Climate adaption: Ideas and tips

Urban water management has long played a central role in adapting cities to the consequences of climate change. The increase in extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfalls or droughts poses new challenges for the water management. The aim is to reorganise the cities in such a way that they are protected from flooding during heavy rainfall but at the same time store stormwater for use during dry periods.

The cities are implementing targeted measures to achieve this, but the issue also affects homeowners. Accordingly, the KlimAR.Werk offers two main topics: In the section “Klimaanpassung.Stadt”, users can view drainage projects from the cities, initially from the city of Bochum. In the section “Klimaanpassung.Privat”, users can find specific ideas and tips on suitable adaptions to apply at their own property or home.

New level of information through augmented reality

For this purpose, the app uses augmented reality technology, in short: AR. As such, the app supplements real situations with virtual elements in real time. In other words, the users of the KlimAR.Werk app can, for example, take a look at how tree trenches work in Bochum. Usually, the underground storage tanks are not visible. The app uses the mobile phone camera and supplements the current camera image with visual elements such as texts, images and graphics. This creates a kind of mixed reality.

On site and virtual at the same time

The project at the Wasserstraße in Bochum, whose system of interconnected tree trenches is shown in the KlimAR.App, is a good example of climate adaption. Tree trenches are planting areas for trees that are equipped with an underground storage structure for rainwater. In dry periods, the trees at the street can thus be supplied with water for a longer period. All the tree trenches along the Wasserstraße are interconnected, so that water which can no longer be stored can be discharged into the Marbach.

Citizens can use the app to precisely track the path of the water during a tour on site. They learn about the positive effects of the measures on the environments through estimation questions and other playful elements.

App simulates climate adaption measures at home

The section “Klimaanpassung.Privat” also makes use of augmented reality. Here, users can explore a sample property as a 3D table model: The app can be used to virtually place the model on your desk at home, for example. The model presents measures for rainwater management that homeowners can use to adapt their building or property to the effects of climate change. The model can be explored interactively in the AR view.

In the app, interested parties can also virtually try out various measures on their own home. For example, the app can simulate what a driveway would look like if it were unsealed and fitted with infiltration-capable paving. The app can also visualise the climate-resistant adaption of gardens and green facades by positioning corresponding virtual elements on your own home.