Course overview
This course aims to provide a practical introduction to the application of green infrastructure and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in the built environment. The course will build on principles of hydrology and hydraulics to cover aspects of green infrastructure and WSUD, with an emphasis on water harvesting and vegetation. Students will learn about the function of green infrastructure and WSUD in (a) improving the sustainability of the urban water cycle and (b) reducing ‘urban heat islands’ and will engage in water-sensitive design practices covering simple, small-scale approaches at residential sites to more complex systems operated at municipal scales.
Course learning outcomes
- Define problems within conventional urban environments that cause urban heat islands and excess runoff, and articulate how well-designed green infrastructure addresses these problems
- Apply the 'source control' concept to the quantity, quality and harvesting aspects of water-sensitive urban design
- Design and optimise flood management and rainwater/stormwater harvesting systems at different scales, from individual residential sites to municipal schemes
- Use appropriate calculations to determine vegetation water demands, design selected green infrastructure installations, and estimate the impact on water harvesting efficiency and urban cooling potential from transpiration
- Develop knowledge and skills in the application of water-sensitive principles to identify opportunities for inserting green infrastructure into the urban landscape
Degree list
The following degrees include this course