Showing papers on "Water-sensitive urban design published in 2021"

Enhancing stormwater control measures using real-time control technology: a review

Abstract: Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are increasingly applied to capture and utilise urban runoff to augment water supply, reduce flood risk, and to restore natural flow regimes in receiving waters. ...

Articulating the new urban water paradigm

Abstract: Urban water systems in industrialized countries have underpinned unprecedented improvements in urban living standards through effective drinking water supply, sanitation and drainage. However, conv...

Green infrastructure: the future of urban flood risk management?

Abstract: Urban flooding is a key global challenge which is expected to become exacerbated under global change due to more intense rainfall and flashier runoff regimes over increasingly urban landscapes. Consequently, many cities are rethinking their approach to flood risk management by using Green Infrastructure (GI) solutions to reverse the legacy of hard engineering flood management approaches. The aim of GI is to attenuate, restore and recreate a more natural flood response, bringing hydrological responses closer to pre-urbanised conditions. However, GI effectiveness is often difficult to determine, and depends on both the magnitude of storm events and the spatial scale of GI infrastructure. Monitoring of the successes and failures of GI schemes is not routinely conducted. Thus, it can be difficult to determine whether GI provides a sustainable solution to manage urban flooding. This paper provides an international perspective on the current use of GI for urban flood mitigation and the solutions it offers in light of current and future challenges. An increasing body of literature further suggests that GI can be optimised alongside grey infrastructure to provide a holistic solution that delivers multiple co-benefits to the environment and society, while increasing flood resilience. GI will have to work synergistically with existing and upgraded grey infrastructure if urban flood risk is to be managed in a futureproof manner. Here, we discuss a series of priorities and challenges that must be overcome to enable integration of GI into existing stormwater management frameworks that effectively manage flood risk.

Challenges of Water Sensitive Cities in Mexico: The Case of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara

Abstract: Mexico is currently facing important water management challenges Cities in the country are facing water scarcity and at the same time they struggle with floods during the raining season The water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach has proved to be helpful around the world in tackling urban water challenges such as floods or water scarcity The WSUD approach highlights the role of both the water cycle and the water utilities systems, when transitioning towards a water sensitive stage Therefore, the objective of this research is to demonstrate the relevance for cities of a WSUD approach by analyzing the current situation of the water cycle and the water utility in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG) This research proposes a case study approach Within our case of study, we focused on the water cycle and the water utilities system (Sistema Intermunicipal de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (SIAPA)) and ask two questions: (1) What are the causes of water scarcity and flooding in the MAG? and (2) What are the proposals to solve these problems under a WSUD approach? By answering these questions, we identified that the water management in the MAG corresponds to a single purpose infrastructure This type of water management is common in developing cities and does not contribute to solve the problems of water scarcity and floods The water supply policy is based only on the construction of large dams disregarding the storage and use of rainwater, and reuse of greywater, and water-conservation devices In order to transition towards a water sensitive stage, changes in the water policy need to take place and a WSUD approach that includes multi-purpose infrastructure, should be considered

Strategies to promote the adoption of sustainable drainage by private developers: a case study from Singapore

Abstract: Different policy mechanisms to encourage private property developers to adopt sustainable drainage features have been tried in many countries with moderate success. Singapore’s ABC Waters Programme...

Best Management Practices for the Transition to a Water-Sensitive City in the South of Portugal

Abstract: The uncertainty that arises from future environmental and climatic challenges requires new approaches towards urban water management in Mediterranean cities. In this work, an urban water cycle (UWC) strategy based on the best management practices (BMPs) of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is proposed for the transition of a coastal city in the south of Portugal into a water-sensitive city (WSC), in line with the Municipal Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation of Loule (EMAAC of Loule). The city’s watershed was identified using the ArcMap Hydrology toolset with geospatial data provided by Loule’s Municipal Council Operational Unit for Adaptation to Climate Change and Circular Economy (UOACEC). A broad characterisation of the study area was conducted, identifying existing resources to further develop a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. The Hydrology toolset outputs, precipitation events records, and survey results were used to identify flood-prone areas. The opportunities and threats identified were further used to develop the transition strategy, which is focused on critical areas identified and supported by BMPs, including source control, attenuation, treatment and infiltration measures, permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting systems, and bioretention basins. The approach is designed to increase the city’s resilience to climate extremes, as well as community engagement towards UWC management.

