A new film, promoting the creation of ‘water sensitive cities’ as a way of addressing the major challenges of water shortage, flooding and pollution, has won a Sustainable Water Industry Group (SWIG) Award in the Communications Category. Commissioned by the Landscape Institute and CIRIA, and based on work by CIRIA, Arup and AECOM, the short animation explains the concept of Water Sensitive Design (WSUD) and argues the case for designing ‘with’ water when planning any new development. Focusing on the personal as well as professional approach to managing and designing with water the animation has been viewed nearly 10,000 times since it was released on 26 July 2013.
WSUD is an integrated approach to managing flooding, droughts and water quality, which promotes a more rational and frugal use of water alongside the creation of beautiful and resilient places. WSUD reduces flooding, harnesses the potential of rainwater, cuts the demand for potable water and improves water quality – all measures which make water cycle management more sustainable. The film, aimed primarily at landscape architects, engineers, architects, developers and planners aims to ignite an interest in this important subject and to inspire them to acquire expertise in WSUD so they can become confident practitioners.
Speaking about the SWIG Award Sue Illman, President of the Landscape Institute, said: “Water is going to be a major problem for towns and cities in the future. The film explains brilliantly, in less than 5 minutes, how designing ‘with’ water can allow it to be integrated creatively and maximise its potential for sustainable use whilst protecting the population from shortages and flooding.”
Paul Shaffer from CIRIA said: “For WSUD to be realised in the UK, and to create great places and spaces, we need to better connect the water cycle and encourage collaboration between disciplines and communities. This project and its outputs demonstrate what can be achieved with the collaboration of professionals and associated institutions.”
The film graphics were created by AECOM design studio and the animation made by Room 60.
The Sustainable Water Industry Group (SWIG) Awards recognise extraordinary projects promoting sustainable water use. The winners were announced on Wednesday 20th November 2013. The Water Sensitive Urban Design animation was named joint winner in the Communications category alongside Nickelodeon’s Gabi camel animation, which was aimed exclusively at consumers.
Visit http://www.sustainablewater.org.uk/awards to find out more.
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