Doing the first loop of planning for sustainable urban drainage system retrofits: A case study from Odense, Denmark

Abstract

The planning and implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) requires intensive collaboration between professions and institutions. To improve the conditions for such practice in Denmark, the first loop of a SUDS-based retrofitting project was completed in Odense over a 6-month period. The project involved officials from the City of Odense and Odense Water Ltd., as well as university researchers. Studies of hydrological, environmental and socio-cultural aspects were developed by disciplinary teams and used to draft integrated solutions for two selected city districts. Albeit sewer surcharge was the initial catalyst, the main driver for the drafted solutions was urban planning. An assessment of the impact 1.5 years after completion indicated that the employed approach is valuable. In Odense, a planning procedure reflecting the loop process has become new practice. The project represents a key reference for the introduction of SUDS in Denmark.

Nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas: perspectives on indicators, knowledge gaps, barriers, and opportunities for action

“…We go one step further and ask for good practice examples on the real integration and exchange of expert knowledge from engineers, architects, and landscape designers to include their (technical) knowledge in discussion rounds on urban green space planning for NbS. Potential options for how to overcome the barriers in the cooperation between these disciplines for the integration of NbS with technical solutions have been discussed, e.g., by Fryd et al (2010) and Backhaus and Fryd (2012).…”

Re-Thinking Urban Flood Management—Time for a Regime Shift

“…Learning from the experiences of others, and ourselves is of crucial importance and saves energy, resources, and time [34]. Thus, it is a long-term process to achieve a flood resilient city, and it is vital to ensure synergy between urban development and urban drainage strategies [35]. It is dangerous to make long-term decisions based only on experiences of a recent severe flood event.…”

“…The value of urban land is high and thus urban space has a multitude of functions (Figure 4). Strategies to address water challenges at early stages and implement integrated site-specific urban drainage solutions in all urban projects are essential [35].…”

The aesthetic performance of urban landscape-based stormwater management systems: a review of twenty projects in Northern Europe

“…Besides the water-related benefits, these systems are promoted to work synergistically with other functions in urban areas, for example, to advance urban green space development, thereby improving local climate, urban habitat, and spatial cohesion and to serve recreational and educational values (Ahern 2007;Backhaus & Fryd 2012;Fryd et al 2010;Pauleit et al 2013;Rottle & Maryman 2012). In countries like Germany (Berlin and the Ruhr district) and the Netherlands (Gelderland and Overijssel provinces), stormwater management pilot projects from the 1990s have led to the development of new common practices.…”