![]() Definition of Green Infrastructure. For today's blog post, we will focus on the integration of “Green Infrastructure” (G.I.) in site planning and modification. No definite meaning is held by the term, however, for this blog post, it shall refer to low-impact physical planning and design that emphasizes on working with nature ( Pötz & Bleuze, 2012). Benefits of Green Infrastructure. G.I. strategies shall be presented in order of implementation scale, in a series of blog post, with corresponding notes on the additional benefits (aside from reduction of water run-off) that are gained when they are integrated in site planning and modification. The following is a matrix of some of their potential benefits, represented by a corresponding symbol: Rain Gardens![]() Definition. A rain garden is a type of bio-retention cell, that is a depressed and porous landscape area in a site that gathers, absorbs and filters water run-off from impervious areas such as roof tops, driveways, walkways, and parking lots (Hinman, 2013). Contrary to common misconception, a rain garden only temporarily accommodates “ponding,” and is not meant to be a permanent pond. Individual lots can introduce rain gardens into sites, and connect to a larger green infrastructure network.
Sizing a Rain Garden and Infiltration Rate Requirements Correct sizing is important in the proper function of a rain garden. Below is a simple formula and table to compute for the minimum size of a rain garden. The formula uses the infiltration rate (IR) of the soil, the contributing drainage area (CDA), e.g. roof area, and a corresponding sizing factor based on the previous two data sets. The basic formula is: CDA x Sizing Factor = Min. Area of the Rain Garden As an example, let us say that the contributing drainage area (CDA) from a roof is forty square meters (40 sqm), and the result of the infiltration rate test for the soil yields an IR of two inches per hour (2 in/hr.); then the minimum area for the rain garden should be at least 2.80 square meters. 40sqm x 7.00% = 2.80 square meters It is important to note however, that most rain garden handbooks require that no rain garden be less than 1.80 square meters (Cullison). Percolation Test. Good quality, fast-draining soil is important so that rain garden area requirement is reduced. If you are unsure of the infiltration rate of your garden soil, you may perform a soil infiltration or percolation test. The ideal soil percolation rate is about one to two inches per hour (Punzi, 2014). Where to Locate Rain Gardens (Hinman, 2013). Aside from choosing an area that can accommodate the area requirements computed, rain gardens should be sited where:
Sample Plant Specimens, with Recommended Rain Garden Location. Here are some plant species that are applicable in the local tropical setting of the Philippines: For a more detailed design and comprehensive options, it is best to consult with a licensed Landscape Architect. Just contact the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects. Aside from the use of native vegetation, it is important to follow certain guidelines when choosing and placing vegetation in a rain garden. Proper zoning of plants in the rain garden will ensure that plants will survive and thrive. The image above shows a simple guide for appropriately siting plants based on the zones or locations found in a rain garden. Examples of Applications of Bio-Retention Cells and Rain Gardens Author: Edra BelgaThis article was finished on July 14, 2017; it will also be appearing in a section of UP-DOST's Build Back Better Handbook on Disaster-Resilient Architecture that will be released this 2017. If you'll be sharing or using this article in your class or any other venue (physical or virtual), kindly make proper attribution to: Edra Belga, and her Memang Mameng Blog at http://memangmameng.weebly.com/ AcknowledgementThank you to the staff of the UP-DOST Build Back Better Program (Jeric, Gab, Kor, Tricia), especially to our Landscape Architect - Wenona Dagcuta for their work in researching references, sourcing images, and even creating our own diagrams. Special thanks also to the professors of UP Diliman College of Architecture - Franklin Fontanoza, Jose Antonio Bimbao and Vic Dul-loog for their valuable inputs on the applications of rain gardens in our tropical setting. And of course, special thanks to Amillah Rodil, my friend, who first inspired me to write on Green Infrastructure since she visited the city of Malmo. Works Cited and Additional Readings:Pötz, H., & Bleuze, P. (2012). Urban Green-Blue Grids for Sustainable and Dynamic Cities. Delft: Coop for Life.
0 Comments
Rethinking Resilience in Emergency Housing: Mashiki-Machi Transient Housing (Kumamoto, Japan)7/12/2017 Background. Mashiki-Machi Transient Housing was built to accommodate the victims of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake from the town of Mashiki. The earthquake struck twice –with a magnitude of six point five (6.50) in the Richter Scale on April 14 , then again with a magnitude of seven point three (7.30) on April 16. One hundred eighty three thousand, and eight hundred eighty two refugees (183, 882) needed urgent shelter. Planning Considerations. The main consideration was the fast deployment of temporary shelter where the refugees will stay for a maximum period of two (2) years while they are undertaking the repair of their original damaged homes, of course with the aid and subsidy from the Japanese government. The relocation area was actually an existing industrial facility. It will be reverted back to its original function once the two-year grace period has expired. To evoke a neighborhood feel, the site was planned much like a scaled-down residential community with features such as commercial shops, clinics, parking areas, bus stops, recreational facilities, and a community center. Sustainability and Resilience Features.
This provides a sense of guarantee that indeed what they are currently experiencing is temporary, and that ultimately they will go back to living their normal life.
Author: Edra BelgaThis article was written on July 11, 2017. If you'll be sharing or using this article in your class or any other venue (physical or virtual), kindly make proper attribution to: Edra Belga, and her Memang Mameng Blog at http://memangmameng.weebly.com/ AcknowledgementThe author would like to thank the Japan Science and Technology's Sakura Exchange Program and Kyushu University's Enviromental Deign Global Hub for showing us the work they have done to assist the victims of the Kumamoto Earthquake. Special thanks to Dr. Kenichi Tanoue (Kyushu University, Department of Environmental Design) for patiently explaining to us the details of the project. Background. The Cali Transitional Site is a supposed temporary relocation site for victims displaced because of Typhoon Haiyan (“Yolanda”) in 2013. The site was co-sponsored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Government of Nepal, All-Hands Volunteers, Samaritan’s Purse and the Department of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The in-land site, provided by the local government unit (LGU), accommodated about 120 households from the coastal area of Barangay 88 in Tacloban City. Planning Considerations. The design and implementation of the project was carried out by IOM, with planning inputs from Architect Amillah Rodil, an alumna of the UP College of Architecture, who was then volunteering for the Tacloban Housing Department. The main challenge was the limitations in time, as site clearing and grading will be performed in a week. The team had to plan quickly, but without compromising the character, basic operations and safety of the site. Sustainability and Resilience Features.
" The familiarity of the beneficiaries with the native “bahay-kubo” design also ensured that the sponsors can tap the community for manpower resources... Also, there is the added value of the beneficiaries’ sense of ownership and care for the houses they have built themselves. "
Author: Edra BelgaThis article was written on July 9, 2017. If you'll be sharing or using this article in your class or any other venue (physical or virtual), kindly make proper attribution to: Edra Belga, and her Memang Mameng Blog at http://memangmameng.weebly.com/Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. |
Who is Mameng?Mameng is a feisty "Biday" who has a lot to say about things, but will not comment on her love life. ArchivesCategories
All
|