The Concept guidelines were developed by a multi-disciplinary team of civil and environmental engineers, ecologists, town planners, urban desginers and landscape architects. They cover the key stages and considerations of the WSUD conceptual design process: from initial site analysis to establishing WSUD objectives to conceptual site layout.
The guidelines are suited to greenfield developments and larger infill redevelopments, however the conceptual process outlined is a useful framework that might be adapted to any type of development that requires site-specific conceptual plans.
The introduction provides a succinct, attractive introduction to Water Sensitive Urban Design approaches, aims, and objectives – with particular references to Queensland specific objectives and targets.
The guidelines recommend that a multidisciplinary team carries the conceptual design process through various steps. The required involvement of particular experts at each step is outlined on page 11.
Step 1: Preliminary Site Analysis
During this step, investigations are made into the WSUD policy and regulations that apply to the particular site and development context. The site’s environmental and biophysical context at local and broader scales are analysed. Ecological, hydrological, water quality, flooding, site terrain, geology, and integrated water cycle arrangements are key matters to consider here. The guidelines recommend these findings are amalgamated into a preliminary ‘WSUD opportunities and constraints’ overlay.
Step 2: Establish WSUD Objectives
Three WSUD ‘meta objectives’ are suggested: water conservation, waste water minimisation and stormwater management. Ecological objectives should underpin all three meta objectives - in doing so, project teams are encouraged to reflect on site analysis findings and involve botanists and aquatic and terrestrial ecologists at this point. An iterative approach is recommended to consider how the site's ecological objectives and opportunities relate to any mandates and requirements.
This section is largely based on mandates and requirements particular to South East Queensland.
The WSUD in Sydney program has developed a 'reference guide' to aid NSW based practitioners who wish to adapt the concept guidance to NSW (see Related Resources).
Step 3: Conceptual Site Layout
This step integrates all information from previous steps. Further detailed site analysis and quantitative modelling may be undertaken to progress the conceptual site layout in readiness for any pre-lodgement meetings with local councils.
Chapters 3 to 5 outline various WSUD structural, treatment train and land use design strategies and measures worth considering when devising a conceptual site layout.
A series of case studies of WSUD design at a range of scales in urban settings conclude the document.