How Asia's 5,000-year-old rice terraces are inspiring modern flood control

In Asia, rice terraces have been a part of agriculture for over 5,000 years. These terraces are not just beautiful; they also play a crucial role in managing water and preventing floods. Kotchakorn Voraakhom, a landscape architect from Bangkok, Thailand, has a unique connection to these terraces. As a child in the 1980s, she enjoyed playing in the floodwaters near her home. However, her childhood memories turned into a harsh reality in 2011 when severe flooding hit Bangkok, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. This experience motivated Kotchakorn to use her skills to help her city adapt to the challenges of flooding. She founded her own firm, Landprocess, which focuses on designing parks, rooftop gardens, and public spaces that can absorb and manage rainwater effectively. One of her most innovative projects is the green roof at Thammasat University, which is inspired by traditional rice terraces. This rooftop farm not only collects rainwater but also grows food, making it a sustainable solution for urban areas. The design includes ponds that capture rainwater and solar panels that provide energy to pump the water back up to the plants. This green roof is now the largest urban rooftop farm in Asia, covering a significant area and helping to reduce the risk of flooding in Bangkok. The green roof at Thammasat University is a prime example of how traditional agricultural practices can inform modern urban design. Rice terraces, which are layered fields built on hillsides, have been used for centuries in various Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. These terraces are designed to follow the natural contours of the land, allowing them to manage water flow effectively. They help slow down rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding in the valleys below. This ancient knowledge is becoming increasingly relevant as cities face the impacts of climate change, including more intense rainfall and flooding. Many Asian cities are now rethinking their approaches to rainwater management, recognizing the need for sustainable solutions. For instance, in China, parks designed with rice terrace features are being implemented to filter and clean floodwater. These designs not only help manage water but also create green spaces that enhance urban environments. As cities continue to grow and face climate challenges, it is essential to learn from the past and incorporate traditional methods into modern urban planning. The changing climate is putting pressure on many Asian cities, leading to more frequent and severe storms. In some areas, drainage systems are overwhelmed, causing flooding and damage. Kotchakorn and other architects are advocating for nature-based solutions, such as rice terraces, to help cities absorb rainwater more effectively. These solutions are not only practical but also promote biodiversity and improve the quality of urban life. For example, the Yanweizhou park in China features rice terrace-like banks that can adapt to underwater environments, helping to reduce flooding. As cities face the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change, it is crucial to embrace innovative designs that draw inspiration from traditional agricultural practices. By doing so, cities can create resilient environments that are better equipped to handle the impacts of heavy rainfall and flooding.