Water as a Catalyst: Blurring the Money Edge
Architecture | Urban Design
Columbia University Graduate Studio, 2024
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Team: Aliza, Fauzan, Perry, Sahana
Although Punta Cana is known to be a land of opportunities for tourists, it presents significant challenges for its residents. The local population lacks access to essential resources like fresh water and social infrastructure. A highway divides the town, creating a stark disparity: the coastal side flourishes with opportunities and abundance, while the inland side struggles with scarce resources, including access to fresh water. This project aims to bridge this “Money Line” and reduce the gap between local communities and the growing tourist hubs.
The project is divided into two parts - The first part focuses on identifying surface water sources such as watersheds and stormwater basins to collect and transport water via aqueducts to the villages of El Salao and Playa Macao. This is coupled with the development of road networks and social infrastructure, including schools, health centers, and community spaces, to foster cultural exchange and more equitable and interconnected growth.