Contextualising landscape perceptions: the role of urban landscape, ecosystem and water system in formation of mental models of a stormwater wetland in Brisbane

Abstract: Ecological design used for stormwater management—referred to as Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)—exemplifies how urban environments can benefit from mimicking natural processes to create multifunctional urban spaces However, for WSUD to be successfully adopted, it must respond to community landscape perceptions and incorporate their preferences into the designs This paper investigates whether members of a local community form mental models of how broader urban systems work and whether these inform how specific WSUD landscapes are perceived Semi-structured interviews with residents near a stormwater wetland in Brisbane, Australia, provided data to elicit mental models of the wetland and higher-order schemata of urban systems of which it is seen to be a part Interviewees perceived the wetland through the lens of four mental models: animal haven, generic water infrastructure, multi-user community space, and pressure valve for urban consolidation Schemata of broader urban systems manifested in the mental models of the wetland itself The experience of Millennium Drought, perceived ecosystem demise and urban consolidation policies were important influences This research contributes to the understanding of cultural sustainability of ecological design The results suggest that public acceptance of WSUD and ecological design may benefit from (1) site design that shows effort to tackle priority concerns of the local community, and (2) addressing elements of the understanding of broader urban systems that contradict messages about the site More broadly, the study demonstrates the importance of context for landscape perception research and offers a method to explore it

Water Sensitive Cities: An Integrated Approach to Enhance Urban Flood Resilience in Parma (Northern Italy)

Abstract: Climate change is globally causing more intense meteorological phenomena. Our cities experience increased rainfall intensity, more intense heat waves, and prolonged droughts providing economic, social, health and environmental challenges. Combined with population growth and rapid urbanization, the increasing impact of climate change will make our cities more and more vulnerable, especially to urban flooding. In order to adapt our urban water systems to these challenges, the adoption of newly emerging water management strategies is required. The complexity and scale of this challenge calls for the integration of knowledge from different disciplines and collaborative approaches. The water sensitive cities principles provide guidance for developing new techniques, strategies, policies, and tools to improve the livability, sustainability, and resilience of cities. In this study, the DAnCE4Water modeling approach promoting the development of water sensitive cities was applied to Parma, an Italian town that has faced serious water issues in the last few years. The city, indeed, had to face the consequences of flooding several times, caused by the inadequacy of both the network of open channels and the sewerage network due to the urban expansion and climate change of the last 30 years. Through the model, the efficiency of decentralized technologies, such as green roofs and porous pavement, and their integration with the existing centralized combined sewer system was assessed under a range of urban development scenarios. The obtained results show that the adoption of an integrated approach, including soft engineering hydraulic strategies, consisting in the use of natural and sustainable solutions, can increase resilience to urban flooding. Further, the study shows that there is a critical need for strategic investment in solutions that will deliver long-term sustainable outcomes.

Challenges of Water Sensitive Cities in México: The case of the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara.

Abstract: Mexico is currently facing important water management challenges. Cities in the country are facing water scarcity and at the same time they struggle with floods during the raining season. The water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach has proved to be helpful in tackling urban water challenges such as floods and water scarcity and it is being implemented in cities around the world. The WSUD approach highlights the role of both the water cycle and the water utilities systems, when transitioning towards a water sensitive stage. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyse the current situation of the water cycle and the water utility (SIAPA). To do so, we have selected the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG) and proposes a case study approach. Within our case of study, we answer two questions: 1) What are the causes of water scarcity and flooding in the MAG? and 2) What are the proposals to solve these problems under a WSUD approach? By answering these questions, we identified that the water management in the MAG corresponds to a single purpose infrastructure. This type of management does not contribute to solve the problems of water scarcity and floods. The water supply policy is based only on the construction of large dams disregarding the storage and use of rainwater, and reuse of greywater, and water-conservation devices. In order to transition towards a water sensitive stage, a WSUD approach that includes multi-purpose infrastructure should be considered. Such as green roofs, swales, rainwater gardens, infiltration trenches, etc.

Evaluating the Performance of a Hydrological Model to Represent Curbside Distributed Infiltration Wells in a Residential Catchment

Abstract: Stormwater managers use hydrological models to understand the runoff management performance of stormwater systems in urban catchments. However, few published studies attempted to evaluate t...

Integration of Water Management and Urban Design for Climate Resilient Cities

Abstract: Urban design can play a key role in addressing a wide range of climate-related water challenges such as water pollution, water scarcity, floods, land subsidence, storm water management, ecosystem services and public health. Both in urban retrofit projects as well as new urban development integration of water management in the different phases of design and development is important. Design and planning approaches such as water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) provide useful tools for strengthening the integration of water in spatial planning and urban design processes, requiring any spatial intervention or new development to be evaluated on opportunities for sustainability and innovation. WSUD focuses on the integration of the natural environment and sustainable technology in planning for urban water, combining hydrology, landscape architecture and sociology. The chapter concludes with recommendations on how cities can build on their own experience and lessons from practical cases to achieve more water-sensitive urban design.

