Using Evidence Based Design to create Storm Water Management Solutions Supporting Human Well-being : a case study approach

Abstract: Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of precipitation around Europe which increases the risk of severe flooding in urban situations. As cities densify, the amount of infiltrateable surfaces in the cities reduces which also increases the risk of flooding. Open stormwater facilities are important but often take up space in the city. It’s conceivable that blue-green infrastructure has to bring multiple values including stormwater management, biodiversity and humanwellbeing. The aim of this thesis is to explore the possibility to combine stormwater facilities and health supporting environments for people in residential areas. The goal is to implement current research within environmental psychology and stormwater management through a design proposal in Kristianstad’s planned new area, Nya Udden. This thesis investigates the opportunity to use evidence-based design (EBD) as a method to combine stormwater management and health-supporting green areas. The method is thus based on a literature retrieval, site visits and a design proposal where the findings are tested. It was found that the use of EBD can facilitate the work and bring important guidelines in the design process. It is however important that the understanding for different EBD is clear and used in an appropriate context. Bioswales seems to be an effective solution since it is a stormwater facility that both diverges, infiltrates and detain stormwater. It can also be incorporated in greenspaces and contribute to human-wellbeing. Water squares and retention ponds also provide values for humans and are an effective stormwater management.