Gyöngyvér Engloner

The potentials of catchment-scale thinking in urban infill situation in the context of climate change.

Most global cities have evolved around water: near larger waterbodies, along the course of major rivers, or in low-lying coastal areas where these waterways form diverse delta or estuary landscapes.

Globalization and population growth are increasing the housing pressure on these growing metropolises, while climate change draws attention to water as one of our most precious resources but also as a possible threat. Sea level rise is a real threat for most coastal cities, nevertheless, changing rainfall pattern and more severe weather events affect higher-lying, continental cities as well.

This PhD research investigates the potentials of catchment-scale thinking as a new, emerging approach for the spatial integration of water landscape in urban infill situation in the context of climate change.

The project has the intention to develop a series of exemplary water sensitive demonstration projects in Melbourne that can serve as adaptable models for other growing water cities. Each project represents a different approach and strategy to urban densification at catchment-scale and showcases various spatial and non-spatial tactics. The research aims to visualise alternative urban evolution pathways, and thus raise awareness to the contradictory nature of current urban densification trends.

To this end, the research uses case-based design investigation, computation and generative design as main research methods. Furthermore, the strategies and tactics build upon a thorough literature and case study project review.

Due to the diversity and numerous different approaches that the topic requires, the PhD involves collaboration with the Cooperative Research Centre, a multidisciplinary research platform for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC).