Affiliation:
1. University of Melbourne, Australia
2. Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Abstract
The escalating intensity and duration of heat and flood events in cities increase the importance of green infrastructure design that responds to climate change challenges. The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the potential of a rapid precinct scaled design approach for street tree planting choices that enables simultaneous assessment of visual impact and environmental performance factors including shade quantification and flood responsiveness. This chapter describes a street tree design decision support system (DDSS) drawing from advances in computational botany, entertainment industries, light engineering, and hydrology modelling. The DDSS is tested at both street and precinct scale using two case studies with results demonstrating the feasibility of rapid scenario assessment of tree placement and species selection. The DDSS allows the streetscape street tree design process to integrate the consideration of changing climatic challenges alongside community aesthetic preferences and provides an extensible framework for designing more resilient and comfortable urban spaces.