Appalachian Oasis

In East Tennessee, the threats of climate change are critically different than 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 causing an increase in droughts and heat waves. In Chattanooga, Tennessee the surge in higher temperatures has positioned the city as the 6th 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? Our 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 assessing vulnerability & risks of these hazards. During the assessment we found that in the case of increased heat threatening residents in Chattanooga, communities faced an increase of heat-related injuries and deaths. Furthermore, we found that underserved groups including minorities, low-income, and elderly are all at a higher vulnerability based on their dependency of public transportation and walking for mobility in their communities. In order to better address the needs and challenges of the community our research established key values that align with goals of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan by Greenspaces which incorporated input from community members and leaders.

The (4) primary functions of The Appalachian Oasis are water harvesting and storage, solar collection and charging, mist cooling, shading and illuminated shelter. Each oasis is formulated by utilizing a ‘grass blade’ modular structural system which provides flexibility in functionality and spatial requirements. Once the layout of the structure 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 the needs and experiences of its residents and visitors remain the same. Appalachian oasis could be integral to the urban fabric and support the future experiences and movement throughout the city.