Professor: Kozo Kadowaki
The proposal seeks to establish a
sustainable water supply system in response to Seoul's escalating
impacts of climate change. Over the past century, the average annual
temperature has surged by roughly 1.7 degrees Celsius, resulting in
reduced rainy days but heightened instances of intense rainfall. This
erratic weather pattern has induced fluctuations in water levels due to
increased sunlight, drought, and flash floods from heavy downpours. The
Han River, a vital water source for the region, is experiencing
instability due to these climate shifts, with further deterioration
anticipated. The consequences of these changes on the river's ecosystem
are concerning; if the river's supply becomes disrupted, over 10 million
people could grapple with water scarcity. Adapting water management to
the swiftly evolving climate and river dynamics is imperative to
guarantee a consistent water supply.
The proposal advocates for an innovative
strategy in water resource management. It suggests developing water
purification facilities capable of handling unpredictable and unstable
changes in river water levels. Currently, Korea employs a multi-step
water management system involving dams, reservoirs, intake and
purification plants, distribution reservoirs, and water supply points.
The proposal introduces the concept of
floating islands equipped with water purification capacities along the
river. These islands would positively impact people, water quality, and
green spaces. Citizens would gain access to a reliable water supply,
while the river's water quality would gradually ameliorate.
Simultaneously, these islands could foster greenery and vegetation
growth. This holistic approach would channel water from the Han River to
benefit urban dwellers, nature, and the overall cityscape. This
visionary approach aspires to transform Seoul into a city that revolves
even more around the Han River in the next century. This proposal
envisions a resilient and thriving urban future by establishing a
sustainable water supply system and mitigating the repercussions of
climate change on water resources.
Professor: Kozo Kadowaki
Structural Advisor: Yasutaka Konishi
Students: Motoki Susa, Yu Kubokawa, Yuki
Nakai, Ao Zhang, Yuri Ohno, Mairo Ohashi, Ayumi Harada, Tomoki Yoshimi