Search Results (65)

Waterfront built environments are increasingly exposed to hydrological variability and climate-related pressures that challenge conventional land-based building typologies. This systematic review examines permanently buoyant floating systems and flood-responsive amphibious systems as water-adaptive approaches to climate adaptation and regenerative waterfront development. Peer-reviewed studies indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were reviewed for January 2015–August 2025, with searches last updated on 15 August 2025. The review combines PRISMA-guided selection, bibliometric mapping of the screened publication landscape (N = 1410), and qualitative synthesis of the core evidence base (N = 63). Regenerative potential is operationalised as credible only where supported by explicit ecological, socio-spatial, governance-related, or performance-oriented evidence, including life-cycle assessment, post-occupancy evidence, ecological monitoring, habitat enhancement, blue-green infrastructure integration, or documented implementation mechanisms. The findings show that floating typologies dominate the evidence base, whereas amphibious approaches are less frequent but more directly associated with in-place flood adaptation. Persistent gaps concern regulatory frameworks, infrastructure interfaces, life-cycle assessment, ecological validation, and long-term post-occupancy monitoring. The review concludes that scalability depends on context-specific siting, institutional permission, regulatory approval, and verifiable environmental performance. Full article

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly promoted in environmental management to address water, climate, biodiversity, and pollution challenges while delivering social and economic co-benefits. Yet decision-makers still face uncertainty about what works where, for whom, and how reliably over time. This narrative review synthesizes cross-cutting, peer-reviewed evidence on three decision-critical domains: NBS effectiveness for key environmental management objectives; co-benefits, trade-offs, and equity (including distributional risks across groups and places); and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). This review is not a systematic review, not a semi-systematic review with a fixed, protocol-driven study inventory, and not a meta-analysis; “comprehensiveness” refers to breadth of themes and management objectives addressed, not to exhaustive capture of all published sources. A distinguishing contribution is an intervention–pathway–endpoint typology oriented to measurement and M&E: it links broad NBS categories to dominant biophysical mechanisms and to concrete indicator families. Unlike criteria-first verification frameworks, this typology is organized around measurement logic (what to monitor, and how endpoints chain from processes to management decisions). It complements criteria- and process-oriented NbS quality frameworks (e.g., the IUCN Global Standard’s criteria and indicators for verification, design, and scaling) by foregrounding an explicit indicator logic chain for appraisal, monitoring, and cross-project comparability. The review assesses effectiveness for water quality, flood and flow regulation, heat mitigation, biodiversity, and carbon/climate mitigation; consolidates social, economic, and ecological co-benefits; reviews recurring M&E weaknesses; proposes a pragmatic minimum indicator set and feasible evaluation designs; and outlines an implementation-oriented NBS environmental management cycle. The aim is to strengthen transparent, climate-aware, evidence-based, and equity-aware environmental management. Full article

Climate-driven intensification of pluvial and fluvial flooding increasingly challenges lowland cities in Central Europe, while conventional protection and land-use controls offer limited flexibility under growing hydrological variability. A planning-oriented framework is developed and tested to integrate hydro-adaptive housing into climate-resilient urban development using three typologies: elevated foundations, amphibious dwellings and modular floating platforms. The framework links hazard profiles and site-enabling conditions to typology selection and considers supporting blue–green measures within the broader adaptation context. It is applied to three flood-prone settings in northern Poland representing a coastal delta, a river confluence and a lower-river terrace. The methodology combines GIS-based hazard mapping; one-dimensional unsteady-flow HEC-RAS simulations for 50-, 100- and 500-year design events; and parametric structural modelling in Rhino–Grasshopper. Performance is assessed using maximum inundation depth, surface-water retention time, and a probabilistic building damage index. Amphibious dwellings reduce modelled 100-year flood damage by 62% relative to slab-on-grade construction, while modular floating platforms maintain habitability under water-level rises exceeding 5.0 m. In addition, bioretention and blue–green corridors reduce retention time by 18–31%. The results provide a planning-oriented decision logic for expanding adaptive housing options in flood-prone lowland settings under increasing hydrological variability. Full article

