Continuing with the previous post about the green space on Gran Capitán street in Barcelona, this time we will mention the interesting surface water management carried out at this location.
The rainwater that flows through the paved areas of this space is collected in interception grids and the slope runoff is collected by means of a gabion. This gabion, which accompanies the perennial strip discussed in the previous post, is the unique element of this space. In addition to having this strip of vegetation and its drainage function, in one section, it transforms and gives rise to two original benches.
This collection and infiltration system, both for water coming from the gabion and from the interception grids, is structured according to the following scheme:
Graphic: Gabino Carballo
The surface water collected in this way is not directed to the storm water drainage network, with the consequent loss in the water balance of the place, but rather through storage cells, which are located under the pavements, it accumulates and infiltrates into the ground itself.
In this way, an autonomous space is generated in terms of drainage and which manages water more efficiently. Despite the areas sealed by pavements, water is returned to the ground where precipitation occurred and more sustainable gardening is practiced through a simple and economical rainwater management system.