Integrated Stormwater Management for the Water-Sensitive Retrofit of Cites

Elke Kruse

Hafen City University Hamburg (HCU), Germany

Abstract: The consequences of climate change present cities across the globe with new challenges. The increased frequency of heavy rainfall events in particular, leads to combined sewer overflows and urban flooding, which induces immense damage and thus results in substantial costs in the urban area. Consequently, numerous local administrations are developing concepts to adapt their cities through the implementation of structural measures. However, only few simultaneously utilize the transformation of their drainage system as an opportunity to revitalize the existing urban fabric. Investment resources, which might otherwise go towards the renovation of the existing combined sewer system or road construction, could be used to make the city more liveable by implementing a network of “blue” or “green” elements and providing residents with a new variety of open spaces. Proper foresight is required to adapt to the consequences of climate change in cities around the world. The following article describes how this can be achieved.

Key words: climate change, adaptation, stormwater management, water-sensitive urban development, open space, quality of life, green infrastructure