Green Infrastructure in the Public Realm: Reimagining Stormwater and the Urban Fabric of Falls Church, Virginia

Abstract

Impervious surfaces are the greatest contributors to degradation of water quality and large volumes of stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure is the holistic solution to this problem which not only reduces flooding but also actively moves towards achievement of larger environmental goals like lowering the water temperature, restoration of hydrological processes and stream base flows, replenishment of groundwater supplies, diminishing the heat island effect, suppressing erosion, downstream flood control, and improving surface water quality, among several others. Furthermore, when green infrastructure is actively applied to cities in the form of green streets, it boosts economic value, beautifies the surroundings, increases pedestrian safety, creates pedestrian friendly environments, and improves the overall public realm.

This paper seeks to find solutions for the city of Falls Church, which faced catastrophic flooding incidents in 2011 and 2019. The paper identifies the most critical locations to intervene in the city to address the issue of stormwater runoff and pollution. Subsequently, design solutions are explored with the ultimate goal of reimagining stormwater as green infrastructure which can form an integral part of the public realm.