Flood-prone riverfront zones face increasing challenges due to climate change, urbanisation, and legacy industrial development. Riverfront regeneration presents a unique opportunity not only to restore ecological function and public amenity but also to integrate adaptive architectural strategies that enhance flood resilience. This study aims to investigate the interplay between riverfront regeneration and adaptive architectural planning in flood-prone areas. This study provides a framework for understanding how built form, landscape infrastructure, and socio-spatial systems were developed to mitigate flood risk while reactivating riverfronts. Through a literature review and a methodology that integrates comparative case study analysis with generative scenario modelling, key design typologies were identified, including amphibious buildings, multifunctional embankments, and dynamic land-use zoning, and their performance was evaluated in terms of flood risk reduction, amenity provision, and community resilience. Based on the results, recommendations are proposed for practitioners and policymakers on advancing integrated riverfront regeneration in flood-prone regions, emphasising the necessity of multi-stakeholder governance, adaptable architectural strategies, and nature-based infrastructure. Full article

Low-lying and riverine areas of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia are increasingly exposed to compound flood hazards driven by intensified monsoon rainfall, sea-level rise, and land-use change. Recent projections indicate stronger extreme rainfall, fewer dry days, but more high-intensity events, and significant increases in annual rainfall and sea level, all of which elevate fluvial, pluvial, and coastal flood risk. In this study, climate-responsive vernacular architecture is investigated as a passive, low-carbon strategy for enhancing residential flood resilience in East Malaysia. Traditional stilted Malay kampung houses, Bornean longhouses, and coastal stilt settlements were explored since they have historically evolved to cope with seasonal inundation, high humidity, and tropical thermal loads. In this study, the following was conducted: (1) historical flood and climate analysis for key basins (Rajang, Sarawak, Kinabatangan); (2) morphological and typological analysis of vernacular dwellings; (3) parametric physical and hydrodynamic simulation of elevated and amphibious configurations; and (4) multi-criteria performance assessment based on structural robustness, flood safety, thermal comfort, cultural acceptability, and embodied carbon. Results from scenario-based simulations show that well-configured stilted typologies, with optimized floor elevation, breakaway panels, and porous undercroft zones, can reduce flood damage depth by 60–80% and expected annual loss by 30–55%. By translating these findings into a design guideline and decision matrix for climate-responsive housing in East Malaysia, contemporary reinterpretations of vernacular strategies were embedded into Malaysian building codes, state-level planning policies, and community-led upgrading programmes. Full article

Urban areas are increasingly exposed to water-related challenges, including flood risk and water scarcity, amplified by climate change, population growth, and extensive soil sealing. Addressing these pressures requires integrated stormwater management (SWM) strategies that balance hydraulic, environmental, and social objectives. This study introduces a novel, replicable Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based assessment framework for 36 green–blue and grey sustainable stormwater management systems (SWMSs), designed to enable cross-typology, multiscale comparison. Six KPIs, encompassing flood regulation, water consumption, water quality, air quality, environmental amenity, and biodiversity potential, are derived through a critical synthesis and harmonisation of the literature and complemented with new parameters and sub-parameters to address existing methodological gaps. The framework structures evaluations into six analytical tables and one summary table, ensuring transparent, systematic, and comparative assessment of heterogeneous solutions. Application to a pilot project in Rome demonstrates how integrating KPI evaluation with parametric hydraulic modelling provides actionable insights for solution selection. It also facilitates identification of potential synergies between performance dimensions, enhancing its value as a decision-support tool in preliminary design. Overall, the study demonstrates the research value of multi-scalar, performance-based approaches for urban water planning, highlights the transferability of resilient stormwater strategies in climate-sensitive contexts, and identifies promising avenues for future research, including multi-sectoral integration, trade-off analysis, and cross-platform application. Full article

