Short answer

Adopt a holistic characterization approach for nature-based solutions, considering policy, community, benefits, topology, and design options, to effectively integrate them into urban retrofitting projects.

Field: Sustainability
Source: Sustainability (2017)
Method: Literature Review and Framework Development
Evidence: Moderate effect

Characterizing nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban retrofitting allows for systematic integration, maximizing their multi-faceted benefits within the built environment. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Sustainability. Using Literature review and framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a holistic characterization approach for nature-based solutions, considering policy, community, benefits, topology, and design options, to effectively integrate them into urban retrofitting projects.

Study

SustainabilityHigh ImpactModerate effect

Nature-Based Solutions Enhance Urban Retrofitting with Measurable Benefits

Characterizing nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban retrofitting allows for systematic integration, maximizing their multi-faceted benefits within the built environment.

Sustainability · 2017

Key Findings

01Nature-based solutions (NBS) can be effectively characterized by four key groups: policy and community initiatives, multiple benefits assessment, topology, and design options.
02A structured characterization framework is crucial for improving the adoption and effectiveness of NBS in urban environments.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or retrofitting urban spaces, use the four identified categories (policy/community, benefits, topology, design options) to systematically evaluate and select appropriate nature-based solutions.

Project actions

01When researching nature-based solutions for your design project, consider categorizing them using the four groups mentioned: policy/community, benefits, topology, and design options.
02Think about how different stakeholders (community, government) might influence the success of your chosen nature-based solution.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop a characterization method for nature-based solutions to aid in the design and retrofitting of the built environment, facilitating interdisciplinary knowledge transfer and design optimization.

MethodLiterature Review and Framework Development

ProcedureThe study involved a comprehensive review of existing literature across various disciplines to identify key characteristics of nature-based solutions. These characteristics were then organized into a framework to facilitate their application in urban design and retrofitting.

ContextUrban planning and retrofitting of the built environment

Variables

IVNature-based solution characteristics (policy/community, benefits, topology, design options)

DVEffectiveness and integration of NBS in urban retrofitting

CVUrban context (e.g., climate, existing infrastructure, population density)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a novel characterization framework for NBS.
+Integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines.

Limitations

The practical application of this characterization might be limited by the availability of specific data for each characteristic in a given urban context.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the characterization framework depends on the consistency of literature interpretation and the clarity of the defined categories. Validity is supported by its grounding in a broad literature review across relevant disciplines.

Think critically

How might the 'topology' characteristic of nature-based solutions be influenced by existing urban infrastructure and density?

Design Principles

"Holistic characterization of nature-based solutions is essential for successful integration into the built environment."

Designers and engineers can leverage a structured approach to NBS to create more resilient and sustainable urban spaces. This involves understanding the policy, community, environmental, and design aspects to optimize their implementation and impact.

What This Means for Your Design

To make cities greener and more sustainable when updating existing buildings or areas, we need a way to describe and choose the best nature-based solutions, like green roofs or rain gardens, by looking at things like local rules, community involvement, what good things they do, and how they fit into the space.

How to use in your project

1.Reference the characterization framework to justify the selection and integration of nature-based solutions in your design project, demonstrating a systematic approach.
2.Use the identified categories to analyze the potential benefits and challenges of your chosen nature-based solution.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research provides a valuable framework for characterizing nature-based solutions (NBS) within the built environment. By organizing NBS according to policy and community initiatives, multiple benefits assessment, topology, and design options, designers can systematically approach urban retrofitting. This structured method facilitates knowledge transfer and optimizes the integration of NBS, leading to more sustainable and resilient urban developments.

Source

Sustainability

Characterisation of Nature-Based Solutions for the Built Environment

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about nature-based solutions enhance urban retrofitting with measurable benefits?: Adopt a holistic characterization approach for nature-based solutions, considering policy, community, benefits, topology, and design options, to effectively integrate them into urban retrofitting projects. Evidence: Sustainability (2017).
Why does "Nature-Based Solutions Enhance Urban Retrofitting with Measurable Benefits" matter for design?: Designers and engineers can leverage a structured approach to NBS to create more resilient and sustainable urban spaces. This involves understanding the policy, community, environmental, and design aspects to optimize their implementation and impact.
How can designers apply this research?: Adopt a holistic characterization approach for nature-based solutions, considering policy, community, benefits, topology, and design options, to effectively integrate them into urban retrofitting projects.
What were the main findings?: Nature-based solutions (NBS) can be effectively characterized by four key groups: policy and community initiatives, multiple benefits assessment, topology, and design options.. A structured characterization framework is crucial for improving the adoption and effectiveness of NBS in urban environments.
What research method was used?: Literature Review and Framework Development.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or retrofitting urban spaces, use the four identified categories (policy/community, benefits, topology, design options) to systematically evaluate and select appropriate nature-based solutions.
What are the limitations?: The framework's effectiveness may vary depending on the specific urban context and the availability of data for each characteristic.