Réseau
Urban storm management system
Project – Graduation Project, 2019
Status – In development for production
ID concept – Justine Bergeron, Manon Le Sant
Development – Justine Bergeron, Manon Le Sant, GRAD
Visuals – Justine Bergeron, Manon Le Sant
Inspired by the numerous rivers under the island of Montreal, RÉSEAU is an innovative urban storm management system that controls and slows rain, amplifying its sound as it circulates in the inner ducts. It is a collection of prefabricated concrete elements designed to manage rainwater drainage while magnifying its presence. This collection of urban slabs bring the presence of water back to the city in an ingenious way.
With the urbanization, Montreal’s island was covered with asphalt waterproofing 80% of its total surface, burying the majority of its creeks and leaving no more room for the presence of water.
The city is also subject to many climate accidents, including frequent flooding.
We built our concept around the history of Montreal and its streams. Many rivers were buried to accommodate the city’s expansion, which made Montreal a tight space. The consequences of this decision are numerous, both ecological and social.
We were also inspired by the contrast between irregular natural lines and those built by man, very mechanical. We can notably mention those produced by water erosion on the ground among the natural lines, thus creating irregular patterns.
By collecting rainwater (gutters + runoff), the drain integrated into the concrete slab acts as a soundbox and amplifies the noise of the water circulating inside. When passing near the drain, pedestrians may hear a noise approaching a natural stream during a downpour, but also at all times by continuously supplying water to the drain using water jets.
Water in the drain creates an «inner stream» when there is a large volume. Rainwater percolates into the soil through the holes in the concrete and the drain.
