Architecture, Water & the City

Mother Nature is giving us daily reminders that the impacts of the climate crisis are growing, becoming more severe, more frequent and more powerful. Location maps highlighting the climate threat facing the city of Gdansk. Solution showing the design to prevent floodwaters damaging the city.

Water plays a fundamental role in the design of the Wałęsa Wetland. The idea of the project is to poetically prevent climate change affecting daily life in the city but also to bring people closer to water and nature. New green corridors are introduced to the existing city.

The wetland will play a crucial role in the cities stormwater management and drainage system. This analysis is an attempt not to present a static solution to the problems facing Gdańsk but rather a system that can carry on reshaping itself organically through constant change. This image shows an exploded isometric of the proposed wetland.

A sequence of sloping triangulated land that is constantly changing in a dynamic dance mirroring nature. The wetland is designed to contain a high volume of floodwater, areas can be fully submerged with minimal damage. Rising water shapes the landscape, the built environment makes room for water without denying the creation of lively attractive public space.

The Wałęsa Wetland will offer an experience to the community, going beyond the picturesque, creating a multi-faceted waterscape that will celebrate the connection between people, place and water. In light of climate change and sea-level rise we can not only adapt and save the city but grow the city for nature, for people and a changing climate.