Blue–green social place-making: Infrastructures for sustainable cities

Abstract

The research of natural river systems reveals constant transformation, and a permanent tendency for change, which in itself brings resilience and beauty. But in our cities today urban waterways and associated green spaces are often inflexibly planned, unattractive and poorly treated. Without the proper management of water systems and green structures there is no basis for long term sustainability. Traditional engineering fails most frequently in cities in arid regions that have the highest risks, yet most successful modern cities have, through an integrated approach, managed to keep and develop their blue–green infrastructures to their benefit. A new language and awareness regarding blue–green issues needs to be developed with holistic and integrated approaches to all planning processes and urban developments. Through a range of global case studies, Herbert Dreiseitl explores the need to develop blue–green understanding and expertise, to engage urban landscape professionals from the earliest stages of planning, and to adopt strategic policy-making tools and good governance structures including public engagement and societal development.