This module is core to the graduate entry route towards a MSc. in Urban Design and Climate Resilience. Graduate entry students are introduced to fundamental concepts of sponge city principles design and are challenged to explore, at an advanced level, relevant contemporary issues and challenges in large scale drainage management, landscape integrated systems, water and flood relief design by ways of design thinking. This particular module responds to the expectation to develop a technical understanding of sponge city principles, sustainable urban drainage, and climate resilient design of water systems. The module will focus on studio-based learning working on a regional, urban and/or rural scale dealing with contemporary issues engaged in urban design and climate resilience.

This course explores the design and implementation of sponge city principles, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and flood relief strategies to enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change. The course emphasises studio-based learning, integrating theory with practical design exercises to develop skills in creating multifunctional urban landscapes. Students will investigate how to effectively design cities that manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve water quality while enhancing public space. The studio will simulate real-world challenges, encouraging students to apply innovative design approaches for water-sensitive urbanism.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Identify key concepts and principles related to sponge cities, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and flood risk management; Recall significant case studies illustrating the application of water-sensitive urban design strategies; Explain how sponge city principles contribute to urban resilience and climate adaptation; Describe the relationship between sustainable drainage techniques and urban water management; Differentiate between various stormwater management strategies and assess their suitability for different urban environments;

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate awareness of the importance of sustainable water management in urban design; Participate actively in studio discussions, critiques, and collaborative design activities; Express interest in integrating environmental and social considerations into urban planning practices; Appreciate the significance of multifunctional landscapes that provide ecological and community benefits;

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Prepare sketches, models, or diagrams to represent sustainable drainage systems and flood relief strategies accurately;

The module is delivered through a studio-based learning approach, complemented by lectures, workshops, site visits, and guest lectures. This teaching format encourages experiential learning and active engagement with real-world issues, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical design challenges. The combination of individual and group work fosters collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking. 1. Studio Sessions The core of the module consists of weekly studio sessions, where students work on design projects that address sponge city principles, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and flood relief strategies. The studio projects involve iterative development, peer reviews, and critiques, promoting active learning and continuous improvement. Tutors provide personalized feedback, guiding students through the design process and helping them refine their approaches. 2. Lectures and Seminars Lectures introduce theoretical concepts, case studies, and contemporary research on urban water management. Seminars facilitate in-depth discussions on key themes, such as the effectiveness of SUDS, integrated landscape design, and adaptive urbanism. Guest lectures by experts in water-sensitive urban design provide insights into cutting-edge practices and current challenges in the field. 3. Workshops and Skills Development Practical workshops focus on technical skills, such as site analysis, hydrological modeling, and GIS applications in urban design. 4. Site Visits and Fieldwork Visits to exemplary projects, such as local SUDS implementations or flood relief sites, provide students with a practical understanding of design solutions. Fieldwork allows students to collect site data, conduct assessments, and engage with stakeholders, fostering an applied learning experience. 5. Final Presentation and Critique The module culminates in a final project presentation where students showcase their design solutions to peers and external critics. Feedback during these presentations allows students to reflect on their work and consider further refinements. Incorporation of Recent Developments and Research Findings 1. Integration of Latest Research in Sponge City and SUDS Recent studies on the effectiveness of different SUDS techniques are discussed to inform students of emerging best practices in stormwater management. Advances in materials, such as permeable pavements and bio-engineered solutions, are incorporated into the studio projects to ensure students are aware of current innovations. 2. Current Climate Resilience and Urban Flooding Challenges The module addresses the latest findings on the impacts of climate change on urban flooding, including more frequent extreme weather events and sea-level rise. The design tasks incorporate scenarios based on recent climate projections, enabling students to design adaptive solutions for future urban resilience. 3. Case Studies of Cutting-edge Projects The module includes case studies of contemporary projects worldwide, such as Copenhagen's Cloudburst Management Plan, China's sponge city initiative, and New York's Green Infrastructure Plan. Students learn about recent policy shifts towards nature-based solutions and water-sensitive urban planning, understanding the regulatory and policy context shaping these initiatives. The above mix of modes ensures the module aligns with graduate attributes being research led, experiential, challenge driven and collaborative in how it is taught. The module will allow for Articulate students who are able to describe complex thought patterns, Agile students who can work in a changing world, courageous students who will stand up for Urban Design and climate driven agendas, curious students who will engage in research of new fields and responsible students who are responsible for the world in which they live and design.