Warka Water | Architecture and Vision

Up to date 9 full-scale prototypes of Warka Water have been built, testing and improving the concept, and currently the 10th prototype is being developed (WW version 3.1).

Location: Dorza, Ethiopia
Client: Alessandra Testoni, Emergency Programme, Italian Development Cooporation, Rome, Italy
Architect: Arturo Vittori, Rome, Italy
Design: 2012-2015

During a trip to Ethiopia, architect Arturio Vittori discovered the natural beauty of the country along with one of its dramatic realities: a dearth of drinking water. To solve this issue, Vittori and his team came up with an unusual design solution: Warka Water. The prototype consists of an elegant triangular frame, made out of local bamboo, that encloses a thin polyester mesh that captures droplets from high humidity in the air. Tall (9.5 m) and lightweight (80 kg), it is easy to transport, put together and maintain. Most importantly, it collects up to 100 litres of water daily. The aim of the Warka Water project is, in the long run, to create economic and social opportunities based on the manufacturing, setting up and management of the towers.