FLOOD THE SWAMP - HOW CAN URBAN WETLANDS FUNCTION SYMBIOTICALLY WITH URBAN ENVIRONMENTS?

Abstract

This thesis explores methods for designing urban wetlands that assimilate into urban fabric, with a theoretical design in Washington D.C. Continual urbanization increases stress on urban environments, and urban wetlands represent a potential green infrastructure solution — though they often feel out of sync with existing urban fabric. Beyond expanding green space and biodiversity, wetlands provide ecosystem services with clear economic benefits, including water filtration, flood mitigation, and reduced strain on stormwater systems. Better-designed urban wetlands will be more readily accepted and cared for, allowing communities to fully benefit from their services.

A theoretical site was selected using environmental and community criteria, then analyzed through GIS mapping, historical research, and site observations. The final design identifies six key methods for creating cohesive urban wetlands: providing green space, creating sustainable water systems, defining human/nature interaction, balancing man-made materials, providing visitor education, and controlling created systems. These methods can guide future urban wetland designs.