Hydrological Infrastructure:

Alina worked in Unit 5C (Neighbourhood Ecology) at the University of Nottingham, which explores social ecology - the study of how individuals interact with and respond to their surrounding environment.

For her Croydon-based project, the aim was to provide resilient housing adapted to a changing climate. Croydon is the 4th most vulnerable settlement in England to surface water flooding, inspiring a scheme that transforms redundant energy infrastructure into a residential-agricultural program.

This approach achieves flood resistance through hydrological control, using infiltration, evaporation, and retention to ensure a stable supply of food and water for the community. The project involves repurposing a gasholder tank and building within its perimeter, which allows for rainwater attenuation and reuse for residential purposes. This not only alleviates pressure on Croydon's municipal water infrastructure but also develops a closer relationship between occupants and water, enhancing their understanding of its value.

The reuse of the large gasholder frame and tank serves as an example of how reusing redundant energy infrastructure can contribute to a healthier environment, offering an alternative to the continuous demolition of these historic landmarks.