Embracing Urban Wetlands For Flood Resilience

This thesis seeks to reinstate the community's connection with nature, mitigate the effects of flooding, and safeguard social equity against the threats of gentrification. By investigating the vulnerability of Grangetown residents to flooding and acknowledging the detrimental impact of conventional development practices, this thesis aims to challenge existing flood governance methods and incorporate community resilience into decision-making processes.

The narrative of 'Prepare, Withstand, Embrace' forms the foundation of an alternative, inclusive approach to flood resilience, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and water. The primary objective of this thesis proposal is to reintroduce urban wetlands into the historic marshland of Grangetown, establishing vital connections between Marl Park and the Taff River. These wetlands will serve as a natural buffer, enhancing flood mitigation efforts and creating diverse habitats while providing essential ecosystem services such as biofiltration, heat regulation, and flood attenuation.

Furthermore, the adaptive reuse of declining public facilities becomes a catalyst for community engagement and integration. By repurposing existing structures, such as the plant room and studios, a civic node is created, fostering social interaction and transforming previously car-dominated areas into vibrant spaces that bridge the north and south regions of Grangetown. The design concept emphasizes the importance of connectivity, both physically and visually. A series of plazas with varying surface permeability are proposed, offering different public amenities and promoting pedestrian movement. The tectonic language of the scheme respects the identity of the site by retaining structural elements while accommodating a diverse civic leisure program. The inclusion of an indoor pool serves as a vital link to water, encouraging interaction and breaking down barriers associated with swimming as a middle-class activity. Additionally, the scheme incorporates sustainable design strategies, such as the use of timber slat skin for heat and light modulation, reducing embodied carbon, and integrating energy-efficient systems like mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and a data center that harnesses generated heat for the pool.

By engaging local grassroots groups and fostering tangible conversations about climate impact on the community, this thesis envisions a resilient and inclusive future for Grangetown. By embracing urban wetlands and revitalizing declining public facilities, the design proposal establishes a harmonious coexistence between humans and water, celebrating the past and present while paving the way towards a future with future generations.