UrbanBEATS: A strategic planning tool for exploring water sensitive futures

Abstract

Computational models have the potential to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and participatory planning of future urban water infrastructure. However, we currently lack suitable tools to explore and assess adaptation measures of our water infrastructure to cope with future challenges of climate change, population and urban growth. A tool was developed which, simulates interactions between urban planning, water management and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): The Urban Biophysical Environments and Technologies Simulator (UrbanBEATS) - a spatial model for testing scenarios of planning, design and placement of WSUD in urban catchments under regulatory/policy constraints. The model reconstructs urban form with planning rules and assesses many possible WSUD interventions to meet various targets (e.g. pollution, recycling). It provides recommended locations for suitable WSUD and a possible 'blueprint' on how to implement suitable strategies over time. Such a tool has the potential to bring stakeholders together to engage in effective participatory planning.

Citation

Republished in part with permission from  Bach, P. M., McCarthy, D. T. and Deletic, A. (2013). UrbanBEATS: A strategic planning tool for exploring water sensitive futures. In: Water Sensitive Urban Design 2013: WSUD 2013. Barton, ACT: Engineers Australia, pp. 168-175.

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