Integrated urban stormwater management: Evolution and multidisciplinary perspective

This paper proposes an introductory review of the historical evolution urban stormwater management, as well current trends, challenges, and changes paradigm. It reminds us first that most existing infrastructures in developed cities are based on modern sewer systems second half 19th century Europe. They have been built for decades managed almost solely by sanitation water specialists, relatively independently other technical services and, more generally, stakeholders cities. contributed significantly to public health fast conveyance outside However, at turn 1970s, it became evident with increasing urbanisation they also had drawbacks: artificialisation soils, reduction aquifer recharge, pollution surface ecological impacts, etc. The indicates how new concepts paradigms thereafter emerged manage means sustainable integrated approaches, aiming solve problems engendered previous approaches. integration embraces disciplines issues, far beyond traditional field engineers specialists. attempts explain need this evolution, making management much complex, dealing interacting ecology, biodiversity, bioinspiration, architecture, landscape values, citizens’ well-being, history, culture, socio-economic aspects.