Use of detention basin for flood mitigation and urban requalification

What is it about?

This paper presents a case study of a flood control project using a storm water detention pond, designed to allow multiple uses of urban space. The solution proposed considers the possibility of social urban space uses in flood control projects, revitalising degraded areas and giving them multiple functions. The case study is the city called Mesquita, in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

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Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash

Photo by Chris Gallagher on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The multiple uses of urban spaces is very important for the cities, especially in highly urbanized places. The possibility to control floods and provide a social space is the best configuration for the efficient utilization of the public areas. The concept of multifunctional landscapes allows the improvement of the quality of life besides the flood control, granting the social function of urban spaces. Therefore, the designed intervention presented in this paper looks for a solution that is able to provide flood control and the restoration of a degraded area, offering leisure opportunities to the local population. The case study, applied to a very problematic area in Brazil, with highly dense urbanization and recurrent flooding events, shows positive results in terms of stormwater management, reducing peak flows.

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