Coastal areas are strategically significant from an ecological, anthropic, and economic point of view, but they are also susceptible to forces causing inundations. Multiple forcings occurring in close succession in space and time amplify the effects of a single force and form a compound event. An example is an atmospheric disturbance that extends from the sea to the mainland, causing a sea storm and a river flood due to heavy rainfall. This condition can occur in geomorphological contexts where the sea and mountains are close to each other, and the river basins are small. Most research on compound events focuses on extreme events; detailed studies of compound events not associated with extreme events and generated by non-exceptional atmospheric disturbances are scarce. Furthermore, there are very few detailed studies focusing solely on compound river floods and sea storms. Consequently, this paper is focused on compound river floods and sea storms generated by atmospheric disturbances regardless of their exceptional or non-typical typology. This analysis includes their forcings, correlation, and effects and is carried out in Calabria, a region of Southern Italy that represents an interesting case study due to its geomorphological, climatic, and hydrological peculiarities, which favor the formation of compound events, and, due to the considerable anthropization of its coastal territories, increases their risk. The main findings concern confirming that the existence of this compound event between river floods and sea storms is generated by the same atmospheric disturbance, the geomorphological conditions under which it occurs, and the main driving forces behind it. Therefore, this study is only the first step in a more in-depth analysis that will also examine the quantitative aspects of these phenomena. This analysis is essential for the planning and management of coastal areas subject to compound events and for ensuring effective mitigation measures. Full article

Cities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to rapid urbanization and climate change, especially in Mediterranean climates. Although hydroinformatics, numerical modeling, and artificial intelligence can simulate and predict floods with high accuracy, critical gaps persist in assessing flood vulnerability, particularly in data-scarce environments. We present the Virtual City Simulator, a decision-making support platform that evaluates long-term multi-dimension vulnerability to flooding. It combines a synthetic Mediterranean urban model with a composite vulnerability to flooding of index based on four dimensions (social, economic, environmental, physical) and three components (exposure, susceptibility and resilience). We have developed the following: (i) a representative virtual Mediterranean city (500,000 inhabitants, 100 km²; eight neighborhood typologies), (ii) a database with default values of 36 indicators for the eight typical neighborhoods, and (iii) a user-friendly RStudio/Shiny tool that integrates the virtual city and the database, with editable values for indicators and weights, that calculates the multidimensional vulnerability index to floods, and maps the results by dimension and in an integrated way, allowing comparability among scenarios. To illustrate the potential of the tool, the paper includes three case studies: (i) the business-as-usual scenario, using the default values of the indicators and weights of the database, where the most vulnerable neighborhood and dimensions of the virtual city are identified, (ii) the impact of implementing resilience measures in the previously identified vulnerable neighborhood, and (iii) the application of the tool to a neighborhood in a Mediterranean city (Ruzafa-Valencia), combining the available real data with the virtual city database. Full article

The increase in extreme weather underscores the critical need for combining innovative architecture, urban, and landscape design to render our cities more resilient. Conventional approaches, heavily relying on energy consuming and dioxide producing technology, often falter during extreme events, worsening climate challenges. A project in Melbourne exemplifies a shift towards nature-inspired, distributed designs implementing passive strategies of shading, ventilation, water capture, and evaporative cooling. It transformed underused urban spaces into “climate oases” connected through walkable ecological corridors to mitigate urban heat and flooding while providing social and recreational benefits. Its design combined architectural, urban, and ecological strategies in interconnected city ecologies involving buildings, landscapes, and human activities. Local climate adaptation could similarly inform architectural and urban strategies in other locations across the globe. They could similarly draw on the needs of each climate: tropical cities would benefit from embracing cross-ventilation and shade, arid regions from integrating cooling gardens and introverted dense layouts, temperate climates from seasonal strategies alternating rain and sun protection, while cold areas could optimize sun exposure and wind protection. A study of climate design principles across architecture, urban, and landscape sections demonstrate tailored approaches for specific climates over one-size-fits-all models. They combine strategies to drive innovative urban ecologies that prioritize human and environmental well-being. While the Melbourne Cool Lines initiative exemplifies the integration of climate sensitive urban and ecological approaches within existing urban areas, the typological study ignites discussions on how to take these ideas into different contexts, transforming cities into resilient ecosystems that could better respond to changing climates. Full article

