16-year-old Gunisha Kaur creates bee and special needs gardens in India

In the Namib Desert, before dawn, a small tenebrionid beetle climbs onto a dune, encountering foggy wind, and tilts its body. Water droplets condense on its hard outer wings and flow towards its mouth. This survival strategy inspired South African designer Shakira Jassat to seek alternative solutions for buildings: is it possible for building surfaces to also collect water?

Her answer is the Aquatecture Water Harvesting system, which consists of modular panels installed on building facades to collect rainwater. These panels direct water through downspouts into storage tanks, turning vertical surfaces into collection zones.

The idea came to Jassat when she observed rain running down bricks opposite her house. She wondered how buildings could capture this water instead of diverting it away. Traditional rainwater harvesting methods usually rely on roofs and gutters, whereas Aquatecture utilizes facades, which Jassat believes is particularly relevant for high-rise buildings and other structures with large vertical surfaces.

Water enters the tank via the panels under gravity. Removable downspout sections allow for cleaning. The long-term goal of the project is to provide water for non-potable needs, such as toilet flushing and use in washing machines.

For Jassat, integrating the system into the architectural language is crucial, not just the water collection process itself. The concept developed parallel to Shakira's research into other methods of atmospheric moisture collection, including studying fog and humidity harvesting technologies, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology.

A semester student study analyzed the possibility of collecting water vapor on panels in South Africa. The study showed that it was possible, but the collection level was insufficient to support the entire concept. As a result, the project focused on the more practical possibility—collecting rainwater.

The project then moved to a pilot phase. Engineers Without Borders joined after one of the engineers working on the V&A project connected them with Jassat. In 2021, she selected ten students from the Engineers Without Borders South Africa Cape Town University student society, representing various disciplines including geomatics, humanities, mechanical engineering, civil and chemical engineering, to study and evaluate the Aquatecture pilot installation.

The pilot installation was placed in a parking garage in the V&A Waterfront area, opposite the Orange Street Farmers Market. Students regularly visited the site to monitor the water level in the tank and the amount of precipitation, collecting data to assess the system's capacity. The project reached an early milestone when the storage tank, sponsored by JoJo South Africa, filled with collected rainwater. Students connected a hose to the tank, and the water was used to water shrubs at the nearby Orange Street Farmers Market.

However, the pilot project also revealed difficulties in measuring the volume of collected water. Wind, in particular, complicated forecasts, forcing researchers to consider how changing conditions affect the relationship between precipitation amount and collection capacity. Researchers also studied the environmental impact of the system's materials. With limited and incomplete local data on embodied carbon, they collaborated with suppliers and transport companies to gather information on recycled materials and calculate the pilot's embodied carbon. The results obtained were intended to help determine adjustments to reduce emissions in the final product.

This work allowed testing the system in a real urban environment while simultaneously investigating issues of materials, environmental impact, maintenance, and performance. The pilot installation in the Waterfront in Cape Town remains in place, and the collected water is used for plant irrigation. Jassat notes that she appreciates that people can use the space without necessarily noticing the water supply infrastructure. The goal was to demonstrate that water supply infrastructure does not necessarily have to be visually separate from architecture.

Jassat reports that Aquatecture has generated significant interest. The system was presented at Dutch Design Week, as well as at many other exhibitions and attracted media attention, but she would like this attention to translate into practical application. She noted: 'I would like to have a greater impact than just attracting attention in this project.'

The difficulty, according to her, arises when interest needs to transition into investment, manufacturing, and construction.

Manufacturing became one of the central issues. Jassat aims for the system to be produced as locally as possible. Interest in the technology spread to Kenya through an architect working there, but Kenyan manufacturers were unable to produce the system. This prompted further study of local panel production in South Africa and other parts of the continent, while Shakira is also looking at manufacturers in India and China.

The production process itself must adhere to technological principles, which implies considering materials, durability, and the ability to maintain the system over time. Someleze Mbele, who worked with the student group alongside Shakira within the Engineers Without Borders project and participated in field research during the pilot phase, stated that the feasibility and accessibility of modular rainwater collection on a wall heavily depend on materials, manufacturing, and local supply.

Engineering requirements are also very important. Panels must withstand weather, UV radiation, corrosion, and physical damage. Collection and storage systems must remain accessible for cleaning, and structural connections must be designed with safety and durability in mind. Mbele emphasized: 'Materials must resist weather, UV, corrosion, and physical damage,' adding that collection and storage systems must be 'easy to clean and maintain and minimize blockages.'

