Artful Rainwater Design in the Urban Landscape

The idea of artful rainwater design is based on the premise that new stormwater management techniques focusing on non-point source pollution, water balance, and small-storm hydrology can be used to create projects resulting in greater user satisfaction and perceived value. Examination of exemplary artful rainwater designs can provide engaging and useful information to guide designers in their own artful rainwater designs. This article is grounded in case studies of selected artful rainwater designs and offers two concepts to the existing body of stormwater management design knowledge by drawing attention to the valuable project attributes common to artful rainwater design projects, and by clarifying specific project approaches that can enhance the value of stormwater management systems. The article includes specific project examples to illustrate these project attributes and design possibilities. The article concludes by discussing some of the opportunities and challenges faced by those advancing artful rainwater designs.