Development of an Integrated Design Strategy for Blue-Green Architecture

Abstract

Blue-green architecture entails buildings that contribute to improving the urban climate through the synergetic combination of water management and vegetation. They are part of an urban blue-green infrastructure network that combines ecosystem services in a multifunctional way. Projects implemented in an interdisciplinary manner create synergies with regard to the combination of water-related and vegetation-related objectives. However, applicable design strategies for this approach are currently lacking in practice. This paper investigates the approach of a blue-green architectural project in Stuttgart (the so called “Impulse Project”) and derives insights for an integrated design strategy. The analysis and transfer of the research is carried out by using the research by design methodology. For this purpose, the interdisciplinary design process is divided into three phases (pre-design, design, post-design) and described in detail. Reflection on the documented design reveals the knowledge gained and enables the transfer of the findings to future projects by means of the integrated design strategy for blue-green architecture.

Studying the Effect of Blue-Green Infrastructure on Microclimate and Human Thermal Comfort in Melbourne’s Central Business District

“…A study by Broadbent [44] found that increasing irrigation on a grassland area in Lake Mason in Adelaide has a cooling effect of up to 1.75 • C at 13:00 and a small warming effect at night (<0.75 • C). The planning process in BGI projects require interdisciplinary cooperation, as it combines both greening and water aspects [45].…”

Designing Transformation: Negotiating Solar and Green Strategies for the Sustainable Densification of Urban Neighbourhoods

“…A wicked problem does not feature a comprehensive problem formulation and cannot be solved with one ultimate solution. Thus, wicked problems cannot be tackled by regular thinking and conventional scientific research approaches, but rather require counterintuitive thinking [23][24][25]. Therefore, the research questions are addressed through a research by design approach.…”

A Survey of Trends and Developments in Green Infrastructure Research

“…It is clear, however, that the phrase "blue-green infrastructure" is used in an urban environment, with a focus on stormwater control as a key component in developing a sustainable, multifunctional city [9]. Blue-green architecture [10] refers to a smaller scale use of these elements in building design. Greening buildings via the use of recycled water and other non-potable sources of water are the topic at hand.…”