Living River is a redesign of an abandoned lot near Detroit's downtown and addresses the human and environmental water crises. While water is repeatedly shut off to residents, despite access to water being a human right, the water table continues to lower due to widespread use of impervious surfaces. Living River provides clean drinking water, via taps under the lip of illuminated boulders. The park is 100% pervious, through the use of pervious concrete and native ground cover, allowing water to enter the water table and filter as it would naturally before flowing into the Detroit River.

 

Ideation process video