Project Statement

Heavy rainfall poses a significant threat in Seoul, South Korea. Semi-basements experience higher property damage and casualties due to urban flooding. To address this, we propose a synergistic urban rainwater micro-upgrading strategy and a path towards green justice to address the challenges and alleviate wealth disparity in Sangdo-dong, Dongjak District. The project offers three strategies: divert rainwater in affluent areas with higher elevation to minimize impacts on lower areas, transform vacant spaces into green infrastructure in economically diverse regions, and establish a network of rainwater pocket parks, pre-during-post disaster framework, and detailed rainwater management in low-lying semi-basement areas.

Project Narrative

Background:

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, faces significant challenges from heavy rainfall and urban flooding, with a particular impact on the semi-basement areas. These areas, located in low-lying regions, experience architectural constraints that lead to inadequate sunlight exposure and insufficient ventilation. As a consequence, residents in semi-basement communities endure environmental injustices and face greater vulnerability to flooding. The property damage and casualties caused by heavy rain disasters further exacerbate the existing wealth disparity in these areas.

Node Strategies:

Node 1: The Valley area, characterized by a higher elevation and affluent residential neighborhoods flanking the main road, requires targeted strategies to mitigate flooding risks in lower-lying regions. The following approaches are proposed:

(1) Linear runoff management: Adjust the road slope in low-lying areas to optimize water flow, while integrating rain gardens and green spaces to facilitate water storage and promote its reuse.

(2) Area-based runoff management: Implement comprehensive catchment and drainage systems, including detention ponds and wetland parks, in the mountainous areas to effectively control flood peaks and reduce the potential impact on downstream regions.

Node 2: The Adjoin area, characterized by moderate topography and the coexistence of high-end residential areas and flood-prone semi-basement districts, necessitates a multifaceted approach. The following strategies can be implemented:

(1) Utilize vacant commercial areas and repurpose existing factories to establish rainwater collection systems, ensuring efficient rainwater management and reducing the burden on existing drainage systems.

(2) Transform old factories into temporary shelters and centers for food production/storage to support the affected communities during post-disaster recovery phases, enhancing resilience and community cohesion.

Node 3: The Wavelet area, characterized by lower elevation, dense clusters of semi-basement dwellings, limited available space, and a high flood risk, requires innovative strategies to address these challenges effectively. The proposed measures include:

(1) Pocket parks: Develop pocket parks in vacant spaces strategically located to form a network for rainwater drainage. Utilize micro-terrain shaping techniques to create rainwater garden landscapes, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also guide water flow, reducing its velocity and minimizing flood risks.

(2) Green roof micro-upgrading: Transform rooftops in densely populated semi-basement areas along secondary drainage routes into green roofs. This approach not only helps manage rainwater runoff but also improves the overall living environment, providing benefits such as enhanced insulation and improved air quality. Additionally, neighborhood elementary schools can serve as temporary evacuation points during pre-warning, evacuation, and post-disaster reconstruction phases, ensuring residents' safety and well-being.

Through the implementation of these micro-upgrading strategies, the Sangdo-dong area in the Dongjak District can undergo a transformation from a region marked by significant wealth disparities and concentrated damage in semi-basement areas to a harmonious and equitable community. These strategies will not only enhance rainwater management but also promote social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and a more prosperous future for all residents.