The correct handling of rainwater is an important aspect of climate adaptation in our cities. The cities in the Ruhr region are already implementing many measures - but these are often not visible to citizens because the technically complex systems are often hidden underground. KlimAR.Werk, the new augmented reality app from the future initiative Klima.Werk, allows citizens to explore climate adaptation measures in mixed reality on their smartphones and virtually adapt their homes and gardens to the consequences of climate change.
Cities are implementing targeted measures to achieve this, but the issue also affects homeowners. Accordingly, the KlimAR.Werk app focuses on two main topics:
In the "Klimaanpassung.Stadt" section, users can view drainage projects from cities, initially from the city of Bochum.
In the "Climate adaptation.private" section, citizens can find concrete ideas and tips for suitable adaptations on their own property or house, which they can experience live with AR.
The Climate Adaptation.city area has two modules. Module 1 is the tree-rigolentour for citizens and interested parties in Wasserstrasse in Bochum. The tour has 4 stops at which the tree-rig system installed there can be experienced.
In Module 2, the system is provided with more in-depth information for specialist planners and can be used from any location.
Module 1 - Tree rig tour for citizens
The introduction to the topic of the sponge city and climate change and the benefits of trees in the city.
Quizzes improve understanding
The station makes visible what is hidden under the tree.
The tree trench, a water storage system that holds water locally and connects all the trees on the street, rises out of the ground.
The model opens up and all the parts are explained and the function of the trench becomes tangible.
Before the excess water is discharged into the adjacent forest and Marbach, a filter system and a retention basin are installed. The app is used to lift the filter system out of the ground and show how it works.
Here, too, there is a guessing game in which you have to estimate the amount of water in the retention basin using virtual bathtubs on the street.
If it is not raining at the time of the visit, pictures and videos show how the system works in the rain.
At the end of the tour, there is information on the effects of the measure.
Improvement of the microclimate, quality of stay, flood protection, creation of habitat and strengthening of the natural water balance.
Module 2 - Information for planners
The module for specialist planners displays the entire system in AR and provides planners with more in-depth information. The models used are the same as in the tree-rigging tour for citizens, only enriched with much more information and directly accessible via the model.
Information is provided on everything from planning, function and construction to care and maintenance.
What measures are there for private individuals to improve the use of water on their own property and in their own home?
Module 3 with the generic apartment building that you can place on your desk at home using AR, you can take a look at some of the options. Further information is provided directly in the 3D scene.
Module 4 shows you live in the garden, the house or garage driveway or the flat roof how to improve water management through greening and the right planting.
Module 3 - AR measures model
The measures for rainwater management are
Module 4 - Climate adaptation live
Green areas and your garden with climate-resistant plants. Open up sealed surfaces with permeable paving and flower meadows.
Green your facade and roofs.
Flat roof greening
Facade greening
Open sealed areas with other surfaces
