Delivering the final product - establishing vegetated water sensitive urban design systems

Abstract

This paper identifies the challenges associated with the construction and establishment of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) systems, and describes how these challenges have been overcome through the conceptualisation and application of a novel WSUD construction and establishment methodology. The methodology, developed in collaboration with civil and landscape contractors, involves three stages of establishment, namely, functional installation, sediment & erosion control, and operational establishment. The paper illustrates the application of the WSUD construction and establishment methodology to two of the most common elements in contemporary WSUD design, being bioretention systems and constructed wetlands.

Keywords:

• Water sensitive urban design
• stormwater
• bioretention
• wetland
• establishment
• development
• construction
• building
• landscape
• civil
• functional
• installation
• operational
• contractor

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S Leinster

Shaun Leinster is a Senior Environmental Engineer who has extensive expertise in the fields of urban stormwater management, water sensitive urban design, integrated water cycle management, stream hydrology and water resource management. He has particular expertise in the design of innovative water sensitive urban design elements and stormwater management systems through co-ordination of collaborative relationships with urban designers and landscape architects. His involvement in the delivery of WSUD systems across a range of scales has resulted in the development of novel construction and establishment techniques. These techniques continue to be refined and communicated to the industry to ensure WSUD systems can be successfully delivered.