GreenScenario

In response to the increasing importance of microclimatic effects, our new software-based digital tool helps us to assist clients through the simulation and optimization of the impact of climate adaptation measures, enabling our designers to plan on a well-grounded and fact-based foundation.

Project details

Typology

Climate adaptation, Biodiversity and ecosystems

Status

Ongoing

Discipline

Research and innovation, Landscape architecture

Whether we are designing a new building or transforming an existing urban area, climate solutions are essential to our design. As loss of biodiversity and extreme weather continue to threaten our communities, we aim to respond with real knowledge-based solutions. We use GreenScenario – a software-based platform developed by our team of landscape architecture, water, and sustainability experts – to assist municipalities and project developers in making informed, climate-adaptive planning decisions.

Based on data tailored to our client’s specific goals, we use the tool to develop and analyze climate-resilient solutions, comparing multiple scenarios to ensure efficiency. This allows our team to make decisions regarding free spaces, water management elements, buildings, and infrastructure improvements that can enhance quality of life and biodiversity early in the design process.

Three steps towards optimal solutions

Site analysis: Goals are established collaboratively with the client, data on points such as rainfall, temperature, wind direction and velocity are collected to prepare a baseline for the project.

Design exploration: Scenarios are developed and compared with chosen design elements; the scenarios are then optimized with relevant evaluation modules in the areas of water, open space and greenery, and heat and microclimate.

Performance assessment: A results analysis is conducted, and deliverables in the forms of 3D models, 2D maps, KPIs, analysis metrics, charts and reports are delivered and reported to the client.

GreenScenario was used to test two pilot projects for urban redevelopment in Zurich. The Limmatquai Square and an extended street section residential area were selected to test the impact of blue-green infrastructure in a dense urban area with a high proportion of paved surfaces.

Prioritizing climate

Through a three-step process, GreenScenario stimulates and optimizes the impact of climate adaptation measures across different planning scenarios to illustrate opportunities for influence and represent the interdependencies between measures and outcomes. Assessments can be made on water, open space and greenery, heat and microclimate, and economic viability. These categories are tailored by the client to prioritize the project’s individual needs.

With fast and iterative scenario development, the tool enables the evaluation of numerous planning scenarios simultaneously, visualizing the impacts of different climate adaptation measures as they are modeled. Based on climatic as well as economic parameters, its project assessments help designers to recognize impact to reduce future planning risks.

GreenScenario is a service provided by Henning Larsen and is funded by the Ramboll Innovation Fund.

An example scenario from Cologne's Sponge City Toolbox, the left shows the existing scenario, and the right image shows an optimal concept. The project's aim is to create measures that offer residents clear and noticeable benefits in terms of rainwater management, microclimate improvement, and ecological enhancements. This will be achieved through the high-quality development and revitalization of public urban spaces, areas, and parks.

Contact

All contacts

Head of Computational Design

mrhe@henninglarsen.com

Executive Partner

Gerhard.Hauber@henninglarsen.com

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