Assessing the Role of Water-Sensitive Urban Design in Urban Form for Climate Change Adaptation: CityLessons Learned from Best Planning Practices

With the increasing threat of climate change to urban areas, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) in building resilience. This paper evaluates the potential of WSUD strategies in urban form for climate change adaptation. Using a case study approach, this study analyzes current practices and policies in WSUD implementation and highlights the best practices for WSUD integration into the urban form for climate change adaptation. The four projects examined are the WaterEcoNet project in Qihe County in China, BedZED in London, Singapore NEWater, and the Melbourne Water Recycling Project. The analysis identifies the importance of using alternative sources of water to meet the increasing demands of growing urban populations. It also emphasizes the need for innovative water treatment technologies to ensure the safety and quality of recycled water, and it illustrates successful partnerships between government, private sector, and community stakeholders to implement sustainable water management solutions. These shared themes related to water management and water reuse show the barriers to WSUD implementation and emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach that involves coordination between stakeholders, innovative design solutions, and supportive policy frameworks. This study also indicates some water problems in Turkey, such as floods and droughts, which have a direct impact on the drinking water. A SWOT analysis is done for Bursa City, which is one of the most water-stressed cities in the Marmara Region of Turkey, with limited water resources and high demand due to a growing population and expanding industrial sector. The city has struggled to provide adequate water supplies to its residents, particularly during periods of drought. The analysis results indicate that WSUD is an essential way to ensure urban resilience to water-related risks in Bursa.