Water-sensitive urban design: Opportunities for the UK

Ashley, Richard; Lundy, Lian; Ward, Sarah; Shaffer, Paul; Walker, Louise; Morgan, Celeste; Saul, Adrian; Wong, Tony; Moore, Sarah

Abstract

Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a concept that is gaining support as a means to manage urban water systems in an integrated way through the better positioning of the topic of water in urban planning and design processes. Water-sensitive urban design is emerging in the UK and this paper sets the scene and identifies the opportunities and constraints from a UK perspective. Recent developments in integrated water management, ecosystem services and multifunctional land use provide new opportunities for 'getting more for less'. These can range from seeing all forms of water as a resource, exploiting opportunities to contribute to the green and blue infrastructure agendas, resilience to climate and other changes. This paper draws on international experience as to how water-sensitive urban design can deliver opportunities; mitigate the urban development challenges; implement and support institutional, regulatory and practical opportunities and demonstrate the benefits of taking a water-sensitive urban design approach in the UK. The key requirements for delivery are highlighted and a proposed vision for water-sensitive urban design in the UK outlined. © ICE Publishing: All rights reserved.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 8, 2013
• Online Publication Date: May 25, 2015
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2013
• Journal: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Municipal Engineer
• Print ISSN: 0965-0903
• Electronic ISSN: 1751-7699
• Publisher: Thomas Telford
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 166
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 65-76
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/muen.12.00046
• Keywords: buildings, structures & design, sewers & drains, water supply
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/930990
• Publisher URL: http://doi.org/10.1680/muen.12.00046