2016 Theses Master's

Water Always Flows Downhill: The Strategy of Low Impact Development Practices for Urban Waterlogging Control in Shenzhen, China

Ke, Yuhan

Urban waterlogging refers to the phenomenon of the heavy rainfall and a lack of sewerage, resulting in urban flooding and water disasters (Li, 2012). With the acceleration of the urbanization process, aging facilities, and climate change, the urban waterlogging problem is becoming increasingly serious in China. Low Impact Development (LID) is an innovative approach to urban development. It reduces the impact on natural resources and the environment through construction. It also solves the urban waterlogging problems. This thesis explores the best strategy to apply LID practices and solve urban waterlogging problems in Shenzhen.

This thesis directly focuses on LID practices in demonstration areas in Guangming New District, Shenzhen. Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of different LID cases that have been successfully applied in the United States, I conclude that the costs for LID practices are lower than the costs for conventional developments. I recommend that additional funding should be provided to the demonstration project in Guangming New District. Finally, the legislation and regulation for LID projects should be formulated. My thesis provides several policy recommendations which promote LID practices in Shenzhen from a planners perspective. This thesis provides useful information for decision makers to solve the urban waterlogging problem in the context of climate change and urbanization. It also provides support for LID that is innovative and not yet well understood by decision makers.