How have you incorporated climate resilience into an urban design project? What was one specific strategy that proved most effective?

We have incorporated climate resilience in one of our urban design projects very thoughtfully and intelligently. For us, it was never a last minute add-on but always a part of the bigger picture. We used a layered stormwater management system featuring a combination of bioswales, permeable pavements, and rain gardens integrated into public spaces. The site absorbs water and slows runoff instead of just channeling it away. This helps recharge groundwater and lowers the risk of floods during the rainy season. Due to this strategy, there has been an increase in the green cover, which reduces heat stress. It also enhances microclimates around pedestrian zones. Thus, this climate-resilient project delivers value everyday through healthier landscaping, cooler walkways, lower maintenance costs, etc. With a solution that is both practical and scalable, we have boosted stakeholder confidence as well.

The concept of climate resilience into the project was incorporated in the way the ground was measured, rather than surface features. All of the early decisions were made with elevation data. Localised flood history was used to determine finished floor height as opposed to regional averages in which the pressure of downstream drainage was lowered and future insurance exposure was minimised. Stormwater was seen as movement issue rather than a containment issue. Grading steered water to permeable walks that served as pedestrian routes during dry seasons to exclude the runoff in streets and utilities. Mitigation of heat was also similarly reasoned. Placement of trees was based on utility setbacks and sightlines established at the survey stage which eliminated subsequent removals and maintained shade cover in the long term. The choice of hardscape materials was made based on the measurement of the reflected heat around structures, and not based on the generic material specification. Minor adjustments in the slope and the direction lowered the surface temperatures, causing outdoor activities to live by several quantifiable hours each day in the peak summer months. Anchoring realitized these decisions through survey. Boundaries, elevations, and access points will be considered correctly and embedded rather than an added later feature to make resilience embedded. The outcome was a design that answered the pressure of climate in a non-noisy and regular manner without involving complicated systems.

From my perspective, working with an urban design client that wanted to create sustainable housing included designing buildings with green roofs. From where I sit, a green roof is the best way to address both heat absorption and storm water runoff issues. I have confidence that these types of integrated design solutions will help make cities more resilient to climate change.

On a Dubai project exposed to extreme heat and sudden flash flooding, we approached climate resilience in a very practical way, designing for short, intense bursts of rain rather than long storm events. Through our work at Revive Hub Renovations Dubai, we have learned that in this climate, resilience comes from simple systems that perform reliably under pressure. Instead of relying on a single drainage solution, we treated the public realm as a connected system that safely guides water away from villas. The most effective strategy combined grading that naturally slopes away from homes, linear trench drains and catch basins at key thresholds, and a permeable sub base beneath hardscape areas. This was supported by soakaways with clearly planned overflow routing, allowing sudden downpours to be absorbed and released in a controlled manner without overwhelming any one element. What made this approach successful was its clarity. Each layer had a defined role, making the system easier to maintain and far more resilient in Dubai's harsh climate conditions.

At Victoria Plasencia Interiorismo, we approach each project with deep respect for the environment and a conscious outlook toward the future. For us, the well-being of people and harmony with the natural context guide every design decision. One strategy that has proven effective is the selection of materials suited to the local climate. This ensures thermal stability, durability, and low maintenance, while also supporting resource conservation. We choose woods, stones, finishes, and textiles that respond efficiently to the specific conditions of each location. This optimizes energy use and extends the lifespan of every element within the project. We also create custom furniture, designed from the start to integrate seamlessly with the architecture of the space. This approach allows us to make the most of every square meter, avoid unnecessary purchases, and minimize waste. Each piece responds to a real need and fits naturally into the lifestyle of those who live in the home, as seen with the modular elements we incorporate throughout different areas of a residence. Our timeless design philosophy, along with our commitment to supporting mental and emotional well-being through interior design, inspires us to create spaces that convey calm, order, and clarity. We design interiors that support life's transitions, endure through time, and provide a sense of stability in an ever-changing world. For us, incorporating climate resilience means designing for permanence, nurturing a relationship with the environment, and enhancing people's quality of life. This is the foundation upon which we build every project.

When it was approached as a layout decision and not a technology add on, climate resilience had the greatest success. The best strategy that was used in one urban infill project was grading and orientation, rather than materials. Constructions were arranged to conform to the direction of natural water streams and winds. That decreased heating and controlled overrun with no mechanical systems. All the heavy lifting was done by permeable surfaces. Parks, car parks and motor walks were made to capture and retain water instead of flowing into gutters. In the rainy season, water naturally slowed down, sedimented and filtered. Those decreased the risk of floods and decreased long term costs on maintenance. The positioning of shades was also important. The trees were not placed on aesthetics but were placed where the sun was shining, thus lowering the surface temperature and making it more comfortable to walk. The same reasoning is used by Santa Cruz Properties in assessing land use, even in non-dense cities. Knowledge about land dealing with water, heat, and access would mean the difference between a sustainable and long-term functionality of a property. Climate resilience begins by being respectful of the land behavior and then proceeds to construct an area on the land. Such an attitude is always more successful than the retrofit solutions in the future.