Rainwater design

KARM EL ZEITOUN, LEBANON

This 3-week workshop was an eye opener as far as how much rain water is wasted, especially when it can be harvested and saved for the drier months of the year. The workshop was divided into 3 parts, with the first being a series of lectures about the topic. In the second, each group had to choose a location, analyze the topography and slopes to see in which direction the water moved and how much of it could be harvested- calculations were involved that were quite new. The last part was to design something that would benefit the area chosen while using the rain water in a sustainable way. My groups location was in a low-income neighbor hood found atop a small hill, so finding adequate space was a challenge. We designed liner planting beds in the center of the narrow streets that can be used and shared between the residents. Being a low-income neighborhood, these planting beds can be used to plant several herbs and low-soil vegetables that they can benefit from and utilize in their daily lives. It is a source of support; a low-stress support since the water used to grow the plants will be naturally sourced.