He also noted that 'decentralized collection systems should not necessarily be seen as a replacement for large-scale municipal infrastructure. Rather, they can complement existing systems, increasing resilience and reducing the load on centralized water sources.'

Dr. Ferrial Adam, CEO of WaterCan, believes the broader issue lies in designing less water-intensive buildings alongside finding additional sources. She argues that alternative sources can be viewed as a sustainability factor without addressing the question of how much water the construction consumes.

'We really need to consider how to save water, how to build future buildings that use less water,' she says, insisting that water resilience must be integrated into development, not added afterward. This could include reusing water within buildings, such as directing water from handwashing into toilet tanks, alongside rainwater harvesting. Adam believes this approach should extend to poor communities where water tanks, cisterns, and community or temporary sanitation facilities often serve as a response to inadequate services.

She sees a similar need in industry, mining, and agriculture: when designing more sustainable systems, water consumption and pollution must be considered. For Aquatecture, wider adoption requires builders willing to invest, manufacturers capable of producing the panels and systems, and users who can maintain them. Funding remains a hurdle. Jassat primarily self-funded the development, except for support for pilot projects. A developer from Johannesburg expressed interest but questioned clients' willingness to invest.

The project is not yet ready for the market. Its pilot tests show that the system can be built and tested, but Jassat feels it is too early to speak of measurable impact at full scale. She continues to work on materials, manufacturing, funding, and partnerships. For her, success will be measured by whether the system provides: 'When it collects water and flushes toilets, that is success for me.'

October is considered a suitable time for growing spinach on terraces in many regions of India, as the temperature begins to drop after the summer heat. With several containers, suitable soil, and regular care, even a small terrace can provide fresh spinach for daily meals. Key conditions include ensuring the plants have enough light, maintaining soil moisture, and choosing conditions appropriate for the season.

Vijay Sharma, a swimming coach at SP College in Bikaner, Rajasthan, knows well the satisfaction of harvesting vegetables at home. He started gardening in 2017 after noticing the decline in the quality of peas purchased from the market. Satisfied with the results, he began growing spinach, eggplant, chili, and other vegetables. During the COVID-19 quarantine, he expanded his garden to an area of 1500 square feet, cultivating over 150 varieties of vegetables and medicinal plants.

In an interview with The Better India in October 2021, he discussed his methods for preparing his soil, reusing household materials as pots, and plant care. His experience provides useful recommendations for those planning to grow spinach in October.

Spinach grows well in containers, making it a practical choice for terrace gardeners. It is necessary to choose a pot or bag for growing that is at least six to eight inches deep and must be equipped with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation around the roots. A wider container allows multiple plants to be placed together.

The expert found creative ways to expand his garden when gardening supplies were hard to get during the quarantine. He used discarded barrels, old tires, and broken plastic containers as pots.

For spinach, a clean container that ensures free drainage of excess water should be used. It is important to avoid overcrowding the plants, as sufficient space promotes good leaf development.

Healthy leaves start with quality soil. Spinach requires an environment that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. Sharma explains that he uses soil mixed with cow manure and coconut substrate, with these materials making up about half of his mixture.

To grow spinach, it is recommended to combine garden soil with well-rotted compost and coconut substrate to create a loose, moisture-retaining environment. Mature compost should be used instead of fresh manure, which can harm plants and is unsuitable for direct application to leafy vegetables.

Spinach seeds can be sown directly into the container where the plants will grow. They should be placed in shallow furrows, lightly covered with soil, and gently watered. Soil moisture must be maintained during seed germination. Once sprouts appear, they should be thinned if they are growing too close to each other. This allows the remaining plants to develop healthy leaves.

October is suitable for sowing spinach in many parts of India, especially in northern regions where temperatures are dropping. In warmer zones, a cooler spot on the terrace should be chosen, and seedlings should be protected from excessive midday heat.

Spinach requires enough sunlight for healthy growth, but intense heat can cause problems. A location that receives several hours of sun, preferably in the morning if the terrace gets very hot later, should be chosen.

The gardener noticed how vegetation affects the temperature in his garden. He explains that climbing plants protect his crops from direct sunlight and help cool the garden in the summer, when temperatures in Bikaner can reach 50 degrees Celsius.

