CHRISTIAN URRIOLA, CEO, ATLANTIS CORPORATION
29 May 2024
Christian Urriola, CEO of Atlantis Corporation, shares his insights on the United Nations water management initiatives, the transformation of urban spaces into water-responsive ecosystems and the importance of integrating green infrastructure and stormwater management systems in the public space arena.
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Q What opportunities do you predict for the growth of your industry in 2024?
A Atlantis anticipates significant opportunities for growth within the water management industry, aligning with critical United Nations topics. Addressing water scarcity, our innovative systems offer a sustainable solution by capturing and purifying stormwater, contributing to increased water availability. Concerning water quality and wastewater, Atlantis excels in thorough cleaning and filtration processes, aligning with global efforts to ensure access to clean water.
Our commitment to creating urban spaces as water sponges resonates with UN initiatives on water and ecosystems, fostering biodiversity-rich habitats and mitigating the impact of urbanisation on natural environments. As urbanisation intensifies, Atlantis’s comprehensive approach to managing stormwater runoff is on track to align with UN goals, offering an effective means to counter urban flooding and create harmonious urban environments.
Atlantis envisions a pivotal role in advancing these UN objectives, transforming urban landscapes into resilient, nature-inspired ecosystems that address pressing global water challenges.
Q In what direction would you like to see your company move over the next five years?
A Atlantis is committed to spearheading both system and product innovation in the near future. Systematically refining stormwater capture and purification processes remains a priority, with a focus on enhancing adaptability and efficiency across diverse urban landscapes.
Expanding our modular storage tank solutions and biofiltration swales will be pivotal in ensuring robust stormwater management during major events.
Concurrently, Atlantis is dedicated to pioneering cutting-edge product innovations that transform urban spaces into water-responsive ecosystems. This includes the development of permeable roads and tools for urban planning.
Most notably, Atlantis is unwavering in its commitment to consistent innovation, fostering collaborative research partnerships with universities. By pushing the boundaries of technology and knowledge, we aspire to redefine industry standards, contributing significantly to global efforts in sustainable water solutions and urban resilience.
Q What do you feel is your industry’s biggest contribution to the public space arena over the last decade and what lasting changes has it supported?
A Over the last three decades, Atlantis has been at the forefront of revolutionising urban water management. Since 1986, our innovative products and systems have not only pioneered sustainable stormwater solutions but have also become industry standards. By transforming urban landscapes into resilient ecosystems, we’ve significantly contributed to mitigating flooding, improving water quality, and enhancing public spaces.
Our enduring legacy includes the establishment of these groundbreaking solutions as benchmarks for the industry, setting a standard for sustainable development and reshaping urban environments worldwide.
Q What is unique to your company this is not being widely done by others in your industry and why is it valuable?
A From our inception in 1986, Atlantis has been on a visionary quest to reshape urban landscapes. Our main aim, then and now, revolves around transforming the urban concrete jungle into a sustainable green city. While others focus on stormwater management, our unique approach encompasses a broader vision-enhancing urban environment by introducing green infrastructure.
We foresaw the importance of harmonising cities with nature, making strides to improve both water and air quality, and pioneer the use of recycled plastics. As we continue leading the industry, our unwavering commitment persists.
Q Who is your target audience and what is it you want them to be most aware of regarding your industry?
A Our target audience comprises consultants and contractors in the building industry, as well as individuals across all levels of government. We want them to be acutely aware of the innovative solutions our industry offers for sustainable urban development. Specifically, we aim to emphasise the importance of integrating green infrastructure and stormwater management systems in construction projects.
It is crucial for our audience to understand the broader impact of these practices, including improved environmental sustainability, water quality, and overall resilience in urban planning. By fostering awareness of these key aspects, we hope to encourage informed decision-making and collaboration to create more eco-friendly and resilient built environments.
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CHRISTIAN URRIOLA
Since joining Atlantis Corporation in 1996, Christian Urriola has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s trajectory. With a rich history in product and system development, research and overall management, he brings a wealth of expertise to ensure Atlantis remains at the forefront of innovation in sustainable water solutions.