Hydropower cities : a new candidate for eco-utopia

Abstract

The increasing need for water due to incessant growth of population of the world makes it imperative to build water reservoirs in different location of the world. Water reservoirs most of the time are used as a mean to generate energy. Hydropower energy is one of most efficient and renewable ways of energy production which has negative other implications on human and natural environments. Design and construction of large scale dams provide regional water and global energy support for communities while deprave some people from their home lands and number of environmental effects. In this thesis, the new paradigm of planning dams and related infrastructures are investigated to not only provide the water and energy for the local people, but to lessen the environmental effects of such infrastructures. In each step through this thesis an architectural proposition would be provided and its flaws and effects would be considered to provide better environment for its inhabitants and natural eco system. It is worth noting that the propositions in this architectural design research are schematic and need further consideration and investigation by professionals in related areas. At the end, a specific site in Senegal River valley would be chosen for the application of the last scheme with consideration of the local characteristics of the site and its requirements.