urbanLab Magazin 2021 - Transformation

GreenScenario’s integration within the process
enables a pragmatic link between data-driven
results and solution optimisation by guiding
decision-making
4 CONCLUSIONS
The authors aimed to answer the following research question: would the use of
the GreenScenario methodology address the fallacies of previously implemented
decision-support tools – specifically as they relate to 1) integration within known
planning process, 2) the involvement level of stakeholders and 3) the applied methodology
in consideration of other methods or software tools – limit barriers and
increase acceptance of DST within urban planning? Learnings from Vienna:
Firstly, a key enabler for the case study in Vienna was transparency – whether
in the planning process, how calculations or simulations were performed for the
various key performance indicators assessed, the credibility of applied data sources
or the accuracy of the 3D base model compared to actual site conditions.
When stakeholders overcame the barrier associated with a digital tool guiding
the planning process, the second key enabler identified was the visualisation
aspect – both in the speed as well as the graphic depiction of effects and simulations.
By being able to rapidly compare four potential planning options, one was
selected for further optimisation as part of a co-creation conceptual design process.
Lastly, based on a follow-up interview with the private developer, the role of
communication was deemed to be one of the most important enabler for DST. Following
the visual representation of climate data – clear, understandable, appealing
– the private developer could use the arguments for which options performed best,
stimulated discussions about opportunities and challenges of each of the proposed
solutions, and enabled a targeted optimisation of the selected design option based
upon direct feedback from stakeholders. Especially due to the complexity associated
with climate science and its more recent application in the urban planning and
design profession, the multi-layered feedback mechanisms embedded in the tool
– including geospatial visualisations sourced directly from the 3D model combined
with quantitative metrics and integrated microclimatic simulations – simplified communication
and processing the results. The effects and consequences of planning
with climate adaptation tools versus conventional planning approaches could be
more clearly understood between multiple topics simultaneously.
Did the application of the GreenScenario methodology as a decision-support mechanism
– combining both a working process and software tool for aiding in how to
plan with climate adaptive design measures – address the fallacies and limitations of
previously applied decision-support tools? Can data-driven tools provide a new method
of approaching planning climate first with tools such as nature-based solutions
or blue-green infrastructure aligned with conventional infrastructure to improve
our cities today?
REGENERATIVE DESIGN
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