Abstract

The paper gives insight into issues explored within the framework of the SOS Climate Waterfront workshop that took place in Gdańsk in June 2019. The aim of the study was to propose solutions that will decrease the number of flooding events and span the gap between flood prevention strategies and the provision of other benefits such as ecological, urban, cultural and social. Historical cartography enquiries and research by the design method were used to develop design concepts. The main foundation for the design concept was built on the goal of providing more room for water, particularly for stormwater and rainwater. The second aim was to create blue-green connections that would span the amorphous territory and bring various benefits, including environmental, hydrological, and social. As research studies demonstrate, historical hydrographies can be effectively explored as guiding agents in urban climate adaptation schemes. Referring to past landscapes contributes not only to the protection but also to the exposition of cultural heritage and strengthening the relations between historical buildings and urban surroundings. It conduces to questioning the land-water dichotomy in favour of proposing their alternative and more fluid boundaries making territories less vulnerable to the threats brought by climate disasters.

Authors (4)