Wetland in Urban Cities

In 2015, it is the 41th Anniversary of the world’s first Ramsar site in Australia. In the past, wetland was considered as a huge ecological system which needed large areas of land in wild. However, this notion should be changed. With the demand of better environment in urban cities, wetland is put into center of cities.

Before talking about this new design, let’s know some basic information about wetlands. Firstly, what are wetlands? The answer is that it contains swamps, lakes, saltmarshes, coral reefs and peat lands. There are many other components in wetland. And it can be seen as a complete natural system.

Now we move to this new design that put wetland into urban cities. The rapidly increasing process of urbanization and worse environment make designers create this idea. There is an example about a design for London.

As shown in the picture above, this design combines wetland and life circle. This wetland can absorb a large amount of CO₂ emissions and improve environment. Moreover, the wetland can manage rainfall well. In addition, this wetland-life circle system is environment friendly system.

There are many benefits of wetland-urban cities design. Firstly, wetland can restore habitat and increase biodiversity. Secondly, it can provide flood protection. Thirdly, provide areas for passive recreation and enjoyment in urban. Also, it provides opportunities for environmental education and awareness. Finally, it is good for air quality; improve solid condition and water balance in ground. Living in such environment, residents will feel comfortable. And the great environment is also good for human health.

In conclusion, to put wetland in center of urban cities is a great design because it can bring a lot of benefits. Air quality, solid condition and water balance issue all can be solved or improved. 

Reference:

[1] OECD. Design ofsustaina ble building policies. Paris: OECD; http://www.uea.ac.uk/env/; 2002.

[2] BIONIS, http://www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/; 2004.

[3] Crawford CB. CBD-200. Building technology and its use. Canadian Building Digest, National Research Council Canada, 1978.