Aqua-Punctures: Rainwater Harvesting for Urban Cooling Through Vegetation and Evaporation in Izmir

Abstract

Global warming and urban heat island [UHI] have become interconnected issues related to dehydration in many regions across the globe. To mitigate UHI, it is essential to transform solar heat into latent heat through evaporation rather than allowing it to contribute to the sensible heat in urban areas. This can be achieved by promoting vegetation-based evapotranspiration and implementing evaporative cooling techniques. One effective approach is rainwater harvesting, which moderates the water loss to the sea and facilitates evaporation during dry periods. Furthermore, the collected water can support plant growth and enhance their evapotranspiration process. In Izmir, a Mediterranean city in need of urban cooling, implementing a concept called 'Aquapuncture' can be beneficial. This concept involves creating multiple hubs throughout the city that utilize rainwater for passive cooling. This work focuses on describing the practical aspects and design strategies of these cooling units implemented as attractive and refreshing elements in urban design. The aim is to address the challenges faced by warm cities like Izmir and provide effective cooling solutions. By adopting these measures, it is possible to combat the adverse effects of global warming, mitigate the UHI effect, and create more pleasant and comfortable conditions in warm cities. © Copyright by Fundacja PLEA 2024 Conference, Wrocław 2024.