In the heart of Istanbul, a city where East meets West, a silent yet formidable threat lurks: floods. As climate change intensifies, so does the risk of devastating floods, posing significant challenges to urban resilience and the energy sector’s infrastructure. A recent study published in the Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning, led by Hale Mamunlu Kocabaş from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, delves into the critical importance of water-sensitive planning and design approaches to mitigate flood risks in Istanbul’s Çatalca and Beykoz districts.
Istanbul, a bustling metropolis straddling two continents, has seen its fair share of flood disasters. The 2009 flood in Çatalca, for instance, resulted in substantial loss of life and property damage. As the city expands, so does its vulnerability to such events. Mamunlu Kocabaş’s research underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect Istanbul’s urban fabric and its energy infrastructure.
The study reveals that current legislative measures, such as protection distances in stream beds, are insufficient to prevent flood risks. “The method of protection distances determined by legislation for the prevention of flood risk in stream beds is insufficient,” Mamunlu Kocabaş states. Moreover, stream rehabilitation projects, while beneficial, are often inadequate due to increasing population density and impervious surfaces.
The energy sector, with its critical infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable. Power plants, substations, and transmission lines are at risk of damage from floods, leading to power outages and economic losses. Water-sensitive urban planning and design approaches, which consider the entire basin scale, could offer a more holistic solution. These approaches emphasize participatory and collaborative processes, engaging local communities and institutions in the planning and decision-making processes.
Mamunlu Kocabaş’s research suggests that a shift towards water-sensitive urban planning could significantly enhance Istanbul’s resilience to flood disasters. This approach involves integrating water management into urban design, creating green spaces that absorb excess water, and implementing sustainable drainage systems. Such measures could not only protect the city’s infrastructure but also create more livable and sustainable urban environments.
The implications of this research extend beyond Istanbul. As cities worldwide grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for resilient urban planning becomes ever more pressing. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these innovative approaches, safeguarding its infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted service.
As Mamunlu Kocabaş puts it, “Water-sensitive urban planning and design approaches with participatory and collaborative processes in basin scale should be started for resilience to flood disaster risk in Istanbul.” This call to action resonates not just in Istanbul but in cities around the globe. The future of urban resilience lies in our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate, creating cities that are not just resilient but also sustainable and livable.
