West Haven: Way of Water
Discover how the "Way of Water" project addresses critical environmental and social challenges in Charlottesville's West Haven neighborhood.
Addressing rain flooding
The West Haven project addresses rain flooding and socio-spatial inequities in the West Haven neighborhood of Charlottesville. Shaped by a history of displacement and topographic disadvantage, the community faces severe stormwater challenges, with runoff from surrounding higher ground concentrating in residential areas, exacerbating flood risks and infrastructure vulnerability.
Mapping inequities
Through mapping water flow, land use, and historical patterns of segregation, the project reveals how environmental and social systems intersect to disproportionately impact residents. This crucial analysis forms the foundation for equitable and sustainable solutions. I developed a water engineering system that includes rain gardens and a water landscape, which is inspired by the Water Plaza in Rotterdam and nature-based solutions in Hainan, China. By calculating the cost, the construction cost of the waterway system is lower than the cost of repairing all houses every 2 years.
Promote connectivity
The project's success lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding how historical and environmental factors contribute to present-day challenges. By visualizing these complex interactions, we can advocate for more effective and just interventions.
While providing shuttle buses and an escalator for residents, it promotes connectivity across the steep slope and helps, especially seniors, get to the main street and connect with the city bus system.
