IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section B
Abstract
Urban flooding is an escalating challenge driven by rapid urbanization and intensified extreme rainfall due to climate change. Traditional gray infrastructure alone is no longer sufficient, prompting interest in nature-based and site-based flood mitigation strategies. This study assesses the effectiveness of two complementary approaches: green infrastructure (GI) and on-site water retention measures in urban development areas, using the Yanshiu River basin in Taiwan as a case study. Hydrological simulations were conducted using the Physiographic Drainage-Inundation (PHD) model under a 500 mm/24 hr extreme rainfall scenario. We evaluated three GI types—parks, green spaces, and agricultural areas—along upstream, midstream, and downstream river sections. Results show that agricultural areas with elevated ridges offer superior runoff retention, especially when strategically located in midstream and flood-prone areas. Additionally, site-level retention measures implemented in building developments were modeled under different land-use scenarios. The findings suggest that while these measures can reduce localized flooding, significant effects only emerge when implemented at larger scales (e.g., >50 hectares), and their primary benefits may not always align with critical protection zones. This study underscores the need to integrate both GI and building-scale retention strategies into urban spatial planning. It highlights the importance of spatial configuration, planning scale, and the use of flood simulation models to identify priority areas for intervention. The results offer practical insights for enhancing urban resilience and guiding comprehensive flood adaptation planning in rapidly urbanizing contexts.
Dr. Jie-Ying Wu is Associate Professor and Chair of Urban Development at the University of Taipei and Director of the Disaster Management Society of Taiwan. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and specializes in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. His research integrates hydrological modeling with spatial planning. With over 20 years of experience, he has supported government agencies on urban policy and resilience planning, and regularly leads national workshops on climate risk and adaptive strategies.
Dr. Meng-Hsuan Wu is an Assistant Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development, National Cheng Kung University. She holds a Ph.D. in Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering from NCKU. With 10 years of research experience, her expertise includes flood disaster simulation, flood prevention strategies, and climate-resilient planning. Her work focuses on integrating flood mitigation into urban planning through watershed-based approaches, land use adaptation, and real-time flood warning systems. She has participated in projects linking nature-based solutions and spatial planning to strengthen urban flood resilience under climate change.
Dr. Wei-Cheng Lo is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering at National Cheng Kung University. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. With 25 years of experience, his expertise includes sediment transport, water resources, and groundwater. His research focuses on climate adaptation and flood mitigation through spatial planning, hydrological modeling, and real-time urban flood warning systems. He has led major projects linking climate action with land use planning and nature-based solutions for urban flood resilience.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday 18th July, 2025