The High Desert Water Kiva and Water Harvesting Garden is a collaborative design effort between the landscape architects at Sites Southwest and the hydrologic engineers at Bohannan Huston. It is designed as a formal interactive experience of a desiltation and detention storm drain facility. Water is harvested from both the adjacent street in the form of nuisance flows and from the adjacent large arroyo that empties directly into the kiva. The ponding area is defined by stone clad banks in a formal circular pattern with paths, and protected seating areas above. A large sculptural element, which acts as a seasonal guide much like a sundial using the suns orientation to celebrate special events such as the summer solstice or beginning of the rainy season, is planned within the kiva. The entire project is intended to function as an integrated experience in which one can visually participate and interpret the storm waters within the natural and built environments of High Desert.