The supply–demand relationship of flood regulation services (FRS) plays a vital role in mitigating urban flooding. Yet, existing studies still fall short in the comprehensiveness of FRS indicators, the accuracy of assessment scope, and the fine-scale analysis needed to delineate spatial supply–demand features and precisely identify critical areas. Using Xiamen Island as a case study, we first quantify ecosystem-based FRS supply with the InVEST model and assess socioeconomic FRS demand under the H-E-V framework; second, we perform parcel-level supply–demand matching to identify spatial patterns and typologies; then, we diagnose FRS status via the coupling–coordination degree model (CCDM); and finally, we delineate flood-risk hotspots through priority-intervention grading. The results indicate that (1) higher FRS supply clusters in the south, southwest, and northeast, whereas demand is markedly higher in the central–northern sector, yielding an overall pattern of “pronounced mismatch in the central and north, with relatively sufficient supply along the periphery.” (2) Low supply–high demand zones exhibit the highest flood risk and contain higher proportions of industrial, transportation, and residential land. (3) These low supply–high demand zones are further subdivided into five priority-intervention levels, for which we propose tiered, differentiated risk-management strategies. Collectively, the findings clarify supply–demand mechanisms and mismatch characteristics, providing decision support for urban flood safety and sustainable development. Full article

Climate change arguably constitutes the most significant environmental challenge of our time, making the enhancement of urban resilience a global priority. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as effective instruments to mitigate some of its impacts, particularly by reducing flood risk and moderating urban temperatures. However, their implementation is often reactive, focusing on existing problems rather than anticipating future ones. This underscores the need for robust methodological frameworks that enable the proactive integration of NbS within urban planning processes. This study proposes a spatial planning methodology supported by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which, through the application of opportunity, priority, and feasibility criteria, identifies optimal areas for NbS integration, determines appropriate typologies, and establishes levels of intervention urgency. Although the methodology has been developed for the city of Granada, its structure allows for replication in other urban contexts. The findings reveal that one-third of Granada’s urban area is suitable for NbS implementation, with approximately 7% exhibiting a high or very high risk of surface runoff accumulation. The proposed tool has the potential to strengthen urban resilience and enhance citizens’ quality of life. Full article

To mitigate the impacts of urbanisation and the attendant surface sealing, appropriate measures are required when adapting urban spaces and drainage infrastructure. In this context, the deployment of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDSs) has emerged as a viable alternative, delivering highly positive outcomes by enhancing hydrological, hydraulic and landscape performance while restoring ecosystem services to the community. This study evaluates the relative performance of five SuDS typologies, green roofs, bioretention cells, infiltration trenches, permeable pavements, and rain barrels, implemented in a 64 ha subbasin of the metropolitan area of Barcelona, Spain. Using Giswater integrated with the SWMM, the stormwater drainage network was modelled under multiple rainfall scenarios. Performance was assessed using two qualitative indicators, the junction index (I_j) and the conduit index (I_c), which measure surcharge levels in manholes and pipes, respectively. The results show that SuDS implementation affecting 42.8% of the drained area can enhance network performance by 35.6% and reduce flooded junctions by 67%. Among the typologies, rain barrels and bioretention cells were the most effective. The study concludes that SuDS construction, supported by open-source tools and performance-based indicators, constitutes a replicable and technically robust strategy for mitigating the effects of surface sealing and increasing urban resilience. Full article

