Stormwater: Designing for Flood Management in Public Open Spaces

All cities increasingly have to deal with stormwater, i.e., rainwater that cannot be absorbed into the ground and instead runs off surfaces like streets or roofs - sometimes with disastrous consequences.

This book analyzes recently designed open spaces and their treatment of water - not so much as an enemy but as an aesthetic element. They are conceived as amphibious landscapes that dynamically adjust to both dry and wet conditions and embrace dramatic variations: a sudden abundant presence of water perhaps followed by its prolonged absence in a drought.

Organized in the four categories urban parks, neighborhood parks, squares and streets, the book thoroughly investigates 26 European case studies. It demonstrates that stormwater must not be seen as a menace but as an invigorating part of urban life.

• Examples by renowned landscape designers such as Agence Ter, Bureau Bas Smets, Michel Desvigne Paysagiste or Henning Larsen
• Systematic presentation of design strategies and comparative analysis of stormwater-embracing designs
• All case studies are presented with photos, project description and drawings specifically prepared for this publication

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Birkhauser
Published: 08/12/2026
ISBN: 9783035628999
Pages: 224