Blue Green Systems: Citywide Typologies Study

Herrera is working with the City of Vancouver, BC, to guide them in realizing a transformational, holistic vision for Blue Green Systems that manage rainwater and floodwater, promote active transportation, and reconnect people to parks and nature. Implementation of these systems will create a network of streets, parks, and open spaces that restore lost hydrology, increase connectivity, and improve climate resiliency. In earlier stages of the project, Herrera led visioning workshops with key stakeholders and performed precedent research of inspirational examples from dozens of cities around the globe. Currently, Herrera is working with the City to develop a Blue Green Systems typology framework that responds to a spectrum of watershed and site contexts. This framework yielded nine distinct typologies that include natural system inspirations and considerations for siting and designing them in an urban context. The typologies are supported by illustrative and informative conceptual designs at demonstration sites throughout the City. It is hoped that this study will both inspire and inform City and developer-led infrastructure investments for decades to come.