Topos

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THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN

Editor Letter

FLOODS – WE NEED A PARADIGM SHIFT • Storms cause billions in damage! According to estimates from the insurance industry, flooding after heavy rainfall caused €2.5 billion in damages in Germany alone in 2024. The UN reports that by 2050, 1.6 billion people worldwide will be at risk of flooding.

Dangerous Beauty

New Orleans • New Orleans is a city like no other. Nestled in the Mississippi River Delta, it is an urban environment shaped by water. Nearly 50 per cent of the city sits below sea level, and it is surrounded by a complex hydrological network that includes the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Pontchartrain, and the Mississippi River. This geographical reality makes New Orleans highly vulnerable to flooding, both from storm surges and heavy rainfall.

SCAPE

Reimagining the Flow of Nature • Floods, often perceived as destructive forces, are reimagined as vital components of climate resilience and ecological restoration. This paper explores the potential of floods to recharge groundwater, restore ecosystems, cool urban environments and mitigate climate change through Sponge City and Sponge Planet frameworks. By blending monsoon wisdom with modern design, floods can transform landscapes into absorptive, regenerative spaces. Through case studies and innovative planning and design, this article advocates for a paradigm shift – where water is embraced as a partner rather than an adversary.

THE GREAT FLOODS • “It resembles a garden, with magnificent buildings; it seems to me the most beautiful that my eyes have ever seen,” the Spanish poet Lope de Vega once wrote about Valencia. In 2024, the face of the city and the region was marred by a devastating flood disaster. A look at the role that water has played in the city for centuries and and how lessons can be learned from the past.

“ACTIVATE RISK EDUCATION FOR THE POPULATION” • Heavy rains and floods are becoming more frequent in Spain, causing serious damage. Jorge Olcina Cantos, Professor of Regional Geography at the University of Alicante and an expert on climate change, natural hazards and spatial planning, explains why flooding is increasing in Spain, which regions are affected and what can be done.

PICTURE SERIES: GLOBAL WARMING, DUBAI

A CITY RISING ABOVE THE TIDES • Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with a lively social vibe, open attitude, and some of the world’s best street food. This vibrant metropolis offers a unique blend of tradition and modern urban life: it’s not the most relaxing spot, but is packed with character, charm, rich culture, and the occasional chance to swim in the streets.

“TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, CAPACITY BUILDING AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS” • The FloodAdaptVN research project of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research aims to reduce flood risks through an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy in central Vietnam, specifically in the city of Hue and its hinterland in Thua Thien Hue province. In this interview, Dr. Felix Bachofer talks about the challenges and how the results can help to strengthen resilience to flooding throughout Vietnam in the long term.

PICTURE SERIES: GLOBAL WARMING, JAKARTA

FACTS

BETWEEN VISION AND ADAPTATION • Faced with the increasing impact of climate change and more frequent extreme weather events, the city of Copenhagen began developing a comprehensive urban climate adaptation plan almost a decade ago. Today, this vision is being realised through the transformation of inner-city...