Reframing the Human Relationship with Water

Urban runoff and contaminated water are creating major ecological damage, even in the United States. One design competition has the goal of rethinking how we handle this crucial resource.

1 minute read

September 14, 2010, 10:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

This post from Metropolis looks at the complex relationship between cities and water cleanliness, and looks to a different future through a design competition.

"Our water infrastructure, flawed at the best of times, is now on the brink of collapse. The United States alone is faced with spending $330 billion dollars over the next two decades, simply to keep our existing tap water systems functioning.

Now is the perfect moment to ask ourselves if there isn't a better way to manage our water systems.

Is it possible to completely redefine our relationship with water? To satisfy our thirst without compromising our aquifers or harming our marine life? To eradicate water-borne diseases using ecologically sound processes? To craft solutions capable of addressing water crises in developed and developing countries alike?"

FULL STORY: Water and the Living City

Monday, September 13, 2010 in Metropolis

Environment Government / Politics Infrastructure Social / Demographics World Water Pollution Contamination Urban Runoff Wastewater View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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