The Reference of Australian Water Sensitive Urban Design Practice to Sponge Cities in China

Abstract

Water Sensitive Urban Design（WSUD）is a spatial design method which integrates urban design and urban hydrological management. Under the current background of sponge city construction, it promotes the collection, treatment and recycling of rainwater by optimizing the urban material space form, reducing the impact of urban development on natural water circulation system. Water-sensitive urban design was introduced in Australia earlier, and remarkable results have been achieved in design methods and planning practice. Taking WSUD in Australia as an example, this paper elaborates the urban design strategy based on water sensitivity, and draws lessons from Australia's experience in integrating water sensitivity design into practical design and construction at various levels, such as policy, concept, space and technology, in order to provide useful ideas for the construction and development of sponge cities in China and related research in the field of urban design.