Articles

How Innovative Mini Forests Bring Ecology to Urban Spaces

Learn about the unique approach to green infrastructure development through Mini Forests, also known as Miyawaki Forests, and the many social and ecological benefits they bring to urban areas.

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Winter 2023, International, Sylvia Toh et. al. Sylvia Toh, Conan Gan, Zac Toh Winter 2023, International, Sylvia Toh et. al. Sylvia Toh, Conan Gan, Zac Toh

Going Soilless and Low Maintenance in Singapore

This article explores the innovative use of soilless green roofs in urban development, focusing on Singapore's Bidadari Park Toilet Project by GWS Living Art. The GaiaMat™ system, incorporating soft weed vegetation, enhances biodiversity, reduces urban disturbances, and promotes sustainability in urban environments.

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Cooling Effects of a Modular Living Wall System in a Humid Subtropical Climate

This study repurposes automotive sheet metal into 300 modular living wall system (MLWS) planters, observing the cooling effects of 25 plant species on southeast-facing MLWS during summer. Results show Coreopsis lanceolata 'Sterntaler' achieving a 3.4 °C cooler ambient air temperature, highlighting MLWS's notable cooling effects in humid subtropical climates.

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From the Founder, Fall 2023, Steven Peck Steven Peck From the Founder, Fall 2023, Steven Peck Steven Peck

Why An Integrated Approach to Urban Water Management is Key to the Future of Our Cities

The article delves into the evolving challenges of urban water management amid climate change and urban development, advocating for an integrated approach that treats stormwater as a valuable resource, emphasizing adaptation and integrated and holistic approaches to managing urban water.

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Podcast, Fall 2023, Herbert Dreiseitl Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Podcast, Fall 2023, Herbert Dreiseitl Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Water Podcast

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with artist, designer, and thought leader Herbert Dreiseitl to discuss the critical role of water in natural ecosystems, and what lessons can be learned and applied to our urban environments. To cope with climate change, cities need to better use their natural infrastructure assets to manage and treat water before it becomes a problem to the community.

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Case Study, Fall 2023, Prasannamurti Desai Prasannamurti Desai Case Study, Fall 2023, Prasannamurti Desai Prasannamurti Desai

A Terminal In a Garden: Exploring Bangalore’s New Airport

The new international airport terminal in Bangaluru is an outstanding example of how to combine multiple biophilic elements on a massive scale to create an entirely new airport experience. It raises the bar on designing healthier, more biodiverse, culturally relevant and relaxing airports for weary travellers and nature.

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Plant Profile, Fall 2023, Bruce Dvorak Bruce Dvorak Plant Profile, Fall 2023, Bruce Dvorak Bruce Dvorak

Planting Green Roofs For Extreme Heat and Drought

Identifying plants that naturally adapt to heat and drought stress in any biogeographic region may be as simple as visiting a nature preserve. In this article learn how plants, native to glades, barrens and alvars may harbor a variety of species that thrive on green roofs with only marginal use of water. These “habitat templates” can inform which plants might survive extreme climate events (like El Ninos), even on green roofs.

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Water Management, Fall 2023, Lily Turner Lily Turner Water Management, Fall 2023, Lily Turner Lily Turner

Harvesting the Future: Stormwater-Powered Living Walls

In the world of sustainable architecture, stormwater driven living walls are a revolutionary green building practice. Discover Enni Headquarters in Moers, Germany, with its remarkable 650 sqm living wall, ingeniously irrigated by harvested stormwater. Learn about the smart systems, underground reservoirs, and interdisciplinary collaborations making this green oasis a symbol of urban sustainability.

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International, Fall 2023, Leila Tolderlund Leila Tolderlund International, Fall 2023, Leila Tolderlund Leila Tolderlund

Østerbro Klimakvarter – The First Climate Adaptation Neighborhood in Denmark  

A decade ago, the City of Copenhagen began redesigning neighborhoods, transforming them into climate adaptation projects, using community lead, integrated stormwater management approaches to cool cities, reduce flooding and provide amenity spaces. Learn about the design and performance of one of the first climate adapted neighborhoods in Copenhagen.

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Case Study, Fall 2023, Richard Hayden Richard Hayden Case Study, Fall 2023, Richard Hayden Richard Hayden

Unlocking Stormwater Solutions: Case Study on Chicago Blue-Green Roofs

Discover how this Blue-Green Roof project combines detention and retention for superior results. Explore a real-world case study at Northwestern University, showcasing innovative solutions for water challenges while ensuring sustainability and building integrity. A must-read for urban planning enthusiasts and environmental advocates.

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Water Management, Fall 2023, Karen Liu Dr. Karen Liu Water Management, Fall 2023, Karen Liu Dr. Karen Liu

Engineering Green Roofs to Manage Stormwater and Save Money: A Case Study

Learn about the green roofs in Toronto that manage stormwater and achieve multiple sustainability goals. By upgrading to biodiverse green roofs, the design team exceeded water balance targets, reducing storage needs and earning financial incentives, showcasing how green roofs can benefit both the environment and finances in urban development.

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