The design initiative focuses on creating a nature-inspired water harvesting system to address the critical issue of water scarcity for children in remote areas. The system is designed to eliminate the arduous journeys of Ethiopian children to distant water sources and to provide children with a reliable and accessible water supply all year round, regardless of the seasons. The design draws inspiration from nature’s efficient water harvesting mechanisms, prioritizing simplicity, adaptability and sustainability. The impact I envision is not limited to convenience, but also allows children more time for important activities such as learning and promotes better health.
School of Design | Undergraduate Interior Design
Student: Heyan Cheng
Faculty: Tetsu Ohara
This project in Bale, Ethiopia, addresses the water challenges of children in drought-prone areas. Implementing innovative rainwater harvesting systems in local households ensures sustainable water use, contributing to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 and 11.
The primary objective of this project is to address the water access challenges faced by children in a drought-prone region, specifically in Bale, Ethiopia while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 and 11. My goal is to ensure that children in the region have the same access to water resources as children in other regions, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDG 10: “Reduced Inequalities.” To achieve this, I am implementing rainwater harvesting systems that empower these local children, who are under the age of 15 (this group represents a significant portion of the region’s total population), to obtain water within the comfort of their homes, thereby eliminating the need for arduous journeys to distant water sources. SDG 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” is another key focus of my project. I aim to create sustainable and resilient communities by integrating innovative rainwater harvesting systems into the foundations of local houses. This approach not only addresses the immediate water access issue but also aligns with the broader goals of sustainable urban development. My inspiration for this system came from the concept of an upside-down umbrella. In much the same way that an umbrella shields us from rain when inverted, it can serve as a receptacle for collecting rainwater. I have adapted this idea to the local context, where I aim to integrate rainwater harvesting systems into the foundations of houses. This innovative approach enables children to access water directly within their homes, making it a convenient and sustainable solution to their water needs.
Drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient air and rainwater harvesting systems, the water shortage for children in this sustainable program in a remote area of Ethiopia was addressed. It eliminates the need for children to travel long distances to access water.
Incorporates the principle of biomimicry to provide a sustainable solution by learning from nature. Its design mimics a spider’s silk that is adept at capturing water fog. Utilizing the unique properties of spider silk, it traps and holds water droplets in the air. This ingenious design allows for the collection of water in environments where traditional methods are ineffective. For rainwater harvesting, we drew inspiration from the ingenious design of a bamboo leaf fishing rod. The system mimics nature’s high efficiency by utilizing a concave bamboo structure that slopes slightly downward. These features direct the flow of rainwater towards the water storage area, ensuring that collection efficiency is maximized. Drawing on the strength and stability of the Venus Basket, the project utilizes a sturdy bamboo frame to provide the necessary support for the heavy water collection system. The use of bamboo as a primary material is not only practical but also environmentally friendly. In Ethiopia, bamboo is abundant and readily available, making it an ideal building material. The innate strength and resilience of bamboo fit perfectly with the project’s sustainability goals. In addition, the use of Raschel mesh emphasizes the commitment to eco-friendly solutions, as the material is 100% recyclable and has proven successful in the Ethiopian environment.