"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Policy
Water Square Specialist Urban Designers
02/09/24
“Who are water square specialist urban designers?”
Water squares are an innovative way to help cities adapt to climate change and build social connection centers. As demand for these interventions grows, so will specialists in the field. Water Square Specialist Urban Designers will be an important part of designing the flood-proof cities of the future.
Why It’s Advantageous to Surround a Water Square With Green Space
02/08/24
“Why is it advantageous to surround a water square with green space?”
Water Squares help urban areas deal with heavy inundation. But sometimes it can be so much that water still overflows. Planting green space nearby can absorb some of this overflow and stabilize conditions. This is Why It’s Advantageous to Surround a Water Square With Green Space.
Municipal Funding for Green Women and Minority-Owned Businesses
02/07/24
“How can municipalities fund green women and minority-owned businesses?”
Green women and minority-owned businesses are at the forefront of sustainability and adaptation. However, these organizations require funding to operate. Municipalities interested in supporting local green women and minority-owned businesses can fund them to help get them operational. This is how Municipal Funding for Green Women and Minority-Owned Businesses works.
Why Spatial Statistics Can Be Used to Analyze Systematic Poverty in Cities
01/29/24
“Why can spatial statistics be used to analyze systematic poverty in cities?”
Poverty in cities is often spatial and systematic. Whether it be due to physical segregation, lack of quick access to jobs, or exposure to environmental hazards, it’s baked into the urban fabric. Spatial statistics can be used to uncover secrets about this. This is Why Spatial Statistics Can Be Used to Analyze Systematic Poverty in Cities.
Why Green Park Space Around a River Can Act as a Natural Flood Barrier
01/22/24
“Why does green park space around a river act as a natural flood barrier?”
Green park spaces are wonderful spots to gather. There’s always something to do whether for children playing or a couple walking. But if we place this by a river, then the greenery will be able to absorb flood waters. This is Why Green Park Space Around a River Can Act as a Natural Flood Barrier. Landscape architects should look into how this can be applied into their own designs.
Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire
01/20/23
“Why can grey stormwater management practices backfire?”
Grey (technology-based) stormwater practices are the most common approach in the world. However, being too reliant on them can backfire. For example, levees can be breached and lead to rapid filling of nearby areas. Dykes can lead to more intense water flow further downstream. These are just some of the ways that show Why Technology-Based Stormwater Management Practices Can Backfire.
Blue Green Infrastructure
01/17/24
“How can we use environmental systems to work on flood mitigation?”
Stormwater management is usually accomplished by using grey infrastructure, or technological systems to channel water into places safer for humans. However, sometimes this can lead to more issues, such as water overflows when a levee is breached. But what if we were to use more nature-based solutions such as bioswales or green roofs to accomplish stormwater management? These interventions are categorized as Blue Green Infrastructure and represent a more calming way to approach flood controls.
How Water Squares are Designed
01/16/24
“How are water squares designed?”
Water squares are marvelous pieces of urbanism. Their dual-use purpose allows them to function as flood mitigation and public space. But how are they designed? Well, first a low-lying area is set up to act as a bed. During dry seasons this usually has recreational functions such as a swimming pool or a basketball court. This bed is surrounded by slanted walls that keep water in during heavy rain storms. Connected to these walls will be an inlet to a drainage system to clear the water when the time is ready. This is How Water Squares are Designed.
Image credit stormwater.wef.org
Why Developing Photography Skills Helps Make You a Better Urban Planner
01/15/24
“Why does developing better photography skills help make you a better urban planner?”
Visualization and site documentation skills are key to becoming a successful urban planner. So is being able to see cities in multiple ways and present your work to the public. Photography builds expertise in all of these avenues. This is Why Developing Photography Skills Helps Make You a Better Urban Planner.
Isaac's Science Blog 