Stormwater management as civic art

New Urban News Article with images, 12/1/2006

How to handle rainwater in ways that accentuate placemaking

In times past, engineers often integrated elements of civic art, architecture, and history into a city’s parkways, bridges, and other public necessities. In doing so, they enhanced the character of the urban environment. Today, when engineering often deals with the environment, there is an opportunity once again to serve civic purposes — by handling rainwater well.

Water is fundamental to human existence. Rain, however, can be both a blessing and a curse — either too much or not enough of it can cause big problems. Consequently, management of rain and water has become an integral part of caring for the built environment. We could be handling rainwater much better — using it to enhance our towns and cities.

In antiquity, water management contributed to the making of civic space. The fountains of Rome, the step wells of India, the lavoirs (public wash houses) of France all had elements that established places in the urban landscape. Many examples of ancient water-engineering skill, such as the Romans’ aqueducts, still exist and are widely admired.