Elwood 2062

Full description

A digital exhibition presented by Monash University Library
May - July 2018
Sir Louis Matheson Library

As cities grapple with the critical challenges of population growth, increasing urban density and a changing climate, it is anticipated that they will become more vulnerable to future flood hazards. The traditional approach to flood mitigation has become less relevant due to increased flood vulnerabilities and a less quantifiable risk profile. A re-examination of our traditional approach to adapting cities and innovative adaptation measures for flood resilience is necessary.

This collaborative research project was an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to developing such measures. The research was grounded in a case study of Elwood, a coastal suburb of Melbourne, that is regularly impacted by severe flood events. The project utilised community visioning, modelling and urban design processes to support the identification of a suite of technical, design and policy strategies that fit well with an area’s local cultural, geographical and ecological context.

A computational decision-support tool was used to analyse interactions between Elwood’s urban forms and flood risk for adaptation options, allowing the flood mitigation potential (and associated costs and benefits) of stormwater solutions and innovative urban designs to be tested under different scenarios of urban development and climate.

The digital exhibition presents two scenarios of a heavy rain storm event - the first is a worst-case scenario in which we continue with our current practices and do not adapt to future challenges. The second is of a vibrant, connected and self-sufficient Elwood that celebrates its healthy and beautiful environment, uses water and other resources efficiently, and is resilient to natural hazards.

CRCWSC Research team
Christian Urich - Monash Department of Civil Engineering
Nigel Bertram, Catherine Murphy, Rutger Pasman - Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA)
Briony Rogers, Alex Gunn Monash - School of Social Sciences
Karsten Arnbjerg-Nielsen - Roland Lowe Technical University of Denmark
Mohanasundar Radhakrishnan, Berry Gersonius - UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education

Interactive Visualisation
Tom Morgan - Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA)
Tom Chandler, Kim Marriott, Kingsley Stephens, Su-Yiin Lai – sensiLab, Monash University