A balance is needed for spinach. Deep shade should be avoided, but in warmer areas, some protection from harsh midday sun should be provided.

Spinach needs constant moisture, especially during germination and early growth. Dry soil can negatively affect leaf development, while excess water can damage roots. Sharma advises beginners to monitor watering carefully. He notes: 'Watering the plants is just as important for their healthy growth.'

It is necessary to regularly check the soil and water when the surface begins to dry out. Water should be applied carefully at the base of the plants, allowing excess moisture to drain through the container. Pots exposed to strong sun or dry wind may require more frequent checking.

Compost-enriched soil gives spinach a good start. If the plants remain in the same container for several weeks, a thin layer of mature compost should be added around them to replenish nutrients. Regularly inspect the leaves for holes, discoloration, or pests. Remove damaged leaves and avoid crowding, which can restrict air circulation.

The gardener advises beginners to grow seasonal vegetables and asserts that plants need periodic pruning. For spinach, damaged foliage should be removed while leaving the healthy leaves and the central growing point untouched.

Once the outer leaves are large enough to use, they should be harvested gently without disturbing the central growing point. This allows the plant to continue producing leaves. The first harvest may be ready in about four to six weeks, depending on the variety, temperature, and growing conditions. For a more regular supply, it is better to sow small batches of seeds at intervals rather than planting everything at once.

Sharma's terrace garden demonstrates how home vegetable growing can start with a simple experiment and expand over time. For beginners, a pair of spinach containers will be a good starting point.

When a delicate floral aroma is felt in the house, it always lifts the spirits, regardless of whether it is a hot summer or a cold winter. This is why many people use air fresheners or expensive perfumes to make their living space fragrant. However, there is a way to turn the balcony into a source of fragrance, eliminating the need to constantly spray fresheners or buy decorative items.

Some types of flowering climbing plants are capable not only of decorating the home with their beauty but also of filling the surrounding space with a pleasant aroma. These plants can be grown in pots, trained along the railings, walls, or nets of the balcony. This approach allows for an increase in greenery even in a small space, turning the balcony into something resembling a beautiful garden. Below are five such fragrant climbing plants that will help naturally perfume your home.

When it comes to fragrant flowers, jasmine is often mentioned. The scent of jasmine flowers is loved by many. Its small white flowers are known for their fragrance. If you want your balcony to feature both greenery and floral scent, you can plant a jasmine vine. It can be grown in a pot and trained along a support or net.

For good growth, jasmine should be placed in a location that receives sufficient light. Water the plant as needed, and choose a pot with good drainage.

If you aim to decorate the balcony with colorful flowers, the Madumalați vine can be an excellent choice. This vine blooms in clusters of flowers that can be white, pink, and then dark red. These flowers emit a light sweet aroma, making the atmosphere around pleasant.

Madumalați is a fast-growing plant that can be trained on a sturdy support outdoors, on a roof, or on a balcony. Since it can grow vigorously, periodic pruning is necessary. If your balcony is small, ensure you allocate enough space for its growth before planting.

If you like the delicate scent of white flowers, magnolia might suit you. Its white flowers are very popular because of their fragrance. Double magnolias have many layers of petals, which makes them even more attractive externally.

A double magnolia can be placed in a pot on a balcony or roof. For good development and abundant flowering, it should be kept in a sunny spot. It is important not to allow waterlogging in the soil and to water regularly as needed. Proper care will allow the plant to flower well.

If you want to plant a climbing plant on the balcony that will provide both beautiful flowers and a sweet aroma, consider a honeybush. This vine bears tubular flowers. Some varieties of these flowers possess a sweet scent that can make the surroundings joyful.

The honeybush can be grown on a net or with the help of a sturdy support. Its shoots grow upwards, giving an green appearance to a bare wall or balcony railing.

If you wish to combine greenery with the beauty of pink flowers on the balcony, coral grape is suitable. This vine blooms with clusters of pink flowers. Its shoots can spread quickly and cover a net or railing, giving the balcony a picturesque look.

Growing coral grape requires a suitable location and a reliable support. Before planting, it is worth considering the ecology of your region and the potential growth of the plant. Regular pruning is also necessary so that the vine does not grow excessively. It should be remembered that its main feature is its colorful flowers and decorative appearance, while the aroma depends on the variety and the condition of the flowers.