Aqua P / Site A/S

Jan 2011

By Hank Jarz — Filed under: Mixed Use ,Public Facilities ,Sustainability ,Urban Design , Copenhagen, Denmark, Site As

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Courtesy of Site A/S

Site A/S Architects has recently completed a project proposal, Aqua P, which looks to form a solution for the flooding and parking problems in Copenhagen. For more renderings, process diagrams and a description from Site A/S continue after the break.

Courtesy of Site A/S

With weather conditions becoming more extreme and unpredictable in the future this project aims to solve the worst local problems associated with torrential downpours and the resulting damage from flooding and
storm water overflow. Perched over the northern motorway into Copenhagen the structure makes a new green entrance portal into the city. It serves as a rainwater collector and evaporation system, a park and ride system connecting cars with public transport, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and a biofuel generator.

Courtesy of Site A/S

RAINWATER COLLECTOR
In periods of heavy rainfall the structure acts as a water reservoir. Rainwater is pumped from the low lying underpass in a large water tank adjacent to the motorway. From this tank the rainwater is later released onto a series of evaporation gardens on the terraced roofs mimicking the dissipation systems found in nature. Excessive water loads can later be released into the storm water system if required when the immediate demand is reduced. The northern facade also functions as rainwater collector by incorporating planted platforms that are raised to form screens when cars are parked and otherwise extend the horizontal green areas. The building as a whole can contribute to enhancing the biodiversity of the area with associated benefits in air quality and noise levels.

Courtesy of Site A/S

PARKING BUILDING
Within the lightweight steel structure a high tech automated parking system is concealed. Drivers, can from a distance, see if there are available spaces in the building. If the facade is a covered in plants then the parking is occupied. If is transparent, because the facade sections are horizontally parked, there are spaces available. The parking is fully automated after the driver leaves the car at street level, and the car can be returned on the opposite side of the motorway for the return trip home. An electrical vehicle can, furthermore, be returned fully charged to its owner.

Diagram

CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
In addition to connecting drivers to Ryparken train station and bus terminal the structure makes a physical connection over a part of the motorway where there is heavy pedestrian and cycle traffic. The lower level of the building to the southern side is widened to accommodate both car parking and the adjacent bike and footpath. The pedestrian bridge affords views over the city and adjacent railway lines and links the western side of the motorway to a new railway station through a series of ramps.

Diagram

BIOFUEL GENERATOR
The southern facade of the building incorporates a biofuel system based on algae. During photosynthesis, algae and other photosynthetic organisms capture carbon dioxide and sunlight and convert it into oxygen and biomass. Captured in a series of transparent cylinders on the facade this biofuel can generate electricity and be used to power the cars of the future.