How do you design with green infrastructure?

1 Assess the site

Before you start designing with green infrastructure, you need to understand the existing conditions and constraints of your site. This includes the soil, water, climate, topography, vegetation, wildlife, and human activities. You also need to identify the goals and objectives of your project, such as reducing flooding, enhancing aesthetics, or creating habitat. By conducting a thorough site assessment, you can determine the best types and locations of green infrastructure for your site.

2 Choose the right elements

Green infrastructure is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different elements have different functions, benefits, and costs. You need to choose the ones that suit your site and your project. For example, if you want to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality, you might consider using rain gardens, bioswales, or permeable pavements. If you want to cool down the urban environment and provide shade and comfort, you might opt for green roofs, urban forests, or wetlands. You also need to consider the maintenance, durability, and performance of each element.

3 Integrate with the design

Green infrastructure should not be an afterthought or an add-on. It should be an integral part of your design, complementing and enhancing the other aspects of your project. You need to think about how green infrastructure can fit with the site layout, the architecture, the circulation, the utilities, and the aesthetics. You also need to think about how green infrastructure can create multifunctional and adaptable spaces that serve different users and purposes. For example, a green roof can also be a recreational area, a bioswale can also be a landscape feature, or a wetland can also be a educational resource.

4 Engage with the stakeholders

Designing with green infrastructure is not only a technical process, but also a social one. You need to involve and communicate with the stakeholders who will be affected by or interested in your project. This includes the clients, the users, the neighbors, the regulators, the contractors, and the maintenance staff. You need to understand their needs, preferences, expectations, and concerns. You also need to educate them about the benefits and challenges of green infrastructure, and solicit their feedback and input. By engaging with the stakeholders, you can create more successful and sustainable projects.

5 Evaluate the outcomes

Designing with green infrastructure is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of your project, both during and after the construction. You need to measure and document the performance and impacts of green infrastructure, such as the amount of stormwater captured, the temperature reduction, or the wildlife diversity. You also need to identify and address any problems or issues that might arise, such as erosion, clogging, or vandalism. By evaluating the outcomes, you can learn from your experience and improve your future projects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?