Tactic

Design for the capacity to absorb and recover

Options

  • ...with low-drag site elements that catch less debris when inundated or when draining (like sloped walk surfaces, sloped walls, rounded corners, curved railings, etc.).
  • ...with material selection—those that bend but don’t break with wind, wave, or water flow pressure.
  • ...with a moderately easy entry for water to the site so there will be less damage to site elements.
  • ...with constructed arroyos that can absorb runoff in arid or semi-arid precipitation regimes.

Case Study

As part of Kokkedal Klimatilpasning, a multi-phase flood adaptation plan for a flood-prone town, Schønherr designed a recreation facility and children’s play area known as Bølgepladsen (wave square) as a series of sloped and rounded surfaces. These forms allow water to move in and off the site with limited drag, or resistance as a safeguard against heavy wear and tear.

Case Study for 4.1.4

Explore more tactics and resources in the Design for Floodability strategy.