Rui Liu

When the River Sings Again — Reshaping Lagarfjót Hydrological Society

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

Project description

In Iceland, the retreat of glaciers gives rise to countless glacial rivers. They flow into wetlands, through canyons, and into lakes, giving birth to a rich life system. The rivers meander, and every waterfall has its own language. However, with the tyranny of Icelandic industry, Icelanders are excited about the economy brought by hydropower. The construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant has disrupted sediment flows in the Lagarfljót River. Therefore, we turn to Lagarfljót as a landscape laboratory. Grounded in the lens of social hydrology, we explore how human and water systems can engage in mutual feedback—moving beyond control toward coexistence, and imagining a future where we no longer master water, but live in symbiosis with it., we turn to Lagarfljót as a living landscape laboratory. Grounded in the lens of social hydrology, we explore how human and water systems can engage in mutual feedback—moving beyond control toward coexistence, and imagining a future where we no longer master water, but live in symbiosis with it.

First of all, I aim to restore the balance between humans and water systems. The use of wetlands and sediment-based materials can help reestablish sediment equilibrium. Secondly, I seek to develop a soundscape. Sound is a powerful medium that inspires reflection on our perceived control over nature and the increasingly distant relationship between humans and the natural world. Through sound, I hope to explore, on a spiritual level, new ways for humans to coexist with nature and rivers.

Lagarfljót Sediment balance & imbalance

By the mid-20th century, people gradually realized that Iceland's rich river resources could bring exciting prospects for hydropower development. Traditional hydrology believes that hydropower is an important way to develop renewable energy from a natural and environmentally sustainable perspective. Kárahnjúkar hydropower which is the most controversial hydropower project affected the Lagarfjót River sediment balance. The original sediment balance and rich ecosystem of the Lagar River were disrupted.

Sediment experiment

Stage1- No plants in river

Sediments will remain in the river channel, and the sediments will squeeze the river channel space, causing water flow to erode and widen the river channel.

Stage2- Sedges growing

Simulated sedges grow in the river channel. Sedges can trap sand and reduce the amount of sand flowing downstream.

We plan to transform the collected sediments into reusable building materials: on the one hand, they can be used for landscape construction, and on the other hand, the "sediment bricks" can be transported to the coast to replenish the sediments that are out of balance due to erosion and the natural silt carried by the river. With the passage of time and the erosion of seawater, these bricks become sediments again, which to some extent completes the function of sediments. Secondly, the wetland structure itself is conducive to cultivating various habitats and providing a good living environment for animals and plants.

Sound infrustructure

The collected sound signals are transmitted to the sound monitor center, and these signals vibrate the pendulum to produce different melodies. The windows on the left and right sides of the sound control center visually connect the soundscape. Finally, their eyes are drawn to the middle window and return to the river itself. Combined with the sound of wind blowing through the trees, birds, the roar of groundwater, and waves constantly eroding the coastline, people begin to think about what Icelanders have brought to nature in their development.

Then the path leads people to the river. The ribbon-like path jumps, kisses the earth, stretches, and returns to the river itself. This is like the feelings of Icelanders towards the land of Iceland, love, dependence, and respect, and with the development of industry, it destroys it.

At the end of path, it brings people to the fishing platform. In the tradition of the river, Icelanders come to the river to catch trout in winter to supplement their winter food. People facing the river, and valuing the traditional way of life that Icelanders and Iceland respect and rely on.