Appalachian Oasis
APPALACHIAN OASIS
LOCATION:
Chattanooga, TN
AWARDS:
AIA East Tennessee Citation (2023)
PROJECT NARRATIVE:
East Tennessee's threats to climate change are critically different from those of its coastal neighbors. As many of the coastal metropolitan areas in the Southeast United States are grappling with rising sea levels, the inner cities are experiencing threats of rising temperatures that cause an increase in droughts and heat waves. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the surge in higher temperatures has positioned the city as the sixth fastest warming city in the U.S., just below its Southwest counterparts. While Chattanooga has taken a preventive approach with its urban policy to slow these effects, the question remains - how will the city respond to the lasting effects and remain a walkable city for its residents and visitors? MHM’s research proposes a reactive approach through design to respond to these challenges.
Assessing the issues and hazards of climate change throughout the region allowed this research to determine the higher risks to focus on. Utilizing the framework of the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit helped to identify hazards across the region and assess the vulnerability and risks of these hazards. During the assessment, our team found that in the case of increased heat that threatens residents in Chattanooga, communities faced an increase in heat-related injuries and deaths. Furthermore, the team found that underserved groups, including minorities, low-income, and elderly are all at a higher vulnerability based on their dependency on public transportation and walking for mobility in their communities. To better address the needs and challenges of the community, MHM’s research established key values that align with the goals of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan by Greenspaces that incorporated input from community members and leaders.
The (4) primary functions of the Appalachian Oasis are water harvesting and storage, solar collection and charging, shading and illuminated shelter, and mist cooling. Each oasis is formulated by utilizing a ‘grass blade’ modular structural system that provides flexibility in functionality and spatial requirements. Once the structure layout is selected, a woven mesh is stretched between the structures to finalize the form and provide the essential functionality of providing shelter and shading from harsh sunlight, supplying a medium for water vapor and rainwater harvesting, or supporting PV panels for solar collection.
The future of Chattanooga’s climate continues to change, but its residents' and visitors' needs and experiences remain the same. Appalachian Oasis could be integral to the urban fabric and support the future experiences and movement throughout the city.
MHM TEAM MEMBERS:
Steven Whitmore
Adam Buchanan
Bud Archer
CONSULTANTS & COLLABORATORS
Grace Altenbern, University of Tennessee B. Arch Graduate
Thomas Wasmund, PE (Proficient Engineering)