This course highlights how urbanization dramatically alters the natural water cycle, leading to significant environmental problems and creating the need for a fundamental shift in stormwater management. The natural water cycle, characterized by infiltration, evapotranspiration and gradual runoff, is disrupted by extensive impervious surfaces in urban areas. This leads to increased runoff volume and velocity, creating "flashier" hydrographs with higher peak discharges and shorter lag times. These changes contribute to flash flooding, severe erosion and pervasive water quality degradation, as pollutants are rapidly transported into waterways. 

To address these issues, the course emphasized using Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies. These approaches mimic natural hydrologic processes by treating stormwater at the source, through methods like permeable pavements, bioretention systems, green roofs and tree trenches. Architects are urged to integrate these concepts into their designs from the outset, moving beyond traditional "collect and convey" systems, to create resilient, multi-functional and environmentally conscious built environments.

Identify and explain the cascade of environmental consequences resulting from excess stormwater (flash flooding, erosion, and water quality degradation)

 Analyze how urbanization alters hydrographic patterns (shorter lag time, higher peak discharge, steeper limbs) and synthesize this knowledge with architectural principles to justify the need for integrated stormwater management strategies

Identify and describe the characteristics, hydrological functions, and multi-functional benefits of key Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development practices

List the key design principles for integrating stormwater features into the built environment, including material selection strategies, planting design approaches, spatial planning techniques, and daylighting methods

Explain how thoughtfully-designed stormwater features serve as educational tools that raise awareness about the water cycle, ecological processes, and sustainable practices

Describe the natural water cycle and explain how urbanization disrupts this cycle, especially through impervious surfaces