Paving Tile System for Rainwater Irrigation

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2008

design:

Lena Dubinsky

Quenching the thirst of urban trees and delighting the eyes of city-goers, the Paving Tile System for Rainwater Irrigation collects and channels rainwater to places that need it most.

The Paving Tile System for Rainwater Irrigation diverts rainwater for the irrigation of trees in dry climates. Designed to collect and reuse rainwater, the tile system eliminates the need for artificial irrigation in dry urban settings – saving both water and energy.

The tile set is composed of modular units that incorporate channels and slopes to divert water toward the tree trunk.

Each tile is sized 50 x 50 x 3.5 cm. The tiles can be configured in two ways: surrounding a single tree, or creating a paving sequence among several trees.

The paved area around the tree is utilised to increase the flow of water toward the tree and prevent evaporation from contiguous areas of soil. Thus, the absorption of rain water is maximised. The tiles immediately adjacent to the tree trunk incorporate seams that allow portions to be broken off as the tree grows. A glazed ceramic material provides a clean, non-absorbent substrate for flowing water. The material is also natural and sustainable, resistant to temperature changes and wear. The dimensions of the tile system take into consideration such factors as tree species, trunk diameter and municipal regulations that govern planting. Special attention was given to the creation of the imagery of water in an urban landscape.