Project Description

The Lake Sarita project is an on-going University venture involving exploring new drainage solutions impacting a small wetland area which collects water from the entire St. Paul campus. The University wishes to transform the polluted lake into a recreational area, educational laboratory, and full-functioning ecosystem.

We worked in groups, researching and mapping the existing area, then proposing a full master plan. Our group focused on creating a waterfowl scanctuary by expanding the wetland area, ensuring wildlife breeding areas, and controlling storm water levels.

Individually I designed an entrance terrace which daylights incoming stormwater, allowing visitors to follow the path of the water along a walkway as it moves toward the wetland. The water flows into raised “flumes” that slow the force, thus controlling the bounce after rain events. Phytoremediation plants along the channel uptake harmful pollutants in the water.