Aim
- Characterise the implementation site, identifying potential and opportunities for the development of green infrastructure prototypes.
- Develop a portfolio of potential green infrastructure for an implementation area.
Description
The aim is to develop experimental green infrastructure in order to generate technical and social knowledge about the implementation of the infrastructures to be promoted. To do this, the experimental area is analysed to identify opportunities, weaknesses, challenges, limitations or barriers to implementing green infrastructure. Based on the knowledge of the site, the perspectives of residents and local experts in identifying and solving problems, a portfolio of potential green infrastructure proposals is elaborated, justifying their functionality and location.
Steps
1. Site selection for the implementation of green infrastructure prototypes
This is considered a preliminary step and is described in the (See Guidance: Experimental selection for the implementation and promotion of green infrastructure).
2. Mapping local problems
A mapping of local problems that are considered relevant and a priority for local residents as well as for experts or professionals is required. The aim is to collect evidence using tools such as critical observations, surveys or interviews, measurements and interdisciplinary analysis(see Process Guidelines: Area Analysis and Data Collection)
3. Conduct a detailed analysis of stakeholders and/or affected actors
3.1 Map the constellation of actors involved/affected by the problems, their interaction with each other, their priorities and interests. (See Guidance: Mapping relevant actors)
3.2 Identify potential collaborators or stakeholders involved in the design and development of green infrastructure prototypes.
SEE-URBAN-WATER approached neighbourhood activists, social organisations at neighbourhood and/or district level; religious groups, youth groups, and authorities present (mayor’s office, police, schools and hospitals). Tip: to learn about the problems at the site and the perception of the different actors regarding the problems, causes and potential solutions.
4. To know the state of the property in the selected area of intervention
Document the cadastral base to identify private areas, vacant lots, riverbanks, parks or gardens, i.e. potential sites for implementing examples of green infrastructure.
5. Define the functionalities of the infrastructures to be promoted or implemented
Based on the problems identified in the area resulting from step 2 and 3
SEE-URBAN-WATER focuses on the problem of urban water management.
6. Identify the types of Green Infrastructure that are most feasible or viable
Green Infrastructure encompasses a variety of structures, this step seeks to delineate the types of GI that have the greatest potential to be adapted, accepted, implemented and replicated, both in the experimental area as well as in other similar locations where Green Infrastructure is to be promoted.
To achieve this delimitation, the involvement of local stakeholders is sought in order to know their perspective on potential infrastructures (See Guide: Involving local stakeholders through workshops) (See Guide: Gathering information through qualitative interviews with citizens or experts)
SEE-URBAN-WATER held a transdisciplinary workshop in Darmstadt to engage local experts and get technical perspectives from these experts on potential solutions to the problems, which are more adapted to the local context (see Summary of the co-design workshop in Darmstadt 2019). An example outcome of the workshop was: In the SUW experimental area, green roofs are excluded due to structural and ownership difficulties, and preference is given to water management systems that do not maintain surface water due to the social perception of odour generation and mosquito breeding.
7. Establishing design principles
In order to propose green infrastructure prototypes particular to an intervention site, it is recommended to establish design principles that allow the GI to be best adapted to the particular site. Outcome of steps 4 and 5.
SEE-URBAN-WATER in our case the design principles were:
- use only public areas,
- not to affect the current use of the public area,
- add a new function to that space, in our case grey water treatment and rainwater retention.
8. To integrate the different types of knowledge
Through the above steps, knowledge is generated which we categorise as:
- site knowledge
- the perspective of local residents and experts in identifying and solving problems.
We seek to integrate these two types of knowledge by drawing up a list of potential green infrastructure proposals, justifying their functionality and location.
SEE-URBAN-WATER integrated the two types of knowledge collected into a list of experimental prototypes that were proposed to the Municipality. (See the SUW Green Infrastructure Pilot Prototypes Proposal)
Results
Portfolio of prototypes that could be built in the experimental area, describing their location and functionality.
Scopes and challenges
- Lack of awareness of the concept of green infrastructure among different stakeholders at all levels.
- The problems considered/prioritised by the project are not perceived by all stakeholders with the same priority and concern on site. For example, neighbours are used to their environment, grey water in the street is not perceived among neighbours with the same level of priority and/or concern.
- Weaknesses in encouraging and ensuring a constant closeness with residents throughout the project, this is necessary to avoid problems, rumours and raising negative perceptions.