Integrating Green Infrastructure with Urban Design

As systems and methods improve it has become easier than ever to incorporate urban greening into urban design. This is of course aided by a better understanding of the science at work as well; Previously it was less clear where certain features would most benefit urban design even when it was understood that they were a benefit.  The examples below are intended to demonstrate just a selection of the features that can now be implemented into your Urban Design plan whilst also, in many cases, enhancing the appeal of the area concerned.

Integrating Urban Greening InTo Your Urban Planning

1. Green Living or Vegetated Roofs

A roof partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane.

Accredited systems include layers for waterproofing, root protection, drainage, and a growing medium, supporting plant growth. Significant urban planning benefits include stormwater management, efficient insulation, biodiversity and improved air quality.  They are widely accepted as assisting in a reduction of the heat island effect and contributing to the general well being of urban residents.

2. Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that collects and absorbs rainwater from a roof, driveway, or other impervious surfaces, allowing it to soak into the soil rather than flow into storm drains.

A properly sited and sized rain garden can significantly reduce local stormwater runoff reducing flooding. They can also naturally filter pollutants and sediment from the runoff, such as oil, fertilizers, and other debris. They also assist with biodiversity and are much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional drains and run off channels.

3. Permeable Paving

A type of hardscaping that allows water to pass through its surface and into the ground below, which helps prevent flooding and waterlogging, whilst also providing the same function as a traditional driveway or pavement.

Water falls through intentional gaps in the surface and into a designated but temporary holding area where the water is either channelled away or allowed to soakaway into the ground at a manageable rate. Main benefits of this process are flood prevention, water quality improvement (through filtering), water table replenishment (water is allowed to soak into the ground rather than running off) and temperature / heat island effect reduction (permeable surfaces generally have lower temperatures than more traditional solid ones).

4. Bioretention Planters / Bioswales

These are vegetated basins or channels designed to manage stormwater runoff by filtering out pollutants much like a rain garden. However, bioswales and bioretention systems are mainly used to slow the release of rain water, help direct it and filter out pollutants before allowing it to continue on its way.

5. Rainwater Harvesting Cisterns

They offer considerable benefits for water conservation and stormwater management, ranging from simple above-ground water butts to complex, large-capacity underground systems with integrated pumps and filters.