"CATCH THE RAIN"

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Project idea

“Catch the Rain” is a revitalization project in Gliwice–Szobiszowice, where a historic manor house once stood among water reservoirs. Today, only a decaying manor and a degraded landscape remain. The project aims to transform this neglected site into a flood-resilient and climate-resilient urban area. By integrating blue-green infrastructure with the revitalization of the manor estate and new multi-family housing, “Catch the Rain” combines heritage preservation with modern water management to enhance both ecological function and residents’ quality of life.

Project description

The “Catch the Rain” project involves the revitalization of a degraded area in Gliwice–Szobiszowice through the implementation of blue-green infrastructure to enable natural rainwater management and reduce flood risk. The project addresses both environmental and spatial challenges by integrating landscape interventions with architectural and urban planning solutions in detail.

The scope of work includes a comprehensive site development plan, the design of multi-family residential buildings, the architectural revitalization of the historic manor estate, and the development of urban and architectural detail elements. Key interventions include terrain modification, the creation of a blue-green axis leading toward the manor house, residential buildings oriented along this axis, the restoration of the manor and its grounds, and the design of a system of public spaces that support biodiversity and serve social and aesthetic functions.

The project aims to transform the site into a climate-resilient, ecologically integrated, and inclusive urban environment that not only manages water effectively but also enhances the quality of life for local residents.

Technical information

The retention and site development system was designed based on topographic and hydrological analyses conducted using Scalgo software. The core objective was to shape the land in a way that enables controlled rainwater flow and localized retention.

Within the planned multi-family housing development, several water management elements are implemented. These include green roofs for initial retention and thermal protection, rainwater tanks for reuse, overflow systems directing excess water into retention elements, a pressure tower for water distribution, greywater installations for domestic reuse, and a sanitary sewer system. Rainwater from roofs and sealed surfaces is guided into drainage ditches, which perform basic filtration and transport functions.

The next stage of the system includes overflow basins such as dry retention basins, rain gardens, and infiltration swales, each designed for temporary storage, aeration, evaporation, and infiltration of stormwater. The final element is the main retention basin, which provides long-term collection, infiltration into the ground, and evaporation of excess water.

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