Environmentalists in the Andalusian city understand the threats that rising temperatures have on its communities. That’s why some have teamed up for a visionary architectural experiment.
What is CartujaQanat?
This special initiative has seen a team of talented researchers, urban planners, and architects come together to build innovative structures that provide plenty of shade for the residents of Sevilla.
But what’s beautiful about this project is that the team involved has looked back to the city’s rich, diverse heritage as inspiration to build these incredibly effective structures.
The end-result is a site on the outskirts of the city that is as big as two soccer fields. It includes auditoriums, a promenade, benches, green areas, and plenty of shade. Not to mention the many archways providing copious amounts of shade during sunny hours.
They Have Innovated an Ancient System
We can’t ignore the “qanat,” which is at the heart of this project. These are underground networks of tubes and pipes that were once built during the times of Ancient Persia. Amazingly, qanats can reduce temperatures in the area by more than 10 degrees.
How? Through a mix of solar power, air, and water. 1000 years ago, the Persians knew that the air in canals could be cooled by its running water. As a result, they brought the air to the surface with vertical shafts.
While the inspiration behind the CartujaQanat has ancient roots, the organizers have added some cool innovations to the system.
For example, water flows via the aqueduct at night over several rooftop solar panels. Then, during the day, the panels use solar power to push the water through pipes to a series of fans, creating cold air in the process.