Redefining Maputo downtown : flood management through a sustainable landscape architecture intervention

Abstract

“All countries are vulnerable to climate change and instability in weather patterns but the poorest countries and the poorest people within them are most vulnerable, being the most exposed and having the least means to adapt” (IMF and World Bank Development Committee, 2006). African cities, as other cities around the world, are prone to flooding within in urban areas. The increased flooding from climate change, could have seriously destabilising effects for Africa (Commission for Africa, 2005). Climate records shows that most of Africa warmed by approximately 0.7°C during the twentieth century (IPCC Working Group II, 2001). Future changes in rainfall will depend greatly on the influence of global warming. In addition, a United Nations World Water Report states that in the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Earth with its diverse and abundant life forms (including over six billion humans), is facing a serious water crisis. Water needs to be conserved in any way possible. (United Nations World Water Report, n.d.). This study aims to explore the role in which floodingin urban landscapes can be addressed, but simultaneously stored for future use. It argues that the negative element of flooding can rather be used, i.e the water could be conserved and used in the build environment, rather than inhibiting social, economic and ecological factors. The pilot project in this stage can at the same time, serve as an urban generator. An innovative solution (urban water park) is analysed and tested and serves as a possible outcome to address flooding problems within an African city (Maputo, Mozambique). Afrika, 2005).

Stede in Afrika, soos in ander in die wêreld, is onderhewe aan vloedrampe in stedelike areas. Die toenemende vloedegevalle, tesame met die impak van klimaatsverandering, kan uiterse destabilisering vir die Afrika kontinent inhou (Kommissie vir Afrika, 2005). ‘n Klimaatsrekord, bewys dat gedurende die twintigste eeu, ‘n groot deel van Afrika onderworpe was aan ‘n hittetoename van omtrent 0.7°C (IPPC Werksgroep II, 2011). Toekomstige veranderinge in reënval sal grootliks afhang van die invloed van aardsverwarming. Ter aanvoering van die argument word daar adisioneel toegevoeg dat die Verenigde Nasies se Wêreldswater Verslag die volgende aanlas: dat die aarde, met sy diverse en verskeidenheid van lewende wesens (wat oor die ses miljioen mense insluit), aan die begin van die een-en-twintigste eeu onderworpe sal wees aan ernstige watertekorte. Water moet dus in alle moontlike maniere gespaar word (Verenigde Nasies se Wêreldswater Verslag, geen datum). Die studie beoog om die rol van vloede in die verstedelike landskap te ondersoek en aan te spreek tot voordeel van die bouomgewing. Die ontwerp poog om die huidige negatiewe element van water eerder te bewaar en die gebruik daarvan te aan te moedig. Hierdeur word word die omswaai in sosiale, ekonomiese en ekologiese faktore inplekgestel. ‘n Projek sal dan terselfdertyd as verstedelike genereerder dien. ‘n Innoverende oplossing, ‘n stedelike water park, is geondersoek en getoets. Hierdie sal moontlik as die oplossing dien van die huidige vloedprobleme in hierdie Afrika stad (Maputo, Mosambiek).