CoolCity Workshop(2023)

As part of the COOLCITY Workshop held on July 4, 2023, in Naples, Italy, I collaborated with Jens Burkart and Thar Htet San to develop Under Waterground a sustainable, inclusive urban water playground designed for Piazza Enrico De Nicola, a vibrant historic square known for its cultural significance and its unique underground water switch system. Our project reimagines this urban space as a year-round oasis combining groundwater in the summer and harvested rainwater in the winter, integrating interactive water features like splash pads, a lazy river, and a wave pool with educational exhibits on environmental awareness. Inspired by the natural form and function of leaves, we created a system where neon-lit pipes drawing aesthetic influence from flower vases collect and circulate water, creating a dynamic visual experience, especially at night. The project focuses on environmental responsibility through water recycling systems, solar energy integration, native landscaping, and biodegradable materials. Designed for all age groups including local families, tourists, and international students, the playground promotes community connection, sustainability education, and urban revitalization. The design process included research and planning, concept and material development, layout and lighting schemes, and strategies for implementation, branding, and long-term maintenance transforming the space into a living, luminous system that celebrates both nature and technology in an urban setting

Location Overview – Piazza Enrico De Nicola, Naples, Italy

Piazza Enrico De Nicola is a central, culturally rich square in Naples, Italy, surrounded by historic landmarks, cafés, and public spaces. Its vibrant urban character and the presence of an underground water switch system make it an ideal site for the Under Waterground project—offering both social relevance and a unique opportunity to explore sustainable, water-based urban design

The Leaf System: Nature-Inspired Urban Water Harvesting

As we began thinking about sustainable water solutions, a question came to mind:
What if we could combine underground water usage with harvested rainwater?In the summer, we rely on underground water—but during the winter, why not make use of the abundant raindrops?This idea led me to explore natural forms that could inspire both function and beauty. we chose the leaf as the core concept—because leaves naturally collect and channel rainwater. Inspired by their structure, we designed a system where rainwater flows through thin, neon-lit pipes, mimicking the veins of a leaf. These pipes direct water to the pool and then circulate it back, creating a dynamic visual and functional loop.The system operates day and night, not only contributing to water sustainability but also transforming the urban space into a glowing, poetic landscape after dark. The leaf became both a symbol and a tool, merging nature’s wisdom with urban design

Vessel of Light: Neon Tubes Inspired by Floral Forms

Inspired by the elegant structure of flower vases, I developed a design concept featuring neon tubes that blend sculptural form with functional lighting