To mitigate the environmental concerns associated with the Calrsbad Bud Lewis plant’s intake system, I propose an architectural response I call “The Loop.” This innovative structure would encircle the intake system, located 20 feet below the surface of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and extend to a depth of 40 feet. By creating a protective barrier, “The Loop” would increase the salinity levels within its confines. It would serve as a natural deterrent to prevent fish from approaching the intake system, thereby reducing the risks of impingement and entrainment. This strategy aims to balance freshwater’s necessity with preserving marine life in the lagoon.
Another challenge the desalination plant poses is its proximity to the ocean, resulting in restricted access to the lagoon for the local community, primarily consisting of single-family homes along a valuable coastal waterfront. “The Loop” seeks to address this issue by serving as both an environmental safeguard and a means of enhancing connectivity. Envisioned as a dual-purpose structure, it would function as a public park space, enabling the community to enjoy the waterfront while serving as a marine life research center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This innovative approach strives to reconcile the need for water desalination with community access and environmental study.
