Embedding sustainable storm water management in urban blocks Towards an Urban Water Model for architects

The paper describes an urban storm water management model under development designed specifically for architects, allowing the visualization of storm water management scenarios in urban blocks, as well as the quantitative comparison of their impact to the microclimate. It seeks to answer the question of how computational technologies can help architects integrate storm water management into the design process and engage with water sensitive design principles through the development of an "architect-friendly'' model. The model is expected to function as a simulation tool that will support design decisions on storm water management retrofitting measures in urban blocks, by allowing the evaluation of an urban water improvement project at its initial design stage, as well as the generation and comparison of alternate water integration design solutions. Selected urban blocks in Greece will be used as case studies to test and evaluate the urban water model during the model development stage.