapter, Urban Cloud, outlines the transition from concept to physical form. This innovative solution operates as an automated cloud-like entity poised above
City Block X, collecting and distributing fog and rainwater sustainably. Crafted from recyclable materials, the project’s modular design ensures adaptability and portability, with potential applications on a national scale. The significance of water independence and climatic stability underscores Project Urban Cloud’s aim to foster sustainable and socially inclusive communities. In essence, Urban Cloud highlights the urgency of addressing water scarcity and climate challenges in urban environments, providing a comprehensive approach that combines ecological understanding, human well-being, and innovative design solutions.