Principles for Distributing Infiltration-Based Stormwater Control Measures in Series

Abstract: Infiltration-based stormwater control measures are often implemented in a dispersed manner across catchments, making it difficult to assess their combined effect. This study proposes a set of principles that can guide planners in distributing stormwater control measure volumes within a catchment while maintaining the same performance as that of a single large measure at the catchment outlet. The principles are tested by setting up seven different cases, which respect and violate the principles in different ways, and by simulating their performance using continuous simulations with 41 years of data. The results show that when the principles are followed, the system performance is maintained; on the contrary, when the principles are violated, the system performance deteriorates. The principles can be very useful for green field developers who want to implement distributed stormwater control measures in series and need to document their expected effect at an early screening level. Furthermore, the principles can be used to make better simplifications of stormwater control measures in sewer system models at the catchment level.

Sustainable urban public park landscape design criteria based on community perception and aspirations

Abstract: This article interprets the perception and aspirations of the city community, as a cornerstone of drafting the design criteria of a community-based city park landscape, which is effective and sustainable. Flooding and drought problems in Jakarta and surrounding areas should be resolved in a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable manner. Referring to the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) which is an innovation in integrated water management, it is recommended to develop the function of detention and retention ponds as part of storm drainage system, replacing conventional system. Development of the city park landscape criteria as the synergies of the RTH function and the detention/retention ponds should be approached in a very careful, avoiding fatal malfunction and harsh rejection of the user community. The best approach should be done through tracing the needs, desires and expectations of the city community as the ‘end user' as well as 'super client' of the city park. Research on the perception and aspirations of the city community on the idea of the development of City Park with the role of retention/retention ponds has been conducted between February to May 2020 in Jabodetabek.

Ecologically Dependent Architectural Space as One of the Main Objects of Study in Higher Architectural School

Abstract: The restoration of the source ecosystems lost during the urban development of the territory is due to the formation of spatial cells that are friendly to the elements of an ecosystem. Thus, education and research in sustainable architecture has to be focused on studying the principles and ways of forming an "ecologically dependent architectural space", starting with obvious dependencies. Five levels of such a program can be as follows: 1. Principles and methods of forming a climate-oriented architectural space (entry level); 2. Architecture and renewable energy engineering systems interconnection; 3. Green systems in architecture, including city farms and algaetecture; 4. Transformable architectural forms and adaptive landscape design to the dynamics of weather and climatic conditions; 5. The specifics of architecture and urban design integrating natural ecosystems (graduate level). Graduation level main attention is focused on the study of water sensitive urban design and related concepts, as well as the concepts of renovation of the littoral marine zone. One of the obvious outcomes of experience is the need for a specialized educational program "sustainable architecture and design" in a higher architectural school.

The Construction of Water-Sensitive Urban Design in the Context of Japan

Abstract: Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a critical sustainable development theory in the urban water environment, which is attracting more and more attention worldwide. Meanwhile, as an island country, Japan attaches great importance to water resources and water environment, and have achieved fruitful result in urban water management. Based on the framework of WSUD, this research introduces Japan’s practical experience from the perspectives of water source protection, flood control, and waterfront space landscape, aiming to summarise Japan’s experience and provide a new perspective. By explaining the thoughts of water sensitivity design contained in Japanese practice, this research expands the scope of WSUD, provides a meaningful research framework for Japanese researchers, and provides compelling cases for researchers on water-sensitive design around the world.

Optimum numbering and sizing of infiltration-based water sensitive urban design technologies in South Australia

Abstract: The existing drainage systems consider storm water as a waste product and its main focus is on collecting the runoff from urban catchments as quickly as possible and discharging it into the nearby ...

Transformation in Urban Planning with a Localized Model of Water-Sensitive Urban Design

Abstract: On the eve of the year 2021, about a century has passed since the establishment of municipalities, and more than half a century has passed since the establishment of development planning laws and the beginning of the implementation of urban planning projects. The purpose of creating these laws and establishing structures and organizations to implement them was to monitor the creation and development of cities to provide suitable conditions for citizens in life. The results of the implementation of urban development projects show that these projects, despite spending a lot of money and energy, in many cases do not achieve their goals. Despite these problems, for many years, the lack of coordination of organizations related to urban management, the lack of appropriate methods for preparing and implementing urban plans and the lack of technical and financial capacity in the organs have been raised as important issues in project inefficiency. But the importance of not paying attention to the infrastructure that can affect urban management and planning has been overlooked and among all the factors, water has the most fundamental role as the main source of life and the basis of development. This grounded theory method first examines the causes and known factors of inefficiency of urban planning in Iran, explains the relationship between this issue and the critical factors of inefficiency and then identifies the effect of paying attention to the pivotal role of water in eliminating many of these factors , By presenting a local model for using the basics of water-sensitive city design in urban planning, offers a proposal for operationalizing and making more practical the methods of urban planning, which, if used in the future, can solve the problems of urban planning in the country. Sensibly reduce and eliminate.

Urban household uptake of water sensitive urban design source control measures: an exploratory comparative survey across Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) presents a process towards the objective of a water-sensitive city. An integrated approach requires community acceptance to implement WSUD at household level. An...