Floods are among the most frequent and damaging natural hazards in the Mekong River Basin, where the interplay of monsoon-driven climate variability, complex topography, and rapid socio-economic change creates high exposure and vulnerability. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of flood disaster patterns, loss distribution, and regional disparities across five countries in the Lower Mekong Basin—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Using multivariate spatiotemporal analysis based on EM-DAT, MRC, and national government datasets, the study quantifies flood frequency, casualties, and affected population to reveal cross-country differences in disaster impact and timing. Results show that while Vietnam and Thailand experience high flood frequency and storm-induced events, Laos and Cambodia face riverine flooding under constrained economic and infrastructural conditions. The findings highlight a basin-wide increase in flood frequency over recent decades, driven by climate change, land use transitions, and uneven development. The analysis identifies critical gaps in adaptive governance, particularly the need for dynamic policy frameworks that can adjust to spatial disparities in flood typologies (e.g., Vietnam’s storm floods vs. Cambodia’s riverine floods) and improve transboundary coordination of reservoir operations. Despite the region’s extensive reservoir capacity, most infrastructure prioritizes hydropower over flood mitigation. The study evaluates the role of regional cooperation frameworks such as the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC), demonstrating how strengthened institutional flexibility and knowledge-sharing mechanisms could enhance progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water governance (SDG 6), resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), and disaster risk reduction (SDG 11). By constructing the first integrated national-level flood disaster database for the basin and conducting comparative analysis across countries, this research provides empirical evidence to support differentiated yet coordinated flood risk governance strategies at both national and transboundary levels. Full article

River ice is a common feature in most Canadian rivers and streams during the cold season. River channel hydraulics under ice conditions may cause higher water levels at a relatively lower discharge compared to the open-water flood events. Elevated water levels resulting from river ice processes throughout fall freeze-over, mid-winter, and spring break-up are important hydrologic events with diverse morphological, ecological, and socio-economic impacts. This study analyzes the timing of maximum water levels (occurring during freeze-over, spring break-up, and open-water periods) and the typology of maximum ice-related events (at freeze-over, mid-winter, and spring break-up) using data from the Canadian River Ice Database. The study also compares annual maximum water levels during the river ice and open-water periods at selected hydrometric stations from 1966 to 2015, divided into two 25-year windows: 1966–1990 and 1991–2015. A return period classification method was applied to define ice-influenced, open-water, and mixed-regime conditions. The results indicate that the majority of ice-influenced maximum water levels occurred during spring break-up (~79% in 1966–1990 and ~69% in 1991–2015), followed by fall freeze-up (~13% and ~23%) and mid-winter break-up (~8% and ~7%) for the two periods, respectively. Among 15 stations analyzed for 1966–1990 and 42 stations for 1991–2015, the proportion of annual maximum water levels dominated by open-water conditions increased from 47% to 55%, while ice-dominated events decreased from 13% to 12%, and mixed-regime events dropped from 40% to 33%. However, a focused comparison of eight common stations revealed minimal change in the distribution of water level-generating events between the two periods. The findings offer valuable insights into the spatial distribution of maximum water level-generating mechanisms across Canada. Full article

In the context of increasing climate variability and flood risk, this study explores how long-standing agricultural practices in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia, have fostered flood resilience through the integration of local agro-environmental knowledge and geomorphologic conditions. Employing a morpho-typological framework, the research identifies three flood adaptation landscape types (FALTs)—rolling hills, foot slopes, and flood plains—each reflecting distinct interactions between landform, soil, biodiversity, hydrology, and viticultural management. Through geospatial analysis, field surveys, and interviews with local farmers, the study reveals how adaptive strategies—ranging from flood avoidance to attenuation and acceptance—have evolved in response to site-specific hydrological and ecologic dynamics. These strategies demonstrate a form of ‘sponge landscape’ design, where agricultural systems are co-shaped with natural processes to enhance systemic resilience and long-term productivity. The findings underscore the value of preserving biocultural legacies and suggest that spatially explicit, context-based approaches to flood adaptation can inform sustainable landscape planning and climate resilience strategies in other rural regions. The FALT framework offers a replicable methodology for identifying flood adaptation patterns across diverse agricultural systems in Australia, supporting proactive land use planning and nature-based solutions. This research contributes to the discourse on climate adaptation by bridging traditional environmental knowledge with contemporary planning frameworks, offering practical insights for policy, landscape management, and rural development. Full article