Revitalizing Food Deserts Through Hydrophilic Architecture: A Case Study of Proposing Community Gardens in University of Arizona Dormitories
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 10-12-2025
Abstract
Hydrophilic design offers a promising solution to water scarcity in arid regions, particularly in combating food deserts through sustainable architectural interventions. This paper explores the application of hydrophilic units on building facades, focusing on Maricopa Hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson. These units, using desiccant materials like Calcium Chloride, extract water from ambient humidity, particularly effective in Tucson's low-humidity environment. Through previous experimental testing, the units demonstrated a capacity to produce significant amounts of water, vital for irrigating a variety of edible plants suitable for Tucson's climate.
Water scarcity in arid regions exacerbates food desert conditions, limiting access to fresh food. Tucson, situated in the Sonoran Desert, faces these challenges, with significant portions of its population residing in food deserts due to limited access to fresh produce. By implementing hydrophilic units on Maricopa Hall's facade, this study aims to evaluate their efficacy in generating water for community gardens, thereby enhancing food security among student populations.
The study involves assessing the feasibility of redirecting water from these units to support community gardens, fostering sustainable practices and community engagement within dormitory settings. Results highlight that integrating hydrophilic units into building facades not only contributes to water sustainability efforts but also promotes local food production, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The paper addresses SDG 2 by enhancing food security through community gardens, SDG 6 by promoting sustainable water practices with hydrophilic architecture, SDG 11 by integrating sustainable design in urban dormitories, and SDG 12 by advocating for responsible consumption and production in food cultivation.
This research underscores the transformative potential of hydrophilic design in addressing critical environmental and social challenges in arid, water-scarce regions, offering a pathway to sustainable urban development.
Recommended Citation
Yacoub, Y., Dewidar, K., Nabil, M. (2025). Revitalizing Food Deserts Through Hydrophilic Architecture: A Case Study of Proposing Community Gardens in University of Arizona Dormitories. In: He, B., Piselli, C., Karunathilake, H., Cheshmehzangi, A., Attia, S., Darko, A. (eds) Towards the Framework of Livable and Resilient Cities. HERL CCES HERL 2023 2024 2024. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-97849-4_21